First Date Restaurants In London

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.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 4th February 2025




Ayllu

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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.

BÓHA London

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.

Penny Squares

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.

Busaba - Restaurants

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.

Vagabond - Various Sites

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. 

Amazing Grace

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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.

Flight Club

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. 

Portobello Ristorante Pizzeria

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.

PIRAÑA

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.

Kricket Soho

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.

Lahpet

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.