My Top Date Night Dinners in London
Delicious. Romantic. Effortless.
Date Nights or as I like to call them #DateNights! are definitely what I look forward to all the time. Whoever you’re going with, whether it’s your significant other, friends, or people from work/uni, finding a place to celebrate or just have a nice time is essential.
I’ve put together a list of my tried and tested places for #DateNight and making sure it’s all in different price ranges, and types of cuisines so that there is something for everyone and hopefully you can find your next spot for a lovely meal :)
Gaucho — Broadgate
Type: Steaks, Argentinian
Price Range: ££££
I had steak for the first time in my life at this place, and it is still perhaps the best steak I’ve had. They specialise in Argentinian steaks, marinades and sauces. When we were sat, the server brought in all the cuts of meat for us to choose and explained what will go well with each cut. We could also choose the size of the steak we want and how we want it cooked. It was an extremely luxurious experience.
For starters I had the prawns in a tomato sauce, and it was lush! They do delicious sides with the steak, like spinach, broccoli, or chips. You also have a diverse range of sauces, I went for the Chimichurri and it was amazing. I cannot wait to visit this restaurant again as it is definitely a very fine dining experience, good vibes, and great food. 10/10 recommend.
What I had: Sautéed Prawns, A steak cooked Medium-Well, Sides and sauces.
The Ivy Cafe — Wimbledon Village
Type: Opulent brasserie-style dining, Modern
Price Range: ££££
If you’re in Wimbledon or based around it, this place definitely takes the crown for a delightful #DateNight experience. It’s bougie, it’s fancy, it’s classy, but it’s also utterly memorable. Based in Wimbledon Village, The Ivy Cafe serves modern and elevated dishes that you’d definitely want to try. It’s perfect for Date Night due to the faultless service, refined taste and romantic atmosphere.
I enjoyed their fried Squid for starters, crispy, delicious and comes with a punchy mustard dip. Their Chicken main comes with a luscious mushroom sauce which I used to dip my chunky chips in.
What I had: Duck Liver Parfait, Fried Squid, Sourdough Bread, Grilled Chicken Main, Parmesan Truffle chips, few sides, Coconut Panna Cotta for Dessert
Gunpowder — Tower Bridge
Type: Modern but Authentic Indian
Price Range: £££
This is my favourite Indian Restaurant in London, hands down. It’s sophisticated, it’s classy, but it’s authentic, and that’s what sets it apart. I’m Indian and have lived in India for 21 years, and I can definitely vouch for this place.
They have a few branches in London now, but I don’t think any of their branches can compete with the one in Tower Bridge, that is true #DateNight vibes. The service is excellent and the food is just very different from what you would expect from Indian food in London. It is wholesome, flavoursome and the place gives cosy vibes. It’s perfect for a more unusual date night where you’d want to try Indian cuisine.
What I had: Tandoori Chicken, Egg Curry, Venison Doughnut for starters, Roast Lamb for main, their duck is amazing too, Dark chocolate brownie for dessert.
Alto by San Carlo
Type: Italian, Small Plates
Price Range: £££
Based on the rooftop in Selfridges, you’d expect this place to be very pricey. But it isn’t. Serving small plates, it is quite an affordable place if you are going with a few friends and can split the dishes. For #DateNight, I’d recommend getting 3–4 dishes as the portion sizes are small, but high quality. This does make the overall meal a bit pricey, especially if you’re getting drinks and desserts too. But for a rooftop meal on the top of Selfridges, with amazing service, romantic atmosphere, and good food, I’d say this place definitely stands out. What makes it special is the experience and I’d definitely be visiting this place again. The food was also very delicious and I’d have to give full marks to their Paccheri Pasta and Panna Cotta. Those are my must haves when here.
What I had: Paccheri Napoletana, Margherita Pizza, Panna Cotta and Tiramisu for dessert
Emelia’s Crafted Pasta
Type: Comfort Food Pastas
Price Range: ££
If you want a more chilled out, comfort food, low-key date night, that doesn’t break the bank then Emelia’s Pasta is the place for you. This place is *romantic*, but laid back. They make all their pasta fresh and have a small menu which they do very well.
I always get their bolognese, and acording to me that’s the most delicious pasta on their menu. They do a nice bruschetta, and have a good variety of vegan and gluten free options to choose from. When I want a chilled evening — good food, I go here. For two people, it has always been around £20–25 each which for such a good vibe is a great price!
What I had: Their slow cooked bolognese pasta, Bruschetta, and finally their strawberry Panna Cotta for dessert
Mowgli Street Food
Type: Indian, Modern
Price Range: £
You can find good food in a lot of places. But I think #DateNight should also be about the atmosphere and the vibes. A place should be romantic, wholesome, cosy, nicely lit and should overall compliment the meal. Mowgli Street Food is a place like this. It’s romantic, it’s playful, and the food just hits the spot.
With cute fairy lights, swings as chairs, wooden furniture and a very friendly staff, this place is great value for a nice date night dinner. Most dishes are between £5–£15, and they have a diverse menu where you’ll find something that catches you eye. It’s also very authentic, with the butter chicken tasting divine!!
What I had: Butter Chicken with their rotis.
These were a few of my #DateNight recommendations in London. But there are so many new places that are on my list. Maybe I’ll come up with a list of my favourite pubs next time, or my favourite places to grab a Sunday Roast! Stay tuned!
