So, you’ve worked up the courage to ask out your crush and now you’re looking for a show-stopper of a spot. Discover some of the best restaurants for a first date in London with our curated list of romantic tapas bars, interactive dining experiences and intimate eateries that are sure to impress. And if all goes well? We've got you covered with even more swoon-worthy date night spots around town.
Treat your partner to an unforgettable night at BÓHA London, where sophistication and style combine for the ultimate date experience. With its contemporary yet cosy decor and an impressive cocktail list in its 1920s-style speakeasy, you'll find the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy each other's company.
Share a bottle of wine, nibble on delicious dishes from the menu, and let the expertly crafted tipples set the mood for the evening.
If you really want to impress, then Gymkhana is a top choice of London restaurants for first dates. With interiors inspired by the members' clubs of India, twists on classic cocktails and tandoor or chatpatta dishes designed to share, this place is second to none.
Found in London's most-known neighbourhood for romance, thanks to that iconic rom-com, Notting Hill's Portobello Ristorante Pizzeria oozes first date vibes with an equally relaxed and romantic ambience. Think a cosy spot with exposed brick walls and an outdoor terrace for soaking up any sun in the warmer months.
You and your date can tuck into wood-fired pizzas alongside the likes of wood oven-roasted monkfish wrapped in pancetta and charcoal-grilled sirloin steak. Accompanying is a varied wine list.
Break the ice at Penny Squares housed within Canopy by Hilton London City hotel. This restaurant is an ideal romantic spot for its laid-back vibes, alongside its crackin' menu. Delve into a succulent steak or some Cornish hake while getting to know your date.
With a buzzy atmosphere and a massive selection of dishes and drinks, Mercato Metropolitano is a top first date idea. Share a pizza on the food hall's communal tables, slurp down ramen in the outdoor terrace or seek out the intimate den and turn on the charm over a bottle or two.
Located in the heart of Soho, 64 Old Compton Street is an intimate Italian restaurant that makes for a great first date spot. Sister restaurant to the popular 40 Dean Street, you can expect top quality food at an affordable price here.
Take a seat in the stylish, deep blue interiors to enjoy carefully crafted cocktails, paired with scrumptious dishes such as tiger prawn linguine, goat's cheese and beetroot pizza or potato gnocchi with slow-cooked beef ragu.
Unlimited Asian tapas & sushi with free-flowing wine or beer £59.95 per person and 2 other offers
Perfect for a playful first date meal in London, Inamo's interactive tables are brilliant ice-breakers. As well as watching the kitchen team do their thing via chef cam, you can also play games with each other while waiting for your delicious Pan-Asian feast to arrive.
Whisk your date off to Italy without leaving the lovely leafy streets of Fulham. Bellillo delivers flavours “from our lands to your hands”, with every ingredient carefully chosen by co-founder Francesco Vigna and sourced directly from local famers.
Needless to say, its pizzas are organic, sustainable and super seasonal. We're talking quattro formaggi, Napoletana, capricciosa and Calabrese.
Cheese-filled tequenos, fried chicken cornbread and home infused old fashioned... sounds like a fun first date idea to us. If that wasn't enough, Venezuelan kitchen Arepa & Co has an outdoor terrace for the summer months and one of the best brunch menus in London.
One of the best restaurants in London for a first date, 14 Stories is a foliage-adorned hideaway in the Square Mile. With an extensive range of high-end European fare on the menu, this place tops off its extraordinary dishes with impressive signature tipples.
2 or 3 Course Festive Set Menu - From £42 and 2 other offers
One of the best restaurants for a first date in Central London, Whitcomb's is serving an elegant menu of French Mediterranean cuisine. Head here for a romantic dinner and drinks (there's even theatreland on your doorstep), and you're sure to swoon.
If you're looking to impress a first date and fancy a casual vibe, Busaba's Thai restaurants are a great shout. You'll find these across the city, from Hoxton and Soho to Kingston and Stratford, offering an intimate, low-lit setting that's perfect for a little romancing.
You'll be able to delve into all kinds of delicious eats from their fantastic Thai menu - kickstart with a few small plates, like their signature wok-tossed calamari or chicken satay, then dig into spicy curries, flavoursome pad Thai and mussaman lamb shank hot off the grill.
A hidden gem in the heart of Soho, 40 Dean Street is an intimate spot for first dates. Expect dimly lit interiors filled with dark wooden furniture and comfy seating, with a small outdoor terrace that's ideal for summer dates.
They showcase the very best of Italian cuisine, inspired by different regions. We're talking lobster spaghetti, wild mushroom and prosciutto pizzas or ricotta and truffle ravioli, washed down with delicious cocktails.
Vagabond's urban wineries are ideal for an evening of wining and dining over a bottle and sharing plates. Offering a stunning array of handpicked vinos in undoubtedly sleek surroundings, it's no surprise that this is one of the city's best places for a first date.
Do something a little different and head to Barge East for a dinner to remember. With its multi-course set menus that showcase the best in British cooking, this atmospheric restaurant puts you in prime position to land that all-important second date.
No.197 Chiswick Fire Station has got to be one of the best restaurants for a first date in London. Alongside a signature cocktail menu, Antipodean-inspired dishes and seriously suave interiors, the West London bar and kitchen also has a stunning outdoor area for when things heat up.
Add a dash of competition to your first outing with a trip to this quirky bar and restaurant. Flight Club will have you ditching stuffy restaurants and awkward small talk in favour of high-octane darts throwing, paddles of pizza and plenty of libations for a fun night out.
Off a peaceful, little street in Mayfair, El Pirata is a bustling tapas bar and eatery that could easily be mistaken for a hidden gem in Madrid rather than London. With a focus on 'la familia', the venue has been offering Mediterranean fare and a carefully curated list of 100 wines for 30 years.
Dine inside or outside for a vibrant Spanish feel, for equal part romantic and laid-back vibes.
A fantastic shout if you're looking for date spots in London, Benares Restaurant & Bar is sure to impress your potential flame. Enjoy fancy Indian fare, alongside a wide range of vino, or for a really cool experience, try their £123 tasting menus.
Looking like something that's just stepped out of the 70s, Coin Laundry is a cool first date restaurant in Central London. Offering more than just quirky surroundings, this place will have you scoffing vintage dishes such as ham, egg and chips, chicken Kiev and cauliflower cheese steak.
Samba Brunch: Bottomless Food and Drinks. and 4 other offers
Looking for somewhere luxurious to impress your date? Then take them to Ayllu. This stunning space flaunts a sultry emerald green interior with cosy leather booths for intimate meals, alongside an equally impressive menu of Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes. You'll find this place beneath Paddington Central cooking up everything from salmon and avocado tacos to oyster mushroom ceviche or beef tataki. The cocktails here are just as enticing though - we recommend the raspberry and white lychee blend Pinku.
A lively Mexican spot in Notting Hill, Trejo's Tacos adds spice to any first date. From actor and entrepreneur Danny Trejo, it brings the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine to London.
Expect everything from tacos and burritos to bowls, soups and salads, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. There's just as much to love over on the drinks list - we're talking margaritas, ice cold beers, and flights of mezcal and tequila.
Break the ice on your first date with Obicà Mozzarella Bar in Canary Wharf. This venue is ideal for ogling your date, all while taking in the stunning glass atrium interiors and digging into authentic pizza or pasta. Want more? Check out the St Paul's location.
A pioneer of Thai cuisine in South London, The Begging Bowl offers a menu of colourful, aromatic dishes rooted in the traditions of northern Thailand. With chef Jane Alty at the helm, the restaurant blends authentic techniques with seasonal British produce, creating plates that are perfect for sharing.
From its relaxed setting to its expertly crafted cocktails, it's a must-visit for anyone seeking bold flavours and a welcoming atmosphere.
Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Gallio is making sure you can get your fix of everything from bottomless breakfasts, pizza brunches and shawarma to three-course set menus with a cocktail for just £40. Taking pride in their fresh mezze, bread baked in-house, halal meats and sustainable food, they're a destination that delivers value, ambience and quality all in one package - striking the perfect balance for a first date.
Amazing Grace is a gorgeous restaurant that's sure to make sure you get that all-important second date. This reformed church still boasts beautiful stained glassed windows and an altar, combined with cutting-edge audio-visual displays and a regular lineup of live music. Not only is this place gloriously pretty, but it's also bringing you a range of tasty East Asian bites like Korean potato bites, pulled beef brisket bao buns and Japanese fried chicken. To top it all off, there are delicious cocktails and bottomless brunches on site.
Up the chances of sparks flying by making a dinner booking at intimate Italian restaurant DeGusto in Camden. The dim lighting will instantly set the mood, creating a romantic warmth that only an independent eatery could achieve.
Championing seasonal, local ingredients, the food menu is made up of high quality dishes that spotlight both authentic and contemporary flavours and techniques. From wood-fired, Roman-style pizzas, grilled seafood, incredible cuts of meat and to handmade pastas and starters you won't be able to choose between, there really is something for everyone. Cocktails and wines will also be available, if you plan on the first date being a boozy one.
Looking for somewhere that will really impress your date, without being too formal? Then head to Stanley's, a stylish rooftop bar found above The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel. This romantic space is filled with blossom trees, comfortable seating and a glowing marble bar, with amazing views to boot.
Treat yourselves to signature cocktails like the English mojito or a Passion For Chillies. Plus, they serve tasty small plates such as native lobster and crayfish rolls, seared sirloin steak or aged cheddar toasties.
One of the swishest romantic restaurants in London with a view, Aqua Kyoto is an elevated Japanese restaurant, terrace and bar. Head here if you fancy splashing the cash a little on a jaw-dropping dinner in a stunning setting.
Situated on London Bridge, Pizarro is an ideal spot if you're looking for an intimate date night. Your evening comes complete with delicious wine and Spanish fare, served in simple but stylish surrounds - full of wooden decor and tiled walls.
Their menu is perfect for sharing with a partner, featuring tapas dishes like wild bluefin tuna, Padron peppers and Iberian ham croquetas.
Looking for a first date spot with charm, flavour, and a hint of elegance? Noci Richmond hits all the marks. Bright, inviting interiors and riverside views set the scene for sharing plates like burrata with broad beans, fritto misto, or indulgent pastas such as strozzapreti with creamed courgettes.
Finish with a dessert like vanilla panna cotta or chocolate mousse, and toast your date with a strawberry, blood orange and ginger spritz. With sister locations in Islington, Shoreditch, and Battersea, Noci offers a reliably romantic Italian experience anywhere in London.
Looking for a dining destination that's guaranteed to impress your date? Then check out Sabine Rooftop Bar, the stunning spot that promises amazing views of St Paul's Cathedral. You can enjoy this from the rooftop terrace, as well as from the floor-to-ceiling windows in their gorgeous conservatory, filled with plants.
They offer a wide range of signature cocktails, as well as a delicious a la carte menu. Tuck into the likes of wagyu beef burgers, burrata and black truffle tortellini or spiced lamb cutlets, followed by a chocolate mousse sundae.
After a charming first date restaurant? Oozing rustic vibes, Maremma is the place for you. Named after the Tuscan region, this Brixton gem cooks up traditional delicacies and pasta made in-house daily, all topped off with delicious wine handpicked from small producers.
First date night restaurants in London don't get much better than Farzi, the gorgeous Indian eatery that's delving out sophisticated takes on crowd-pleasing favourites. Think lamb shank, biryani and more, with their signature cocktails to match - just remember to book 7 or more days in advance.
Sitting pretty on Fitzrovia's Charlotte Street, Mowgli is the perfect spot for a dreamy date night. All exposed brick, glowing fairy lights and statement art, the decor here is as delicious as the dishes.
Over a candlelit table for two, you can tuck into the likes of gunpowder chicken, treacle tamarind fries, temple dahl and lamb bunny chow. There's more to fall in love with on the cocktail list, like the chilli mango marg and the masala espresso martini. If you fancy hitting the shops before sitting down for a bite, there's another gorgeous Mowgli spot over at Westfield Stratford City.
The definition of eye candy, Circolo Popolare has garnered masses of social media attention for its amazing interiors and theatrical dishes. Opt for one of their show-stopping sharers (we're thinking le gran carbonara, served in a whole round of pecorino) for a memorable first date.
There's a lot at stake on a first date, so make sure your night goes swimmingly by heading to Bleeding Heart. While in the intimate, atmospheric surrounds of this French Farringdon restaurant, chomp on upmarket eats and let the conversation flow.
A French-inspired date night haunt in Waterloo, Auberge offers stunning views of The Shard. With European plates, wine, and craft beer on tap, it's the perfect spot to cosy up with your boo. Whether you're in the mood for deep-fried camembert, moules mariniere or some good ol' steak frites, this charming joint has got you covered.
Break the ice at Gaucho Covent Garden, a perfect spot for those all-important first date plans. Offering delicious brekkie, brunch, dinner plates and their classic steaks, this dining destination is a great choice from day to night. On top of that, there are also tasty cocktails and late-night entertainment.
Looking for summer date night ideas? Seabird is sure to wow with its picture-perfect rooftop terrace and gorgeous menu of fresh seafood (as well as one of London's best oyster menus). Make sure to head over just as the sun is setting for proper romantic vibes.
Looking to impress a date and appreciate Latin culture at the same time? Then check out dreamy Sazon London in Islington. There's everything from gorg Colombian art on the walls to Dominican delicacies like prawn ceviche with rainbow peppers being delved out by the kitchen.
Searching for the best first date ideas London has to offer? Found opposite Rich Mix Cinema, Lahpet is sure to round off your evening nicely. Head here for sharing plates inspired by Burmese cuisine, with dishes such as fritters, coconut noodles and king prawn curries.
With its huge, Parisian-style bar and intimate booth seating, Balans East in Stratford has date night written all over it. Head to the gothic restaurant for an evening of locally sourced global eats, including curries, burgers and tacos, alongside cocktails and fine wine.
If you're looking for low pressure first date ideas, Minnow is a top choice. Found in the heart of Clapham, this light and airy all-day eatery is a fabulous place for a pitstop after a wander across the Common. Expect everything from wholesome brunches through to roast dinners on the menu.
Looking for a relaxed but sophisticated spot for your date? Promising a buzzing atmosphere and warm hospitality, Koka is a family-run Mediterranean restaurant located in Fulham. This laid-back space features rustic wooden furnishings and simple white walls, with large widows letting in lots of natural light.
Indulge in an extensive menu of sourdough four cheese pizzas, shrimp, mussel and squid linguine or baked moussaka. There are a wide variety of cocktails on offer too, as well as refreshing beers.
Looking to impress on a first date? Ekstedt at The Yard sets the scene for a night to remember. Tucked inside the elegant Great Scotland Yard Hotel in Westminster, this Michelin-starred spot offers an unforgettable dining experience where fire is the star of the show. Forget gas and electric - everything here is cooked over open flames, from smoky ember-baked leeks to reindeer with smoked celeriac.
The setting is warm, intimate, and full of Nordic charm, with an open kitchen that adds a spark of theatre to your evening. Whether you opt for the tasting menu or snag seats at the Chef's Table, it's the kind of restaurant where conversation flows, sparks fly, and the food steals the show.
For a first date that feels considered and elegant, Akub strikes the perfect balance. The natural light streaming through the skylight and the abundance of greenery create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in.
The menu is made for sharing, which keeps things interactive and fun. Snack on olives and spiced almonds, tear into warm za'atar bread, and order a selection of colourful small plates like maftool salad or aubergine with tahinia and pomegranate. Larger dishes such as prawn zibdiyyeh or the signature bukjet mousakhan bring bold, fragrant flavours without feeling heavy.
Nestled in the heart of St James, PIRAÑA is more than just a restaurant - it's the ultimate destination for a first date with a difference. Crafted by Strongarm Hospitality Group, this seductive spot takes you on an unforgettable journey into the mysterious allure of the deep sea. When you walk through the doors, you're immersed in a bold, aquatic dreamscape, spanning two breathtaking rooms and an exclusive private dining space. With textured, ocean-inspired walls, soaring ceilings in mesmerising shades of blue, and flowing, wave-like details, the setting is perfect for breaking the ice and sparking conversation.
PIRAÑA's menu is a sensory adventure designed to impress, starting with an exceptional raw selection that's ideal for sharing. Think seabass ceviche with aji amarillo leche de tigre, sweet potato, and choclo corn; hamachi in yuzu ponzu with jalapeño and coriander; and crispy rice topped with spicy salmon - all vibrant dishes to set the mood.
You can never go wrong with small plates, as the folks at Kricket prove. Head on over to this Soho staple for the chance to graze on enticing eats that blend British ingredients and Mumbai-inspired flavours, topped off with a range of stunning cocktails.
