Our Favourite Romantic Restaurants in London

Date night? Don’t miss our pick of London’s most romantic restaurants. From Middle Eastern mezzes to South African sharing plates and Portuguese classics, these are the menus to fall in love with

Food is one of life's greatest pleasures, but it's also something that we don't celebrate enough. Sure, not every meal is an art form (we're absolutely guilty of a grab-and-go breakfast - if you saw us scoffing a croissant on the tube - no, you didn't), but the occasions where we can settle down to savour the flavours of a dish and drink in our surroundings can only be described as utter bliss. We'd argue that food is a language in itself; one that allows us to communicate and connect with different cultures and discover centuries-old traditions. Today, you don't need to hop on a flight to taste different parts of the world.

With that in mind, we've been on a taste-testing extravaganza through London's dining scene to bring you the restaurants that make for a great date-night spot. Whether you're planning a first meet or a milestone anniversary, these are the addresses to check out.

Romantic rendezvous: nine of London's most charming restaurants

Kudu, Peckham

restaurant

Kudu

Peckham

If someone told us they weren't familiar with Kudu, we would find it difficult not to judge - and we're not one bit sorry about it, either. More akin to a community than a restaurant, this family-run eatery consists of a grill, cocktail bar and private gallery. It's the original outpost on the Queen's Road that remains our favourite date-night choice. The dimly lit set-up is decked out with velvet banquettes, wishbone chairs and blush-pink walls with framed flowers hanging on them. The food? South African-inspired small plates that make a one-way trip to Cape Town sound like a great idea - shoutout to chef Patrick Williams for that one - spanning scallop and prawn ravioli to cured salmon and scorched steak tartare. Meet you there at 8pm.

Address

119 Queen's Rd, SE15 2EZ

Andrew Edmunds, Soho

restaurant

Andrew Edmunds

Soho

Ask any Londoner where Soho's most romantic address is and they will march you straight to the dark and dramatic exterior of Andrew Edumnds. Slotted between a slew of foodie startups, hip chains and artisan cafés on the legendary Lexington Street, this 18th-century townhouse first opened its kitchen back in 1985. Cut to 2022 and the place remains unapologetically old-school, with chalkboard menus, old wine bottles for candle holders and wooden tables topped with white linens. London lost a legendary restaurateur when founder Andrew Edmunds passed away recently, but his legacy lives on through an exceptional menu. Make it your choice for lamb rump, smoked mackerel and cauliflower soup.

Address

46 Lexington St, W1F 0LP

Perilla, Newington Green

restaurant

Perilla

Newington Green

Similar to what stepping into your cool friend's apartment looks like, it's difficult not to gawk at the design details of this north London neighbourhood restaurant. With high, exposed-beam ceilings, tables carved from recycled barn doors, walls adorned with abstract prints and floor-to-ceiling windows flanked by warm pendant lights, you can expect to find Perilla brimming with Newington Green's cool kids almost every night of the week (bar Mondays, when it's closed). Dreamed up by chefs Ben Marks and Matt Emmerson, a delightful menu draws on European classics with a contemporary twist. Standouts include mushroom and barley croquettes, roasted duck with potato hash, and chocolate-hazelnut tart.

Address

1-3 Green Lns, Newington Green, N16 9BS

Sorella, Clapham

restaurant

Sorella

Clapham

If there was ever a restaurant that had the ability to turn every first date into a success story, we're fairly certain it would be this one. Helmed by talented chef Robin Gill (foodies will recognise him as the face behind Bermondsey Larder and Darby's), Sorella serves up a slice of the Amalfi Coast in the heart of south London - think beef tartare with crispy potato, creamy burrata, parmesan gnocchi and grilled trout with spicy cauliflower - all made more delicious by a cosy, candlelit set-up. There's also an all-Italian wine menu on standby to keep the conversation flowing (should you need it) - the bertarose chiaretto rosé has our approval.

Address

148 Clapham Manor St, SW4 6BX

Bar Douro

restaurant

Bar Douro

London Bridge

If the thought of a five-course meal is enough to talk you out of your date, consider the relaxed Bar Douro as an alternative. Just a short walk from Borough Market, this Portuguese restaurant is the perfect spot for light bites accompanied by great drinks. Perch on one of the port barrel seats or snag one of the rustic tables - there's also a spacious outdoor terrace for when the sun decides to make an appearance. While we're borderline obsessed with the salt cod fritters and just about everything else on the menu, it's the classic pastel de nata dessert that has us hooked. The best bit? Wines are purchasable, so you can grab a bottle for the road.

Address

Arch 35B, 85B Southwark Bridge Rd, SE1 0NQ

Gold Notting Hill

restaurant

Gold Notting Hill

Notting Hill

Notting Hill is known for its pastel-hued houses, antique stalls and the occasional starring role in the odd blockbuster - images of Hugh Grant and a certain bear should spring to mind. Skip past the clichés (and swarms of selfie sticks) and you will discover a neighbourhood that has a thriving food scene embedded at its very core. Enter, Gold Notting Hill - better known as Portobello Road's coolest restaurant. Spread across four floors, this light-filled space is made more inviting with lush ferns, exposed-brick flooring, plaster walls, braided chairs and zinc tabletops. Our go-to is the chargrilled squid with lentils and chilli, along with a side of the balsamic-drenched burrata. Polish off your meal, then head upstairs to the 15-seater rooftop terrace for a glass of bubbles.

Address

95-97 Portobello Rd, W11 2QB

Trullo

restaurant

Trullo

Highbury

Having opened in 2010, Trullo has been a firm favourite among Londoners seeking regional Italian fare ever since. Located on the edge of Highbury Corner, this place is exactly what you'd expect from a classic trattoria - all chipped wooden floorboards, an open kitchen and a short but incredibly sweet menu. If, like us, you're the type who prefers to pre-plan their order, it's worth checking online in advance, as these guys are known to regularly switch things up. Rest assured: all the classics, including fresh-from-the-oven focaccia, slurp-worthy tagliarini and a zesty Amalfi lemon tart, religiously feature.

Address

300-302, St Paul's Rd, N1 2LH

Delamina, Maylebone

restaurant

Delamina

Marylebone

Name something more romantic than a restaurant brought to life by a husband-and-wife duo? Yep, we thought so. Founded by Limor and Amir Chen, Delamina started out with a small residency in Shoreditch House, where its Middle Eatsern menu grew so popular that it soon evolved into two independent outposts. We're visiting the Marylebone address to get our fix of flavours. Step past the sage-green facade and inside you'll find decor that feels more like someone's home kitchen than a restaurant: think framed family portraits, wicker chairs, whitewashed walls and antique mirrors. The menu draws on the recipes of co-founder Limor's childhood in Tel Aviv, so expect plenty of fresh herbs and spices.

Address

56-58 Marylebone Ln, W1U 2NX

Sager + Wilde

restaurant

Sager + Wilde

Bethnal Green

Double date on the cards? Sager + Wilde is your answer. Once a grotty pub, this urban-chic restaurant offers two completely different vibes: a relaxed outdoor terrace and a candlelit indoor seating area. Choose what suits your crew and then get to work on the cheese boards, sharing plates and upmarket toasties. It's worth noting that there's a stellar wine list, too, packed with lesser-known producers from around the world, so there'll be no need for any pre-drinking.

Address

250 Paradise Row, E2 9LE

The colourful, busy bar counter at Jikoni, Mayfair

Discover More
Sunny Side Up: 13 Brilliant London Breakfast Spots