Whether you’re nervously planning a first date, Valentine's Day meals or a special anniversary dinner; or even setting the scene for a proposal in London (we're certain they'll say "yes"), check out our picks of the most romantic restaurants in London.
Most romantic restaurants in London for proposing
1. Bateaux London Thames Dining
Go down on one knee as you pass London’s iconic landmarks on a romantic London dinner cruise with Bateaux London. With floor-to-ceiling windows, dinner cooked on board and live entertainment, it will certainly be a night to remember. Book Bateaux London now.
2. Clos Maggiore
Let the enchanting interior of Clos Maggiore set the scene for popping the big question. Widely known as one of London’s most romantic restaurants, this Covent Garden hideaway is the perfect place to propose, with an atmospheric courtyard draped in blossom.
3. The Ritz Restaurant
Proposals don’t get much better than those at one of the top restaurants in London, The Ritz Restaurant. With a magnificent dining room adorned with frescoes and chandeliers, and live string or piano music, it's a magical place to pop the question.
Restaurants in London with a view
4. Sky Garden restaurants
Dine among the ferns and palms of Sky Garden, London's highest public garden and one of the coolest places to eat in London. Perched at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street (nicknamed locally as the “Walkie Talkie”), the elegant Fenchurch Restaurant and more laid-back all-day Darwin Brasserie serve contemporary British fare.
5. OXO Tower Restaurant
Make your way to the eighth floor of the unmistakable OXO Tower, where you’ll find the OXO Tower Restaurant. With its alluring views of the City and beyond that are sure to have your guest swooning, a menu of modern British classics, and an intimate atmosphere, it's the ideal Valentine's Day restaurant.
6. 14 Hills
7. Hutong at The Shard
Travel up to the 33rd floor of London's tallest building for incredible views at Hutong at The Shard, one the best restaurants with a view in London. Devour its signature dumplings (make sure to practise with chopsticks ahead of time to avoid embarrassment), and enjoy the roast Peking duck, before finishing your evening off with cocktails in the airy atrium bar.
First dates restaurant ideas in London
8. J Sheekey
A legendary seafood restaurant, J Sheekey is perfect for a first date with a seafood lover. Don't be shellfish and share a platter, or to really impress, ask for the off-menu dessert (frozen berries and white chocolate) at this popular spot for theatre-goers in the middle of the West End.
9. Bob Bob Ricard City
If you’re looking for cool restaurants in London, book a cosy booth at the futuristic Bob Bob Ricard City, a traditional brasserie with a 21st-century feel. Order some bubbly with a single touch of a button at this City of London spot, and hey presto… If you can tear yourself away from the gaze of your date amid all the bubbles, select from modern takes on French classics.
10. Berners Tavern
Take your date’s breath away as you enjoy Jason Atherton's innovative dishes and marvel at the stunning art-covered walls of Berners Tavern. Raise the bar and also order a creative cocktail, and you’ll surely be guaranteed a second date.
11. Gauthier Soho
12. Circolo Popolare
13. Balthazar
14. La Poule au Pot
Top anniversary restaurants in London
15. The Dining Room at The Goring
Make your other half feel like a king or queen at The Dining Room at The Goring. Housed within The Goring hotel – where Kate Middleton stayed before her wedding day – this elegant eatery lives up to British tradition, with silver service and elegant interiors. Share a beef Wellington or treat each other to Dover sole or caviar for a little extra.
16. Sketch
Surprise your partner with an anniversary meal at one of the most Instagrammable and quirky restaurants in London, Sketch. Choose from the collection of unusual restaurants and bars housed within one building: enjoy a cocktail in the fairytale setting of The Glade or the cosy Parlour, before trying modern dishes at art-inspired The Gallery or three Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library.
17. Hawksmoor Air Street
18. The Colony Grill Room
19. Scott's
20. The Wolseley
21. Andrew Edmunds
22. Petersham Nurseries Cafe
Best Michelin-star restaurants in London
Show the love of your life how important they are with a special visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant in London.
23. Three-star restaurants
Book a table at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, CORE by Claire Smyth, Hélène Darroze at the Connaugh, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, which boast three Michelin stars each.
24. Worldwide cuisine
Enjoy boundary-pushing modern British dishes at Clove Club and Lyle's or top-notch Chinese dishes at Hakkasan or Kai.
25. Michelin stars with panoramic views
For City views, grab a window spot at Angler or City Social.
More ways to ramp up the romance
Start your evening with a drink at one of London's top champagne bars, sip a creation from a star mixologist at a luxurious cocktail bar, or chat over a fine vintage at a one of the city's specialist wine bars. If you're looking for something a little more unusual, book into one of London's quirky restaurants.
Plan a romantic break in London with our top tips on romantic activities and book into a loved-up romantic hotel. Don't miss our top places for proposing in London or be inspired by these date ideas.
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