London has incredible restaurants, but finding the right one for a romantic night isn’t always easy.
A great romantic restaurant isn’t just about good food—it’s about the atmosphere, the service, and how it makes you feel. The kind where you sit across from someone, and everything else fades away.
The setting feels intimate, the staff knows when to step in and when to let you be, and the experience stays with you long after the night ends.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that creates the perfect stage for love, these are the best romantic restaurants in London.
Omboo at Sopwell House
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Address: Sopwell House, Cottonmill Ln, St Albans
Contact: +44 1727 864477
Operating Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: £££
Omboo brings bold, Asian-inspired flavours. The open kitchen lets us catch glimpses of chefs at work, and the dim lighting makes it perfect for a romantic dinner.
There aren’t any starters or mains here—everything’s meant for sharing and arrives fresh from the kitchen when it’s ready.
Their special menu includes Japanese A5 Wagyu rolls, which are impossibly tender. If you love dessert, the chocolate creation is also a must-try. It’s beautifully presented and has just the right amount of sweetness.
Pro tip:
Let the staff know if you’re celebrating—they might bring out a complimentary birthday dessert, a handwritten card, or even a sake tasting.
Clos Maggiore
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Website
Address: 33 King St
Contact: +44 20 4580 1174
Operating Hours: Mon–Fri: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM; Sat–Sun: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Clos Maggiore is often called the most romantic restaurant in London, and it absolutely lives up to that title.
The blossom-filled conservatory is what makes this place so special. In the winter, it’s all about candlelight and a cosy fireplace. Meanwhile, in the summer, the glass roof opens up to let in natural light.
The food is French-inspired and beautifully presented. The roast duck with cherries and honey is easily one of the standout dishes. It’s tender and coated in a glossy, slightly sweet sauce that balances the meat’s richness.
Pro tip:
If you’re into wine, ask the sommelier for recommendations—they know the list inside out and can suggest the perfect pairing for your meal.
Bob Bob Ricard
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Website
Address: 1 Upper James St
Contact: +44 20 3145 1000
Operating Hours: Mon–Fri: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM; Sat: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM; Sun: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: £££
Bob Bob Ricard is famous for its “Press for Champagne” button at every table. With just one press, a waiter appears almost instantly to top up your glass. This ensures the champagne keeps flowing without you having to flag anyone down.
The interior is inspired by the Golden Age of Travel. It features plush leather booths, polished brass, and Art Deco details that make the place feel like a luxurious train carriage.
The menu leans towards British and French classics. The chicken Kyiv is our favourite—crispy on the outside, with garlic butter that spills out the moment you cut into it.
Pro tip:
Go for lunch or early dinner to take advantage of the pre-theatre menu—you’ll get their signature dishes at a great price. Available every day from 12 pm–3 pm, 5 pm–6 pm, and after 9 pm.
The River Café
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Website
Address: Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd
Contact: +44 20 7386 4200
Operating Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: £££
The River Café is an iconic Italian restaurant that’s been a London favourite since 1987. It’s known for its riverside terrace and open kitchen. The space feels effortlessly stylish, with natural light streaming in.
The menu changes daily, but everything is based on the best seasonal produce.
One of the best dishes is the wood-roasted whole sole. It’s cooked over an open flame, giving it a light smokiness. The skin is slightly crisp, while the inside is soft and buttery.
Pro tip:
Go for lunch on a sunny day—the riverside terrace is one of the best spots in London to dine outdoors.
Daphne’s
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Website
Address: 112 Draycott Ave
Contact: +44 20 7589 4257
Operating Hours: Mon–Sat: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sun: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: ££
Daphne’s is serving authentic Italian cuisine. Their elegance makes you feel like you’ve stepped into an Italian villa.
In the summer, the tiny roadside terrace is the perfect spot for an alfresco lunch. Meanwhile in winter, the blazing fireplace in the conservatory makes it a cosy, romantic retreat.
The handmade pasta is an absolute must-try. It’s thin and perfectly coated in a buttery sauce that clings to every strand without feeling heavy.
Pro tip:
If you’re a pasta lover, ask about the seasonal specials—they often have limited-time dishes that aren’t on the regular menu.
Andrew Edmunds
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Address: 46 Lexington Street, Soho
Contact: +44 20 7437 5708
Operating Hours: Mon–Sat: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM; Sun: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: ££
Andrew Edmunds offers candlelit tables with an old-world feel because of its 18th-century townhouse setting and dim lighting. The space is small and intimate, with handwritten menus and walls lined with vintage wine bottles.
I’d never seen ox tongue cut this way before—thin, tender in the middle, and slightly crispy on the edges. It had a rich, deep flavour and a really nice texture. It was soft but with a little bite. Simple, but really well done.
Their wine list is one of the best in London, with rare bottles like aged Burgundy and vintage Bordeaux that you don’t often see at reasonable prices.
Pro tip:
It’s best to book a month ahead as it tends to get fully booked quickly.
Quaglino’s
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Website
Address: 16 Bury Street, St. James
Contact: +44 20 7930 6767
Operating Hours: Mon–Fri: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM; Sat-Sun: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Quaglino’s is a glamorous restaurant in St James’s that serves European food and has live music every night. It feels elegant but lively, perfect for a special date night.
Walking in, we’re met with a grand staircase, plush velvet booths, and dim lighting that gives it an old-school feel.
The live music, usually smooth jazz and soulful vocals, makes the room more romantic.
Their lobster thermidor on the menu is the best! It is incredibly rich and creamy with a hint of mustard and cognac. The beef wellington is also one of their best seller. It’s cooked medium-rare with a golden, flaky pastry that adds just the right amount of crunch.
Pro tip:
It’s best to book a month ahead as it tends to get fully booked quickly.
Hutong
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Website
Address: Level 33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street
Contact: +44 20 3011 1257
Operating Hours: Mon–Fri: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM; Sat-Sun: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Hutong offers breathtaking views of London from Level 33 of The Shard, paired with Northern Chinese cuisine.
All of their menu has complex flavours with a spicy kick. Even simple dishes like the spicy beef tenderloin pack a punch, with tender meat coated in a smoky, umami-filled sauce.
The service is great, and the staff is happy to recommend dishes based on your spice tolerance.
Pro tip:
If you’re sensitive to spice, ask the staff for milder recommendations—some dishes bring serious heat!
La Poule au Pot
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Website
Address: 231 Ebury Street, Belgravia
Contact: +44 20 7730 7763
Operating Hours: Tue–Sat: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM; Sun: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: ££
La Poule au Pot is a romantic French bistros. The dim candlelight, rustic wooden tables, and antique décor create a warm and vintage atmosphere.
The menu is classic French comfort food with generous portions. I like their coq au vin, which is slow-cooked until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. It swims in a rich red wine sauce with earthy mushrooms and sweet shallots.
Pro tip:
Order the gratin dauphinoise as a side—it’s rich and creamy and pairs perfectly with any main dish.
Spring at Somerset House
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Website
Address: Somerset House, Lancaster Place
Contact: +44 20 3011 0115
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM; Sun: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: ££
Spring is a beautifully elegant restaurant inside Somerset House. The high ceilings, soft pastel tones, and lush greenery make it feel bright and effortlessly sophisticated.
The menu focuses on seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking, changing daily based on what’s freshest. The handmade ricotta dumplings are incredibly light, served in a delicate broth with fresh herbs that bring out their natural sweetness.
Pro tip:
Try the Scratch Menu—a creative selection of dishes made from surplus ingredients designed to reduce food waste while letting you experience the chef’s cooking at a lower price.
Jikon
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Website
Address: 19-21 Blandford Street, Marylebone
Contact: +44 20 7034 1988
Operating Hours: Tue–Sat: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM; Sun: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Pricing: ££
Jikoni’s menu is perfect if you want to try South Asian, Middle Eastern, East African, and British flavours in one place.
The prawn toast scotch egg is a must-try—crispy and golden on the outside, with a soft, runny yolk inside that goes perfectly with the sweet-sour chilli sauce.
The banana leaf-wrapped sea bass is just as good. It’s soft, flaky, and full of warm, fragrant spices.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting on a weekend, book ahead—their brunch is especially popular!
Brasserie Zédel
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Website
Address: 20 Sherwood Street, Soho
Contact: +44 20 7734 4888
Operating Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: £
Brasserie Zédel looks fancy with its grand Parisian-style décor, but the prices are surprisingly affordable. We really enjoy the classic French dishes without spending a fortune.
The menu sticks to French brasserie staples. The steak frites is a favourite—perfectly seared and juicy, served with golden, crispy fries. For dessert, the crème brûlée is smooth and creamy, with the perfect caramelised crust that cracks at the tap of a spoon.
The best part is the service is quick and friendly even when it’s busy (which is most of the time).
Pro tip:
Visit in the evening for live jazz music while you dine—it adds to the lively, Parisian atmosphere.
Rules
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Website
Address: 35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden
Contact: +44 20 7836 5314
Operating Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Rules is London’s oldest restaurant, and you can feel its history the instant you walk in. The dark wood panels, red velvet couches, and walls covered in vintage paintings make it feel like you’ve entered a different era.
If you visit in autumn, the roast grouse is a must because it’s only available during game season (August to February), when the meat is at its freshest and most flavourful.
The skin is crisp and golden, while the meat is slightly gamey and tender. It’s served with bread sauce, game chips, and a rich jus, which balance out the flavours perfectly.
Pro tip:
Don’t leave without trying the sticky toffee pudding—warm, gooey, and drenched in buttery toffee sauce that soaks into the sponge. It’s sweet but not too heavy, with just the right amount of dark, caramelised flavour.
