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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.