By Lauren Harmes
They call Paris the city of love, but anyone who’s been on a romantic evening out in London will tell you the French capital has some serious competition.
With thousands of restaurants to choose from, it can be a daunting task to pick somewhere to spoil your loved one. Thankfully, we’ve whittled it down to a top 8.
1. Tozi
While “tozi” may be Venetian slang for a bunch of friends, this is a perfect date restaurant in the city. Serving up Venetian small plates or “cicchetti”, the menu is made for sharing. Wash it all down with something from the all-Italian wine list and you’ll surely want to carry on your evening in the bar area.
Where: 8 Gillingham Street, SW1V 1HJ
2. Chino Latino
If it’s dinner with a view you’re after to impress your loved one, you can’t go wrong with Chino Latino. This modern restaurant boats impressive views of the Thames with a delectable menu to match. Serving up Pan-Asian food with Latino flourishes alongside live music Monday to Saturday, this unique cuisine is sure to impress.
Where: 18 Albert Embankment SE11 7TJ
3. Clos Maggiore
Voted the most romantic restaurant in the world, Clos Maggiore is the ultimate place to wine and dine your partner. Offering contemporary French cuisine under a glass roof surrounded by romantic fairy lights and blossoms, you will win some serious brownie points here.
Where: 33 King Street, WC2E 8JD
4. Bob Bob Ricard
Any restaurant with a “Press for Champagne” button is a winner in our book, but Bob Bob Ricard is much more than just a gimmick. This super-cool restaurant serves Russian/British cuisine, and is the ultimate in hedonism with caviar and oysters available to order in this Gatsby-esque opulent venue.
Where: 1 Upper James Street, W1F NDF
5. Aqua Shard
Looking for somewhere to pop the question? Aqua Shard could be just that. With breath-taking views of the great city of London from the 31st floor of The Shard, this British restaurant and bar is sure to take your breath away – and possible help you walk away with a new fiancée!
Where: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
6. Hakkasan Mayfair
Hakkasan’s interiors are super sexy, and this Asian restaurant and bar is made even sexier by the top-class food and drink. The smell of incense entices you as you enter, and the low lighting and understated beats make for an extremely romantic date setting. A few cocktails in and you won’t be able to take your eyes off each other.
Where: 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, W1J 6QB
7. Le Pont De La Tour
This French Tower Bridge restaurant’s riverside location and iconic views means it’s made its way onto this list. Soak up the views of London’s famous bridge and the River Thames on the terrace while sipping wine chosen by an expert sommelier and eating traditional yet innovative French cuisine – heaven!
Where: 36D Shad Thames, SE1 2YE
8. Isabel
This is a perfect choice if you’re looking for grandeur, theatre and charm. Rubbing shoulders with Mayfair’s elite and sharing Isabel’s renowned small plates, you’ll be sure to impress if you take your date here.
Where: 26 Albemarle Street, W1S 4HY
