Best Date Night Restaurants in London

Liven up your next date night with our edit of the most romantic restaurants in London and show your loved one how important they are.

FARZI CAFE

Farzi, a slick Indian bistro in the heart of the west end, certainly feels like a restaurant for special occasions- the furnishings are glossy, the service is slick and the food is impressive. The menu is best described as modern Indian- using the best ingredients in Indian recipes that are as inventive as they are tasty.

Kick things off with a tipple from their cocktail menu that offers an extensive selection of both signature and “Farzified cocktails.” The mesh cocktail is standout, with its moreish mix of pink pepper gin, saffron, coconut water, coconut, kombucha, rose and pineapple blossom. From the non alcoholic selection, the chai lychee is a simple yet satisfying combination of lychee coconut, lime and sweet chai.

You’ll be hard pressed to choose from the tantalizing and eclectic small plates menu. We recommend the avocado chaat, a full, cool and fragrant dish of avocado mash, roasted corn and a crispy chana daal. The Dal chawal arancini with char papad which is presented on a bed of chutney is both wholesome and moreish. Also try the lamb momos, which are warmly spiced, light steamed parcels made better by the spicy dips that accompany them.

The main courses are pretty impressive too, with an emphasis on fragrance and delicacy running through most of the dishes. Try the goat shawarma biryani, a hunk of slow cooked tender meat soaked in a thick garlic and yogurt and gravy with fragrant pilau rice and fried onion. Order a side of creamy pomegranate and mint raita to complete what is a stunning plate. Another la carte highlight includes the lobster moili risotto, a turmeric and coconut infused creamy curry risotto topped with robata grilled lobster. Throw in a couple of freshly baked, charcoal- blistered naans for a truly authentic take.

The portions are generous but if you can make space for pudding, the home made traditional indian desserts are sure to impress. The saffron millefeuille, all tangy creamy filling and crunchy wafer is a star turn as is the vegan cheesecake with rhubarb compote and raspberry sorbet.

Don't miss: From the end of May, Farzi will be adding 12 Ayurvedically inspired tasty cocktails to the menu. These will use carefully selected tinctures, herbs and spices with a cocktail to match each of the different star signs. The astrology inspired cocktail menu will feature concoctions that are meant to energize, harmose and purify.

THE RESTAURANT AT ST MARTIN'S LANE HOTEL

With a plethora of dining options in Covent Garden it's easy to forget that the restaurant at St Martin's Lane Hotel is still one of the most beautiful dining rooms in London. Dinner at the Philippe Starck-designed space is still a most dazzling spot for an intimate date night in London.

The menu, like the deco, is also on point. Choosing from the starters is a really tough work but you won't go wrong with the octopus carpaccio, a pretty dish enlivened by ezme, which is a Turkish condiment, shaved fennel and caper salsa. Fish lovers will adore the wonderfully executed tempura soft shell crab accompanied by avocado puree, pickled black radish and lotus root.

From the main courses, the succulent lamb canon is rather excellent, and comes with an absolutely divine harissa couscous and deliciously pulpy baby aubergine. The Canadian Lobster thermidor with asparagus, celery, parsley, bisque foam is fantastic. A mango chilli caviar adds a pleasantly surprising sweet note to the dish. Ofcourse you have to have this with the fries - that have a delicious filthy hit of rosemary and balsamic that cuts through the creamy lobster filling.

From the dessert menu, the black forest gateau is a devilish treat. This classic is presented as a gleaming orb (complete with gold flakes) with a tart cherry bavarois, cocoa nibs and the creamiest tonka ice cream. The mascarpone panna cotta is also a stunner, a wobbly delight infused with rosemary, raspberry, rose tea served on a bed of refreshing granita. For the savoury toothed, the cheese board featuring selection of cheeses, quince jelly, crackers is wonderful, and even better when paired with port that comes recommended by the wonderful team.

Post dinner, a night cap at the hotel’s cocktail bar is a must. A mere couple of steps away from the main restaurant is the Blind Spot cocktail bar which ambitiously offers flavors from around the world inspired by 25 destinations. Roll into there for a night cap and spin the globe and choose from their selection well as enjoy bespoke and signature cocktails.

Service, as you’d expect is top-class, with a friendly, efficient team who will bend over backwards to ensure you have a wonderful time- it’s high-end food in an environment entirely devoid of stuffiness, perfect for an enjoyable date night.

FEELS LIKE JUNE

It's always “summer” at Californian cool eatery, Feels Like June. Tucked between and betwixt a maze of Canary Wharf skyscrapers alongside a gorgeous waterside vista, this insta worthy restaurant and bar provides the perfect backdrop for a glamorous yet laid back date night.

A verdant dining room with touches of gold and pastel tones in the deco, along with splashes of art effortlessly oozes Californian chic. The food also riffs off the decor- its fresh simple fare designed to please all palettes. The menu is a sharing one and what better way to start than with the heirloom tomato bruschetta, which is no ordinary bruschetta. It’s sunshine on a plate elevated by the addition of sweet shallots, together with the creamiest ricotta cheese and basil. The gleaming padron peppers are beautifully charred benefiting enormously from the piquance of chili and lime. Hummus never looked so sexy: the silky smooth roasted red pepper rendition topped with pomegranate and walnuts is sure to impress.

Not trying the tacos would be tantamount to sacrilege given the Californian inspiration behind Feels Like June. The Taco bar offers a selection of meat and vegetarian tacos and its hands down the crispy spiced chicken tacos with mango salsa, avocado, herb aioli, lime and coriander that steal the show. The crisply gem lettuce salad with avocado and tomato comes in a generous portion drizzled with a tarty and tasty buttermilk ranch dressing in true Californian style.

Lovers of dramatic cocktails will adore the Mezcalito, a daring concoction of Del Maguey Vida, manzanilla dry sherry, pink grapefruit, lime basil syrup and saline solution. The intriguing minimal colada is a refreshing grown up take on the classic pina colada, that fuses coconut rum, banana liquor, coconut water and acid syrup.

If you have room for pudding, the homemade chocolate brownie with clotted cream ice cream and pecan praline is heaven on a plate. Vegans wont get left behind and will be delighted with the apple and toffee upside down cake with coconut yogurt, chili mango.
https://feelslikejune.com

STICKY MANGO

Situated on the corner of Coin St near Waterloo, this charming establishment serves contemporary South-East Asian dishes in a stunning setting. The décor at Sticky Mango – a dark palette bedecked with ornaments and giant spring blossom installations – is an appealing backdrop for an equally impressive menu.

The space is split into 3 different dining rooms – The Blossom Tree room, The Orchid Room & Terrace, and the Copper Blossom Room and Bar- each themed around a different blossom. All of the rooms can be hired for private events and provide a truly stunning setting whether for a date night, a wedding dinner or even a corporate event.

The cooking here is equally as captivating and packs a flavorful punch. Thank goodness for the generous 9 flavor menu that allows you the very best of many outstanding dishes. Kicking things off is the Thai green papaya salad with charred green beans, cherry tomatoes, cashew cashew nuts which is as fresh as it is tasty, striking a moreish balance of fiery chili and ginger with the sweet papaya and nuts. The Malaysian chicken curry puffs with coriander dipping sauce are perfect little pockets of light puff pastry that go down easily. We loved the black pepper prawns with dehydrated pineapple, jicama and pea shoots which deliver beautifully on both pepperiness and juiciness.

Then we moved on to the slightly larger plates and were impressed with the The monkfish which was beautifully cooked and served with a lip smacking Malaysian chilli sauce, bok choi and apple blossom. And just when we thought the menu couldn't get any better along came the stunning Mamak BBQ chicken- a real statement dish adorned with red chillies, brussels sprouts, fresh coriander and a secret peanut sauce which the chef would probably have to kill you for if you found out the recipe.

The big flavours extend to the cocktail menu which changes every month and proffers intriguing concoctions such as the Blossmopolitan, which mixes plum sake, cointreau, cranberry juice and lime or the clever Rose and hibiscus pisco sour which combines Macchu Pisco, Lime, Rose Liquer, Hibiscus infusion and egg White.

There is a theatrical end to the dining experience with the dessert in the form of a sticky mango pudding, perched on a bed of sticky black rice that comes in a shell which is melted at the table and falls away to reveal slices of mango.

https://www.stickymango.co.uk/

TATTU

There is no denying that Tattu is well on its way to establishing itself as one of London’s best Chinese restaurants. The thrilling experience begins as soon as you turn into the glamorous ground floor alley way, bedecked with psychedelic floor-to-ceiling digital art and leading to a lift that whizzes you all the way up to the 6th floor of this stunning rooftop restaurant.

Every detail is designed to impress at Tattu, from the sultry lighting that creates a sense of intimacy across the 4 dining rooms, to the stunning Cherry Blossom installation that sits at the heart of the restaurant, not only unifying the space but also providing a perfect instagram moment. The new Cherry Blossom installation is to celebrate the custom of “hanami”, the Japanese tradition of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers. It’s a breathtaking backdrop for food that is equally awe inspiring.

Begin your date night at The Phoenix Bar, the inspired cocktail bar where the mixologist will tantalize and tempt you with their thrilling concoctions. Try the best seller, Skull Candy, a sweet treat of vodka and bubble gum that comes in a skull shaped vessel complete with billowing smoke (a recurring theme at Tattu). There is also the Plum Blossom Sour, a refreshing mix of plum, hibiscus and violet that will invigorate the tastebuds.

Start with dim sum and we recommend the mixed selection comprising perfect steamed parcels of wagyu, black cod and prawn, and shitake and royal koi fish. Then from the raw plates, the yellowtail sashimi with citrus ponzu, garlic and edamame is a velvety delight that melts in the mouth. The satay beef ribeye is delicious and arrives encased in a giant leaf for a truly dramatic presentation. This is served with fresh papaya som tum & peanuts. For fish lovers, the red snapper tom yum with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf is sumptuous, and we especially loved the accompanying curry sauce that it came with. The Tattu Candy Rice, flavoured with orange, candied ginger and beetroot was the unexpected standout dish which should not work on paper, but does and beautifully so. To wash it all down, go for the crisp rose house wine that balances the richness of the dishes perfectly.

Unsurprisingly, the inventiveness extends to the dessert menu which is theatrical food at its absolute best. Go for the signature Cherry Blossom dessert, a mini cherry blossom tree of candyfloss and chocolate that comes perched atop “chocolate soil” and is served on dry ice that billows out (I did mention that billowing smoke is a recurring theme). We also loved the presentation of The Phoenix Nest, a sticky fantasy pudding that combines peanut butter fudge, honeycomb and marshmallow filling. Indeed the entire experience of Tattu is the stuff of fantasy, and an undoubtedly impressive date night destination.

https://tattu.co.uk/locations/london/

THE IVY SOHO BRASSERIE

Date night in Soho has been revved up notch with the launch of Ivy Soho Brasserie’s new Champagne Dinner offering. Every Friday couples can now enjoy a 3 course dinner complete with a bottle of the finest French Champagne.

Couples can kick things off by sidling up to the impressive bar and enjoying a cocktail from the extensive cocktail list before settling into one of the cosy cubbies and getting stuck into the impressive menu. The Champagne Dinner includes a few crowd pleasing favourites as well as some inspired new offerings.

Diners can feast on a selection of starters including fragrant Malaysian curried prawns served with choy sum and crunching with toasted coconut and coriander, or the very glamorous Champagne Salad of Mexican avocado and butterhead lettuce and mixed soft herbs. From the main courses, you’ll be hard pressed to choose between the faultless Norwegian salmon fillet with a champagne and caper sauce (the Champagne theme is strong) and the sizzling sirloin steak with brandy and truffle sauce which might prove to be a pull too hard to resist. Vegetarians or those seeking a lighter option will be wowed by the slow baked aubergine complete with carefully roasted red pepper tapenade. The best bit? All the dishes are served with a side of silky smooth olive oil mash.

Date night isn't complete without a shared pudding and the Dream dessert is perfect for this. Couples will coo over this indulgent creation that combines crispy Madagascan vanilla cloud with warm chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream and hot yuzu caramel sauce. If sharing isn't your bag, then go ahead and snaffle the ice cream profiterole with chocolate mousse and edible gold solo. No judgments here. For a lighter end to the meal the lemon sorbet served with shortbread will tickle the taste buds just enough and round off the perfect date night meal, and at such an accessible price point. Cheers to that!

https://ivycollection.com/whatson/dream-end-to-the-week/

HELIOT STEAKHOUSE

If you want to make your next steak dinner one to remember then it gets no better than at Heliot steakhouse with its theatrical setting inside London’s Hippodrome Casino. With serious Las Vegas vibes it's a unique dining experience that gives you a bird’s eye view of the casino floor while you pore over the comprehensive menu. The intimate balcony setting kick starts a date night to remember.

The food is as glorious as the setting. We recommend the deliciously smoky grilled octopus with roast potatoes and tarama to kick things off. The seabass ceviche with pineapple and yuzu also makes for a zingy opening act before getting stuck into the mains. The meat offering at Heliot is extensive and it’s global: USDA prime steaks, English Hereford fIllet, Irish Wexford Tomahawk, Argentinian rib eye, and Finnish fillet all vie for your attention, and if you can't choose, you have the option of ordering the tasting board which comes with 3 flavorful steaks from 3 countries served with 3 sauces. The steaks are cooked to order and drizzled with a generous selection of toppings: pepper sauce, red wine sauce, chimichurri, bearnaise sauce and garlic butter. Crispy shallots, wild mushrooms and roast bone marrow can also be piled on for good measure. Aside from the excellent steaks, make sure you try the slow cooked short rib with maple glaze and shallots.

The sides are legendary: the cheese laden millionaire’s mac & cheese topped with poached egg and truffle is a must try and the homemade chunky chips are perfect for soaking up the juices. The wine list is great here too with an excellent selection of 120 options. Go for the aromatic Crasto Doc Red to go with your steak. Round off your dinner date by sharing cookie cheesecake with vanilla ice cream, or for a more memorable ending, the white chocolate and chocolate tree is rather special.

Also worth noting that Heliot Steak House is has also just launched its new monthly ‘Steak and Wine Club’ featuring a bespoke menu of globally sourced cuts of meat, expertly paired with wine from around the world.

https://www.hippodromecasino.com/restaurant-bars-lounges/

PIZARRO

It's easy to see why Spanish tapas chef José Pizarro’s self-titled Pizarro restaurant can lay claim to being one of London's most outstanding Iberian Eateries in the city. Pizarro is a small but perfectly formed restaurant with dark elegant interiors, chic spanish vibe and an infectious garrulous energy.

Quality ingredients and exceptional cooking make for an elevated dining experience at Pizarro. Pitch-perfect renditions of the tapas classics like the excellent pan con tomate and mixed andalusian olives marinated in Moorish spices dominate the selection of cold plates. Meat and fish have a starring role in the hotter tapas dishes, as in the gooey jamon croquettes and mussels in spicy sauce and coriander. The grilled squid, creamy potato, pine nut and jamon picada is flawlessly executed. From the generous mains, the suckling lamb with potato coated in yogurt aioli is a gutsy and glorious signature dish that is an absolute must try. The wine list is extensive and a pleasure to explore, with plenty of stunning by the glass options. For the final act, we recommend the zesty catalan custard with pear sorbet or if you still have room, alight on chocolate tart with cream cheese ice cream and honey.

https://josepizarro.com/venues/pizarro-restaurant-bermondsey/

SAVAGE GARDEN

​​Atop the DoubleTree by Hilton, a short walk from Tower Hill Tube station sits a sparkling restaurant-bar attracting a swanky Saturday crowd and fans of adventurous mixology. Savage Garden is exactly the kind of plush bar you would expect to find on top of a smart hotel – glossy aesthetic, smooth service and an extensive drinks menu. The views are fantastic, with enough landmarks in sight to keep you entertained on your date. Look out past Tower Bridge, across dramatic views of the Southbank skyline and and sweep your eyes along to the river to spectacular views of The shard. The terrace leads drinkers out of the plush indoor bar to the long deck with unbeatable, all-encompassing riverside views. 

Foodwise there is an impressive selection of snacks and sharing plates. From the former we loved the goats cheese, pea and tarragon croquettes and the roasted cauliflower with labne, zhoug, chilli roasted grains. Bigger plates include Citrus buttermilk chicken sliders with kimchi slaw. We also recommend the soft burratina served with smoked tomato basil and generous lashing of honey and the Instagram-ready crispy squid stick. Round things off with doughnuts served with sticky sweet salted caramel and raspberry sauces. Dont worry about the calories, you can always dance those away as the dJ spins the decks into the wee hours.

Top tip: ensure you get there early to bag a table with a view and stay as the evening stretches into the night and enjoy the lounge's intimate ambience with DJs setting the tone every Friday and Saturday evenings. Kick off with one of the spectacular cocktails, Devil’s advocate which is a punchy blend of Olmeca Bianco, Merlet Creme de Cassis, pink grapefruit and lemon, fresh sage with a spicy finish. For a smoother finish, St Olave is a winner, mixing Money 7 gin, Gosnell’s Meda, lemon, Benedictine, smoked oak and foam.

https://www.savagegarden.co.uk/

JERU

Since opening its doors in 2021 Jeru has firmly established itself as a popular dining destination in Mayfair and with good reason. The brainchild of feted Aussie chef Roy Ner, it’s traditional middle eastern food with a contemporary take. You won't be served any hummus, baba ghanoush or falafel here unless it's with a twist.

The aesthetic at Jeru is is undeniably glamorous, The interiors’ sandy palette conjures Middle Eastern vibes, with honey- hued wooden floors beneath dark wooden beams and beautiful lampshades dispersing seductive lighting and setting a romantic mood for date night. Chic interiors and stellar food probably best describes an experience at Jeru- The menu is designed to be shared meaning you get to experience a selection of beautifully presented dishes. We recommend sampling the chef's selection menu which includes stunning starters including: a moreish wood-fired potato bread with truffle honey and chick pea miso butter, velvety mushroom hummus with black chickpea, garlic and parsley. Chargrilled aubergine with tahini bullhorn peppers and mint salsa jostles for ‘favourite” position whilst the while wafer-thin, melting slices of 400 day grain and olive fed wagyu salami adds a delicate touch. 

It's evident from the cold and hot mezze selection that Ner is on a quest to push Middle Eastern food out of its comfort zone. The Tuna ceviche with smoked labneh, orange and tamarind dressing is a masterclass in delivering sweetness and acidity harmoniously. The audacious halloumi doughnuts with goats curd, lemon and truffled honey are reason enough on their own to come back to Jeru. The inventive charcoal roasted aubergine with macadamia dukkah with smoked tahini refuses to be outshone as a definite star in what is a very competitive line up of dishes.

https://jeru.co.uk

108 Brasserie

A firm Marylebone fixture and neighborhood favourite, Brasserie 108 remains one of London’s chicest eateries where polished French sensibilities and a cosmopolitan vibe collide. The posh dark bar and the elegant red leather upholstery set the scene for a memorable date night before you’ve even ordered from the modern french- accented food menu.

Picking highlights is tough but from the starters menu, the Jersey rock oysters with shallot relish is a stand out dish, packing a delicious vinegary punch whilst the sprightly tuna ceviche with avocado, chilli and citrus dressing is a love letter to seafood lovers. For vegetarians, order bread just so you can slather it with dollops of buffalo milk burrata with with chargrilled peppers, datterini tomatoes and capers. From the mains, the rib eye steak topped with cafe de paris butter and marvelously crispy fries is as succulent as it is indulgent. The classic, carefully composed black cod filet swaddled in a miso glaze, pak choi and sticky jasmine rice is confidently cooked and will melt in your mouth. The pudding menu offers a plethora of tempting options for a pleasurable finale. Begin your sweet avalanche with a classic vanilla creme brulee with English shortbread and finish with the decadent profiterole smothered in dark chocolate sauce and backfilled with a crunchy hazelnut praline. As if the food isn't enough, 108 is a dream for Oenophiles, with an extensive and impressive wine list to perfectly accompany all your dishes. With service as smooth as the silkiest bearnaise sauce, food that is impressively rendered, Brasserie 108 is undeniably a top spot for a refined, memorable date night.

https://108brasserie.com