There’s nothing like the perfect restaurant to wow your special someone on the first date. We’ve looked at London’s lowkey, luxury, and romantic venues to give you the best options for fun date ideas in the heart of London. Whether you’re in the mood for a candlelight dinner or you prefer a casual vibe before sparks fly, here are the 10 best first-date restaurants in London.
1. Ochre
Ochre is located in the National Gallery of London, making it a convenient place to take your date after enjoying the artwork of famous masters like Van Gogh and Cezanne. With vivid flavours farmed from all over the UK, the Ochre enjoys Michelin status—and it’s easy to say why.
The menu features delicious mains like Devon Crab Linguine and some of the best wines in Trafalgar Square. It’s all wrapped up with a modern, elegant interior to impress just about anyone.
Ochre is best for pre-theatre or dinner as part of a cultural first date.
Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 - 18:00
Wednesday - Friday: 12:00 - 23:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 23:00
National Gallery,Trafalgar Sq,
London WC2N 5DN
2. The Northall
At the Northall, dining isn’t just about sharing a few bites with your dinner date. Instead, you’ll take them on a culinary journey filled with classic yet reimagined European dishes created by some of London’s best chefs.
The restaurant also features different dining rooms for every occasion. Enjoy dinner in their exclusive alfresco garden, sip on the best drinks in their luxurious champagne and cocktail bar, or connect over coffee in the Crystal Moon Lounge.
Al fresco dining with your first date, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Sunday: 07:00 - 16:00
Monday and Tuesday: 06:30 - 10:30
Wednesday - Friday: 16:30 - 21:30
Saturday: 07:00 - 21:30
10a Northumberland Ave,
London WC2N 5AE
3. Humble Grape
There’s nothing like getting to know someone over a few glasses of the finest wine in London. The Humble Grape is all about ditching bland and boring drinks and getting to the good stuff so you and your date can have an amazing time.
Besides having an extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff, they also have plenty of dishes to choose from for the perfect combo. Some of their small plates, like Beef Capriccio, Grilled Sardines, and Salt Beetroot Salad, are great options for keeping hunger at bay.
Romantic dates and relaxed wine evenings.
Monday: 15:00 - 23:00
Tuesday-Friday: 12:00 - 23:00
Saturday: 15:00 - 00:00
Battersea
2 Battersea Rise, London, SW11 1ED
Islington
11-13 Theberton St, London, N1 OQY
Canary Wharf
18-20 Mackenzie Walk, Canary Wharf, E14 4PH
Fleet Street
1 St Bride’s Passage, London, EC4Y 8EJ
Liverpool Street
8 Devonshire Row, London, EC2M 4RH
Crouch End
4 Topsfield Parade, Crouch End, N8 8PR
Exclusive Humble Grape wine list from independent winemakers.
4. The Rooftop at St. James
If you want a classy, luxurious first date place that gives you views of London’s iconic skyline, then the Rooftop at St. James is the place to go. Situated above Trafalgar Square in Central London, St. James offers an amazing view and much more. Feel free to choose from their diverse menu of seasonal contemporary bites and main courses. They’re just as famous for their margaritas, making St.James the whole package.
The Rooftop at St.James is best for classy breakfasts, brunches, and lunches with panoramic views of Trafalgar Square.
Sunday - Tuesday: 12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday - Thursday: 12:00 - 12:00
Friday - Saturday: 12:00 - 12:30
The Trafalgar St. James Hotel,
7th floor, 2 Spring Gardens,
London SW1A 2TS
You can’t go wrong with their Double Cheeseburger.
5. Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh does two things very well. Firstly, it lets you and your date indulge in the best Pan Asian fusion flavours London has to offer. Secondly, it sports an immersive, opulent vibe based on the ancient legend with its interior gold, bronze, and rich dark woods.
Gilgamesh takes you on a journey through taste fit for a Babylonian king with their bountiful menus. Some of their signature dishes include Mekong Lemongrass Chicken, Shaking Beef, and Aubergine Miso.
Gilgamesh is the best place for first dates with Pan-Asian fusion meals.
Sunday: 09:00 -00:00
Monday - Saturday: 12:00 - 02:00
4a Upper St Martin's Ln,
London WC2H 9NY
6. Bancone
Relaxed and classy, Bancone takes fine dining to a new level with mouthwatering Mediterranean classics. In fact, its menu is so good that it's been given Michelin status. Pair a wine from their extensive list with one of their signature mains like Bean Ravioli or King Prawns with Caviar for a night of opulence and roaring good times.
Bancone is one of the best London date ideas when you're hankering for some Mediterranean-style dishes.
Sunday: 12:00 -21:30
Monday - Wednesday: 12:00 - 22:00
Thursday - Saturday: 12:00 - 22:30
39 William IV St,
London WC2N 4DD
7. Olea Social
Modern, relaxed, and fresh are the three words that describe Olea Social. Here, you get to enjoy modern twists on the Mediterranean classics like Lamb Kofta Skewers and Pasta Pappardelle.
As the name suggests, Olea is all about the Social. That means bringing you and your date together with their cocktail bar and extensive wine list. If your date is passionate about good food, cosy atmospheres, and refreshing drinks, then you won’t want to miss out on this Mediterranean hideaway.
Olea Social is one of the best date ideas for chowing down on Mediterranean food and sipping on cocktails with your first date in a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for beating those first date nerves.
Monday to Sunday: 11:30 - 23:30
10 Upper St Martin's Ln,
London WC2H 9FB
8. El Ta’Koy
Want to wow your date with a tropical oasis and authentic Hawaiian street food, all while staying right in the heart of London? Created by Cuban chef Luis Pous, El Ta’koy takes you on a culinary journey of the most vibrant flavours in the world.
Their dishes mix Asian and Hawaiian cuisine to give you fresh and innovative meals you’ll wish you tried sooner. Finally, finish off with one of their funky cocktails to make your date a night worth remembering.
El Ta’Koy is best for when you want an Instagrammable first date place with a unique vibe.
Monday - Sunday: 12:00 - 21:00
3 Henrietta St,
London WC2E 8LU
9. Bar Jackie
If you’re looking for a cool spot to impress a date, Bar Jackie in Soho is your answer. With its stylish Great Gatsby theme and comfy atmosphere, it's the perfect place to break the ice without feeling like you're at a formal dinner party. You have plenty of choice for your date with a leisurely brunch, light dinner or a drink on their terrace—whatever you choose, you're sure to have a good time.
Fun and fabulous outdoor setting.
20 Broadwick St,
London W1F 8TH
Cocktails, aperitivo classics such as Pinsa Romana, and homemade gelato.
10. Casa do Frango
Impress your date with an escape to the coast of Portugal at Casa do Frango. This fiery piri-piri chicken restaurant is a hit for those who want a quick meal in a luxury setting in the middle of London. Caso do Frango has a nice open floor that’s perfect for taking a date on a nice meal without it feeling too formal.
For drinks, be sure to try the Peri Peri Margarita—It's like a spicy love affair between tequila and piri piri sauce. You'll be glad you took the plunge!
Sunday: 12:00 -22:00
Monday - Wednesday: 12:00 - 22:00
Thursday - Saturday: 12:00 - 23:00
2 King John Court,
London EC2A 3EZ
Casa do Frango is renowned for its exceptional peri peri chicken, but it's not all that's on offer. There are many other Portuguese dishes like grilled chorizo and pork croquettes.
Find the best first-date spot on Ambl
Looking for the best first date spots in London doesn't have to be difficult. From cosy venues with classic cocktails on the South Bank to places in Mayfair for a fun date night, there are plenty of romantic places in London to choose from. The best part? They're all on Ambl.
With Ambl, you can make your best date ideas in London a reality. Simply download the app, narrow down your search with the date spot filter, and make your reservation to guarantee a spot in the perfect London venue. Ambl is your go-to app for booking date restaurants in London.