10 Romantic Restaurants to Book for Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, make some truly special memories with your loved one at one of these restaurants offering up warm, intimate and romantic vibes…
Main image: Bombay Delight, Wimbledon
1
The Dysart, Petersham
Housed in a traditional arts and craft building dating back to 1904, this elegant restaurant offers an unforgettably romantic experience. The setting is simple but beautiful with signature beams, a restored oak bar and bouquets of cultivated wild flowers to bring the interior to life. The menu boasts a modern European fare which includes roast lamb, charred bream and Cornish turbot. Food is artistically presented on the plates and boards and make for a real treat to the eye.
2
Bombay Delight, Wimbledon
For date night, head to Wimbledon and Bombay Delight with its gorgeous and intimate interiors. Experts in hospitality and delivering an elevated dining experience, Bombay Delight really know how to design a special evening, making them the perfect choice for a romantic evening to remember. This year their Valentine’s Day menu boasts beautiful dishes including starters of seared truffle scallops and chicken arancini, along with choices of mains such as turkey butter masala served with pan-seared baby carrots and pulao rice, or a gorgeous pandhara rassa gravel chicken dish served with mande & masala bhat. Finish with uniquely romantic desserts: heart-shaped yoghurt mousse with mixed wild berry compote and vanilla sponge, or a chocolate vanilla torte served with warm chocolate mousse.
3
Rick Stein, Barnes
With gorgeous and elegant views overlooking the tranquil river, there’s nowhere more romantic in Barnes than Rick Stein Restaurant. They will be providing a specially curated Valentine’s Day menu, beginning with a perfectly crisp Fritto Misto, followed by Cornish lobster and creamy fennel risotto, and finishing with a sharing dessert of indulgent Paris-Brest, a classic French dessert made of choux pastry and praline cream.
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4
Minnow, Clapham
Tucked away in the heart of Clapham is the atmospheric restaurant, Minnow. With silk roses winding their way up the pergola, low-level lighting and pale-tone panelling, it captures a real romantic mood. On the menu you’ll find contemporary European cuisine – and their dedicated Valentine’s menu includes starters such as salt and pepper squid or maple glazed pork belly, mains of gnocchi with red pepper sauce and goats cheese or Bavette steak with peppercorn sauce, and decadent desserts of creamy tiramisu or Basque cheesecake & blueberry compote. Also enjoy aperitifs of a glass of Champagne or prosecco.
Left image credit: Sara Grant
Right image credit: Jade Nina Sarkhel
5
The French Table, Surbiton
For a taste of the continent, Surbiton’s The French Table is ideal for all Francophiles searching for a touch of amore. With its low lighting, minimalist design and neutral tones, it’s a cosy place to eat and drink with your partner. On Valentine’s Day enjoy a 4-course menu featuring exquisite dishes like loin of highland venison with caramelised kohl rabi, grilled hen-of-the-woods mushroom and cured beef fillet. They’re also experts on wine pairing, so you’ll get the best recommendations to go with your food.
6
Trinity, Clapham
Located in the heart of Clapham Old Town is Michelin Star restaurant Trinity. For 11 years the team have been serving contemporary delights that are pleasing to the eye as well as the palate. They will be serving up a special Valentine’s Day menu featuring some decadent tastes, from salmon crumpet with oyster cacio e pepe to French white asparagus with white crab and lovage vinaigrette. The interior is as opulent as the menu with rich purples, light greys and elegant table settings. The atmospheric lighting also gives a cosy ambience, perfect for a romantic date. You’ll also discover a great selection of wines from the chef’s cellar.
7
Tampopo, Wimbledon
This East Asian restaurant conjures an intimate and distinctly romantic vibe with the warm light emanating from low-hung traditional Asian lamps and plush, cosy sofas perfect for cuddling up. The menu itself allows for a shared experience, with a varied selection of sharing plates you can taste along with your partner – from succulent Malaysian chicken skewers and pork gyoza to yummy plant-based bites like sautéed tenderstem broccoli with garlic and roasted corn fritters.
8
Sukho, Fulham
For a Valentine’s Day with a bit more spice, the Sukho on Fulham Road is sure to impress. This elegant Thai restaurant has a relaxing ambience and traditional decor. The menu is crammed with culinary masterpieces that change seasonally. Some highlights include steamed dumplings, Thai tacos and tiger prawns on skewers. There’s also a colourful range of cocktails for you and your loved one to choose from.
9
Chez Bruce, Wandsworth
Just on the edge of the leafy Wandsworth Common is the Michelin Star, Chez Bruce. The interior design is low-key but elegant and has subtle lighting which provides a cosy ambience for you and your date. The menu is inspired by classic French food and offers diners dishes typically French fare such as fois gras and cote de boeuf. You’ll also be spoilt for choice with the wine menu.
10
Cinnamon Kitchen, Battersea
Modern and sleek, Cinnamon Kitchen is one to visit if you and your partner fancy a stylish romantic dinner. You can treat your loved one to a taste sensation with a menu of decadent Indian plates packed full of flavour, alongside a glass of Francoise Monay Rosé Champagne. Dishes include pan seared Scottish scallops with pickled radish and a mango coconut chutney; crab and kokum crust with Keralan seafood bisque and lemon rice; and a gulab jamun cheesecake with passionfruit sauce.
