A romantic meal out can be the perfect date, all you need is the perfect venue…
Life is about the small pleasures, we look to spend time with people who make us happy. If we are lucky enough to find someone, naturally we want to spend as much time with them, doing things that we love – like eating, of course. London is such a fast paced city that it can be hard to find somewhere nice to sit and enjoy a meal in a romantic atmosphere, which is why we’ve put together some of London’s most romantic restaurants for you- perfect for first dates, anniversaries or just an occasion where you want to spoil your other half. (Or be spoiled).
Berner’s Tavern
The Michelin Masterpiece
10 Berners St, London W1T 3LF
Now Berner’s Tavern is no subdued affair, it is a restaurant that oozes class and sophistication, it was voted the GQ Best restaurant interior 2015, AA restaurant of the year 2014, Elle decoration best British interior 2014 and it’s easy to see why. Situated in the London edition of Fitzrovia, with a splendid dining hall adorned with stunning portraits, exquisite chandeliers and carved ceilings this place would without doubt impress anyone. The menu is contemporary British and headed by Michelin star chef Jason Atherton, so therefore the prices can be quite high, however for an anniversary or a very special date it is the perfect place. Also like a lot of great restaurants you pay for the quality of the cuisine and here it’s locally sourced and magnificently executed. It might also be worth noting that the service is spectacular as well as the overall ambience. Berner’s Tavern has a flawless reputation so always make sure to book in advance, believe me your date will be impressed if you can get a table here. For elegance and class Berner’s Tavern is a sure fire hit. For more information about the place and general bookings you can visit their website.
Clos Maggiore
The Piece de Resistance
33 King St, London WC2E 8JD
Okay how could anyone write a review of London’s most romantic restaurants without featuring Clos Maggiore? If you try to find a bad review about Clos Maggiore you’ll be searching far and wide because you really can’t fault it. From the mirrored tiny dining room with a ceiling adorned with flowers, lights and cosy fireplaces complete with velvet seating it really is magical. I went for my birthday it’s by far one of the best restaurants I have been to in my life. (FYI there is also seating upstairs however the downstairs dining really is the one to rave about) The food is French and although pricey it’s well worth the price tag. Personally, I wouldn’t take someone on a first date to Clos Maggiore because it is so romantic you might feel a little pressured, but it is the perfect place to take your other half for an anniversary, birthday or a proposal. (I can imagine many proposals happening at Clos Maggiore and I guess with good reason!) When we went the service was just right, nothing too over powering but the waiters and waitresses knew their stuff. They could recommend good wines and dishes and were super attentive when we did speak with them. Honestly you won’t find a restaurant more romantic than Clos Maggiore and it’s definitely something that you should put on your bucket list. For more information visit http://www.closmaggiore.com/ (Again as a little point to consider, when you book make sure you specify that you want to sit downstairs as although the upstairs dining area is very cosy and nice, the downstairs area is without doubt better.)
Le Poule au Pot
The Cosy Romantic
631 Ebury St, London SW1W 8UT
A stones throw away from Belgravia lies this truly charming French gem La Poule au Pot. Once you step inside it’s like you’ve gone back in time with its brick walls, wooden floors and bunches of hanging grapes. This restaurant really does offer an authentic re-creation of France with the combination of scattered bric a brac and dried flowers. It’s without doubt a Chelsea institution and it’s no wonder that this place is loved by locals. It’s not a pretentious place despite its postcode and it offers couples an atmosphere which is cosy, romantic and quintessentially French. Judging by the name you’ve already guessed that the food is classic French (well the French do romance so well) and the wine is just as fabulous. Again with flickering candles and dark cosy corners it’s the perfect place to take your significant other for a spot of rustic French dining and romance. For more info you can visit http://www.pouleaupot.co.uk
Bob Bob Ricard
The Show Stopper
1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF
Bob Bob Ricard is infamous within the London restaurant scene and is incredibly exclusive and elusive. Situated in Soho it’s the place to see and be seen so it’s a perfect place to impress your date. With plush booth seating inspired by old railway carts, (but lined with gold, naturally) it inspires a cosy atmosphere despite the fact that it can get very busy. It’s also open 24 hours a day so it’s perfect for those who have a busy schedule. In terms of food it’s a fusion of Russian and British cuisine, it has an impressive menu frequenting different types of tartare, oysters and of course the renowned ‘press for champagne button’ (Well, if your date doesn’t go well champagne is never a bad option) the opulent atmosphere is echoed within the décor, the menu and of course the price. It’s not understated and a date here would definitely have an impact, thus the reason it made it onto our list. For more information about Bob Bob Ricard check out their website http://www.bobbobricard.com/ (Also, as a side note book in advance, a table here is almost as hard to get as one at the Ivy and there’s a good reason why, but yes book in advance to avoid disappointment)
The truth is if you’re with the right company any restaurant can be romantic, however with these gems you sure to have a wonderful time!