Top 10 Restaurants for Valentine’s Day in London

Top 10 Restaurants for Valentine’s Day in London

Planning the perfect Valentine’s Day, we’ve got the best restaurant recommendations for the day of love. London is full of romantic spots to enjoy a Valentine’s dinner or lunch. Our top picks are the loveliest places to enjoy a glass of wine and delicious meal over a lit candle. 

Table of Contents:

Sketch, Mayfair

The grassy interiors of The Glade at Sketch make for a magical Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is a very special occasion for many, so why not make it a night you won’t forget. Sketch is one of the most sought after romantic restaurants in London, and with 5 separate eateries inside you have plenty of choice! For a whimsical evening we recommend booking The Glade, with a carpet and decor reminiscent of a forest, and delicious food too – it’s the perfect place for a romantic meal.

If you’re looking for a real experience, head to 3 Michelin star The Lecture Room and Library. For a taste of everything, go for their tasting menu – it’s expensive, but if you have the money to spend, Valentine’s Day couldn’t be a better time to go here!

Lucky Cat, Mayfair

Lucky Cat is a luxurious choice for Valentine's Day

Lucky Cat in Mayfair is one of Gordon Ramsey’s restaurants, where they serve up Asian inspired dishes. From scrumptious sushi, to bao buns, and delicious cocktails to pair it all with you cannot go wrong with this London restaurant for Valentine’s Day. The lights are low in here, making it a great atmosphere for spending time with the one you love.

The Ivy Asia, Mayfair

The Ivy Asia has beautiful interiors for Valentine's Day

Another Asian inspired eatery in Mayfair perfect for Valentine’s Day is The Ivy Asia. The decor here is spectacular, with agate-like floors that are just waiting for you to photograph. We highly recommend getting the sharing platters with your date. The vegan platter comes out complete with a tree – as does the dessert one if you’re dancing something sweet! Another top choice here is the black cod – you’re certainly going to want to taste this, it was our favourite of all the mains.

Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden

Clos Maggiore is known for being the most romantic restaurant in London - and it's no surprise with its floral interiors

Clos Maggiore is known to be one of London’s most romantic Valentine’s Day restaurants. Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, they serve modern French and European food with a fantastic wine list. Inside you’ll find flower-lined ceilings and walls that will certainly impress your date! 

Polpo, Chelsea

Polpo is an intimate restaurant in London for Valentine's Day dinner

Polpo in Chelsea is an inviting restaurant located in Duke of York Square. Inside you’ll find exposed brick walls, candle lit tables, and exceptional service. To start with we recommend getting a plate of the potato and truffle crochet and a serving of zucchini fries to go alongside your main. For mains, the pumpkin ravioli is our favourite dish here – served in a rich and sage-infused butter sauce.

We also recommend not leaving without having a dessert, the tiramisu is a must try on Valentine’s Day – it’s a light and creamy dessert. Why not get one to share between you and your partner?

Rabbit, Chelsea

The rustic and romantic interior of Rabbit in Chelsea - the perfect spot for Valentine's Day

Located on the Kings Road in Chelsea, Rabbit is an excellent restaurant with a rustic atmosphere, exceptional service, and even better food. Rabbit specialises in farm to table dishes, that are also zero-waste, with the menu changing seasonally. When we visited we had chalkstream trout to start – which was delicious. Followed by a monkfish curry with caviar which if it’s on the menu when you go we highly recommend you order – you won’t regret it!

Jacuzzi, Kensington 

Two Valentine's Day coloured cocktails at Jacuzzi in Kensington

Moving to Kensington High Street, the next Valentine’s restaurant recommendation we have for you is Jacuzzi. Jacuzzi is one of Big Mama’s restaurants, and as with all of their ventures the decor inside does not disappoint – with each floor having a slightly different theme. Aiming to bring the traditional Italian trattoria to London, you and your date can expect to indulge in dishes including truffle burrata (a must in our opinion), oysters, lamb ragu, lobster risotto and so much more.

Sky Garden Restaurants, The City

A Valentine's Day dinner with a view of London

For a Valentine’s meal with a view of London, it doesn’t get better than the restaurants in the Sky Garden. You’ll have your pick of two different romantic restaurants:

  • Darwin Brasserie – Already taking Valentine’s bookings, there will be a set menu priced at £135pp.
  • Fenchurch Restaurant – Using British ingredients mixed with flavours of the Caribbean – there is also a set menu here for Valentine’s Day. 

Padella, Borough Market

Cacio e pepe at Padella

First Valentines with your partner? We suggest a romantic date to Borough that ends in a candle lit dinner at Padella. Padella is a pasta restaurant with a difference – they do not accept bookings. When you get there, scan the QR code and join the virtual queue – you’ll get a text when your table is ready. Take the opportunity to visit one of Borough Market’s pubs and get to know your date a little better. Once you get to your mealtime, we recommend the Cacio e Pepe followed by a dessert of tiramisu. 

Dishoom, Multiple Locations Across London

Dishoom is the perfect Valentine's Day restaurant to get a meal you can share

Another Valentine’s Day restaurant that you cannot book ahead is Dishoom. With multiple locations across the city, including Battersea Power Station, Shoreditch, and King’s Cross. Once you get to the restaurant you will be shown to the bar to get a drink and wait for your table to be ready. Once you get to ordering your food we recommend getting the black dahl (our absolute favourites), okra fries, mattar paneer, and gunpowder potatoes. The dishes are designed for sharing, so why not choose a couple each and have fun trying what each other ordered! For dessert, we’d recommend sharing (as you’ll be full already) the chocolate pudding.

Introducing The London Eats List

Planning your next trip to London? We have all the information and inspiration you’re going to need! From the best food markets you cannot miss, to world heritage sites right here in London that are steeped in history.