The most romantic restaurants in London

Taka isn't trying to be a big showy date spot, which is exactly why it works so well for one. The small Marylebone dining room has warm lighting, a calm hum of conversation and a menu built around seasonal British produce cooked with Japanese precision. Dishes change all the time, so you might share salmon tataki, miso black cod, or a plate of sashimi, depending on whatever arrived fresh that week. It's relaxed, intimate and easy to settle into.

Taking its name from a famed 19th‑century courtesan, Cora Pearl exudes charm and intimacy in the heart of Covent Garden. Its stylish, moodily lit interior sets the scene for refined British comfort fare and artfully mixed signature cocktails, perfect for sparking connection or celebrating lasting romance. Equally suited to pre‑theatre dining, it's an elegant pick for those planning the classic dinner‑and‑a‑show evening.

With detailed floral wallpaper and an intimate ambiance enhanced by mood-setting music, dim lighting, and dark panelling, Raaz is perfect for a romantic meal, whether it's a first date, an anniversary celebration, or even a secret tryst – the restaurant's name does mean “secret” in Hindi, after all. Whatever the occasion, you and your paramour will be able to enjoy contemporary Indian cuisine honed through years of experience at Michelin-starred establishments.

Sael is one of those quietly romantic London restaurants that doesn't need to try too hard. The marble-and-brass interiors feel elegant and intimate, and there's a glow from the kitchen's fire that sets the tone perfectly. Chef Sam Mills (formerly of Pollen Street Social) cooks elegant British dishes like Cornish lobster, wood-fired figs, and beautifully charred steaks. Grab a seat at the central bar for cocktails before dinner, or head upstairs to The Blind Pig afterwards for something stronger.

The Jones Family Kitchen is a much more romantic spot than its USP of one of the finest steakhouses in London might have you believe. Instead of a polished, business-like setting, the restaurant is decorated with pretty floral wallpaper, the lighting is intimate to set the mood, and there are curtains to divide up the space into more intimate areas. The outdoor terrace looking out at Eccleston Yards is a great spot for hot (weather) dates too.

Novikov in Mayfair brings the romantic vibes across not one but two distinct dining areas. Head to the rustic Italian dining room for classic amore, complete with plates of handmade pasta and indulgent desserts to spoon-feed each other. The pan-Asian area offers a more contemporary, toned-down setting for intimate meals, with the bustling open kitchen a convenient source of conversation for first dates. If things go well, retire to the lounge bar for live music, cocktails, and canoodling.

Few things capture amore better than a steaming bowl of pasta, a good glass of wine, and an intimate setting. A fixture on Soho's dining scene for more than 15 years, 40 Dean Street has welcomed countless couples through its doors. The menu brims with Italian favourites perfect for two – from splitting a pizza to recreating that iconic “Lady and the Tramp” spaghetti moment, all under the gentle gaze of the restaurant's statues and in the glow of its neon signage.

Violet's sits in Soho with a cosy layout and low lighting that makes it feel well-suited to a close, conversational dinner. The menu centres on Georgian classics like khachapuri, khinkali and rich stews, which work nicely for couples who want something a bit different from the usual Soho options. The bar offers a mix of classic cocktails and a steady selection of wine and spirits, keeping things simple. With its vintage details, calm vibe, and relaxed pace, it is a top choice for a romantic night out in the area.

This is an unassuming Eastern European restaurant, found on an equally unassuming corner in Islington. It's a great shout for a nice meal with your loved one, however, thanks in part to cosy interior furnished with vintage decor and Soviet-era posters – trust us, it's more charming than it sounds. The friendly staff are happy to ply couples with fine Georgian wines and authentic delicacies from the country.

With its flickering candlelight, cosy booths, and sultry interiors, Kitty Fisher's is the kind of Mayfair spot that sets the mood for a proper date night. The menu plays with British classics given a subtle Spanish twist, so you can expect dishes like pork chop with bright salsa verde alongside seasonal highlights. Add in cocktails like the playful 'Aphrodite's Spritz' to complete the experience.

The team behind 40 Dean Street clearly have a knack for creating romance – their newest venture is every bit as charming as its predecessors. With its softly lit, wood-panelled interior, vintage vermouth prints, and comfy leather seating, it sets the perfect mood for gazing into each other's eyes over plates of freshly made pasta. Open late into the night, it's an ideal spot for spontaneous dinner dates that start with a drink and turn into something more.

Chef Alexis Gauthier’s renowned Soho townhouse is at the very pinnacle of plant-based fine dining in the world, providing a ground-breaking experience for vegans and meat-eaters alike. The crisp and clean dining area encompasses three floors and offers a refined atmosphere throughout, but if you want to amp up the romance, book the Chefs’ Room, a discreet chamber that’s perfect for the most intimate of occasions.

With a laidback Parisian ambiance, floral decoration and a park for hand-in-hand strolls right out front, Minnow is a classic Clapham couples’ choice. The all-day menu of classic European fare means you can pop in any time of day, and there’s a concise wine list and cocktail menu to get things started off on the right foot. For special occasions, consider booking the Cave, a snug, semi-private table in an alcove with a stained-glass window.

When it comes to Sketch, it’s not just the beautiful, opulent surroundings that make it suited for romantic purposes – it’s also that the townhouse’s spaces are sure to fit the occasion, whatever it may be. A light first date lunch? Head for the enchanting Glade. Anniversary celebration? The Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library will make for an unforgettable night. Keeping it casual? Cocktails in The Parlour. In desperate need of a conversation topic? Check out the toilets.

One of the Salt Yard Group's exquisite restaurants, Ember Yard specialises in the grilled delicacies found in Spain in Italy. Perched on a bar stool behind one of the tall tables in the moody setting, sharing a plate of croquettes or grass-fed rib-eye and sipping on wine, you’ll feel like you're in a world of your own. You can even continue the conversation in the cocktail bar downstairs.

When it comes to romance, Clos Maggiore regularly tops the list. How could it not, with its intimate fireplace setting beneath cherry blossoms seemingly tailor-made for gazing into your loved one’s eyes. The stunning surroundings are complemented by a menu that speaks the language of love as well, with the full range of contemporary French-inspired cuisine on display. The wine cellar is quite impressive as well.

If you’re in need of a little liquid courage or looking to bond over a shared fondness for a fine vintage, Noble Rot is a sure-fire hit. This wine bar and restaurant feels like a private club and boasts a huge choice of wines to pair with your meal or just enjoy on their own. If you don’t want to risk embarrassing yourself, the staff will smoothly point you in the direction of the right bottle. There’s also a full menu of classic European cuisine to choose from.

A passionate getaway to the Italian countryside is a romcom cliché for a reason. The award-winning Brutto has a soft taverna-like atmosphere and a warm, cosy feel. The regularly changing menu features traditional Florentine cuisine such as pasta and steak, and the bar serves classic cocktails throughout the day.

If you're looking for a nice and casual spot for a date that nonetheless has a touch of elegance to it, Union Social is just the sort of neutral ground you might be looking for. Serving a roster of international favourites throughout the day, the venue features a terrace, a lounge area, DJ nights and more, so you can plan the perfect date. Best of all, it's part of The Gantry hotel, so if you're feeling cheeky …

Hoping to go all Lady and the Tramp over a plate of primo pasta? Trullo has been a North London institution for more than a decade, serving classic Italian cuisine featuring freshly prepared, handmade pasta, grilled specialities and other delicacies made with sustainable and seasonal produce. The setting is clean, contemporary and elegant, bestowing a touch of class on your special evening. For a more casual affair, check out the sibling Padella restaurants.

This exotic Neal's Yard getaway is inspired by Morocco and Andalusia, serving sharing plates to patrons seated around a horseshoe bar – a pleasant alternative to the usual face-to-face dating showdowns. The dishes are packed full of North African flavours and intriguing ingredients that are sure to get the convo going, and there are plenty of Moroccan, French, and Spanish vintages to choose from on the wine list.

La Poule Au Pot and Maggie Jones's share a fondness for rustic decor and hearty, comforting food that makes you feel snug on sight. If you have to make a choice, however, La Poule a Pot might get the edge over its British-inspired sister due to highlighting French cuisine, traditionally considered the more romantic of the two. You can't miss with either, though, as they're both exceedingly charming.

An all-time local favourite in Chelsea, No. Fifty Cheyne is tucked away down a leafy street and makes a strong first impression with its baby blue, floral-embellished façade. It’s all about the food and drink here, however, with head chef Iain Smith giving British classic a twist with seasonal produce from the country’s finest suppliers, and an in-house sommelier providing the wine pairing while you do the, er, life pairing.

Booking a date at the award-winning Sessions Arts Club, one of the buzziest meal tickets in town, will immediately establish you as a person of fine taste and with a finger on the beating pulse of the city – that is, a reader of Thatsup. This Grade II-listed building combines stripped-down decor with a sophisticated international menu and performances, offering a unique dining experience focused on creativity.

The Spitalfields branch of the Bubala restaurants is a cosy candlelit venue that's highly acclaimed for its vegetarian Middle Eastern feasts. The snug setting means it's easy to lose track of time as you gaze lovingly into your partner's eyes, the food is designed for sharing, and the Bubala Knows Best set menu pre-empts any conflict over what to order.

This snug Covent Garden eatery is perfect for flirtatious body contact, with an intimate candlelit ambiance created by wood panelling and low lighting. The welcoming and attentive staff will help the evening go smoothly with an extensive choice of tapas, from olives and Padron peppers to cheese, croquettes, patatas bravas and more. A lengthy list of fine Portuguese and Spanish wines can’t hurt, either.

The Megan’s restaurants are a collection of photogenic eateries found all over the city, so they’re a reliable choice regardless which borough love takes you to. They’ve been voted the best brunch in London several times, with their Mediterranean-inspired menu packed with classics such as eggs benny or shakshuka, to be enjoyed surrounded by draped foliage, wooden furniture and hanging wicker lights.

Of the different Big Mamma Group outposts in London, Gloria is the oldest and perhaps the most suited for romantic purposes. The lush exterior, chic interior and explosive menu full of Italian favourites, such as the Le Gran Carbonara pasta, sensuously whirled around a huge wheel of pecorino, ensure amore is in the air. Seal the deal with a pair of spoons and a slice of the humongous meringue pie.

A quiet favourite among those in the know, Andrew Edmunds is a venerated Soho mainstay that dates back to 1985. The townhouse eatery is known for its tasty European fare and welcoming, candlelit setting that has established it as one of the most romantic spots in the city. You don’t have to take just our word for it – it’s Stanley Tucci’s choice for most romantic restaurant in London as well.

If you want to go all out on the splendour, The Ritz Restaurant offers the over-the-top lavishness you're looking for. This two Michelin-starred eatery is a full-on example of baroque opulence and one of the most magnificent venues in the world, all chandeliers, marble and gold. Accompanied by the tableside preparation of specialties such as Beef Wellington or Crepe Suzette, a meal at The Ritz Restaurant is a special occasion in itself.

Oysters are considered by many to be an integral part of a romantic meal, and J Sheekey is considered by many to be an integral part of London’s seafood dining. Seems like a match made in heaven, with this elegant wood-panelled establishment serving fresh delicacies from the sea, from the aforementioned shellfish to caviar, lobster thermidor and more. It’s even located in the West End to facilitate that classic combo of dinner and a show, another perfect pairing.

There's something about 1930s Paris that's established that time and place as synonymous with peak romance, and Brasserie Zédel does its best to take you there. The Art Deco setting provides a glamorous setting, the French food sets the mood, and if things go well, you can check out a cabaret show at The Crazy Coqs afterwards. Or, if they don't, share your tales of romantic woe with the bartender at Bar Américain.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and a 24/7 open time mean stunning views of the Big Smoke all day and all night at this 40th floor restaurant. A long-time fixture on the London culinary circuit, the upmarket Duck & Waffle plays around with traditional British cooking and is sure to impress on the culinary front. Between the food and that view, date night is sure to be success.

The opulent House of Ming in Westminster serves high-end Sichuan and Cantonese delicacies such as stir-fried lobster, or prawn truffle siu mai, but it's the sophisticated setting that really amps up the romance. Dim ambient lighting, handmade tapestries, velvet seating, and other elegant touches culminate in the intimate love seats, fitted with a special button of joy. Pressing it yields a delightful surprise for your and your special one.

Como Garden has all the makings of a romantic meal - low lighting, elegant interiors full of plants, and a menu of Italian dishes made to share. Inspired by Lake Como, the restaurant setting is smart and the menu is all about small and medium-sized bites including pasta and antipasti. A broad choice of drinks including cocktails and prosecco are also on offer.

Many restaurants rely on dim, cosy settings and a sense of tradition for that romantic vibe, but Gold, one of Notting Hill's trendiest spots, goes in the other direction. Across four floors it offers different areas, all pleasant and welcoming. Find the one most suited to your needs, sit down, and enjoy contemporary European cuisine made with fresh, seasonal produce and unique culinary techniques. You'll be feeling like you've stolen away on a romantic getaway to the Mediterranean in no time.

Albers in De Beauvoir blends the warmth of a neighbourhood pub with the finesse of a contemporary bistro, creating a space that's lively, welcoming, and feels more like returning to a favourite living room than a formal night out. The menu weaves together nostalgic flavours and cherished family recipes. Guests can enjoy refined dishes paired with carefully curated drinks, all in a warmly lit, intimate space that's perfect for date nights.