Modern European café
Le Café NAC
The chicken schnitzel and radiatori alla vodka make a brilliant table to share—but do not leave without the crushed chocolate cookies and Rice Krispies soft serve.
LONDON · CURATED GUIDE
Date-night restaurants
Atmospheric London restaurants for an intimate dinner, a beautiful room and a memorable evening. Every place here comes from my own visits and is somewhere I would happily return to.
FROM MY NOTEBOOK
10 personal picks
Modern British & Mediterranean
The Twenty Two
An elegant Grosvenor Square night for polished plates and excellent cocktails—the steak tartare, delicate pasta and warm chocolate cookie are the orders I would go back for.
American & Mediterranean
RH London
A spectacular Mayfair setting where the glowing chandeliers are as memorable as the food—go for the delicate carpaccio, grilled octopus and the generous prawn and avocado salad.
Lebanese
Em Sherif
A generous Lebanese table at Harrods—come for the falafel, warm flatbread, colourful mezze and fattoush, and save room for the beautiful desserts.
Italian-inspired Mediterranean
The Garden at Corinthia London
One of London’s prettiest courtyard dining rooms, with orange lamps, climbing flowers and beautiful blue-and-white plates that make lunch feel especially transportive.
Italian-American
The Dover
A candlelit Mayfair dining room with old-school glamour—start with the seafood tower, order the fish, and leave room for the deeply indulgent chocolate desserts.
Persian
Berenjak
A brilliant Persian feast of smoky kebabs, charred corn, rice and mezze. They use Bulgarian white cheese, which makes it feel even more special.
Michelin-starred modern cuisine
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High
A spectacular 12-seat Chef’s Table on the 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate—the surprise tasting menu is precise and beautifully paced, while the panoramic views across London make the experience feel completely unforgettable.
Traditional Italian
Scalini
An old-school Chelsea favourite with generous plates and a lively, celebratory feel. Save room for dessert.
Greek Mediterranean
GAIA
A glamorous Mayfair table with an incredible seafood display, beautifully simple Greek flavours and desserts worth saving room for.