Although London’s romantic side is often overshadowed by its bistro- and brasserie-filled Parisian neighbor, the British city is full of ways to woo a significant other. A walk along the Thames. Following in Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts’ footsteps in Notting Hill. Recreating the opening of Love, Actually as you land at Heathrow. But the restaurant scene, in particular, is replete with enticing romantic opportunities of all price points and cuisines. Whether you’re looking to wow someone with a Michelin-starred meal or to cuddle up in the corner of a neighborhood spot, London has a culinary offering for every type of date night.   

Classics like Clos Maggiore and Andrew Edmunds draw crowds of two for good reason, thanks in part to their amorously inclined atmospheres. New London restaurants, like Noisy Oyster and One Club Row, are more contemporary and hip, but no less suited to a night out with your partner. Some places are best for first or second dates, while others are ideal for long-time lovers. And it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day or an anniversary to make these meals worthwhile—many are perfect for any random evening you happen to have free. Wherever you go, be sure to make plans in advance, as Londoners tend to book early and frantically. 

Farringdon might not be London’s most romantic neighborhood, but it is home to Sessions Art Club, an effortlessly hip restaurant that debuted in 2021. Situated in a Grade II-listed building, it functions as a studio as well as a restaurant, with rotating art and performances. The shabby-chic walls of the dining room have become almost iconic, adding a stylish flair to the space. The menu features British sharing small plates that are as much about flavor as about creativity. It’s hard to put in a bad order, and the desserts stand up well to the savory dishes. Put in the effort to book a romantic dinner 30 days in advance to ensure a good table at a reasonable time.

Tucked inside Chelsea’s Beaverbrook Townhouse, The Fuji Grill is everything you want from a date night. The contemporary Japanese restaurant is situated in a chic, intimate dining room, and there’s an emphasis on ingredient quality in every dish. At £100 per person, the 12-course omakase is a reasonable splurge, or you can opt for the tasting menu, which includes some of the kitchen’s signatures. The à la carte is broad but discerning, and the charcoal-grilled robata options allow you to sear your own meat, fish and vegetables on the table—a fun addition to........

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