Whether you’re wining and dining your true love, celebrating Galentine’s day or just treating yo' self, we can all agree that if there is one sure-fire way to the heart then it is FOOD. Discover the perfect restaurants to ramp up the romance and find the dish of your dreams this Valentine’s day with our top Eaten picks.
The best for... a fun-filled date
If a fancy sit down dinner isn’t your cup of tea, then Swingers (the golf club, not that) might be the one for you. Rounds of crazy golf accompanied by cocktails and a selection of some fantastic street food vendors including Pizza Pilgrims (our fave!), Patty&Bun and Breddo’s make for a distinctly above par evening.
The best for… a picture-perfect evening
Any quick google search for ‘romantic restaurant London’ will immediately point you towards Covent Garden’s Clos Maggiore, a flower-draped, breathtakingly beautiful wonderland that oozes enchantment and gives off distinct fairy grotto vibes. Order the oven-roasted and herb smoked rib of Limousin Veal (for two) and remember to ask your waiter very nicely to be seated in the courtyard.
The best for… a fashionable night
Housed in what used to be a Victorian bakery’s basement, Kitty Fisher’s is a quaint lounge bar serving modern British food with a Spanish twist. Kitty Fisher’s embodies the charm and vitality of its namesake (a notorious 18th-century British courtesan) and is a uniquely atmospheric choice for a sophisticatedly cosy meal, as well as being a great spot to indulge in some celeb spotting.
The best for… an unforgettable experience
For a Richard Curtis worthy encounter, head down to the OG dining in the dark - Dans Le Noir. Granted, you might not be able to see the food, but part of the fun is trying to work out what you’re actually eating (and no one will be able to tell if you spill it down yourself). The menu itself is a closely guarded secret but is always an incredibly thoughtful array of flavours and textures - and you might just bump into Ron Weasley's big brother.
The best for... the view
Famed for their namesake dish (crispy duck confit with...you guessed it) Duck & Waffle is one of those rare restaurants where the food actually lives up to the hype. Perched on the top floor of London’s Heron Tower, Duck & Waffle allows you to enjoy gloriously panoramic views over London’s skyline. The restaurant is open 24/7, making it the perfect place to end the evening with a cocktail or two in the wee hours.
Minnow
The best for… a lazy afternoon
Minnow is the kind of restaurant you want to spend a lot of time in. Located on the edge of Clapham Common, it’s the perfect nook to while away a lazy afternoon in their cosy courtyard drinking wine and nibbling on sharing plates.
Jolene
The best for...a cute pastry date
Described by the Guardian as ‘a soothing place to be’, Jolene is more than just an atmospheric eatery. With a wonderfully rustic menu and is own bakery, it’s the perfect spot to pop in for a mug of coffee and spend some quality time together. Please do take your S.O. just because you can.
Lorne
The best for… understated elegance
Nestled among the chain restaurants and fast-food joints that populate the streets around Victoria Station is Lorne, a quiet oasis of calm and tranquillity in a sea of hustle and bustle. Combining a menu of modern British delights with an exceptionally sourced wine list, Lorne manages to achieve that perfectly casual elegance so many restaurants strive for. This is still enough of a hidden gem that your dinner guest will be seriously impressed with your restaurant knowledge.
The best for… a chilled night
What better way to spend Valentine's day than cuddling up on a giant bed at the movies? Not only is Electric cinema cosy as hell, but it has the added benefit of being a diner and cinema all in one. Grab a bite to eat or one of their insane cocktails, and then snuggle up on the (ridiculously large) beds to enjoy your film.
However you decided to spend your Valentine's Day, we hope it's full of love, fun and, most importantly, food! Don't forget to share your favourites and discoveries on Eaten, and let us know your V day plans in the comments!
