Romantic restaurants in London
Discover the best restaurants and cafés for a romantic meal in the capital
Whether you're looking for that first date venue, a chilled bar perfect for couples or somewhere to celebrate an anniversary, we've got it covered. Unfortunately, a cheap date is seldom a romantic date so do be prepared to splash some cash. Check out our guide to the best romantic restaurants in London. Do you agree with the choices? Use the comments box below or tweet your suggestions.
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- £50-£100 for two
- £100-£150 for two
- £150+ for two
Adam's Café
- Rated as: 4/5
- Price band: 1/4
With a name like Adam's Café and a daytime menu including a full English along with other greasy spoon favourites, you might not expect the nightly transformation into a cosy North African bistro. Head here after 7pm, though, and mottled lampshades scatter pretty patterns of light across a candlelit room decorated in muted blues and greens, with ornate ceramic tiling. In-the-know locals often fill the place.
- 77 Askew Road, W12 9AH
Boundary
- Rated as: 4/5
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
- Offer
Boundary is one of three eateries in a Conran complex on ultra-fashionable Redchurch Street: the more casual Albion café and the summer Rooftop bar make up the trio and there's also a hotel, as evidenced by the glossy international crowd in this snazzy basement restaurant.
- 2-4 Boundary Street, entrance at 9 Redchurch Street, E2 7DD
Kettner's
- Rated as: 3/5
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
- Offer
Smack bang in the centre of Soho, Kettner's has been a stalwart of West End dining since 1867; more recently it served as a branch of Pizza Express. After a 2009 refurb and subsequent renaissance, the venue has arrived at a classic French-inspired menu worthy of its grand townhouse surroundings.
- 29 Romilly Street, W1D 5HP
- 2/3 courses & a cocktail: £20/£25
Le Cercle
- Rated as: 5/5
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Through the automatic doors into the foyer, past the concierge, and down the staircase – each step towards your table at Le Cercle draws you nearer to the gentle burble emanating from the elegant, high-ceilinged dining space. The design is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, clean, modern lines juxtaposed with natural textures of stone and wood. Diners are bathed in softly diffused light and soothing film music.
- 1 Wilbraham Place, SW1X 9AE
Momo
- Rated as: 5/5
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
With an outside terrace on Heddon Street and an interior of intricately carved wood, filigree metalwork, sumptuous fabrics and subtle lights playing on crystal glasses, the atmosphere at Momo is intoxicating and seductive. The cosmopolitan clientele ranges from babies in buggies through dressed-up couples to smooth businessmen sporting expensive watches.
- 25 Heddon Street, W1B 4BH
Pearl Liang
- Rated as: 4/5
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
If you find yourself stuck at Paddington station with a hunger for the Orient, head west to this modern hideaway shielded by tall glass buildings. A giant abacus and small goldfish pond greet you at reception, then you enter a stylish room decked out in glossy pink, with wooden lattice screens and modish low chairs clad in mauve.
- 8 Sheldon Square, W2 6EZ
Princess Garden
- Rated as: 5/5
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Stepping through Princess Garden's large glass doors, you are transported at once from Mayfair to Hong Kong. The restaurant is stylishly decorated in muted tones, with Chinese art and elegant antiques adding visual interest. An international clientele enhances the cosmopolitan feel.
- 8-10 North Audley Street, W1K 6ZD
Trinity
- Rated as: 4/5
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Chef-proprietor Adam Byatt opened Trinity in 2006 to a string of hugely positive reviews; now the restaurant is even better. On our last two visits, we were wowed by the cheery atmosphere, charming service and stunning food.
- 4 The Polygon, SW4 0JG
Yauatcha
- Rated as: 5/5
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Alan Yau's stylish café still has an impressive buzz and energy eight years after opening. In the bright ground-floor dining room – and its sexy cavernous counterpart below – traditional Chinese design and materials are juxtaposed with bursts of modernist colour. And, as with the decor, so with the food.
- 15 Broadwick Street, W1F 0DL
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- £50-£100 for two
- £100-£150 for two
- £150+ for two
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