Dim lights, soft music, romantic tables a deux... whatever your criteria may be when it comes to the ideal first date restaurants in London, we've done the hard work for you. Plan your night out with our pick of the best first date restaurants in London and you're virtually guaranteed a perfect evening. The only thing the restaurants on our recommended list can't do is to make conversation for you.
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4-6 Essex Road, Islington, London, N1 8LN
(020) 7359 5361
Meat People is a steakhouse restaurant on Essex Road. Meat People serves high quality and reliably sourced steaks as well as wines from around the world and retro cocktails.
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If you're hoping to score brownie points with your date then About Thyme is the place to go. With a rich focus on wines from around the world, you can be almost certain that your date will go down well.
82 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1DL
(020) 7821 7504
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Level 31 The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 9RY
(020) 3011 1256
aqua shard, located on level 31 of The Shard, serves innovative contemporary British cuisine and boasts breath-taking views from its main dining room and atrium bar.
Artisan Bar and Grill is an unusual venue where your meal is part cooked then served on a piece of volcanic rock and you finish cooking it to your liking. Kick back and relax as you and your date will be treated to a stunning meal in a warm and relaxing environment.
11 Hall Lane, London, E4 8HH
(020) 8524 4355
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77 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4NX
(020) 7376 7799
Benihana on the King's Road is a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant where dishes are cooked in front of you on a teppan grill. Benihana Chelsea is ideal for birthdays and celebrations with a private chef at every table, dazzling guests with their showmanship and culinary skills.
Cool and chic, Bluebird is located in the heart of Chelsea, this celebrity hot spot is well known for its high quality British meals and delicious cocktails. A second date may be on the cards after this.
350 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UU
(020) 7559 1000
Perhaps you're looking for a different kind of first date? If so, Ceviche is your restaurant. Whether you've tried Peruvian food or not, we can guarantee that this will be a winner with your date.
17 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4RF
(020) 7292 2040
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Malmaison London, 18-21 Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6AH
(020) 7012 3717
Chez Mal is a fresh mix of traditional steakhouse and classic French brasserie, with bold flavours and a fun, upbeat atmosphere. The interiors combine urban style with a touch of Moulin Rouge and a dash of Las Vegas, featuring exposed brick walls dark wooden tables and floors, and plush leather seating.
Surprise your date with this Soho beauty. Cinnamon Soho combines Indian and British food to give diners the ultimate new twist.
5 Kingly Street, Soho, London, W1B 5PF
(020) 7437 1664
Elegant and sophisticated, your date will surely appreciate a delicious meal at Corrigans Mayfair with an impressive a la carte menu.
28 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 7EH
(020) 7499 9943
Dean Street Townhouse is located in the heart of Soho and offers seasonal British cuisine which changes weekly. A typical menu includes dishes such as Black Angus porterhouse steak, Portland Bill crab or pheasant goujons. Melting candlesticks enhance the romantic atmosphere of this Soho House venue.
69-71 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 4QJ
(020) 7434 1775
A hearty Italian meal is perfect for the first date, especially at Forty Dean Street. With a wide range choice of foods, there is always something for everyone.
40 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 4PX
(020) 7734 1853
This Argentinian beauty stands out from the crowd if you're hoping to stand a chance with your date. With plenty of authentic dishes available at Garufin, you'll really believe that you've taken your date to Argentina.
8b Lambs Conduit Passage, Bloomsbury, London, WC1R 4RG
(020) 7430 9073
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577 King's Road, Fulham, London, SW6 2EH
(020) 7736 6081
The Imperial is a restaurant and bar that uses seasonal, British produce to create a variety of dishes with international influences. The Imperial retains many period features with high ceilings and its Victorian facade.
Next to the Ivy, J Sheekey is quite the celebrity haunt and will no doubt dazzle your date, if they are indeed dazzled by such things.
28-32 St Martins Court, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4AL
(020) 7240 2565
French dining at its finest, La Cage Imaginaire is the perfect place for couples to have a quiet and intimate meal whilst surrounded in a traditional French restaurant.
16 Flask Walk, Hampstead, London, NW3 1HE
(020) 7794 6674
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37a Curzon Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 7TX
(020) 7629 2211
You and your date can enjoy a truly authentic Arabic meal within the Mayfair scene at Mamounia Lounge. With plush interior, outstanding food and expert made cocktails, your date will feel utterly spoiled in the heart of London.
You can't go wrong with Italian cuisine when trying to impress your date. Mele e Pere is in the heart of Soho serving delicious food in a quirky little establishment.
46 Brewer Street, Soho, London, W1F 9TF
(020) 7096 2096
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42 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, London, NW1 8JD
(020) 7722 2800
Michael Nadra Primrose Hill offers a menu of Modern European cuisine made with mainly UK sourced produce. The venue also boasts a chic bar area and an elegant garden close to the Regents Canal.
Another Middle Eastern option on our list if its the cuisine that takes top priority.
25 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, W1B 4BH
(020) 7434 4040
Classic French dining is Orrery's speciality. Cosy candlelit dinners are perfect at this Marylebone destination, so if you're looking to take your date to restaurant with delightful food and sophisticated surroundings, then book a table at Orrery.
55 Marylebone High Street, Marylebone, London, W1U 5RB
(020) 7616 8000
You and your date will be spoilt for choice at Osteria Dell'Angolo as Chef Massimiliano Vezzi offers the finest of Italian cuisine within the heart of Westminster.
47 Marsham Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3DR
(020) 3268 1077
Oxo Tower Restaurant is renowned for its brilliantly British menu, and with over 800 wines from around the world to choose from, your date will most certainly be impressed.
OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH
(020) 7803 3888
Delicious food and outstanding cuisine, Spanish restaurant Pizarro is a relaxed place to eat tapas, drink sherry and unwind with your date.
194 Bermondsey Street, Bermondsey, London, SE1 3TQ
(020) 7378 9455
Upbeat and modern, The Red Fort is the place to wow your date. You can't go wrong with their authentic Indian dishes.
77 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 3SH
(020) 7437 2525
If you're looking for a unique date then look no further. Riverlounge Italian overlooks the wonderful St Katherine's Dock whilst serving up luscious Italian food.
50 St Katharines Way, St Katherines Dock, London, E1W 1LA
(020) 7702 4588
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224 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9HP
(020) 7930 1459
Savini at Criterion is an elegant fine-dining restaurant on Piccadilly offering a varied Italian menu.
By day Savini at Criterion offers a grand setting for breakfast, with freshly brewed coffee and home-baked croissants, languid lunches and indulgent afternoon teas featuring mouth-watering cakes and pastries.
But as the sun sets, Savini at Criterion transforms itself into one of the capital’s most glamorous fine-dining destinations. The iconic long bar at Savini - where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle staged the first meeting between Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson - is the perfect spot for an aperitif or cocktail.