Date Night Ideas - The Best Bars and Restaurants in London

MemoirsofaMountainGirl

Mar 7, 2020

10 min read

Updated: Jul 26, 2020

With February (the month of love) in our rear view, I want to pay tribute to some of the best dinner date spots in London. It can be an overwhelming task for us Londoner's trying to pick that perfect venue for a night to impress or even a dinner with friends, finding the balance between cool and quirky, trendy, affordable with just the right ambiance that suggests you want to impress but you aren't a try hard, can have our little heads in a tizz. The last thing anyone needs at the end of a long slog working week is the added burden of sorting out that perfect date night venue, so to alleviate any of that additional stress even if only a little, I have shortlisted my favorite (romantic-ish) spots dotted around the city that will not disappoint.

Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list because London really has us spoiled for choice, but add these to your bucket list and get dating!

hicce, Coal Drops Yard

Ticking all the boxes, hicce is one of my new favorite date spots for all of the following reasons - It is located in trendy newly redeveloped Coal Drops Yard which has been brought back to life from the Victorian error, now a privately owned, public concept meeting space for all things food, drink, culture and crafts. Just suggesting this as a meeting spot alone is sure to impress. The industrial architecture combined with the revolving sculptures and features (When I went we had the joy of having a go of illuminated see-saws which after a few drinks pleasantly brought out the children in us as we bounced into the night!) Back to hicce, the space and concept has been meticulously thought out to create the ultimate dining experience. We started off our evening with a couple of cocktails from their extensive drinks list and then opted for the hicce experience - which essentially is a carefully curated (seasonal) tasting menu where guests can try small plates of the chefs selection with the option of a wine pairing through their 'hiccup' concept. #sharingiscaring They even have a terrace where you can indulge on Fondue (and the rest).

Price Range: £££

Location: Unit 102, hicce x Wolf & Badger, Stable St, London N1C 4DQ

German Gymnasium, Pancreas Square

Another North West London fave of mine, I fell in love with German Gymnasium ("GG") instantly from my very first visit a few years ago. It was something Kings Cross was lacking (an not a gym fear not) - as a meeting hub for people travelling from across London and indeed Europe, conveniently located beside St. Pancreas International and King's Cross station there never felt like a suitable venue for comfortable after work drinks and a pleasant dining experience. Thank goodness for GG! This is a perfectly sophisticated but chic venue for an intimate dinner with a loved one or a friend. GG oozes grandeur and glamour with its open space concept, guests can choose to dine on its first floor restaurant or for a more casual dining experience, in the Grand Bar. There is also a heated terrace circling the building. The cuisine is a hybrid mix of traditional German / European dishes such Schnitzels and Sausages combined with a more delicate offering of caviar and smoked Salmon Tartar from the restaurant. The Meister Bar has an extensive wine and champagne offering if you wanted to really impress your date with some top shelf worldly wines.

Price Range: ££-£££

Location: King's Blvd, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BU

Forza Wine, The Bussey Building

A popular Italian restaurant with a rooftop terrace, located on the roof of Peckham's cultural hub which is the Bussey Building, this no-frills laid back establishment is perfect for a romantic evening in South West London. Peckham, where the cool kids roam, Forza is a thankfully unpretentious spot serving up some of the best Italian cuisine. It started life as a pizzeria popup in 2012 and has evolved into a very chic rooftop hub. The plates are small, light and designed for drink pairings. Perfect for a late spring / summer's evening where you can watch the sun go down whilst sipping that bottle of Barolo. What's not to love?!

Price Range: ££

Location: The rooftop, 133 Rye Ln, Peckham, London SE15 4ST

City Social, Tower 42

Michelin Star dining Darling. This is one for the bucket list if you are aiming to impress or celebrating that special occasion. Prepare to be wowed. If not from the panoramic views of the city then from the carefully curated a la Carte menu offering or extensive cocktail list. Start the night early as there is a lot to take in at this elegant Jason Atherton establishment, I would suggest starting at Soicla 24 Bar before ordering some light nibbles then see where the night takes you. Booking in advance is recommended or try get in a head of the crowd and bag a window side booth.

Price Range: ££££

Location: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1HQ

Mr Foggs Residence, Mayfair

Hidden away on Mayfair's Bruton Lane, this is a conspicuous venue with an allure of mystery. An entrance that is hard to spot, once you are inside, this is a very intimate space with mood lighting and possibly some of the best cocktails I have ever had. Inside, expect a rare collection of artifacts and antiquities dotted around the room. I personally found quite distracting and more interesting than my date if I am perfectly honest. There is also a little gin / garden terrace guest can avail of. Since opening its doors in 2014 if I recall correctly, Mr. Fogg's residences have expanded across the city to include a tavern and a gin parlor to name a few. Each venue with its own unique offering, but with the same underlying immersive experiences across each venue. I still have the Tipsy tea on my bucket list!

Price Range: £££

Location: 15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair, London W1J 6JD

Blanchette, Soho

Having stumbled across this absolute gem one night whilst strolling through Bricklane with a girlfriend, we were drawn into what looked like a shabby chic boutique restaurant with quaint little fairy lights, delicious cocktails and the most exquisite little sharing plates. Delighted with ourselves for this amazing find, I later learned that the BrickLane establishment sadly closed its doors, however the boutique in London's bustling Soho seem to be going from strength to strength I had to go check it out for myself. Apprehensive it wouldn't live up to my expectations after my initial impromptu date night, I am pleased to report that standards were maintained, and my experience exceeded. This little french bistro should be on everyone's hit list. It is cute and quaint but charming with an extensive wine list to accompany the sharing plates.

Price Range: £££

Location: 9 D'Arblay Street, W1F 8DR, Soho

Temper (Smokehouse), Soho

I went here on a date night recently to celebrate my boyfriends birthday. I found the promise of a meat feast and the open plan dining concept alluring. We managed to bag a seat at the top counter (chef's table-esque) overlooking the large woodfire oven which was quite theatrical in itself. The concept is sustainable farming whereby the meat is sourced from smaller local farms and butchered in-house. We opted for the T-Bone to share along with many other small plates. The meat was like nothing I have ever tasted. Almost melt in your mouth like butter so I wasn't sure if that was how the cured it, but non the less, carnivore or otherwise or - there is something for everyone on the menu. It also seemed like the perfect setting for a birthday gathering as there are longer tables and also smaller booths for a more intimate setting. I will be back!

Price Range: £££

Location: 25 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 0DF

Sushi Samba, The Heron Tower

This cultural infusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, located on the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower, one of London's infamous skyscrapers - is a cert to impress on date night. The restaurant features one of the highest outdoor dining terraces in Europe, offering unparalleled, 360 degree views of the City. An Instagrammers' favorite, Sushi Samba ("SS") has an infamous Orange Cherry Blossom Tree on one of it's outdoor bar areas. My bf took me here to celebrate my graduation and he scored massive brownie points! SS has been on my London hit list for so long and finally I got to see what all the fuss was about. Take your time and try have a bit of everything! The menu is extensive and can be overwhelming. We indulged in the Lychee cocktails and sparkling sake to help us through the courses.

Price Range: ££££ (I would hold this one back for a special occasion)

Location: HERON TOWER, 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY

The Ned, City of London

GOOD VIBES ONLY. The Ned can be anything you want it to be.. A 5* hotel in the heart of the city with an open plan dining area upon entrance, the Ned is now home to multiple world renown dining establishments any of which would be sure to impress your date. Most recently I went with a few girlfriends to check out Kaia, one of the newer kids on the block, serving up Asian -Specific cuisine and Sushi. We managed to work our way around most of the room, stopping for cocktails and Millie's Lounge and a night-cap at Cecconi's. There was a live band and music playing throughout the evening and just a general great buzz around. Book in advance at one of the restaurants to avoid the queues and disappointment. Avoid - the lady's of the night!

Price Range: £££ - ££££

Location: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ

Sushi Restaurants at the Ned Hotel, London — Dining at Kaia London at the Ned

Megan's, Parson's Green

I have loved the concept of Megan's ever since I stepped through its tiny doors on a date night some 7/8 years ago on the King's Road. I remember thinking it was quaint and cute and the Cote du Beouf they were serving up at the time was to die for. Serious brownie points - he got a second date! Since then, Megan's has gone from strength to strength (my date never quite went the distance) opening establishments across the city - but mainly in the South West London 'burbs were she originated, making her mark as one of London's favorite neighborhood restaurants. Mezzo style sharing plates, cocktails and fairly lights at affordable prices is what you can expect from old-faithful Megan's. Perfect for a chilled evening mid-week or a lunch/brunch date at the weekend.

Price Range: ££

Location: 57-69 Parsons Green Ln, Fulham, London SW6 4JA

Chutney Mary, St. James

This is a must go to if you are a curry fiend like myself and love good Indian dish. Chutney Mary is an Indian Fine-dining restaurant with opulent decor set in the heart of St. James in central London. I first fell in love with this restaurant when it was originally a smaller low-key (but still exceptional) restaurant on the King's road in Chelsea. When they moved across to St. James I followed them across to see what all the fuss was about. To this day, this is possibly still my favorite Indian restaurant in London, but reserved for special occasions! Dress to impress.

Price Range: ££££

Location: 73 St James's St, St. James's, London SW1A 1PH

Berner's Tavern, Fitzrovia

I was delighted with myself when I stumbled across this little gem a few years ago in Fitzrovia. Part of the London Edition hotel, Berner's Tavern (also under the direction of celebrated Michelin Starred Chef - Jason Atherton) serves classic British Cuisine in an intimate setting. The high ceilings and extensive art collection on the walls combined with the extensive bar offering should be enough to impress any date. If you want something a bit more relaxed for your date - perhaps try here for a lunch date - the Lobster mac and Cheese is really quite something!

Price Range: £££-££££

Location: 10 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NP

Anglo, Farringdon

When my boyfriend ("bf") asked me to meet him here on the eve of my 30th birthday (having just had my hair and makeup done at Harrods) I was quite horrified when I put the location into city maps to be hustling through the back streets of London's Hatton Garden anxiously trying to find our date venue. Wind swept and sweating I had taken my life in my hands and had finally arrived at my destination. To say my heart sank was an understatement - I wanted to run away! ordinarily I would not be this high maintenance but my expectations were slightly higher on this particular evening as my 20's were coming to an end. (Stay with me it does get better!) In I walked to what was a small little dinning room with minimalist furniture and setting. The bf explained to me we were there for the chefs tasting menu and wine pairing so my interest peaked. Once that first glass of wine came and that bread (that bread though) I was sold. The courses kept coming and the vino kept flowing. This is a great little quirky spot if you are looking for something a bit edgy'ier and want a break from the mainstream. I keep meaning to go back here. On the list as it has a really special place in my heart.

Price Range: £££

Location: 30 St Cross St, Holborn, London EC1N 8UH

Celeste, at the Lanesborough Hotel

Another little Michelin starred gem on the hit list, the exquisite Celeste restaurant at one of London's top hotels, really is the gift that keeps on giving. Fine dining at at best with a wine list to accompany each delicate dish we stayed here for hours. During the day the Dome glass roof illuminates the room with natural lighting (perfect for afternoon tea I would imagine) but the menu itself is really quite special. Truffle shavings are paired with many of the dishes and with the amuse bouche arriving between each course, you really don't get a chance for a breather. My advice, take your time with this one and really indulge. located just a stones throw from Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace I would suggest this venue for friends coming from our of town perhaps, let them soak up teh London Landmarks!

Price Range: ££££ (Special Occasions Only)

Location: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA

Tooting Market, Tooting Broadway

My local delight - both the Tooting Market and Broadway Market have evolved over the last few years broadening their culinary offering now attracting foodies from all over London. The food and drink offering is expanding making this a great destination to take a date or meet up with friends. If you know which restaurant you want to go to I would suggest pre-booking for a Friday or Saturday evening but if there is just the two of you you should be ok! There are quite literally too many of my favorite restaurants between these two venues for me too mention but there really is something for everyone here with no frills laid back vibes and live music at weekends.

Price Range: ££

Location: 21-23 Tooting High St, Tooting, London SW17 0SN