Date Night
The 5 Best Affordable Romantic Restaurants in London
Best Affordable Romantic Restaurants in London: chosen on merit by Lamplit London.
In short: our top picks are Andrew Edmunds, Padella and Bocca di Lupo. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Romance is not a function of the bill. Some of London’s most charming tables are also its kindest on the wallet: low light, good wine, a kitchen that cares and a room built for lingering. These are the best affordable romantic restaurants in London.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Edmunds | Soho | £££ |
| Padella | Borough | ££ |
| Bocca di Lupo | Soho | £££ |
| Blacklock | Soho | ££ |
| Brasserie Zedel | Piccadilly | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
Andrew Edmunds
Why we pick itA candlelit Soho townhouse of creaking floors and a famously fair wine list; the most romantic room in London for the money.
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Padella
Why we pick itHandmade pasta at a marble counter for a song; join the queue, share small plates and fall a little in love.
Worth knowingNo bookings, ever, and a weekend queue that can eat an hour before you see a menu. The room is narrow, loud and built for turnover rather than lingering.
-
Bocca di Lupo
Why we pick itRegional Italian small plates under low light, best eaten side by side at the counter.
-
Blacklock
Why we pick itChops, charm and house wine by the carafe in a buzzy basement; generous, unpretentious and great value.
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Brasserie Zedel
Why we pick itA glorious Art Deco Parisian brasserie with a prix-fixe that feels like a steal beneath the gold and marble.
Worth knowingThe cooking is competent rather than the point, and service moves fast enough to rush a leisurely evening. You are buying the room and the price.
Before you book
Several of these do not take bookings, so go early or be ready to wait with a drink. A weeknight is quieter and just as lovely.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Andrew Edmunds is our editor's choice: A candlelit Soho townhouse of creaking floors and a famously fair wine list; the most romantic room in London for the money. Andrew Edmunds, Padella and Bocca di Lupo lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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