Where to go on a first date in London

If you're really trying to impress, or taking a fellow foodie out for the first time, Sael in St James's is a solid move. It's Jason Atherton's sleek but easy-going British restaurant, where the marble-and-brass setting feels special without being too showy. Chef Sam Mills cooks over a wood fire, serving knockout dishes like charred British steaks, Cornish lobster, and wood-fired figs. Start with a pint or cocktail at the lively central bar, then head upstairs to The Blind Pig for a post-dinner drink. 

Taka in Marylebone is a good shout when you want a first date spot that feels a bit romantic without being awkwardly formal. The dining room is small and warm with just enough atmosphere to cover any early silences, and the menu is full of seasonal Japanese dishes that are simple to order and even easier to share. Think salmon tataki, crisp tempura or whatever sashimi their suppliers brought in that week. The drinks list covers sake, wine and cocktails, so there's always something to sip while you figure out if there's a second date in the cards.

Rabieng Thai on Upper Street works well for a first date if you want somewhere calm and friendly without the pressure of a big, flashier booking. The cosy room has an easy neighbourhood feel, and the menu is full of familiar Thai classics like green curry, pad Thai, tom yum and chicken satay, so there's nothing too risky to navigate. Portions are generous, and the BYOB policy keeps the cost down. With warm staff and an unpretentious atmosphere, it's the kind of place where conversation can actually take centre stage.

The classic West End package of dinner and a show makes for a timeless first date option, and Cora Pearl is one of the top choices when it comes to the dinne part. Their menu elevates classic British comfort food, while their attention to the specifics of pre-theatre dining – quick service and awareness of your curtain time – means you can relax, enjoy your meal, and get to know each other without worrying about the time.

With a name that means “secret” in Hindi, a plush, pretty interior, mood-setting tunes, impressive cooking, and intimate ambiance, South London's Raaz is ideal for a romantic first date where you get to know each other without pressure or the need for grand gestures. The food, contemporary Indian cuisine by an acclaimed chef, strikes the right balance between comfort and class, and there's plenty of wine to keep the conversation flowing.

A first date at Little Georgia means you get to discuss important historical matters while perusing the Soviet-era decor, share big boat-shaped breads drowning in melted cheese and butter, and pore over a wine list from the cradle of winemaking, all in a charmingly retro setting with an intimate atmosphere. This Islington gem is fascinating without being invasive, making it just the thing for a successful first date.

Elegant dinners are all well and good for a first date, but if you want to take the edge off a bit, the relaxed setting of a curry house where everyone can feel welcome might be just the thing. With its romantic white-and-blue interior, Preem in Brick Lane is a great choice for when you want your first date to be a relaxed hang rather than a by-the-book fact-finding mission. Share a couple of curries, test each other's spiciness levels, and keep the conversation going late into the night.

Authentic pizzeria Berberè has locations in Italy as well as London. This is award-winning sourdough pizza served in comfortable restaurants. Each pizza is cut into eight slices to encourage sociable dining - grab a couple to share with your date. Toppings range from classic margherita to four cheese with mushrooms and truffle.

With a cosy candlelit atmosphere and food made for sharing, The Port House is an ideal venue for a first date. Low lighting and wood panels give the place an intimate feel and the menu includes bites to satisfy every taste. Port and wine from Spain and Portugal are also available here.

The minimalist candlelit Jolene is comfy and relaxed, and has quickly become a local favourite. The seasonal menu changes every day so there are always fresh tastes to discover. Order a few small plates to share between you like risotto or salad niçoise.

The warm and rustic setting of Campania & Jones is ideal for a dinner date. This is a Southern Italian restaurant serving generous portions of authentic food. There’s an à la carte menu plus a monthly-changing set option. Antipasti, pasta, and meat and fish are served, as well as curated Southern Italian wines.

Hampstead Heath is a great place for a long stroll whilst you get to know each other. Covering 800 acres of land in North London, there are spots with fab city views, ponds full of wildlife, and lots of open space. Stop on a bench along your walk to admire the sights.

Enjoy a peaceful walk together in any weather at the Barbican Conservatory. Open on selected days, you can explore 1,500 species of plants and trees from all over the world. Orchids and cacti are amongst the plants you’ll see here. There are also three pools with carp, koi, and terrapins.

Sky Garden offers plenty of options for a first date. Take in fabulous views of the city surrounded by plants at the city’s highest indoor garden. Sometimes there’s live music too. Bars and restaurants are on-site if things are going well and you want to settle down for a bit longer.

If your date is an art lover, take them to Estorick Collection in Islington. Set in an attractive townhouse, you’ll find three floors of 20th century Italian art, focusing on Futurism in particular. After you’ve seen the work you can stop at the café for Italian coffee and food.

If you fancy trying a creative activity together, head to a sought-after pottery class at Skandihus. Public and private sessions are available for adults. A taster day session is ideal for beginners as a first date. If you're more experienced you can join one of the drop-in sessions to work without guidance.

Whether you're a visual art expert or you don't have a clue, you can enjoy discovering contemporary art at Camden Art Centre. Housed in a historic building that was originally a library, the centre has exhibition spaces, a café, bookshop, and a secluded garden. There's a busy programme of exhibitions, events, and activities.

For an action-packed date, take on an escape room at ClueQuest. A variety of games are available and they’re suitable for two people, as well as groups of up to six. There are puzzles and challenges for every age and ability, as well as three different immersive VR games.

Play nine holes of crazy golf at one of Plonk’s courses. These fun and tricky games are sure to break the ice. Afterwards you can head to the bar to get cosy with a drink and a board game, or you can check out the arcade games and carry on getting competitive.

Experience London in a new light with boat hire from GoBoat London. These little grey vessels are self-drive electric boats and you don't need any experience. There's a choice of three routes to explore, including seasonal options. Make it even more enjoyable by bringing a picnic along for the journey.

There are several branches of stylish contemporary wine bar Humble Grape dotted around town. These relaxed and friendly bars are ideal places to get to know your date over a few drinks. Food, including cheese selections and various small plates, is also served here, plus you can buy your favourite bottle of wine to take home with you. 

If you want to impress with a stylish bar, PocketSquare is a great option. This Whitechapel sky bar offers panoramic views and has a vibrant and cool atmosphere. At this modern bar you can try well-presented food and drinks, including elaborate signature cocktails. Elevated nibbles like a sashimi mosaic are available too.

The Holly Bush in Hampstead dates back to the 18th century. The traditional wood-panelled venue gives the feel of a country pub. There are plenty of corners to nestle into with a drink. The choices at the bar include something for everyone and upscale pub food is served too.

At Swift Soho you’re not restricted to just one bar – you have the choice of two under one roof. Upstairs there’s an award-winning modern cocktail bar with a big selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixes. There are over 300 whiskies too. Downstairs there’s an intimate drinking den with live music performances.

Get comfy with a drink and a board game at Draughts. These bars are reinventing board games for modern times, with a lively and competitive atmosphere. Take your pick from the thousands of games on offer. You can enjoy drinks from beer to cocktails, plus burgers and tacos if you’re hungry.

A venture from top chef Jason Atherton, Social 24 gives you great views from its 24th floor location. There are creative options for cocktail drinkers, plus small and large plates of upscale pub food if you're hungry. The sleek and modern venue is sure to make the right first impression.

To let your date in on a well-kept secret, take them to Discount Suit Company. Disguised as an old warehouse, this is a cosy secret basement bar serving inspiring cocktails. There’s a soundtrack of northern soul and vintage rock ‘n’ roll in this low-ceilinged space with smart wood panelling.

For a low-key yet memorable first date, Kula Café in Mayfair is a solid choice. It's bright, friendly, and just off Oxford Street, close enough to the action but not chaotic. The menu's full of easy wins like crêpes, waffles, and ridiculously good French toast topped with Nutella or fresh berries, plus a coffee list that goes way beyond the basics. It's casual enough to keep things relaxed but sweet enough to count as an actual date, especially if you share dessert.

If you're after a first date spot that will give you endless topics to chat about, Java Whiskers in Marylebone and White City is your go-to. This cosy cat café serves top-notch coffee and sweet treats, all in the company of friendly rescue cats who roam freely as you chat and get to know your date. Bonus points if your date's a cat lover. And if the chemistry's not quite there, at least you'll have had a cuddle with a cute cat.

Near Finsbury Park there's a stylish and friendly coffee shop that's an ideal date destination. Common Ground has a cool contemporary interior with exposed brick walls, as well as a peaceful garden at the back. Brunch dishes are served as well as quality coffee and a variety of pastries and treats.

If you love nothing more than a hot and fresh cup of coffee, check out Allpress. This roastery supplies a great number of cafés but also has its own sites in East London. These modern spots serve espresso drinks and filter coffee, with understated outdoor seating available. Light food is served too.

Holloway Road's Vagabond N7 is a popular local café. Making use of reclaimed materials and secondhand items, the venue has a homey and eclectic feel. There are indoor seats plus a peaceful walled garden where you can easily chat with your date over a drink. There's a changing food menu too.

For casual café bites, Apple Butter Café is a top choice. This vibrant eatery is packed with bursts of colour and an apple tree growing right inside the space. There are outdoor seats too. Pop in for a coffee or tea or try the Middle Eastern-inspired food options like sandwiches and salads.

F. Mondays has loads of personality and not just in its cheeky name. You'll see lush green plants and laidback outdoor spaces. Come in for a coffee to soak up the atmosphere. You can also buy deli products here like bread, cheeses, meat, dairy, cupboard essentials, and of course, coffee and tea.

With weathered flooring and exposed brick, Juliets Quality Foods has a pretty typical coffee shop look. The focus is really on the menu, which has imaginative dishes that have made this place a favourite in Tooting. Chat with your date over a coffee or try snacks like house-made cornbread.

If heading to a bog standard bar on a first date is getting a little bit boring for you, why not ramp it up with some added karaoke? Serenade your match with a romantic ballad, or sink a few cocktails at Hidden Bar before hitting the karaoke rooms to really break the ice. There are private karaoke rooms so you can keep things cosy without having to share with others, and you can order drinks straight from the bar so you don't even have to leave.

For a unique first date, climb up The O2 with Up at The O2. Daytime, sunset, and twilight climbs are available, and you can arrange a glass of champagne at the top to make it more memorable. You’ll get excellent views of Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and the Olympic Park with this thrilling activity.

Experience art together in a whole new way at Frameless. This centrally-located museum lets you step inside the artwork, turning art by the likes of Monet, Dali, and Klimt into immersive experiences using projections and sound. After you've seen the exhibition, you can stop in the café and indulge in an art-themed afternoon tea.

A trip to Fairgame is sure to break the ice on a first date. This unique venue is an adults-only funfair where you can enjoy street food and drinks whilst you play classic fairground games like shooting ducks and whack-a-mole. Sweets like toffee apples and candy floss infused with prosecco are also available at this lighthearted spot.