The best date night restaurants in London

Planning a restaurant date night can be a daunting task, regardless of whether you're in the early stages of dating or have been together for years. To help ease the stress, we have carefully curated a selection of exceptional restaurants that you can keep in your back pocket for a splendid date night that is sure to impress that special someone. Whether you have a preference for indulging in light bites or desire a more substantial meal, we have you covered with options that will surpass all expectations.

Toklas

Image: Toklas Restaurant. June 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Toklas is a trendy and effortlessly chic restaurant that has quickly become a favourite for their seriously good food. Owned by Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover, the founders of the prestigious Frieze Art Fair, the restaurant pays homage to the renowned food writer Alice B. Toklas. Despite its relatively recent opening in 2021, Toklas has already garnered a trendy reputation for itself. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining options, each providing a distinct experience. Inside, the exposed concrete walls exude an understated elegance, while the leafy terrace with its multicoloured chairs creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Toklas presents a refined Mediterranean menu. From their exceptional sourdough bread to dishes like Sicilian aubergine with tomatoes, yellow beans, and almonds, the menu showcases a creative fusion of flavours. Noteworthy options include their vegetarian pesto linguine and scrumptious lemon sole with asparagus and shrimp butter. To conclude the dining experience on a high note, Toklas offers tempting desserts such as their signature chocolate cake and a heavenly lemon tart. With its exceptional Mediterranean offerings and its commitment to creating an elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere, Toklas is a must-visit  destination for a romantic and exceptional date night if you want to impress your date with great food and ambiance.

Location: 1 Surrey St, Temple, London WC2R 2ND. Website: toklaslondon.com. Instagram: @toklas_london

Townsend Restaurant

Image: Townsend Restaurant. May 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Townsend, located within the iconic Whitechapel Gallery in Aldgate, is an excellent choice for a date night. Its romantic yet low-key ambiance provides the ideal setting for a memorable evening that combines art and modern British dining. Led by renowned chef Nick Gilkinson, the kitchen presents an ever-changing menu that showcases thoughtfully crafted seasonal dishes. Delight in the flavours of roast mallard with braised radicchio, spiced carrot, and prunes, or savour the squid ink dumplings filled with Portland crab. The menu also features vegterian friendly options like Cornish beetroots with almond cream and sorrel. With an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and an impressive selection of wines, Townsend guarantees a dining experience that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you're seeking a lavish brunch, a leisurely lunch, or an indulgent dinner, make sure to include Townsend on your list of date night destinations for an exceptional taste of modern British cuisine.

Location: 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX. Website: townsendrestaurant.co.uk. Instagram: @townsend_restaurant

Lusin Mayfair

Image: Lusin Mayfair. June 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Lusin is an exquisite culinary gem in the heart of London. Nestled behind a prestigious gold vault door on Hay Hill in Mayfair, Lusin proudly stands as the city's first Armenian restaurant, offering a warm and chic ambiance where you can indulge in an array of aromatic Armenian specialties. Catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians, Lusin's menu showcases a delightful selection of culinary treasures. From the traditional and smoky Mutabal Smoked Eggplant to the savoury and comforting Manti Dumplings, each dish offers a glimpse into the rich flavours of Armenia. Don't miss their show-stopping dessert selection. The signature rose-flavoured ice cream, delicately presented with a cloud of candy floss, and the indulgent layers of their Honey Cake, featuring honey biscuits and cream. This hidden gem tucked away in Mayfair is the ideal choice for a romantic date night that will not only impress your date with the chic location, but the tasty Armenian cuisine is sure to be a winner.

Location: Lusin Mayfair,16 Hay Hill, London W1J 8NY. Website: lusinrestaurant.com. Instagram:@lusinmayfair

Café KOKO 

Image: Café KOKO, Camden. May 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown:Café KOKO, nestled within the renowned KOKO Camden music venue, is a great choice for a fun date night. This Italian restaurant not only impresses with its cuisine but also features curated live music and DJs, adding a touch of uniqueness to your evening. Whether you're looking for a laid-back pre-concert dinner or a relaxed post-drinks bite, Café KOKO is the perfect destination. Its cosy corners and live music create an ambiance that is both casual and romantic. The stylish dining spaces showcase exquisite artwork and sculptures by artists like Philip Colbert, paying homage to the venue's rich musical heritage through images of past gigs displayed on the walls. With a menu that includes generously topped pizzas, flavourful salads, and an absolute favourite, the seriously delicious mushroom bruschetta, Café KOKO offers a buzzing atmosphere for a cosy date night. 

Location: 74 Crowndale Road, London, NW1 1TP. Website: cafe-koko.co.uk. Instagram: @cafekokocamden

Alfred Tennyson  

Image: Alfred Tennyson. May 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Alfred Tennyson, located on the charming Motcomb Street in Belgravia, is a beautiful British gastropub that is both chic and intimate, creating an ideal setting for a romantic evening. Whether you're in the mood for a light bite and drinks or a more substantial dining experience, Alfred Tennyson caters to all preferences. Its comfortable and stylish spaces offer a cosy retreat to start your date with drinks and culminate in a memorable dining experience. With four floors of tastefully designed spaces infused with classic British charm, you can indulge in cocktails or fine wines at the elegant ground floor bar, which provides delightful terrace seating during the summer. For a more substantial meal, the first-floor dining room awaits, showcasing seasonal dishes crafted from sustainable ingredients sourced from top local and British suppliers. Alfred Tennyson not only offers tasty food but also provides a delightful 'farm-to-fork' experience, making it an exceptional choice for a sustainable and unforgettable date night.

Location: 10 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8LA. Website: cubitthouse.co.uk. Instagram: @thealfredtennyson

Brother Marcus Angel

Image: Brother Marcus Angel, May 2023. © MTotoe

#FLODown: Known for their flavourful small plates inspired by the Eastern Mediterranean, Brother Marcus offers brunch and shared plate dinners accompanied by signature cocktails and wine. With a focus on seasonal and organic produce, they ensures a balance of flavours and textures in their concise menu, featuring tasty foods such as crispy callmari, lamb kofta, and vegetarian options like aubergine skewers and seriously tasty beetroot hummus. Located in Angel, their cosy and unpretentious atmosphere sets the perfect stage for an intimate date night, where you can experience a creative take on Eastern Mediterranean cuisine.

Location: 37-39 Camden Psge, London N1 8EA. Website: brothermarcus.co.uk. Instagram: @brothermarcus