We were once of the school of thought that Valentine’s was a wholly commercial endeavour, invented by card companies to fleece us ol’ romantics of our hard earned cash. We thought that all the chocolate boxes were a trap, ready to leave us lovesick but lonely. That the just-popped bubbly would be corked. That those roses were sure to wilt just days after purchase…
But as we’ve matured like that fine wine you’ll no doubt be sipping on the 14th, we’ve come to realise that it’s worth celebrating just about anything, given half the chance. Life’s short, and isn’t love worth raising a glass to?
That said, it’s common knowledge that going out for dinner on Valentine’s Day can be pretty stressful, especially if you’re making last-minute plans and there’s only a table-for-two by the toilet and a £200 tasting menu left.
Give those a swerve. Swerve, too, the plastic indoor floral displays, Valentine’s Day sets, and cut-price offers on especially acidic Prosecco.
Instead, stick with us: Here’s our pick of the London restaurants that are truly, madly ideal for Valentine’s Day, whatever your style of romance.
Sessions Art Club, Clerkenwell
Ideal for a dinner date in London’s most spectacular dining room…
Sometimes, a space is so special that it makes you fall in love – if not with your date, then certainly with the restaurant itself.
Sessions Arts Club, housed in a former courthouse in Clerkenwell, is that kind of place where the atmosphere emanates romance. Soaring ceilings, huge arched windows, and a palette of lushly faded greens create a grand backdrop for a meal. The stripped-back plaster, sweeping staircases and velvet curtains lend the space a delightfully decadent feel that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. It’s the kind of place where you want to dress up – the candlelight and elegant atmosphere all but demands it.
In such a spectacular setting that there’s a danger the food will be something of an afterthought, but not so here. Chef Abigail Hill’s minimalist, seasonal plates are sophisticated and soul-nourishing in equal measure, with simple, seductive sharers like scallop, chestnut and black truffle light enough to satisfy but not knock you into a food coma straight after your meal.
Whether you’re seated in an gorgeous grey-leather horseshoed booth on the mezzanine or at a quiet corner table, Sessions Arts Club is an absolutely charmer.
Website: sessionsartsclub.com
Address: 24 Clerkenwell Grn, London EC1R 0NA
The Dover, Mayfair
Ideal for a date at one of London’s hottest right-now restaurants…
If your idea of romance involves channeling the glamour of 1970s New York, The Dover should be your Valentine’s date destination. This Mayfair masterpiece, one of London’s hottest tickets right now, takes the concept of a relaxed Italian comfort-food retreat and gives it a glamorous Manhattan twist. The reaction has been unanimously positive, with a string of fawning reviews in the nationals.
Inside, you’re transported to another era. The restaurant was inspired by an iconic scene of Sophia Loren eating meatballs with Al Pacino in Brooklyn, and that cinematic mystique permeates everything from the dark wood and flickering candles to the pressed linen tablecloths and chess board flooring.
It’s a buzzy, sexy, fun place to dine in where corner booths provide the perfect setting for intimate conversations. On any given evening, you’ll find the restaurant filled with couples inclined towards each other at listening-intently angles, hands meeting across pristine tablecloths, footsie playing beneath.
The menu strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, with a dependable roll call of classic Italian-American dishes executed with finesse. And while the white tablecloths might get splattered with red sauce from your spaghetti and meatballs, that’s part of the charm. The Dover understands that true romance isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating moments of shared joy.
Website: doverlondon.com
Address: 33 Dover St, London W1S 4NF
L’Escargot, Soho
Ideal for that French feeling of amour…
When it comes to romance, the French wrote the book, and L’Escargot has been following that recipe on Greek Street since 1927. Offering that perfect Parisian framing of romantic idealism, the décor, which has been described by Eater as “Hogarth reimagined by Christian Grey” (50 Shades of Gin Lane?!) sets just the right tone for the evening ahead. The setting is pure theatrical scene-setting – think dimly lit chandeliers, suited waiters, velvet seats and an ambience that makes every dinner feel like a special occasion.
There’s a warmth to the food here that fosters that feeling of amour. While some may wish to give garlic a wide berth on a date, they’d be foolish to do so here – an order of the pert and pretty escargots, drenched in garlic and tasting wonderful, is a must. In the same vein, their baked lobster with garlic butter is a winner. And if you both go garlic crazy, you can luxuriate in the aroma together.
Other fine dishes including an exquisite lobster bisque and a textbook, opulent foie gras terrine with sauternes jelly are guaranteed to set the mood before the main event. Or, for those looking to keep things tight and light, a three-course prix fixe is available until 6.15pm, and offers exceptional value (£35 for three courses) for those looking to start their Valentine’s celebration early. Just be warned; the eponymous snails aren’t part of this set.
Website: lescargot.co.uk
Address: 48 Greek St, London W1D 4EF
Quality Wines, Farringdon
Ideal for an intimate neighbourhood date…
If you ask us, romantic spots tend to be those ones that are dimly lit and tightly packed, where you can cosy up with your partner to within whispering distance, and linger over some good food and wine. It’s not much to ask, hey? Enter Quality Wines.
For those who believe that dates should never feel forced, Quality Wines offers the perfect blend of casual sophistication and genuine charm, where you can revel in your romance without things feeling awkward.
With candles gently flickering and the din of conversation providing a more easygoing soundtrack than Elvis or Sinatra ever could, there’s an untroubled feeling in the air, the perfect framing for chef Nick Bramham’s deceptively simple, serene cooking.
His weekly-changing blackboard menu of laid back, carefully sourced Mediterranean-inspired dishes provides plenty of conversation starters, while the carefully curated, regularly changing wine list (with a good two dozen sold by-the-glass) offers opportunities for shared discovery.
What makes Quality Wines particularly special for Valentine’s Day is its ability to make every evening here feel almost instinctive. It’s the ideal date night restaurant for this time of year, having mastered that sense of serendipitous evenings where a quick glass of wine turns into hours of conversation and shared small plates, where you feel as at home wolfing down one of Bramham’s iconic lobster rolls as you do picking over a deep fried pig’s head. That’s romance for you!
Website: qualitywinesfarringdon.com
Address: 88 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3EA
Read: Where to eat on the Elizabeth Line
Bob Bob Ricard, Soho
Ideal for toasting your love…
If your idea of a passionate evening involves caviar, truffle and champagne, then Bob Bob Ricard was made for your Valentine’s celebration. This glamorous Soho restaurant – open since 2008 but already feeling like an absolute institution – is a larger-than-life palace of indulgence.
The restaurant’s claim to fame is its infamous ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every booth, allowing you to summon service without breaking the mood. This is a luxioriously-upholstered, low-lit space which seems built for intimacy. Those cosy leather banquettes (uniquely, every table is a booth at BBR) are ideal for some light canoodling, while the gold, velvet, mobster’s palace aesthetic creates a mood of delightful excess. Your space can even shielded from prying eyes by heavy velvet curtains that separate each table. Make one of the booths and that button your universe for the evening.
The menu leans into luxurious comfort food with French and Russian-inspired twists, though be warned; if your date doesn’t like truffle, then don’t bring them here for Valentine’s Day (or any other day for that matter). This is because you’ll find truffle in just about everything, from the lobster, scallop and shrimp pelmeni all the way to the truffled potato and mushroom vareniki.
BBR’s signature pies – truffle and champagne humble pie, chicken and champagne pie – add a touch of whimsy to the proceedings and are reputed to be some of the best pies in the capital. However, because sharing means caring, the 28 day aged fillet of Aberdeenshire beef wellington for two should be the centrepiece of your booth. It’s a triumphant dish, with the added extravagance of a glossy truffle jus that feels built for bathing in.
And since it’s Valentine’s Day, a chocolate dessert should be on your checklist, and you won’t find a more impressive one than here. The BBR Signature Chocolate Glory is a spectacularly spectacular showstopper of a dessert. Delivered tableside, a warm chocolate sauce is poured over a golden orb to reveal layers of chocolate, praline coffee mousse, and caramelised hazelnuts. It’s hugely decadent and really hits the spot – foodgasms are sure to follow.
Website: bobbobricard.com
Address: 1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF
Noble Rot, Holborn
Ideal for unfussy plates and arguably the best wine list in London…
From the moment you spot Noble Rot’s signature burgundy frontage on picturesque Lamb’s Conduit Street, you know you’re in for something special. This converted 18th-century townhouse has created the perfect formula for luuurvvvve: exceptional wine, sophisticated yet unfussy food, and an aura that makes time stand still.
Stepping through the doors of this charming restaurant feels like escaping the hustle and bustle of central London for a while. The dining room, all dark ceilings, walnut floorboards, and walls adorned with covers from the owners’ wine magazine of the same name, sets the scene for settling into. Candles create the perfect lighting for flirting, while the casual drop-in wine bar up front offers up a more relaxed vibe.
Noble Rot offers a deep dive into great wine pairings, turning each course into an adventure of shared discovery. The cooking is decidedly classical with a gently modern twist – think slip sole with smoked butter; pork, pheasant and pistachio terrine; and Basque cheesecake with Yorkshire rhubarb. For impressing your date with fine food minus the frippery, Noble Rob is your guy.
If you can’t get a table here, they have a Soho sibling set in the former site of the Gay Hussar on Greek St, once notorious as the lair of many left-wing politicians – ideal if politics gets you all hot under the collar. There’s a third restaurant in Mayfair, too. All of them have that same inviting feel, focused on making sure everyone is having a great time.
Website: noblerot.co.uk
Address: 51 Lamb’s Conduit St, London WC1N 3NB
La Fromagerie, Bloomsbury
Ideal for indulging your cheesiest impulses…
Think Valentine’s Day is cheesy? Then lean into the cheesiest of impulses at Bloomsbury’s La Fromagerie. Just a raclette’s roll away from Noble Rot on Lamb’s Conduit Street (and the perfect pitch-up for your post-dinner cheese course), this cheese-focused emporium offers one of London’s most unique date-night experiences, with its curved counter, close-packed tables, and mini cheese room.
The menu celebrates cheese in all its glory. Must-try dishes include their legendary Comte d’Estive gougeres with truffle cream, and the twice-baked souffle with Charolais and Parmigiano Reggiano cream. For the ultimate sharing experience, it’s got to be the Fondue Savoyarde which is a terrific combination of Beaufort Chalet D’alpage, Emmental Francais Grand Cru and Comte D’estive. Served with sourdough bread and cornichons, is the kind of interactive experience you might need if you can’t keep your fondue fork to yourself.
It’s not all cheese here. Lots of the menu is devoted to honest bistro(esque) cooking with dishes like escargot, carpaccio, and cod with sauce bordelaise. That said, the careful curation of perfectly ripe cheeses and artisan charcuterie, paired with a thoughtfully selected European wine list, makes this the perfect spot for couples who believe that sharing good cheese is one of life’s most romantic pleasures.
Website: lafromagerie.co.uk
Address: 52 Lamb’s Conduit St, London WC1N 3LL
The New York Room at BAO City, City Of London
Ideal for karaoke and singing sweet nothings…
For couples who want to add a playful twist to their Valentine’s celebration, The New York Room at BAO City offers something uniquely special. As one of the few karaoke venues in London that allows just two people in a room together, it’s perfect for couples who want to serenade each other in private or just be a little silly.
The space itself sets a seductive mood with an illuminated ceiling that bathes everything in red light, and it can transition seamlessly between dining and karaoke modes. With no room hire fees (just a minimum spend of £35 per person for a two-hour slot), couples can enjoy both BAO’s reliably excellent food and access to over 300,000 songs. What’s not to love?
The special KTV menu features sharing platters perfect for grazing while you work up the courage to sing your favourite love songs. From mini baos to fried chicken buckets topped with caviar, the food is designed to keep your energy up through multiple encores. It all makes for an infectiously upbeat date. Hey, pencil me in for Careless Whisper, just to level out the mood, if you don’t mind…
Website: baolondon.com
Address: 2-8 Bloomberg Arcade, City of London, London EC4N 8AR
Electric Diner, Notting Hill
Ideal for dinner and a movie…
For those who believe in the classic charm of a dinner-and-movie date, Electric Diner offers that perfect combination. This slice of Americana on Portobello Road, run by Soho House (but fortunately lacking the snobbery), captures the romance of a classic US diner while giving it a decidedly London twist.
The space is lined with plush red leather banquettes that provide the perfect setting for cosying up, while the menu features faithfully rendered but gently refined versions of American comfort food classics. Currently, the venue is hosting Maya, bringing coastal Baja Mexican food to Notting Hill – perfect for couples looking to spice up their Valentine’s Day.
What makes this place particularly ideal is its connection to the Electric Cinema next door, allowing couples to combine their meal with a romantic film screening in one of London’s most historic and beautiful cinemas.
Website: electricdiner.com
Address: 191 Portobello Rd, London W11 2ED
Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum Parlour, Chinatown
Ideal for late-night liquid love…
Hidden behind a jade door in Chinatown, Opium offers one of London’s most atmospheric date night experiences. The journey starts with finding the entrance – a faintly clandestine process that sets the tone for the evening – before ascending the stairs to discover a multi-level cocktail paradise.
Each floor offers a distinct experience. The Attic and Academy bar is a casual lounge and bartender’s table built for watching drink preparation; the Apothecary Bar features creative cocktails served from medicine bottles; and the Peony Bar, hidden behind a red curtain, offers the most romantic setting of all.
The combination of innovative cocktails and delicious dim sum (oh yeah, sorry to drop that in; there’s dim sum), served until late, makes this the perfect spot for couples who march to their own temporal drum. Whether you’re shift workers, night owls, or just looking for somewhere special after another engagement, Opium offers something of an escape from the usual rigamarole of Valentine’s Day dinner.
The dim sum here isn’t an after thought either. With a reassuringly short menu of dim sum’s greatest hits, the har gau, with its delicate prawn dumpling and translucent skin, and the crowd pleasing, open-top pork siu mai, are highlights. Or, as we like to call them, the emperor and empress of the dumpling world.
Website: opiumchinatown.com
Address: 15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE
ROKA Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia
Ideal for a sushi date night…
Think sushi is sexy? Samantha from Sex and the City would certainly agree – though you’d definitely get kicked out if you tried to recreate that particular scene here. Thankfully, ROKA offers plenty of other ways to make your evening memorable.
ROKA Charlotte Street has instead mastered the art of creating a sizzling atmosphere through design and cuisine. The restaurant is particularly famous for its overt cherry blossom display nestled downstairs in the underground cocktail bar, Shochu, which feels like a shortcut to an instantly passion-conducive setting.
Back upstairs, the main dining room buzzes with energy, and if you’re lucky enough to snag counter seats, you’ll be treated to the theatrical performance of chefs preparing your dishes right before your eyes. The menu features crowd-pleasing contemporary Japanese dishes, from pristine sushi to their famous black cod, all executed with a certain amount of flair.
This Valentine’s Day, the beloved Lipstick Rose cocktail makes a return at Roka. Inspired by the striking red lipstick of 1940s film stars, this exquisite drink combines rose petal vodka, raspberry, violet and Champagne. Complementing the cocktail, Roka will offer a specially curated dessert platter for two, featuring an exclusive dark chocolate and passionfruit dorayaki with mascarpone ice cream, a limited edition raspberry, lychee and rose pavlova, as well as seasonal fruits and sorbets to share.
Speaking of cocktails, that Shochu lounge we mentioned a couple of paragraphs prior, is perfect for extending your evening with pre- or post-dinner drinks in a sultry setting. You may never want to leave…
Website: rokarestaurant.com
Address: 37 Charlotte St, London W1T 1RR
Read: Where to eat near Goodge Street Station
Muse By Tom Aikens, Belgravia
Ideal when you need a conversation prompter…
In an intimate Georgian townhouse in Belgravia, Muse lives up to its name by providing both culinary and conversational inspiration. With just 23 seats, the restaurant creates an almost communal feel while maintaining the privacy needed for romantic fine-dining.
What makes Muse particularly special for Valentine’s Day is its unique concept: each nuanced dish relates to a memorable moment from Chef Tom Aikens’ life, providing natural conversation starters for couples. The stories behind each plate often lead diners to reflect on their own memories, creating opportunities for deeper connection and shared nostalgia.
Yes, it might be pretentious when the waiters give lengthy speeches about the food, or when the chef himself comes over to describe moments from his childhood, but on Valentine’s Day, a little theatre can truly add to the romance. The fact that the food is bloody delicious certainly does no harm.
Website: musebytomaikens.co.uk
Address: 38 Groom Pl, London SW1X 7BA
Darby’s, Nine Elms
Ideal for a steak and seafood date with serious class…
Darby’s brings the romance of a New York City oyster bar to Nine Elms, creating an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and seductive. The space itself is a masterclass in atmospheric yet relaxed dining – parquet floors, caramel-toned lighting, and plush upholstery in soft teal houses an ambience that manages to be ‘special occasion’ without a hint of stuffiness.
The restaurant’s centerpiece is its glamorous central bar, complete with gleaming glassware and counter seats perfect for the flirtatious to-and-fro of date night conversation. The laid-back live jazz – a key feature of the restaurant – adds to the amorous mood.
The menu lends itself well to a Valentine’s Day date, and let’s face it; few things are more romantic than sharing oysters (nature’s most famous aphrodisiac) followed by a perfectly cooked steak. The kitchen here excels at both, with their Aurox aged beef being a particular highlight. The service strikes that perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive, letting couples focus on each other while ensuring every need is met.
Website: darbys-london.com
Address: 3 Viaduct Gardens, London SW11 7AY
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Mayfair
Ideal for slurping aphrodisiacs in historic surroundings…
When it comes to a vibe that, quite simply, facilitates courtship, few London restaurants can match Bentley’s. Established in 1916, this historic restaurant has hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to Charlie Chaplin, all drawn by its reputation for exceptional seafood and sophisticated ambiance.
Just a shell’s throw from Piccadilly Circus, and under the guidance of celebrated chef Richard Corrigan since 2005, Bentley’s has maintained its position as London’s premier oyster destination. They shuck an impressive thousand oysters daily, offering varieties from across British waters – from native Fal River oysters to cultivated rocks from Jersey and Carlingford.
For Valentine’s Day, few foods carry more amorous associations than oysters. Their connection to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, makes them a naturally romantic choice. Even the legendary lover Casanova was known to begin his meals with dozens of oysters – though we might suggest a more modest portion for modern appetites!
Anyway, whether you’re taking a pew at the historic oyster bar or seated in the more formal restaurant, the combination of exceptional seafood and elegant surroundings creates a vibe just right for romance.
Website: bentleys.org
Address: 11-15 Swallow St, London W1B 4DG
Grasso, Soho
Ideal for that Lady-and-the-Tramp moment…
Always dreamed of that romantic New York trip for Valentine’s Day, but can’t currently justify the expense of it? Luckily, New York restaurants have been having a moment in London for a while now (we’ve already included two others on our list), helping you have a bite of the Big Apple right here on home tuft. And Grasso just happens to be one of the best NYC-style restaurants in the city dishing up deeply satisfying American Italian fare.
The menu is deliberately concise, allowing couples to focus on each other rather than that bloody paradox of choice. Their signature dishes have already become legendary in Soho – the stretchy mozzarella sticks with nduja and honey are a must-order, while their meatballs, made to a third-generation family recipe, have achieved cult status.
The showstopper for Valentine’s Day is undoubtedly their lobster linguine. It’s a gloriously messy, sauce-splattering affiar that leaves the table littered with lobster claws and pasta sauce. Eat it together and it’s a shared experience that creates the kind of memories couples talk about for years. While you might not recreate the exact Lady and the Tramp spaghetti moment here pasta-strand-to-pasta-strand, mouth-to-mouth, lip-to-lip, kiss-to-kiss (lobster being a bit more unwieldy than meatballs), the spirit of shared joy is exactly the same.
Website: grassosoho.com
Address: 81 Dean St, London W1D 3SW
Stem & Stem, City Of London
Ideal for dinner and flowers in one stop…
In a stroke of synergistic genius, Stem & Stem combines two Valentine’s Day essentials: fine dining and flowers. Located on historic Bow Lane, opposite the churchyard of St Mary Aldermary, this unique space celebrates the natural connection between food, wine and flowers. The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, while the interior, inspired by the neighbouring church, feels timeless. Hey, if the date goes really well, you could even pitch up to the church and tie the knot after (yep, we know that’s not how it works, but still).
Chef Ed Boarland, whose impressive CV includes stints with Gordon Ramsay and the Roux Brothers, creates seasonal menus that celebrate British produce. The wine list focuses on European selections, particularly from France and Italy, all big, easy drinking reds that foster a feeling of a date going well.
What makes this spot particularly special for Valentine’s Day is the ability to coordinate your dinner with a beautiful bouquet of British flowers – call ahead, and they’ll have your flowers ready to take home after your meal.
Website: stemandstem.co.uk
Address: 12 Bow Ln, City of London, London EC4M 9AL
The Pem, Westminster
Ideal for a restaurant designed with romance in mind…
Named after suffragette Emily Wilding Davison’s nickname, The Pem is a British fine dining restaurant led by celebrated chef Sally Abé, with a female-led team to match the name. The pink and red colour scheme might seem designed specifically for Valentine’s Day, but it works year-round to create one of the most romantic settings in London.
For Valentine’s Day 2025, they’re offering a special seven-course menu that showcases Abé’s talent for combining classic British ingredients with innovative techniques. From roasted Cumbrian duck breast with parsley root and lavender to chocolate crémeux with blood orange and Maldon sea salt, each course is designed with both harmony and surprise in mind. Which is, come to think of it, the recipe for a good date, we think…
Website: thepemrestaurant.com
Address: Conrad London St James, 22-28 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH
Kiln, Soho
Ideal for spontaneous spicy romance…
For those who’ve left their Valentine’s plans to the last minute, this Soho hotspot offers a no-reservation lifeline that might just turn procrastination into passion. At Kiln, couples can cozy up side-by-side at the counter, while watching the theatrical display of chefs working over flames and smouldering coals.
It’s all very sensorily stimulating; the heat from the burning woks, the clatter of clay pots, and the aromatic Thai dishes combining into something deeply sensual. The menu offers plates that are both fiery and refined, with flavours that are layered and nuanced rather than simply hot.
There’s science behind why this might be the perfect Valentine’s spot – spicy foods trigger the release of endorphins and dopamine, creating natural mood enhancers that could add an extra spark to your evening. Research even suggests that a high spice tolerance can make you appear more attractive to others. And that slight tingle on your lips from the chili? Consider it nature’s appetiser for that goodnight kiss. All that, and the food here is just damn delicious.
Website: kilnsoho.com
Address: 58 Brewer St, London W1F 9TL
Barrafina, Soho
Ideal for Barcelona-style romance without the plane ticket…
Another sanctuary for the reservation-averse, Barrafina captures the essence of Spanish romance with its high-spirited yet intimate atmosphere. The long marble counter and open kitchen create the perfect setting for couples to sit shoulder-to-shoulder, watching the culinary theatre unfold before them.
The setup here is inherently romantic – sharing tapas naturally encourages intimacy, with plates designed for two to explore together. The warm service and buzzing atmosphere will make your reminsice about that romantic weekend in Barcelona you had when you were first dating or make you question why you don’t go out for ‘date night’ more often.
Website: barrafina.co.uk
Address: 26-27 Dean St, London W1D 3LL
Marceline, Canary Wharf
Ideal for floating away on Parisian romance…
Floating gracefully on Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf, this grand-cafe-style French brasserie brings Parisian romance to London’s waterways. Inside globe lamps cast a warm, intimate glow across plump banquettes, while art deco-inspired floors add a touch of vintage sophistication. The restaurant’s design creates an environment that’s both grand and deeply intimate, perfect for memorable evenings.
Accessed only by bridge and surrounded by the glittering lights of Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers, Marceline offers the kind of cinematic setting that romance dreams are made of. It’s a très romantic restaurant and one of the most impressive places to hit London’s Canary Wharf in years.
This gorgeous bistro is absolutely ideal for date night with a menu that reads like a primer of French bistro cooking. For Valentine’s Day 2025, they’re offering a special menu (£70 per person) that embodies French romantic dining traditions. Starting with shared plates like warm cheese soufflé with Gruyère cream and truffle, couples can progress to indulgent mains including steak frites with béarnaise or half grilled lobster with garlic butter. The ‘Mon Amour’ dessert provides a suitably sweet finale with its tempered chocolate and strawberry mousse creation.
The evening is soundtracked by live music, while the elegant interiors provide the perfect backdrop for romance. As you leave, the Thames breeze, the mooonlight and twinkling towers shimmering on the water, create a rom-com worthy moment – perfect for that end-of-evening embrace. Or, at least a selfie…
Website: marceline.london
Address: 5 Water St, London E14 5GX
Read: The Best Restaurants In Canary Wharf
The London Cabaret Club, Bloomsbury
Ideal for dinner and a show…
Sometimes the perfect Valentine’s evening needs more than just dinner – it needs spectacle. The London Cabaret Club, housed in Bloomsbury’s grand Victoria House, delivers exactly that. Their Valentine’s ‘Gatsby With Love’ special has all the cliches dialled up to eleven, in the best possible way of course; all candlelit dining, classic love songs and plenty of roses.
The evening begins with cocktails and canapés while performers work the room. The main event combines a three-course meal with spectacular performances from West End stars, making it ideal for couples who want their Valentine’s celebration to be more than just a meal.
Website:thelondoncabaretclub.com
Address: The Bloomsbury Ballroom, Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, London WC1B 4DA
Cocomelt, Soho…
Ideal for skipping straight to dessert…
For those who believe that chocolate is the true food of love, Cocomelt in Soho is likely to confirm those suspicions. The sight of huge chocolate fountains in the window sets the tone for what’s inside – a paradise of chocolate-covered treats.
Cocomelt is dedicated to indulging your sweet tooth with a delightful array of decadent chocolate creations. We’re huge fans of the their signature crêpe fettuccine which sees gossamer-thin ribbons of delicate crêpe bathed in your choice of rich milk, intense dark, or creamy white chocolate (or all three).
For a romantic way to say “be my Valentine,” look no further than a shared chocolate fondue. Indeed, nothing whispers romance quite like sharing a chocolate fondue experience. At Cocomelt, the fondue options let couples share in the fun of dipping various treats from fruit to waffles to brownies into velvety melted chocolate. As the two fondue forks dance around each other, it creates a sense of intimacy, there’s no denying.
Closing at 11pm, Cocomelt is ideal for couples who want to start or end their Valentine’s evening on a sweet note. And don’t forget to take home a box of chocolate covered strawberries home for later.
And hey, if you haven’t had your sweet tooth truly satisfied yet, then check out our roundup of the best places in London for chocolate cocktails.
Website: cocomelt.co.uk
Address: 132 Wardour St, London W1F 8ZW
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking for old-school glamour, modern sophistication, or something a little different, London’s restaurant scene has the perfect spot for your Valentine’s celebration. Just remember to book early – these places fill up fast for the most romantic night of the year.
