February is almost here and we're ready to amp up the romance. This time of year, all we want is to settle into a snug booth, enjoying some delicious dishes at a cosy London restaurant. We've rounded up a few ideal spots for a date night or a dreamy catch-up with friends.
1. Sessions Arts Club
A grade II listed building like few others. Sessions House, in Clerkenwell, had the former judges' dining room converted into a beautiful restaurant a few years ago. Grab a cocktail and a seat in front of an open fireplace on one of three terrraces or in the main dining room, while you await your table. Amongst the colour washed walls and white table cloths, the ambiance is always familial, but with a hefty dose of romance and glamour.
Address: 4th Floor, Farringdon, 24 Clerkenwell Grn, London EC1R 0NA| Open Mon - Sat | Website here
2. Palomar
With a menu drawing inspiration from the wonderful flavours of the Levant, Palomar is always an absolute treat. Pull aside the curtain around the entrance and you're instantly greeted by the bustling open kitchen, and a busy maître d. Settle in to any great seats (although corner booth in the back is always a favourite) and delve into the menu. Split into Snacks, Bread & Dips, Raw, Fire and Sweets, we recommend getting something from all but paying extra attention to the breads, dips and fire. You won't be disappointed.
Address: 34 Rupert St, London W1D 6DN | Open daily | Website here
3. Jolene
A dreamy spot for a day-time feast or dinner rendezvous. Jolene is an industrial-chic neighbourhood restaurant and bakery, with a wide offering of natural wines and divine small plates. Working closely with small producers and regenerative food growers, Jolene's menu changes daily and seasonally to prioritise landcare and wellfare, creating magical dishes in the process. Whatever is on today's menu is bound to make your day.
Address: 21 Newington Grn, Mayville Estate, London N16 9PU | Open daily | Website here
4. Kudu Grill
One of several great outposts by the Kudu Collective, but this one focuses on open fire braai (grilling over wood/ charcoal), serving up everything from prime rib to poussin. Exposed brick walls, dark teal seating and mahogany accents, set the tone for a refined, yet down-to-earth, experience in an old Truman's pub turned South African barbecue haunt. Head down on a Friday lunch for a good deal; 2 or 3 course set menus with 1 side from £28-32.
Address: 57 Nunhead Ln, London SE15 3TR | Open Wed - Sun | Website here
5. Berenjak
We've been Berenjak fans since they opened the doors to their first venue back in 2018. The Iranian Soho restaurant quickly gained renown for their reinterpretation of Tehran's classic hole-in-the-wall kabab houses. Their second London site, on Bedale St in Borough Market, spans two floors but retains an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night by the tall window, sharing a Zereshk Polow Ba Morgh (rotisserie chicken with saffron sauce, barberries, tahdig and salad) with a liberal order of hummus and Mast o Musir (a wonderful yoghurt dip).
Address: 1 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL| Open Mon - Sat | Website here
6. Evelyn's Table
It doesn't get much more intimate than this. With only 12 seats, Evelyn's Table is a hidden gem, just a block away from Piccadilly Circus. Enter through The Blue Post, an 18th Century pub, and head down the unassuming stairs in the back. Settle in for a Michelin-starred, five-course meal (£125 p/p) prepared by five chefs behind the counter. This is a hot ticket, so make sure to book in advance. It'll be well worth the wait.
Address: 28 Rupert St, London W1D 6DJ | Open Mon - Sat | Website here
7. Padella
Pasta and romance go together like pasta and anything else; really really well! Prepare to que but the fresh, handmade dishes are worth the wait. It's a no-frills menu and a no-frills place but the ingredients and preparation make it real special. Cacio e Pepe (cheese & pepper) is a Padella staple that everyone should try. Order some wine by the bottle or carafe and get at least 3 pasta dishes to share, throwing in a burrata for god measure.
Address: 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQ | Open Daily | Website here
8. Luca
The best of British ingredients through an Italian lense. That's what Luca is all about and we're very much here for it. Beautiful interiors, featuring leather upholstered seating, dimmed lighting and a brick-walled terrace with an open fireplace, make this a gorgeous dining destination. Seasonal fish, meat and veg are expertly prepared here, and you might start feeling quite far away from Clerkenwell as you peruse the wine list starring choices from all regions of Italy.
Address: 88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH | Open Tue - Sat | Website here
9. The Coral Room, Bloomsbury Hotel
Situated inside the Bloomsbury Hotel, The Coral Room is a decadent haven and tropical escape from a grey London day. The main event here is without a doubt the cocktails, which are expertly made by the bar team. But we wanted to include it in this list as it's a great ace to have up your sleeve when looking for a light meal & drinks with a flair. A 28-days aged beef slider, truffle fries and cheese or charcuterie board goes a long way. Paired with a Champagne cocktail or a Manhattan, of course.
Address: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN | Open Mon - Sat | Website here
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