London is one of the most exciting cities in the world for dining, and when it comes to romance, it truly delivers. From candlelit bistros and glamorous rooftop restaurants to playful Italian trattorias and refined fine-dining destinations, the capital offers endless options for unforgettable date nights.

Whether you’re planning a first date, celebrating an anniversary, or simply looking for somewhere special to enjoy quality time together, this curated guide highlights the very best romantic restaurants in London, all verified as still operating and beloved for their atmosphere, food, and overall experience.

Top 5 Best Date Night Restaurants in London - Editor’s Choice

No.	Restaurant	Location	Best For
1	EDITOR'S CHOICE 34 Mayfair	Mayfair	Ultimate romantic atmosphere, live jazz & special occasions
2	Frenchie	Covent Garden	Intimate Parisian-style dining with refined seasonal menus
3	SUSHISAMBA	City of London	Sky-high views, dramatic interiors & sharing plates
4	14 Hills	Fenchurch Street	Botanical setting with rooftop terrace and city views
5	Gloria Trattoria	Shoreditch	Fun, flirty Italian food in a vibrant setting

The Top 15 Best Restaurants for a Date in London

1. 34 Mayfair

From its iconic heart-shaped entrance to its art‑deco interiors, 34 Mayfair is effortlessly romantic. Soft lighting, leather banquettes, and a sleek marble bar set the mood, making it a popular choice for Valentine’s Day and special occasions.

The menu focuses on seasonal British produce with indulgent touches, think native beef fillet, grilled tiger prawns, lobster bordelaise, and indulgent doughnuts served with chocolate sauce and lemon curd. Live jazz on select evenings adds to the intimate atmosphere.

Address: 34 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HD
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2. Frenchie, Covent Garden

Frenchie blends Parisian charm with London cool. Opened by chef Gregory Marchand, the restaurant delivers elegant French cooking using seasonal British ingredients.

The candlelit dining room, banquette seating, and relaxed brasserie feel make it perfect for conversation. Menus range from three to seven courses, featuring dishes such as duck breast, foie gras, monkfish, and beautifully crafted desserts.

Address: 16 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8QH
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3. SUSHISAMBA London

Perched high above the city, SUSHISAMBA is one of London’s most impressive date-night destinations. Floor‑to‑ceiling windows provide breathtaking sunset views, while the striking interior creates instant wow factor.

The menu combines Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian influences — ideal for sharing plates such as wagyu gyoza, sea bass tempura, ceviche, and robata‑grilled meats. Pair your meal with inventive cocktails for a truly memorable evening.

Address: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
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4. 14 Hills

Decorated with over a thousand plants and trees, 14 Hills feels like a secret garden in the sky. The lush interiors, gold accents, and panoramic city views create an effortlessly romantic setting.

The modern British menu features seasonal produce, with highlights including scallops, turbot, lobster and prawn macaroni, and indulgent desserts like chocolate tarts and rice vanilla pudding. The rooftop terrace is ideal for drinks on warmer evenings.

Address: 120 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 5BA
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5. Gloria Trattoria

For a fun and flirty date, Gloria Trattoria delivers bold Italian flavours in a playful, colourful setting. Part of the Big Mamma Group, this lively restaurant is known for generous portions, dramatic décor, and infectious energy.

Highlights include ten‑layer lasagna, nduja‑topped pizzas, and show‑stopping desserts like tiramisu and apple crumble. It’s perfect for couples who want romance without formality.

Address: 54–56 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3QR
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Fancy & Fine‑Dining Restaurants for a Date

6. Inamo, Covent Garden

Inamo offers one of London’s most unique dining experiences, with interactive tables allowing you to order food, play games, and even doodle together — ideal for breaking the ice on a first date.

The Pan‑Asian menu includes sushi, Korean BBQ ribs, black pepper beef fillet, and creative tapas-style plates, making the experience as fun as it is delicious.

Address: 11–14 Hanover Place, London WC2E 9JP
Book your table at Inamo online.

7. Ave Mario

Bold, theatrical, and full of personality, Ave Mario is a visual feast. Spread across three floors, it’s perfect for couples looking for a lively, high‑energy night out.

Expect pillowy pizzas, handmade pasta, truffle burrata, and extravagant desserts — including their famous towering ice cream cakes.

Address: 15 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8QG
Book your table online at Ave Mario

8. Aqua Kyoto

Aqua Kyoto delivers refined Japanese cuisine in a glamorous setting above Regent Street. Red and gold interiors, attentive service, and an extensive sushi menu make it a standout choice.

The restaurant also offers a vegan Japanese brunch and a beautiful terrace for drinks with views over the city.

Address: 5th Floor, 240 Regent Street, London W1B 3BR
Book your table at Aqua Kyoto

9. Sketch, Mayfair

Sketch is one of London’s most iconic dining destinations. Known for its artistic interiors and playful design, it houses several restaurants under one roof — from the pink Gallery to the Michelin‑starred Lecture Room.

Ideal for special occasions, Sketch combines fine dining with creativity, making it a memorable choice for couples.

Address: 9 Conduit Street, London W1S 2XG
Book your table at Sketch Mayfair

10. Berners Tavern

Set within The London EDITION hotel, Berners Tavern is grand yet welcoming. High ceilings, portrait‑lined walls, and contemporary British cuisine create an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.

Just like its interior, the menu here is also super sophisticated, featuring modern British dishes. You will not regret it if you order their Herdwich lamb rump or a pork dish. Their signature mac and cheese that is super delicious is also something that you should not miss.

To finish your meal, order their pistachio pie. The sweet yet nutty flavors will ensure that your night ends on a good note.

Address: 10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NP
Book your table at Berners Tavern

LGBTQ‑Friendly Romantic Restaurants

11. Andrew Edmunds

A timeless Soho favourite, Andrew Edmunds is intimate, candlelit, and full of old‑school charm, perfect for anniversaries and quiet romantic evenings. Its old school charm and cozy atmosphere is perfect for celebrating glorious milestones such as anniversaries.

The restaurant is inside a mysterious-looking black townhouse located on Lexington street. It has a narrow dining room but with its white linen tablecloths, wooden cladding, and flickering candles, its classic romance appeal is undeniable.

Andrew Edmunds has also been serving tasty seasonal dishes for over 3 decades now. Some of their must try main dishes are their pork chop and hand rolled gnocchi. For dessert, don’t miss out on ordering from their pudding menu.

Address: 46 Lexington Street, London W1F 0LP
Book your table at Andrew Edmunds

12. Galvin La Chapelle

Housed in a beautifully restored former chapel, Galvin La Chapelle is a truly special setting. Expect refined French cuisine and exceptional service.

Galvin La Chappelle is one of the best French Restaurants in London for anniversaries mainly because of its meaningful location. The building that the restaurant occupies is a former chapel that has a high ceiling and big, arched windows. The white walls with touches of metal and glass also add a modern take on the interior.

The food here won’t disappoint you. Their pigeon with confit lemon and hand-dived scallops are must-tries. They also have other gastronomic seasonal dishes that you should not miss out on.

The dress code here is smart casual so you don’t ever feel like you’re overdressed. You can also bring up to 2 bottles of your own choice of wine which is a great option.

Address: 35 Spital Square, London E1 6DY
Book your table at Gavin La Chapelle

13. Quo Vadis, Soho

Quo Vadis combines classic British cooking with a vibrant Soho atmosphere, making it ideal for relaxed but romantic dates.

It has cozy corners, candles, and a cosmopolitan crowd and most importantly, their cocktails are amazing.

Aside from their great cocktails, you’ll also enjoy the food here. Their oysters are unlike any other oyster that you have ever tasted. You should also try their cured trout and cuttlefish. To end your meal on a good note, you should order their sticky pudding with cream and custard.

Address: 26–29 Dean Street, London W1D 3LL
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14. Kitty Fisher’s

Small, atmospheric, and candlelit, Kitty Fisher’s is perfect for couples who love intimate dining and exceptional meat dishes. The place is super romantic with its velvet curtains and wooden tables. Plus, their lighting is warm and cozy, making it more picturesque.

You can start your meal by ordering their rich ham croquettes which are good for sharing. For the main course, you could get their Iberico pork presa or Devon beef filet. Unfortunately, this is not a good spot for vegetarians but they do know how to cook meat to perfection.

Address: 10 Shepherd Market, London W1J 7QF
Book your table at Kitty Fisher’s

15. Hutong at The Shard

Offering dramatic views from The Shard, Hutong pairs breathtaking scenery with elevated Northern Chinese cuisine, ideal for milestone dates.

Hutong’s dim sum selection is one of the best. They have perfectly seasoned scallop wontons and crystal-prawn dumplings. You should also try their deep-fried lobster with crispy garlic, black beans, and chilis.

Every table at Hutong has a view but not all views are great. To get the best, it's highly recommended for you to reserve your anniversary date ahead of time. Doing so will show how much effort you put into the date which is something that your significant other will surely appreciate.

Address: 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most romantic restaurant in London?
34 Mayfair consistently ranks as one of the most romantic restaurants in the city thanks to its atmosphere, décor, and special events.

What’s the best restaurant for a first date in London?
Inamo Covent Garden, Berners Tavern, and Gloria Trattoria are all excellent choices depending on whether you prefer fun, elegance, or relaxed romance.

What are London’s best bars for date night?

Pair dinner at one of these restaurants with cocktails at one of London’s best cocktail bars for date night for an extra special night out.

What are the best restaurants to celebrate a big anniversary or special occasion?

To make your anniversary extra special, try dining at one of London’s best Michelin Star restaurants. For foodie couples there’s nothing more memorable than celebrating your special day with a Michelin star.

Summary

London’s dining scene offers something for every couple, whether you’re seeking understated elegance, playful charm, or full‑blown luxury. From sky‑high sushi restaurants to candlelit Soho classics, these restaurants are guaranteed to create unforgettable moments.

No matter which one you choose, a romantic meal in London is always a good idea.