Get dressed to the nines for a memorable anniversary celebration or a special occasion with the one or the one right now. Whether you wish to go with your favourite British pub-style classics or enjoy seasonal menus inspired from around the world, there will be something here to tick all the boxes. From a mix of Japanese, mixed Asian, French, Russian and Mediterranean menus in this list, offering superb food and drink. Some of our funds even provide a view of the London skyline and live music for your entertainment.
8 at The Londoner is a traditional Japanese style restaurant and bar in Leicester Square. This lounge gets its name from being on the 8th floor of The Londoner and offers incredible views of the London skyline. Even if you have been to this venue before, there are three unique spaces for you to enjoy.
They offer expertly crafted small bites for an elegant dining experience and a vast choice of Japanese sake. Although if sake isn’t your thing, they also have an extensive selection of whisky and cocktails to compliment the À La Carte menu. The surroundings are Japanese-inspired with a sense of minimalism to set you up for an evening of serenity. Therefore, allowing you to focus on the person in front of you.
There is also the option to book a room at The Londoner for the night.
www.thelondoner.com/restaurants-bars/8-at-the-londoner
Chef Gordon Ramsey’s The Lucky Cat specialises in producing the perfect sharing plates with small helpings from the grill, sushi, and sashimi. These sharing plates are an excellent way to engage on a date with someone new or share some of your favourite dishes with your significant other. You can’t dine at the Lucky Cat without starting with some maki and then savouring every bite of the tempura, dumplings and noodles.
www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/lucky-cat
Michael Brown, the Head Chef at Daphne’s, is ready to impress with his selection of Italian dishes that highlight the flavour and vibrant colours of the seasonal menu. Daphne’s is a wonderful choice if you or your partner prefer a meat-free dining experience as they also offer a dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu. Alongside these fabulous options are extensive meat, fish, wine, cocktails and even a six-course truffle menu.
Hidden in Knightbridge is Restaurant Ours, which strip everything back to basics. They aren’t about to put sparklers in their cocktails or distract from the food with overly loud crockery as they know that the food and drink can do the talking. The Mediterranean menu changes four times annually, and you pay a set price for a choice of many items within a 3-course menu. You can also add additional sharing plates and sides if you want to sample more of the Chef’s delicious cooking. They also have a small selection of vegan and vegetarian options.
However, this no-fuss approach to dining out doesn’t mean that the interior or atmosphere is lacking. On the contrary, their decor is effortlessly elegant and plays up to the subtlety of retro-chic and natural elements to compliment the food.
Although Kitty Fisher’s menu often changes to accommodate seasonal foods, you can always choose from a selection of British classics. From pickled Cornish mackerel with crème Fraiche and fresh dill to start, followed by minced beef or tender grilled lamb with all the trimmings for main. Finish with some essential British desserts, including a Bramley apple and blackberry fool.
As Kitty Fisher’s is a relatively small restaurant set in an old Georgian townhouse, we recommend booking a table in advance to avoid disappointment. Alternatively, there is Cora Pearl, Kitty Fisher’s sister branch in Covent Garden.
Bob Bob Ricard restaurant and bar in London opened at the end of October. They bring a hybrid French and Russian menu to the table with options such as caviar, duck confit and succulent beef Wellington. Another touch we can’t get enough of is the press for Champagne button.
Another French-inspired venue is Champagne & Fromage, which reside in five venues across the capital. They serve French dishes with a rustic edge alongside FrenchBubbles, which is, of course, essential for a date night or anniversary celebration. The FrenchBubbles are a collection of fine, limited edition wine available at this restaurant to toast to your future together.
As a bonus, they also have a shop alongside the bistro, so you can pick up some of your favourite French cheeses to take home to enjoy another day.
Award-winning restaurant Gavin at Windows overlooks London from the 28th floor of The London Hilton. The rooftop venue offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Garvin at Windows Head Chef, Marc Hardiman, specialises in dishes inspired by the British kitchen. Although this restaurant is more on the luxury price end, it will be worth it when you experience the delight of the most exquisite halibut, seabass or grass-fed beef fillet while taking in the view of London’s skyline.
For a more lively evening, set off to Night Jar, where the Jazz band can entertain you while you enjoy vintage spirits, cocktails and a simple selection of bar food. Visit the events tab on their website so you can browse through the selection of music performances on offer. This is an excellent option if you and your partner enjoy live music or if you want to enjoy an evening that is a little different to a traditional dinner and drinks.
The secret speakeasy bar is set in a former luggage room of a luxury London hotel. After you enter through the discrete black door, you are welcomed into this 1920s inspired venue. The atmosphere is moody, intimate and cosy with the dark wood and leather interior. The staff have glowing reviews, so they are sure to set you up with a few delicious cocktails throughout the night.
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