5 Most Romantic Restaurants in London

Updated from original posted 13 Feb 2019. 

Wondering where to take your beloved for Valentine’s Day? We have scoured our list of restaurants in London and found the most romantic restaurants in London.

These have been chosen for their ambience, setting, great food and atmosphere. Do book early to make sure you get a good table and if you are planning a special occassion like an engagement or anniversary, do let them know before hand. Most restaurants are very good at organising special suprises for you.

1. Clos Maggiore Covent Garden

This cosy French restaurant in Covent Garden has often been cited as the most romantic restaurant in London. Styled like an upmarket country hotel in Provence, it certainly transports you. The famed back dining room has a skylight that is decorated with fairy lights, white flowers and a real fireplace. They try very  hard to make the dining room cosy and romantic.

Clos Maggiore serves fine-dining French food which has been highly recommended by foodies. You would think that being in Covent Garden, the touristy part of town, that it would be pricey and sub standard but the reality is to the contrary.

2. Galvin At Windows Hilton Park Lane, Mayfair

Galvin at Windows is a gorgeous and often overlooked restaurant being in a hotel. If you can overlook that fact, you will be amazed at this place. I always tip this as my favourite place to eat in London if you want to impress someone. Not only do they serve fabulous food, the location can’t be beaten.

Galvin At Windows is on the 28th floor of the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane with a dining room that has panoramic views of London. The best tables are the ones overlooking Hyde Park but make sure you book early to get one of those. Our favourite table is the one that has the best view by the window that seats six.

They serve modern European cuisine that is extremely well done. The service is superb too (Fred Siriex was the general manager here for many years). There is a bar next door that has similarly fab views, great for a pre dinner cocktail.

3. Hakkasan on Bruton Street, Mayfair

There are several Hakkasan restaurants in London. I am referring to the newer one in Mayfair, on Bruton Street near Berkeley Square and not the original one where you have to walk around bins on back streets to get to.

This one is more intimate but has the same dark interior, highly stylised bar and a bit of chinoiserie and the clientele is usually made up of the ladies who shop on Bond Street or the hedgies who inhabit the area.

I quite like the decor and widely set tables but object very strongly to the Indian incense that they insist on burning at the entrance.

As with all Hakkasans, they serve beautifully presented, elevated Chinese food, delivered by fabulous front of house albeit by slightly over zealous waiters. It is romantically dark in there so you can canoodle in your banquette seats without annoying your neighbours. It is a little bit pricier than an average Chinese restaurant but you do dine in style. Make sure you get there earlier to have one of their award winning cocktails at the bar.

4. Locanda Locatelli at the Churchill Hyatt in Portman Square W1

This is probably not that romantic being in a hotel but some of the tables are. Let them know that you don’t want a table in the middle of the room. What is more romantic than deliciously sensual food and this restaurant does that really well. Giorgio Locatelli is probably one of the best Italian chefs in London now and his restaurant does offer amazing Italian food made with the best produce available. All served with charming Italian waiters too. Your date will really enjoy this dining experience.

5. Momo Heddon Street, Off Regent Street, London

Momo is one of old favourites in London being one of the best Moroccan restaurants in London. The Moroccan themed decor of low tables  and dim lights creates an exotic and sensual space. Top dishes are the slow cooked tagines and the starters which are perfect for 2 people sharing. After the meal, you can adjourn to the basement bar for some of their special cocktails and