21 Best Restaurants in London for Couples

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Looking for the perfect spot for a romantic night out in London? Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a special date night, or just want to enjoy some quality time together, these 21 restaurants are ideal for couples. ‘

From cozy, candlelit corners to stunning rooftop views, London has no shortage of dreamy dining spots that’ll set the perfect mood. The city is home to some incredibly special eateries with over 70 Michelin stars among them. So, grab your partner and get ready to indulge in some of the most amazing meals the city has to offer!

Top 21 restaurants in London for couples

Ready to see some historic spots that have seen countless love stories? How about award-winning modern settings that frame the city lights? Grab your favorite person and let’s dive into the 21 best restaurants in London for couples.

1. Trullo, Highbury – A Taste of Italy in London

• 📍 Location: Highbury
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian / Pasta Focused
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Italian, hand-made pasta daily, cozy neighbourhood vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Pasta lovers, romantic casual dinners, and authentic Italian seekers.

Get ready for an Italian affair to remember at Trullo in Highbury! This charming neighbourhood gem is beloved for its incredible, authentic Italian cuisine, with a special focus on pasta that’s hand-made daily – you can taste the difference! The atmosphere is cozy, bustling, and wonderfully unpretentious. The aroma of simmering sauces and fresh pasta is simply divine.

A visit here demands you indulge in one of their exquisite pasta dishes, like the iconic pappardelle with beef shin ragu, which is slow-cooked to fall-apart perfection. Other highly recommended choices include their tagliarini with Dorset crab, chilli & lemon, or the seasonal fettuccine with courtyard ragu. It’s a true taste of Italy, made with love and skill.

2. Sessions Arts Club

If you’re trying to impress, Sessions Arts Club is pure magic. Housed inside an old courthouse near Clerkenwell, this place oozes vintage romance with faded pink walls, candlelit tables, and soaring ceilings. There’s even an outdoor terrace festooned with twinkling fairy lights. The menu leans European with a London edge. The burrata with figs is out of this world, and I still dream about their homemade focaccia with anchovy butter. Cocktails are just as creative (try the Negroni twist), and the playlist is always on point. After dinner, it’s just a stroll over to the Barbican for post-dinner artsy vibes – definitely a night to remember.

3. The Ritz Restaurant, Piccadilly – Classic Elegance with British Flair

• 📍 Location: Piccadilly (The Ritz London Hotel)
• 💲 Price range: $150 – $300+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic Fine Dining / British / French
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic hotel, Michelin-starred dining, legendary service.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate luxury splurges, milestone celebrations, and quintessential London fine dining.

Prepare for an evening of unparalleled opulence and timeless elegance at The Ritz Restaurant, nestled within the legendary Ritz London hotel in Piccadilly. This iconic, Michelin-starred dining room is a breathtaking symphony of crystal chandeliers, marble columns, and gilded details, offering a truly unforgettable fine dining experience. The air is filled with an atmosphere of hushed sophistication and classic grandeur.

A meal here is an invitation to savor exquisite British and French haute cuisine, perhaps perfectly prepared Dover sole or classic Crêpes Suzette flambéed tableside. The service is, of course, impeccable. This is where you go for a truly grand, once-in-a-lifetime London celebration. (Dress code strictly enforced!)

4. Akoko

Akoko in Fitzrovia is for couples who want to break away from the norm and dive into the bold flavors of West Africa. The decor is chic, drawing cues from African art with warm woods and statement lighting – perfect for date night. Standouts are the smoked goat, as well as the jollof rice with dry-aged beef. Seriously, both dishes pack so much flavor and heat. Don’t skip their curated wine list, which pairs surprisingly well with the spices. After dinner, Goodge Street’s wine bars and comedy clubs are nearby for a spontaneous reroute to your evening.

5. Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden – A Fairytale Setting

• 📍 Location: Covent Garden
• 💲 Price range: $100 – $200+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern European / French Influenced / Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Stunning fairytale conservatory (cherry blossoms/fireplace), award-winning wine list, romantic ambiance.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate romantic proposals, very special occasions, and enchanting fine dining.

Step into a living fairytale at Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden, often lauded as London’s most romantic restaurant! Its stunning conservatory, adorned with cherry blossoms, twinkling fairy lights, and a crackling fireplace, creates an unbelievably enchanting and intimate atmosphere. The cuisine is refined Modern European with strong French influences, perfect for a memorable evening.

Consider starting with luxurious foie gras, followed by a classic steak tartare prepared with finesse, or perhaps the delicate seared yellowfin tuna. Their award-winning wine list provides the perfect accompaniment to this truly magical spot for a very special, unforgettable romantic meal.

6. The Palomar

Between the energetic open kitchen, retro bar seating, and plush velvet booths, The Palomar has one of Soho’s sexiest dining rooms. Mediterranean meets Middle Eastern is the vibe here, and every small plate feels designed for sharing. Their Jerusalem-style polenta is legendary, and the “Polaroid-worthy” kubaneh bread comes with tahini and silky tomatoes. The mood gets lively by late evening, so come early for a cozy corner or stay for the buzz. Afterward, Chinatown is just a hop away if you fancy something sweet. I still gush over their hand-crafted cocktails every time someone asks for a romantic spot.

7. Brunswick House, Vauxhall – A Historical Gem with Contemporary Flair

• 📍 Location: Vauxhall
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $90 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern British / European / Eclectic
• 🔥 Standout Features: Quirky antique-filled Georgian mansion, salvaged architectural decor, seasonal cuisine.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Unique/atmospheric dining, antique/design lovers, and creative modern British food.

Dine amidst a treasure trove of history and salvaged beauty at Brunswick House in Vauxhall! This stunning restaurant is housed in a magnificent Georgian mansion, filled to the brim with antique chandeliers, reclaimed architectural pieces, and quirky curiosities – it’s like eating in a very stylish, eccentric museum. The menu features inventive, seasonal Modern British and European cuisine.

You might start with the exquisite deviled eggs with trout roe and sesame, share some incredible grilled potato bread with green garlic butter, or indulge in a delicate dish of raw beef prepared with flair. The juxtaposition of grand history and contemporary culinary talent makes for a truly unique and memorable experience.

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8. Paradise

Sri Lankan flavors hit their stride at Paradise, right in Soho’s core. It’s a moody, neon-lit hideaway, with minimalistic concrete and candlelight casting shadows on every table – there’s something a little forbidden about it, honestly. Standouts are the black pork curry and creamy jaggery ice cream. Cocktails nod to the island, too. Pro-tip for lovebirds: Book the “chef’s table” for a front-row seat to the fiery open kitchen. After dinner, you can wander over to Carnaby Street and soak up the area’s vibrant energy. The spiced old fashioned? Absolutely killer.

9. The Ledbury, Notting Hill – A Stellar Culinary Achievement

• 📍 Location: Notting Hill
• 💲 Price range: $200 – $350+ per person (Tasting Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern British / Fine Dining / Innovative
• 🔥 Standout Features: Multi-Michelin-starred, innovative tasting menus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate foodie splurges, fine dining, and experiencing world-class culinary art.

Prepare for a culinary journey of extraordinary innovation and artistry at The Ledbury in Notting Hill. This multi-Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by Chef Brett Graham, is a true temple of modern British fine dining, renowned for its exceptional tasting menus that showcase incredible technique and the finest seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is elegant yet surprisingly relaxed, allowing the food to truly shine.

Experience luxurious and inventive dishes such as Cornish bluefin otoro, a unique warm bantam’s egg with truffle, or the perfectly prepared wild turbot with smoked eel. It’s a highly sought-after reservation for a reason – this is where you experience culinary genius at its most refined.

10. Smoking Goat

This buzzy Thai spot in Shoreditch is the place for couples who love getting hands-on. Think sizzling charcoal grills, battered stools, and glowing lanterns – the vibe is urban secret den meets Bangkok night market. Order the fish sauce chicken wings (literally finger-licking good) and the clay pot baked glass noodles. The cocktails? Tropical, inventive, and guaranteed to spark conversation. I loved the mix of spice and mellow lighting – this is where things feel exciting and impulsive.

11. Andrew Edmunds, Soho – A Romantic Slice of Old London

• 📍 Location: Soho
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern European / British / Intimate Bistro
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic 18th-century townhouse, candlelit/romantic ambiance, classic/unfussy European fare.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Intimate romantic dinners, lovers of old-world charm, and a classic Soho institution.

Step into a charming, candlelit haven of old-world romance at Andrew Edmunds in Soho. Housed in a historic 18th-century townhouse, this beloved restaurant has been a go-to for intimate dinners for decades. The ambiance is wonderfully cozy and unpretentious, with mismatched wooden tables and a palpable sense of history. The air smells of good wine and simple, delicious food.

You’ll be delighted by their menu of classic, unfussy Modern European and British dishes, which changes regularly based on seasonal availability – think delectable scallops with nduja butter, satisfying braised beef featherblade, or perhaps some expertly prepared roast brill with brown shrimps and capers. It’s a true Soho gem for a wonderfully atmospheric and romantic meal.

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12. Kricket Soho

Kricket smashes the idea that Indian food can’t be date night fare. Their Soho space is dark and cool – all copper bar tops and simple wooden stools. Small plates rule the menu; don’t leave without trying the bhel puri or Keralan fried chicken (trust me, this is crunch heaven). There’s an old-school playlist running in the background, making the space feel playful yet intimate. Pre-dinner, catch a show at one of the nearby comedy clubs. I was massively impressed by their imaginative gin cocktails and how the kitchen makes every plate look like modern art.

13. The Aubrey, Knightsbridge – A Luxurious Japanese Izakaya Experience

• 📍 Location: Knightsbridge (Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park)
• 💲 Price range: $100 – $200+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese Izakaya / Upscale / Robata & Sushi
• 🔥 Standout Features: Luxurious hotel setting, eccentric/artistic Japanese decor, high-end izakaya fare/cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sophisticated Japanese dining, date nights, and upscale izakaya lovers.

Immerse yourself in an eccentric and luxurious Japanese izakaya experience at The Aubrey, located within the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in Knightsbridge. This stunning spot is a feast for the eyes, with opulent, art-filled interiors inspired by Japanese traditions and a touch of playful whimsy. The cuisine is upscale izakaya fare, featuring exquisite sushi, sashimi, and robata-grilled delights.

A visit here is an invitation to share a selection of their beautifully presented small plates, perhaps some delicate sushi and sashimi, flavorful robata grill items, or their popular Wagyu gyoza. It’s a truly glamorous and transportive journey into a world of refined Japanese indulgence.

14. Darjeeling Express

Brought to life by Asma Khan, Darjeeling Express is a love letter to home-style Indian cooking – and romance. The floral linens and twinkle-lit windows in Covent Garden make for a warm, inviting backdrop. The slow-cooked mutton biryani is a revelation, and the Bengali-style prawn malai curry is perfect for curry-shy daters. Top tip: come early for lunch and nab a window seat for people-watching. The Royal Opera House is just around the corner, so you could cap your night with a dramatic flourish. I felt immediately at home – it’s the kind of place you want to linger.

15. Casse-Croûte, Bermondsey – A Cozy French Bistro Experience

• 📍 Location: Bermondsey
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic French Bistro
• 🔥 Standout Features: Tiny/authentic Parisian bistro, daily changing blackboard menu, classic French dishes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Francophiles seeking true bistro charm, intimate/cozy dinners, and authentic French food.

Bonjour, Bermondsey! Be transported to a tiny, bustling Parisian bistro at Casse-Croûte. This charming little spot is the real deal, with red-checkered tablecloths, a daily changing blackboard menu of classic French dishes, and an atmosphere that’s pure, unadulterated Left Bank. The aroma of simmering coq au vin and baking bread is simply divine.

You absolutely must see what classic French delights are on offer when you visit – perhaps a perfect steak frites, a rich duck confit, or delicate fish Meunière. It’s an incredibly authentic and wonderfully intimate French dining experience. Space is tight, so booking is essential!

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16. Lisboeta

If small plates and Portuguese wine sound like your scene, Lisboeta makes you feel like you’ve jetted off to Lisbon for the night. The space is modern, airy, and bathed in soft light, with pops of blue tile for that authentic Iberian spark. Their suckling pig sandwich is an absolute must-try, and don’t pass up the custard tart (one of the best I’ve eaten outside Lisbon). The wine list overflows with hidden gems, too. Each corner feels made for couples swapping stories, and Oxford Circus is right nearby if you fancy a stroll after. Their grilled octopus totally wowed me – so tender and vibrant.

17. Barshu, Soho – A Fiery Feast of Sichuan Flavors

• 📍 Location: Soho
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Authentic Sichuan Chinese
• 🔥 Standout Features: Acclaimed Sichuan cuisine, fiery/numbing “mala” flavors, traditional Chinese decor.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Spice lovers, authentic Chinese food seekers, and adventurous palates.

Prepare for a flavor inferno that will set your taste buds alight at Barshu in Soho! This acclaimed restaurant is a temple to authentic Sichuan cuisine, renowned for its bold, fiery, and wonderfully numbing “mala” flavors. The decor is traditional Chinese, and the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of chilies and Sichuan peppercorns.

A wise choice involves diving into their classic Sichuan dishes, like the addictive dan dan noodles, the explosive Chongqing chicken, or a flavorful mapo tofu. Be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart, but if you love a good chili kick, this place is pure heaven!

18. Nopi, Soho – A Romantic Culinary Journey in the Heart of London

• 📍 Location: Soho (Ottolenghi Restaurant)
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $100+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean / Ottolenghi
• 🔥 Standout Features: Yotam Ottolenghi restaurant, bright/elegant decor, vibrant/flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired share plates.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Ottolenghi fans, lovers of fresh/vibrant Mediterranean flavors, and stylish group dinners.

Embark on a vibrant culinary journey through the Middle East and Mediterranean at Nopi, Yotam Ottolenghi’s sophisticated Soho brasserie. This bright and elegant spot is all about showcasing bold, fresh flavors and beautiful, shareable plates that are a feast for the eyes and the palate. The atmosphere is chic and bustling.

Their courgette and manouri fritters are legendary. Other popular choices include the charred aubergine with tamarind yoghurt and the twice-cooked baby chicken. It’s a fantastic place for a stylish, flavorful, and truly memorable meal.

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19. Bubala Soho – A Unique Vegetarian Experience with Middle Eastern Flavors

• 📍 Location: Soho (also Spitalfields)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Vegetarian Middle Eastern / Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Entirely vegetarian, innovative/flavorful Middle Eastern share plates, cool/buzzy vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Vegetarians/vegans, adventurous Middle Eastern food fans, and sharing vibrant plant-based dishes.

Fall in love with vegetables at Bubala Soho, also in Spitalfields! This vibrant spot celebrates vegetarian Middle Eastern cuisine, offering flavorful share plates that will delight even dedicated carnivores. The cool, buzzy atmosphere and irresistible aroma of toasted spices and grilled halloumi enhance the experience.

A meal here requires you to order a bit of everything to share – their halloumi with black seed honey is a must, as is their creamy hummus and fluffy laffa bread. It’s a fantastic place that proves vegetarian food can be seriously exciting and utterly delicious.

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20. Kiln, Soho – A Fiery Thai Experience for Couples

• 📍 Location: Soho
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Northern Thai / Clay Pot & Grill / Street Food Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Michelin Bib Gourmand, counter dining overlooking open kitchen/clay pots, authentic/fiery Northern Thai.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Thai food purists, spice lovers, and a unique, interactive counter dining experience.

Experience fiery, authentic Northern Thai flavors at Kiln in Soho! This Michelin Bib Gourmand spot emphasizes traditional cooking, with dishes prepared in clay pots or over open flames at the bustling counter. The air is filled with the aromas of chili, lemongrass, and grilled meats, creating an intense atmosphere.

You absolutely must try their incredible jungle curry or their flavorful clay pot baked glass noodles. Be prepared for some serious heat, but the depth of flavor is astounding. It’s a fantastic, no-reservations (often) spot for an unforgettable Thai street food adventure.

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21. Bar Italia, Soho – A Romantic Italian Escape in Soho

• 📍 Location: Soho
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person (Primarily coffee/pastries/light bites)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic Italian Cafe / Coffee Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Iconic Soho institution (since 1949), authentic Italian espresso/pastries, retro/timeless vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: A classic Italian coffee break, people-watching in Soho, and a taste of old-school London.

Step into a timeless piece of Soho history at Bar Italia, an iconic Italian cafe that’s been serving up authentic espresso and a slice of la dolce vita since 1949! This legendary spot is a true institution, with its retro decor, bustling atmosphere, and the constant aroma of strong Italian coffee. It’s a haven for locals, tourists, and night owls alike.

It’s the perfect spot to grab a perfectly pulled espresso or a creamy cappuccino at the bar or a simple, satisfying panini. It’s the quintessential place for a quick caffeine fix, some fantastic people-watching, and soaking in the enduring charm of old Soho.

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