Top Date Night Restaurants in London
London is a foodie’s paradise and can also be the perfect dinner date destination, if you know where to go. From a cozy hole in the wall to stunning rooftop views, whatever your budget, London has a smorgasbord of romance to offer. Blogging and vlogging wives, Whitney and Megan from What Wegan Did Next, present a range of choices for the perfect date night that won’t disappoint your date or your palate.
1. Sketch, Mayfair
Sketch is one of London’s most Instagrammable and unusual restaurants, with each room offering a completely unique aesthetic. If creating a memorable experience for your date is a priority, then this is the place for you. Dine in their super pink gallery room or opt for a mystical, earthy forest ambiance. The quirky space pod toilets add to the experience, where you’ll even find a champagne bar below them. So, if your date’s taking an unusually long time in the bathroom, don’t think the worst!
2. Sushi Samba, London Heron Tower
Located on the 38th and 39th floors of London Heron Tower, Sushi Samba brings together a fusion of the best flavors from Peru, Brazil, and Japan. This is an impressive choice, allowing you to take in the sights of London while enjoying intimate conversations. Sit on the elegant terrace around a fire pit and don’t miss the 360-degree views of London paired with their stunning orange tree bar feature.
3. Padella, Borough Market
If you love Italian cuisine but can’t get to Italy for date night, then Padella is your next best choice. Offering hand-rolled pasta and fresh fish at great prices, their starters are under £5, and most mains are under £10, with outstanding quality. Although reservations cannot be made, you can queue ‘online’ while wandering around Borough Market — an excellent opportunity to discover your date’s favorite types of food.
4. Hakkasan, Mayfair
For an upscale evening, head to this Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant. Upon entering Hakkasan, you feel transported to another world. With a moodily-lit and decadent interior, it creates a sultry atmosphere for a date night. The roasted silver cod with champagne and honey is a delectable choice, while their vegetarian ‘chicken’ dish—stir-fried black pepper yellow bean with sugar snap peas—will impress even meat lovers.
5. Fez Mangal, Ladbroke Grove
Picture this: a cozy date night complemented by delicious Turkish food and your favorite beverage at Fez Mangal! A BYO restaurant with no corkage fee, you can surprise your sweetheart with their favorite drink for bonus points. The baklava here is a must-try dessert. You might also spot famous faces on their wall of fame, serving as excellent conversation starters for new couples.
6. Santo Remedio, London Bridge
Colorful decor, margaritas, and guacamole set the scene for a fun dinner date at Santo Remedio. Their guacamole has a spicy kick, complemented by grasshoppers for a unique twist. The margaritas are refreshingly authentic, pairing perfectly with their filling dishes. An excellent vegetarian option includes their hibiscus flower enchiladas.
7. The Shard, London Bridge
For a super special date and premium cityscape views, head to the 31st floor of The Shard for a glass of champagne in the three-storey atrium bar. As the sun sets, London’s skyline is illuminated with twinkling lights. You can admire the views even from the restroom, thanks to a floor-to-ceiling window—always try to grab the end cubicle! The Shard features several exquisite dining options, including New York-inspired dishes at Oblix, Northern Chinese cuisine at Hutong, and modern British dishes from Aqua Shard.
8. Homeslice, Fitzrovia
If you prefer a more casual dinner date, Homeslice is a great option for enjoying pizza. Catering to vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike, there is something on the menu for everyone. Choose from a classic margherita or more adventurous toppings, such as mushroom, ricotta, pumpkin seed, and chili. The menu changes seasonally, focusing on fresh and innovative flavors in a relaxed atmosphere. With several locations throughout London, meeting in the middle is easy for lovebirds coming from opposite ends of the city.
