The best romantic restaurants in London | Book & Earn Points

Set within the neoclassical grandeur of Somerset House, Poon’s is a romantic restaurant in Covent Garden that many visitors overlook. Located in the West Wing, the restaurant adds timeless elegance to any evening out. This latest chapter in a celebrated culinary dynasty is led by Amy Poon, daughter of legendary restaurateur Bill Poon, who revives her family’s heritage with contemporary finesse. The menu encourages sharing, with comforting yet refined dishes such as wind-dried bacon and sausage claypot rice, alongside delicate wontons dressed in red chilli oil. For couples seeking something interactive, the steamboat experience places a bubbling broth at the centre of the table, perfect for dipping premium ingredients. With its soulful atmosphere and sense of history, Poon’s is ideal for romantic meals in London that feel both intimate and special.

BRUTTO channels the boisterous charm of a Florentine trattoria, earning its place among the best romantic restaurants in London for lovers of rustic Italian cooking. Founded by the late British restaurateur Russell Norman, the restaurant reflects the “brutto ma buono” philosophy—ugly but good—found in Tuscany’s most beloved all-day dining spots. Low lighting, gingham tablecloths, and an energetic crowd set the tone, while the kitchen delivers bold, unfussy dishes such as charcoal-grilled T-bone steak and coccoli with prosciutto and stracchino. The legendary £5 Negroni is an ideal way to start the night. BRUTTO’s high-energy, welcoming atmosphere makes it a top choice for a fun date night in London filled with laughter, great wine, and generous plates.

Few romantic locations in London rival the Victorian Gothic splendour of Hawksmoor St Pancras. Just moments from the Eurostar terminal, the restaurant occupies the former ticket hall of the Midland Grand Hotel, where soaring ceilings and cast-iron columns create instant drama. Co-founders Will Beckett and Huw Gott are known for sourcing exceptional British grass-fed beef and sustainable seafood. Couples can share impressive cuts like porterhouse or chateaubriand, alongside starters such as roasted scallops with white port and garlic. With its balance of architectural grandeur and relaxed, knowledgeable service, Hawksmoor is a perennial favourite for a romantic dinner in London.

For a fun date night in London that favours exuberance over restraint, Gloria in Shoreditch delivers spectacle in spades. Part of the Big Mamma Group, this two-storey trattoria is a riot of floral upholstery, vintage lamps, and maximalist charm inspired by 1970s Capri. Authentic Italian ingredients sourced from artisan producers shine in theatrical dishes, from carbonara tossed tableside in a giant pecorino wheel to the gravity-defying lemon meringue pie. Loud, joyful, and intentionally over the top, Gloria stands out among romantic places in London for couples who want their romantic London date ideas served with pure, unapologetic fun.

Hidden away in Fitzrovia, Hot Stone offers an intimate dining experience that places it among the fine dining restaurants in London built around interaction and precision. Executive Chef Padam Raj Rai brings decades of sushi expertise to a menu that highlights premium ingredients and meticulous technique. The signature Ishiyaki experience allows diners to sear A5 Japanese Wagyu and black tiger prawns on volcanic stones heated to 400°C, right at the table. Sushi and sashimi are equally refined, often finished with freshly grated wasabi. The quiet, immersive atmosphere makes Hot Stone one of the best date night restaurants in London for couples who appreciate understated luxury.

In Belgravia, Corenucopia by Clare Smyth is widely regarded as one of the most romantic restaurants in London. Chef Clare Smyth—the first and only British female chef to hold three MICHELIN stars—focuses on elevating British ingredients through flawless technique. Signature dishes such as potato and roe and the elegant Core-teser dessert showcase her philosophy. The softly designed space uses natural materials and gentle lighting to create a calm, luxurious setting ideal for meaningful conversation. With impeccable service and a commitment to sustainability, Corenucopia ranks among the top romantic dinner places in London for an unforgettable fine dining experience.

On Kingly Street, Bar Crispin offers a stylish retreat for a casual date night in London. Designed as an all-day natural wine bar, the space features a zinc bar and intimate layout that feels like a hidden gem amid Soho’s buzz. A thoughtfully curated list of low-intervention wines is paired with seasonal small plates, from native oysters and British cheeses to vegetable-forward dishes like purple sprouting broccoli with almonds. For wine lovers, Bar Crispin is one of the most inviting romantic bars London has to offer, blending discovery with relaxed sophistication.

Bonheur by Matt Abé brings refined contemporary French cooking to Mayfair, earning its reputation as one of the most romantic restaurants in London. The hushed, elegant setting is designed for focused dining, where every detail is intentional. Chef Matt Abé applies the discipline honed in three-Michelin-starred kitchens to a seasonal menu that may include pressed game terrine, lobster ravioli, or beautifully executed poultry dishes. For couples seeking romantic places for dinner in London defined by precision and luxury, Bonheur offers a truly elevated experience.

Set in a handsome Georgian building in Islington, The Drapers Arms is a standout among affordable romantic restaurants in London. High ceilings, checkerboard floors, and a secluded garden create a welcoming atmosphere, especially during warmer months. The kitchen serves robust, seasonal British cooking, with sharing dishes like whole roast chicken or rib of beef for two, alongside excellent pies and suet puddings. Combining neighbourhood charm with serious food and wine, The Drapers Arms is a favourite for a relaxed romantic dinner in London.

Labombe by Trivet is a sleek, wine-focused hideaway created by Chef Jonny Lake and master sommelier Isa Bal. Designed as a more informal counterpart to their main restaurant, it’s ideal for date night ideas in London centred on wine discovery. Guests can explore Isa Bal’s exceptional cellar while enjoying refined small plates such as house-made charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and the signature Hokkaido potato with caviar. The seamless balance between food and wine makes Labombe one of the most sophisticated romantic locations in London.

In the heart of Borough Market, Camille offers one of the most satisfying romantic things to do in London for food lovers. Inspired by rustic French bistros, the restaurant feels warm and lived-in, providing a comforting contrast to the market’s industrial setting. Founded by Clare Lattin and Tom Hill, the menu follows a nose-to-tail ethos, with daily-changing blackboard specials that may include terrines, cassoulet, or simply cooked whole fish. Lively and unpretentious, Camille stands out among romantic restaurants in Central London for its soulful cooking and convivial energy.

Located in the historic vaults beneath the Royal Exchange, The Libertine is one of the most atmospheric romantic restaurants London has to offer. Exposed brick arches and low lighting create a moody, subterranean escape from the City above. The kitchen serves confident British classics, from steaks and market fish to lighter bar snacks, supported by an extensive cocktail list. With its blend of history, buzz, and dramatic setting, The Libertine is a memorable choice for romantic places in London where old-world character meets contemporary dining.

Tucked away in a charming Mayfair mews on Bruton Place, SiLVA is a vibrant all-day Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that effortlessly transitions from sunlit breakfasts and relaxed lunches to intimate dinners and late-night cocktails. The menu evolves with the seasons, highlighting fresh, high-quality ingredients in creative, modern dishes that balance classic Mediterranean flavours with contemporary flair. Inside, the space combines natural materials and warm, inviting design to create a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for casual meals, special occasions or drinks with friends. The restaurant also offers an elegant private-dining room and an inventive cocktail bar, making it a standout destination for everything from brunch to evening celebrations in the heart of London’s West End.

Bouchon Racine brings the transportive, soul-warming spirit of a Lyonnaise bistro to a charming second-floor dining room in Farringdon. Perched above the Three Compasses pub near Smithfield Market, the space is intimate and nostalgic, defined by chalkboard menus and the soft clinking of glasses. The kitchen is led by Chef Henry Harris, whose mastery of French technique has earned the venue widespread critical acclaim and a spot as one of the city’s most coveted reservations. While the menu changes daily based on the market, couples can expect technical masterpieces like steak au poivre or the legendary crème caramel. Bouchon Racine excels at unpretentious French excellence, where the knowledgeable service and timeless atmosphere make it a premier destination for a high-impact romantic dinner in London.