Whether you’re looking for a very special first date venue, celebrating an anniversary or setting the stage for a proposal, find the perfect place for love to blossom with these romantic restaurants in London. You will not be disappointed with these venues. Most importantly, however, is that your date will fall in love with any of the dining options on our list.
Bellanger
At Bellanger, you will love the stunningly art nouveau look with all polished wood paneling, smoky mirrors and flattering golden lighting. The semi-private space brings in the natural light during the day but really brings in a romantic atmosphere at night with its soft lighting. The food is a Venn diagram of French, German and Alsatian. We will just call it simple, yet flawless. On a slightly raised level towards the back of the restaurant, Bellanger’s ‘Upper Room’ benefits from enjoying the ambiance of the main dining area. Bellanger also has a more intimate space, ‘The Alcove’, located towards the front of the restaurant, which can be booked as a private room, too.
Blanchette East
The first thing that grabs your attention is a reclining female nude painted by Aldo Gigli, gazing out from the wall behind the bar with a knowing smile. There are actually more frolicking nudes in the bathrooms too. Dishes are inspired by southern France, particularly Provençal and Basque cooking, but with exotic hints of North Africa as well. Good news for smitten lovers: sharing is encouraged, so bump forks as you tuck into petites bouchées.
Bob Bob Ricard
With its famous ‘Press for Champagne’ button and a Russian-inspired menu that starts with sub-zero shots of vodka, you’ll party like a world leader at Bob Bob Ricard. Electric-blue booths, marbled walls, Art Deco detailing, mirrored ceilings and a shiny gold bar are the hallmarks of a classic David Collins design that whisks you miles away from the everyday. Anglo-Russian dishes range from beef Wellington (for two) to classic pelmeni dumplings, on a menu that’s bursting with luxe ingredients. Caviar, truffles, lobster oysters… and of course champagne.
Cafe Monico
Have a beautiful evening for two at this belle époque-styled restaurant, where wood paneling, cozy lighting and bartenders in crisp white jackets set the romantic scene. Request seats on the upstairs gallery so you can overlook the bustling action below. The menu here continues the French theme, with crowd-pleasing brasserie fare on offer.
Clos Maggiore
Romantic settings don’t get more splendidly over-the-top than this. Take your pick from the wood-paneled restaurant or the atmospheric conservatory, bedecked in a forest of fake white blossoms that seem to extend into eternity as they bounce off the restaurant’s mirrors. Fairy lights, candles and a fireplace add to the soft-focus vibe.
Even if you don’t score a table in the conservatory, there are plenty of cozy nooks in the main room of the restaurant for an intimate dinner à deux. Meanwhile, the French menu is a culinary work of art: beautiful plates of food that blend contemporary flavors with just the right amount of indulgence.
J Sheekey Atlantic Bar
If oysters are one of the best aphrodisiacs, the Atlantic Bar is one of the best places in London to enjoy them. Order Whitstable rocks or West Mersea natives, with a crisp glass of champagne, or go for an entire platter of fruits de mer with lobster. Either way, you will enjoy sitting up at the marble-topped horseshoe bar, fizz in hand. You will also be surrounded by black-and-white prints of screen and stage stars that hang from the glossy wood-paneled walls. It’s enough to make you feel like you’re starring in your own romantic movie.
Aqua Shard in London Bridge
Will you look at that view? Way up on the 31st floor of The Shard, Aqua’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning 360-degree panoramas of the London skyline. Settle yourself in for sunset, then watch as the bright lights of the big city put on a dazzling show. It’s one of the most romantic backdrops for dinner, but don’t let the views outside distract you from what’s going on inside. This smart, sleek and darkly lit restaurant knows all about wow factor, from its knock-out cocktails to its gorgeous plates of contemporary British food that taste as good as they look.
Beautiful views, cozy nooks, and exceptional cuisine make these restaurants perfect for that magical occasion. Explore these romantic restaurants in London with your sweetheart. So, are you taking a trip to New York City? You might also try our list of romantic restaurants in that city.
