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.
More First Date Restaurants in London
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
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
Filled with class and style, Augustine Kitchen is an authentic French restaurant that will surely impress your date.
63 Battersea Bridge Road, Battersea, London, SW11 3AU
(020) 7978 7085
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
If it's French cooking you wish to wow your date with, choose Chez Bruce, a reliable venue near Wandsworth Common.
2 Bellevue Road, Wandsworth Common, London, SW17 7EG
(020) 8672 0114
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
Claude's Kitchen soon became a firm favourite with the locals. Treat your date to this quirky restaurant and you even see a second date happening.
Amuse Bouche, 51 Parsons Green Lane, Fulham, London, SW6 4JA
(020) 7371 8517
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
The colourful ambience of this Mexican restaurant on Westbourne Park Road will be sure to put you at ease should you be concerning yourself with pre-date nerves.
125 Westbourne Park Road, London, W2 5QL
(020) 7727 6771
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
Sponsored listing
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
Sponsored listing
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
Sponsored listing
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
Pizza East in Shoreditch is a perfect choice for a first date, with trendy decor, a vibrant atmosphere and brilliant pizzas big enough to share.
56 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 6JJ
(020) 7729 1888
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
This chic and polished award winning French bistro serves up the very best dishes from France. With live entertainment regularly, you and your date would surely have memorable evening.
114-116 High Street, Teddington, TW11 8JB
(020) 8977 2239
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