London’s 10 Best Restaurants For Date Nights

Swiped right on Hinge and been enlisted with finding the perfect casual first date venue? Or perhaps you’re a little further down the line, and want to impress your potential partner by taking them to the buzziest new spot in town? Whatever your criteria, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best date night restaurants in London, personally tested by C&TH’s team of editors.

The capital is, of course, overflowing with excellent places to eat – but some fare better than others when it comes to romantic evenings. If it’s still early days, you likely don’t want anything too formal: low-key food halls and relaxed gastropubs tend to be preferable over glitzy fine dining. Couples who have been together a while, meanwhile, might prefer somewhere more cosy and intimate where you can reignite the spark over some wine and small plates. And if you are looking for somewhere to celebrate an anniversary (or even thinking of popping the question), head to our piece on London’s most OTT romantic restaurants.

Where To Book For A Date Night In London

Bistro Freddie, Shoreditch

East London is oversaturated with trendy bistros tucked away down side streets – but this one is anything but forgettable. Since opening its doors in 2023, Bistro Freddie has garnered a cult following for its rustic yet refined menu of French-British cuisine. But it’s the low-lit, relaxed yet lively vibe that makes this hotspot so perfect for dates. It’s the kind of place you could while away hours, putting the world to rights over a few glasses of wine and dishes like steak tartare, stuffed red peppers with polenta, and cod schnitzel. There’s a great cocktail list too – kick things off with a rhubarb spritz, or an ice-cold vodka martini, if you dare.

Bistro Freddie, 74 Luke St, Greater, London EC2A 4PY, bistrofreddie.com

Arcade Food Hall, Battersea

Often, it’s better to veer on the casual side when it’s still early days. After all, what if the date doesn’t go well and you’re stuck in an eight-course tasting menu that will go on for hours? For more of a food market-style dinner, head to Battersea Power Station, where Arcade Food Hall offers an array of dinner options from all over the globe. Share some Japanese bites from Sushi Kamon, or get to know one another over a Thai stir fry from Phed Power. If it goes well, why not suggest grabbing an ice cream from Italian soft serve stall Leccami Gelato? Or even a nightcap at ABC Bar?

1st Floor, 330, The Power Station, Circus Rd S, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD, arcadefoodhall.com 

Llewelyn’s, Herne Hill

In South-East London, one of the best date night restaurants is Llewelyn’s, Herne Hill’s beloved neighbourhood eatery. Come summertime, book lunch or an early evening dinner and sit outdoors – on balmy evenings the terrace has a sun-dappled holiday feel, which is gold dust for dates. If the weather doesn’t play ball, though, inside brings cosy joys of its own. The regularly changing menu offers a selection of small plates: right now diners can expect seasonal fare like burrata with green peach and radish, a standout olive and pecorino tart, and lamb leg with pistachio and goat’s curd. Pair with the cocktail of the week (a cherry margarita at the moment) or choose from the extensive wine list – friendly waiters are only too happy to offer suggestions. It’s not cheap, but a good option if you’re looking to impress your other half. Sister cafe Lulu’s next door is a nice place to pop into afterwards for a more relaxed drink, too. 

293-295 Railton Rd, London SE24 0JP, llewelyns-restaurant.co.uk

Jolene, Stoke Newington

If it’s good enough for Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams, it’s good enough for us. The celebrity couple were spotted having a date night at the Stoke Newington restaurant recently, which is known for its romantic feel (despite its name, which was in fact named after the Dolly Parton song about being jealous of another woman). Think candlelit tables, which are nicely spaced out amid an industrial-chic dining room, with windows overlooking the green. A blackboard outlines the daily menu, featuring an array of small plates, fresh pasta dishes, alongside an impressive selection of natural wine.

21 Newington Grn, Mayville Estate, London N16 9PU, jolenebakery.com 

Dear Jackie, Soho

We can guarantee you’ll get a second date if you book a table at Bar Jackie – the new go-to for sexy Soho dinners. Nestled within one of the capital’s coolest hotels, Broadwick Soho, this Italian restaurant features dazzling interiors, with crimson silk walls and Murano lighting, plus plush booths that feel discreet and intimate. It’s dark and sultry – the kind of place you can forget about the outside world while tucking into plates of hand-dived scallops and orecchiette pasta with datterini tomatoes, or perhaps the sharing rib of Hereford beef. Test the waters by ordering a L’Amore cocktail (prosecco with limoncello and Italicus) or choose from the extensive wine menu, which includes a wide selection of champagne. 

Lower Ground, 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 9NE, broadwicksoho.com 

Dans le Noir, Farringdon

Take a blind date to new heights by dining at Dans le Noir, the north London stalwart where you famously eat in total darkness. Fans of 2013 romcom About Time will recognise this spot as the place Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) falls in love with Mary (Rachel McAdams), and it could well spark a blossoming romance for you, too. This is one for the adventurous daters: after being guided to your table conga-style by visually impaired hosts, you’ll be served a surprise set menu. Daunting? Yes. But a date you certainly won’t forget in a hurry. Plus, if it’s a first date it’s a good test of whether you’re attracted to their personality, a la Love Is Blind.

69-73 St John St, London EC1M 4AN, london.danslenoir.com

The Pelican, Notting Hill

A pub dinner always feels a bit less formal than a restaurant, making it a great option for early stage dates. But, of course, it helps if the food is top-tier too. We’re a particularly big fan of The Pelican in Notting Hill, which underwent a big revamp in 2022 helmed by restaurateur James Gummer (the name behind the Cotswolds’ biggest foodie sensation, The Bull in Charlbury). It has a cosy, laid-back atmosphere, with roaring fireplaces to nab a table beside during the winter months. Set the tone with some oysters (a natural aphrodisiac) and a martini before tucking into a sharing sirloin steak. If things go well, suggest a post-dinner tipple at natural wine bar Ria’s, which is just around the corner.

45 All Saints Rd, London W11 1HE, thepelicanw11.com 

La Poule au Pot, Belgravia

Nothing says romance quite like a little French bistro, and this Belgravia institution is one of London’s finest. The restaurant has remained pretty much unchanged since the ‘60s, and this old-school feel is part of its charm, serving traditional fare like escargots, coq au vin and the titular dish: la poule au pot (a flavoursome chicken and vegetable stew-like dish). With its intimate nooks and dried flower decor, it’s no surprise the restaurant has been voted as London’s most romantic restaurant multiple times in the annual Harden’s guide.

231 Ebury St, London SW1W 8UT, pouleaupot.co.uk 

(c) Dashti Jafar

Forza Wine, Peckham

There’s just something about being on a London rooftop – the buzz, the views. And at Peckham favourite Forza Wine, you can enjoy the feeling of being up high without being surrounded by hordes of City bankers (and without shelling out a fortune). While wine is the main draw (the clue’s in the name) the food is also delicious: book a table on the roof terrace and share snacks like cauliflower fritti, panzanella, and pork chop with roasted peaches. Worked up an appetite with all that chatting? Go wild and order the whole menu for a reasonable £140. The frozen picantes are dangerously good, and there’s a great selection of orange wine to sip your way through.

The Rooftop, 133A Rye Ln, London SE15 4BQ, forzawine.com 

Quality Chop House, Clerkenwell

This landmark north London spot has been around since 1869, but it has existed under its current guise since 2012, when chef Shaun Searley took over the kitchen. Quality Chop House is a good place to take a real foodie (and ideally not a veggie one): it’s a favourite with the city’s chefs, known for its legendary steaks and chops, best enjoyed from one of the retro booths. Be sure to save some space for pudding, too – C&TH’s Tessa Dunthorne was wowed by the treacle tart here.

92-94 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3EA, qualitychophouse.com