12 romantic London restaurants for an unforgettable date night

Fuel your fledgling romance at Melusine, a charming seafood spot. The former gallery space, which is named after a mythical water spirit, is a dreamy hideaway in the tranquil St. Katharine Docks. Chef Theodore Kyriakou is the well-known force behind The Real Greek, now a successful Mediterranean chain. Here, he serves up sustainable fish from all over the British Isles. After a few oysters, go for the creamy crab risotto, succulent octopus with fava and watercress pesto, or skate wing with roasted red peppers. On warmer days, you and your date can get better acquainted al fresco next to boats bobbing in the marina.

Manicomio’s elegant patio in the idyllic Duke of York Square is a sexy spot for a second date. In the ambient shade of parasols and cascading flowers, wine and dine your beau over a classic carbonara, Galician octopus, and chicken Milanese with parmesan and aioli. Later, enjoy a digestif at the glamourous bar, which boasts a rotating selection of classic cocktails, including negronis and pisco sours.

With more than thirty years of business under its belt, Andrew Edmunds remains a standout spot for an intimate dinner. Soak in a slice of old-time Soho as seasoned servers bring a procession of thoughtfully curated dishes. The handwritten, modern European menu adds a personal touch and keeps the place perpetually packed with returnees, including a fair share of London celebs. The offerings change daily but recent dishes have included tender confit duck with watercress and pickled walnut dressing, and Dover sole roasted in brown butter with punchy capers.

Relationship milestones were made for celebrating—and this MICHELIN-starred Clapham restaurant raises the bar for any romantic occasion. Toast to the good times over a decadent dinner in the sophisticated dining room, complete with white-cloth tables that contrast the charcoal-coloured walls. Food spotlights the talents of chef-patron Adam Byatt, who is on a mission to serve seasonal and innovative dishes. Splash out on the six-course Valentine’s tasting menu, with highlights such as halibut ceviche with seaweed and lemon, plus rich scallop and langoustine raviolo; the Dexter beef sirloin was made for two.

Channel Provence’s breathtaking vistas and stylish country inns with an unforgettable experience at Clos Maggiore. Frequently named the most romantic restaurant in London, this ethereal Covent Garden oasis is a surefire stunner. Reserve a space in the spectacular conservatory to enjoy French-inspired dishes, such as venison tartare or Champagne and Jerusalem artichoke risotto, under a canopy of flowers and twinkling lights. Don’t miss the wine pairings from the extensive cellar. With more than 2,000 labels to choose from, you can take a pan-European vineyard tour straight from your dinner table.

For a classic celebratory supper, look no further than this MICHELIN-starred gem in Notting Hill. Chef Sally Clarke’s sleek European venue has marked milestones since 1984. Bask in the gentle lights and muted sage walls while taking in paintings by Lucian Freud and David Hockney. Woven bistro chairs, white tablecloths, and potted herbs nod to Clarke’s farm-to-table focus and will take you and your date from west London to a romantic agrarian retreat. The menu is stunning without being stuffy; dishes often change, but you can start with the daily bread from the neighbouring bakery before diving into seasonal specials, which in the past have included roasted Cornish brill with dill and Prosecco sauce and chargrilled veal chops, fried artichokes and greens.

Music lovers are sure to strike the perfect chord at this south London darling, featuring a top-notch bistro, intimate piano room, and lively jazz club upstairs. Whether you have a swanky French meal in mind or just fancy snacks and songs, owner Hervé Regent and his team at Toulouse Lautrec are here to deliver. Chef Florent Regent commands the kitchen, turning out Continental classics such as escargot, cassoulet, and a steak menu that allows you and your SO to build an impeccable plate (with lots of sides and nine sauces to choose from). Relax in the piano room before the show and enjoy a meal from the à la carte menu. Or grab a drink before going upstairs to the jazz club, where a roster of local and international musicians perform throughout the week.

Take the elevator to the third floor of this distinctive, five-storey building, and you’ll arrive at a verdant sanctuary that will make you forget you’re in the Big Smoke. Pantechnicon’s south-facing roof garden blurs the inside-outside boundary; hanging baskets overflow with plants, which also sprout from every corner, softly illuminated by countless candles. Take advantage of the retractable glass roof and outdoor heating and cosy up with your companion under the fluffy blankets, which the bar provides. Kickstart your date by sipping on inventive cocktails such as a wasabi margarita or the seaweed martini. Dishes marry Nordic and Japanese influences, with light bites including Jersey Rock oysters, ponzu, wasabi, and roe. For something more substantial, order the cedar-roasted trout and smoked butter sauce or the mentaiko spaghetti, served with Cornish crab and shiitake mushrooms.

Prepare to be wowed at this gold-standard restaurant. A tasting menu exuding creativity and flair, coupled with stellar service, makes Mere the ultimate special-occasion spot. French and South Pacific-accented dishes are steered by Monica Galetti. After years at MICHELIN-starred Le Gavroche, she opened Mere with her husband David in 2017. Monica’s passion and precision is evident in enticing bites such as venison kofta, blackberry miso, and buttermilk; and monkfish with mussels, sea herbs, and black curry oil. To finish, there are showstopping desserts including the Hokey Pokey (a take on a New Zealand treat) with hints of chocolate crémeux, salted toffee, honeycomb ice cream, and koko Samoa. Mere’s awe-inspiring culinary odyssey makes a worthy prelude to a proposal, so go ahead and pop the big question.

Dial up the drama at Mayfair’s sexiest new playground. Since it opened in August 2022, Miro’s vibrant atmosphere and resident DJs have delivered a party ideal for a dynamic group date. The dark and edgy interior, packed with hand-painted murals, neon lighting, and a steady stream of walk-in diners late into the night, exudes peak vibes. Throw in executive chef Toby Burrowes’ sultry dishes into the mix, and you and your crew have a winning night out. Go for his riff on fish and chips, made with crispy layered potato, Oscietra caviar, chutoro, and pickled wasabi, or try the truffled beef tartare served with mini brioche buns. If you’re feeling especially flush, splurge on a caviar bump (five grams of Oscietra spooned onto the back of your hand) and enjoy it with the extravagant vintage French 75 cocktail, made with a rare 1950s gin and vintage Champagne, priced at a whopping £5,000.