Romantic Restaurants in London for Valentine’s Day

Marceline

If a trip to Paris isn’t on the cards, the next best thing should be a visit to the superb Marceline in Canary Wharf. This floating restaurant (yes, you read that right!) is a stylish all-day bistro in the heart of Canary Wharf which offers a slice of Parisian life without any of the hassle of getting on the Eurostar.

Inspired by the all-day bistros of Paris, you can expect a menu of French classics including Warm Cheese Souffle with gruyere cream, Rotisserie Chicken with rosemary and chicken jus, as well as a classic Steak Frites with béarnaise sauce. For dessert, Jaffa Macarons with orange blossom cream is a bite of heaven.

It’s intimate, stylish and oh-so chic. Who needs Paris?

Luca

Modern Italian dining has never looked so good than at the perennially popular Luca in Clerkenwell. Since opening in 2016, the restaurant has been a must-visit for fans of refined Italian cooking in an exquisite setting.

Before you’re seated, peek inside ‘The Pasta Room’ where you will discover the artisans hard at work, making their delicious, fresh pasta for the day.

The perfect start to the meal is an order of their famous Parmesan fries paired with a sparkling aperitif. We highly recommend an order of the fresh pasta, particularly the Tagliatelle with new season mushrooms and the Rigatoni with pork sausage ragu. Ask for an extra plate so you can share with your dining partner – how romantic is that? And for dessert, their homemade Tiramisu is a must.

Nessa

We’re huge fans of Nessa here at Plate & Place, and this all-day restaurant has the air of a private members’ club – relaxing, cosy and always inviting. It won’t surprise you to know there is an actual private members’ club just above the restaurant, and that same casual homey vibe has trickled into this fabulous restaurant.

Nessa gets our vote because it’s romantic without it being overtly so. It’s one of the venues which we think is an excellent choice for a first date. And with attentive yet relaxed service, you always feel in good hands.

To begin, a cocktail is a must, and they have a thoughtful curated menu of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. You’ll also discover a special Valentine’s set menu for £60 per person which is excellent value for the 3-course meal which includes Miso and cider mussels, Lamb rump, and Apple Tarte tatin with honeycomb for dessert.

Arlington

This newcomer had a pedigree like no other, taking over the old Le Caprice site, Arlington is the newer, sleeker version with all the style and panache of the original.

This is a restaurant to splash the cash so to speak, and the order of the day is quiet, unspoken luxury. Comforting classics await such as Bang Bang Chicken and Wild Mushroom soup with a herby Tarragon scone. For larger plates, the perfectly griddled Tiger Prawns with spiced kimchi mayo will have your date reaching over to grab one of the pink, plump morsels! And a hearty Shepherd’s Pie won’t go amiss on a cool February evening. Also, don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a ‘humble’ abode my any stretch of the imagination – this is a glamorous option for your Valentine’s celebration.

Much like Le Caprice, expect a warm, familiar welcome even if it’s your first time – you will be embraced like a regular. It’s bound to impress any date!

Hutong

Romance will take flight high in the sky on the 33rd floor no less, in the wow-factor location of The Shard. Hutong is a no-holds barred extravaganza where Northern Chinese cuisine is the speciality, with bold flavours and discreet, courteous hospitality.

We love a restaurant with a view and London’s skyline lights up after dark like no other. You feel as though you’re on top of the world, and that’s before you’ve even had your first sip of Champagne!

Hutong has a special Valentine’s Day menu which is sure to ignite the senses. You’ll start with Shrimp dumplings and Rose Champagne, before moving on to Sweet and sour ribs, Peking duck, Chilean sea bass, to name a few highlights. We recommend the Window Experience for £200pp to ensure you have the best seat in the house.

Oren

Oren has become one of our favourite neighbourhood restaurants in Dalston, discretely located on Shacklewell Lane. This is the kind of place for people who ‘don’t’ do Valentine’s Day, but still want an intimate dining experience without it being too obvious.

Here you’ll explore the delights of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with a thoughtful menu of sharing dishes, complemented by a curated wine list, all from small growers. This restaurant is run by a team of people who really care.

We recommend the small plates served with their heavenly flatbread – we guarantee you’ll ask for more! You will also be tempted by Oxtail rice with labneh kishk, butterflied Red mullet, and Lamb Sweetbreads with za’atar. Of course, dessert is always required, and the Roasted Plums and vodka sorbet is a must.

Bob Bob Ricard

Who can resist the famous ‘Press for Champagne’ button situated at every booth? We certainly couldn’t! If decadence is the order of the day, we couldn’t find a better venue than the sublime Bob Bob Ricard. Serving a delectable menu of French and British classics, you and your date will feel utterly spoiled from the moment you arrive.

Cuddle up in the romantic and private booths with instant access to some stunning and rather pricey Champagnes, but as Bob Bob Ricard is all about the decadence, why not?

First off, we recommend a Degustation with three Caviars with an accompanying glass of pink Champagne, which is bound to set the romantic tone for the evening. If you fancy a sharing dish, we wholeheartedly recommend superb Beef Wellington for two, served with truffle jus. It takes 45 minutes but that allows for more canoodling in the corner!

For dessert, a lighter than air Strawberry and Cream soufflé, or two boozy chocolate truffles to finish of the meal with sweet treat.