The Most Romantic and Chic Restaurants in London

What are the romantic fine dining eateries in London that are best for a first date, or an anniversary meal, or a special night out with your beloved? Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has a curated list of the most romantic and chic restaurants in London right now.

If you’re lucky enough to be falling in love in London, a sure-fire way to enhance those stomach butterflies is, well, through the stomach. Dining out at a restaurant is obviously standard date night activity but at the capital’s finest romantic spots, the striking room, gracious service, and indulgent cuisine all serve as the ultimate aphrodisiac.

We’ve identified the top 10 luxury romantic restaurants in London for your next big date. It’s a well rounded list of classical rooms with refined French cuisine to sublime Asian food in more trendy settings. Whether you’re finally ready to say the L word or celebrating a milestone anniversary, these hot spots will make you and your date feel like you’re the stars of your own epic romance. The kind where the couple ends up together, happily-ever-after, of course.

the most romantic and chic restaurants in London

1. Galvin La Chapelle

Galvin La Chapelle, Spitalfields. Regarded as one of London’s most romantic restaurants, this former chapel with its vaulted stone ceilings and dramatic arched windows is the setting for the Galvin brothers’ menu of sophisticated French cuisine.

The elevated, modern flourishes and polished service earned this Spitalfields gem a Michelin star in 2011, which the restaurant has retained ever since. Wear your most elegant outfit and celebrate your special occasion here for a night to remember.

2. Clos Maggiore

Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden. Whether you prefer a cozy and intimate nook inside the restaurant or a table out in their shimmering courtyard conservatory with a crackling fireplace, Clos Maggiore knows how to cast a spell.

Expect beautiful plates of Provençal cooking inspired by stylish country inns of Provence and Tuscany. And the serious wine list from their globally renowned wine cellar boasts over 2,500 selections for night of intoxicating magic.

3. Momo

Momo, Mayfair. One of Mayfair’s most iconic restaurants for 22 years, Momo is still an exotic and glamorous spot for those seeking sanctuary from the mundane.

The WOW factor is brought to you by the low-lit, ornate Marrakech-style interiors and a newly redesigned menu from Hervé Deville, former head chef at Sketch. Sultry tagines and couscous with Moroccan spices and slow-grilled meats satisfy the stomach and warm the heart.

4. Benares

Benares, Mayfair. London has long been known for its Indian cuisine and the high-end Benares, in the heart of Berkeley Square, is one of the best.

Feast on sublime, succulent scallops served with lime, coriander and green chilli chutney and delicate saffron curries in the dining or distinctive, ‘street-food’ style sharing menu at the bar. There is a hushed ambience in the sophisticated dining room that is perfect for an intimate tête-à-tête.

5. Wilder

Wilder, Shoreditch. British food isn’t usually what comes to mind when one thinks of a romantic meal, but Chef Richard McLellan just might change your mind. The menu champions simple British ingredients sourced with a focus on sustainability.

Think pheasant served with kalibos cabbage, bacon, onion, and chestnuts and smoked pork jowl accompanied by carrots, nettles, and eldercapers. The room is a minimalist vaulted space under the Boundary hotel and makes your 100th date feel like a secret tryst.

6. Blanchette

Blanchette, Soho. Escape to a charming, rural French cottage off the streets of Soho. You and your date are encouraged to share a range of seasonal plates and a decadent menu of French charcuterie and cheese pairings.

Music is not an afterthought here and the buzzy soundtracks along with the strong cocktails, establish a convivial, yet elegant atmosphere.

7. Bob Bob Ricard

Bob Bob Ricard, Soho. If you’re after glamour and opulent luxury, this Russian-inspired salon offers up pure decadence.

Every table is equipped with a ‘Press for Champagne’ button and the Art Deco dining room transports you to another time and place. The food and cocktails are equally indulgent- from top-notch caviar and oysters to the famous steak tartare.

8. Spring

Spring, Lancaster Place. Housed in a restored, 19th century pastel drawing room that had previously been closed to the public for 150 years, Spring is a magical dining experience.

Skye Gyngell, the head chef, creates a daily-changing menu of seasonal British food like slow-cooked pork with sage, fennel and blood orange, or sirloin with Jerusalem artichokes and grilled leeks. The extensive wine list is supplemented by inventive cocktails, seasonal juices, and house-made liqueurs and minerals.

9. Hakkasan

Hakkasan Hanway Place, Fitzrovia. If you want your date to know that you want to be more than friends, whisk them to Hakkasan. Your intentions will be known as you descend the steps into a sexy and seductive black lacquered room designed by Christian Liagre, the celebrated French interior designer.

World class Cantonese cuisine and exotic drinks await. The most popular element of all? Hakkasan’s imaginative desserts, like the ‘Autumn Garden,’ which consists of Caramel sesame cream, green apple and shortbread are incredible.

10. Umu 

Umu, Mayfair. Sushi can be a wonderful aphrodisiac and Umu is known for some of the most masterfully crafted sushi in London. Head Chef Yoshinori Ishii spent nine years at the three Michelin-starred Kyoto Kitcho in Japan.

His exquisite dishes speak to that legacy, as does the attention to every detail from the floral arrangements to the custom ceramic tablewares. The dining room is sultry and sophisticated and the waitstaff is attentive and gracious.

the most romantic and chic restaurants in London

Here’s to a night to remember! Cheers!

join our community

For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.

Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

Forward This Article