Step away from the takeaway menu and stop eyeing up your loungewear. Valentine’s Day only comes around once a year and it’s a crying shame if you’re going to spend it at home.
Whether you’re in need of some inspiration or you want to be tempted away from the inevitability of Deliveroo, DesignMyNight have put together an epic list of romantic places to celebrate across London that are sure to turn your head. Read on for cocktails on rooftops, glistening views of the city and Michelin star restaurants.
Daffodil Mulligan
London is home to an endless supply of Irish pubs but Daffodil Mulligan is one of London’s only Irish restaurants, and it’s a great contender for a romantic meal in the city. This charming Shoreditch spot is named after a legendary Irish street seller and the food has all the heart and soul of the Emerald Isle but with international influences thrown into the mix. It has a Michelin plate under its belt and a hidden basement bar pouring excellent pints of the black stuff if you refuse to go home after devouring one of their Tipperary steaks.
Benares
If you’re a couple that have a thing for Indian food, Benares is sure to steal your hearts’ this Valentine’s Day. With a Michelin star and a fully booked restaurant almost seven days a week, this iconic Mayfair institution is known far and wide as one of the finest Indian restaurants in London. From the dim lighting to the presentation of the food, trust us when we say you won’t forget date night here anytime soon. Our top tip? Don’t leave without trying their signature black dal.
Aqua Shard
Valentine’s is the one day of the year where you can really make a splash so why not turn the heat up a notch this February and make a booking for Aqua Shard. This sky-high bar promises jaw-dropping views of the capital in a super sleek setting. The drinks are themed around the elements (aqua, fire, earth and air) and they can shake up the classics at the drop of a cocktail shaker. Just try and not get too distracted by the postcard scenes of St Paul’s and the Gherkin.
Apothecary
Forget words of affirmation, we’re convinced that food is a love language in itself. Whether you’re a novice or a pro at handling chopsticks, Apothecary needs to be on your Valentine’s hit list in 2023. This Shoreditch restaurant and bar knows a thing or two when it comes to Japanese food; think hirata buns, sushi rolls, rice bowls and all things tempura. Cocktails here are just as impressive as the plates with spicy margaritas, sake, Champagne and non-alcoholic cocktails taking centre stage.
Eve
Covent Garden is a honey trap for cool places to eat and drink, and the top of that list is Eve. This zero-waste basement bar encourages you to indulge in three of the seven deadly sins: greed, lust and gluttony, with some out of this world drinks. It’s the brainchild of award-winning TV chef Adam Handling so you know you can expect great things. If you get peckish in between drinks – you can’t go wrong with some of their cheese doughnuts. Trust us on this one.
Coupette
If you binged season three of Emily in Paris in a matter of hours at the end of 2022, we have just the Valentine’s date night for you (and it doesn’t involve hopping on the Eurostar). Coupette is a London cocktail bar inspired by France and in terms of ambience it’s as sexy as they come. Exposed brick walls, moody lighting and candlelit tables are what make this place and that’s without getting into the drinks. The Champagne piña colada is what they’re known for; one sip in and you’ll see why.
Isabel
Isabel isn’t going to be kind to your wallet but it will be very, very kind on your eyes. This boujee restaurant is frequented by celebs and A-listers alike, and for plenty of good reasons. The interiors look like they’ve been plucked from a glossy magazine, cocktails come served with clouds of pink candy floss and they have a Champagne dessert that’s sure to see you finishing your romantic meal on a high.
Hakkasan
14th February only comes around once a year and we can’t think of a better excuse to get dressed up to the nines and visit Hakkasan. This Michelin-starred restaurant will have your head in a tizzy with its timeless yet innovative flavours. Home to world-class Chinese cuisine, make sure you arrive hungry before you start delving into all sorts; from baskets of colourful dim sum to lip-smacking smoked beef ribs with jasmine tea.
La Fenice
La Fenice is London’s first ever 100% Halal Italian restaurant, and it’s quite the looker. This dimly-lit gem has cosy booths and a large feature wall with an impressive Renaissance painting. The food is inspired by the different regions of Italy and they’re even running a special £35 set menu for Valentine’s. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, get down to business with their smoked salmon topped pizza and their pasta that comes served in a giant wheel of cheese.
The Gibson
Say ‘I love you’ this Valentine’s with a surprise visit to The Gibson. This secret speakeasy is tucked away in Shoreditch and it’s home to some of the most innovative cocktails we’ve ever laid eyes on. One drink even comes with a green Hulk hand (don’t ask). It’s a snug hideaway with only a few tables, so you’ll have to be quick if you want to spend the most loved-up day of the year here but it’s more than worth it – especially if you’re a couple that loves cocktails.
For more information on romantic restaurants in London, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and TikTok; @DesignMyNight.
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