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The Most Romantic Valentine’s Day Restaurants in London

Candlelight, hidden corners and rooms made for two: where to book for Valentine's Day in London.

In short: our top picks are Clos Maggiore, Bob Bob Ricard and Sketch. 4 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

Valentine’s Day is the hardest night of the year to get a romantic table right, because everyone is trying to. The secret is booking early and choosing a room that does intimacy properly: candlelight, a little privacy, food worth lingering over. These are the most romantic restaurants in London to book for Valentine’s Day.

Place Area Price
Clos Maggiore Covent Garden ££££
Bob Bob Ricard Soho £££
Sketch Mayfair ££££
The Ledbury Notting Hill ££££
  1. Editor’s choice

    Clos Maggiore

    • Covent Garden
    • ££££

    Why we pick itOften called the most romantic restaurant in London; the candlelit conservatory is the table to book.

  2. Bob Bob Ricard

    • Soho
    • £££

    Why we pick itBooths, a 'press for Champagne' button and theatrical glamour; pure romance with a wink.

    Worth knowingNot cheap outside the off-peak pricing, and the deliberately over-the-top format will not suit anyone after understated fine dining.

  3. Sketch

    • Mayfair
    • ££££

    Why we pick itThe dreamlike pink Gallery; as much an experience as a dinner, and unforgettable for two.

    Worth knowingSkip it if you want a quiet neighbourhood dinner

  4. The Ledbury

    • Notting Hill
    • ££££

    Why we pick itTwo Michelin stars and a hushed, grown-up room; for a Valentine's that means business.

    Worth knowingTables go weeks or months ahead and the tasting menu runs to several hundred a head with wine, which puts it in once-a-year territory.

Before you book

Book weeks ahead; the romantic rooms go first and many run a set menu on the night. Ask for a quiet corner or the most intimate table when you reserve. And consider the night before or after; the food is the same and the room is calmer, which is arguably more romantic anyway.