London is home to some of the most illustrious, Instagrammable fine dining establishments in the world, so for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, we’re sometimes caught in a situationship. Do we eat somewhere we’ve eaten before because it's a safe option, but miss out on a new dining experience, or do we try somewhere new without knowing whether the food, drinks and vibe will be up to standard? Especially when looking for a luxury restaurant – going to a restaurant that isn’t enjoyable can be an expensive regret.
Luxury doesn't have to mean super fancy either – there are plenty of choices that offer a more casual affair, with the same exquisiteness as fine dining in Mayfair.
These are 10 of the best restaurants in London that are equally as romantic as they are luxurious. Perfect for Valentine’s Day with a partner, girls night, or another special occasion that deserves the ultimate all-round experience.
Hello! Fashion picks 10 of the best luxury restaurants perfect for Valentine's Day
Jacuzzi
Anywhere with a menu item called ‘Bottega Veneta Pizzetta’ has already won us over. Jacuzzi opened in January 2023 by restaurant aficionados Big Mamma, and is their first in West London (Big Mamma are the name behind Gloria, Ave Mario and Circolo Popolare). This stunning trattoria in the heart of Kensington is the definition of ‘extra’. Spread across four floors with each floor offering something different, expect to feel like you’re living la dolce vita surrounded by Italian villa inspired interiors, Roman statues and picturesque foliage creeping through every corner. Dreamy.
94 Kensington High St, London W8 4SJ, Jacuzzi
Clos Maggiore
Clos Maggiore has an impressive list of accolades for its status as one of the most romantic restaurants in the world. It was also crowned London’s most romantic restaurant in 2016. This French restaurant in Covent Garden is influenced by both Provence and Tuscany, and its iconic cherry blossom ceiling oozes elegance at its finest. Who wouldn’t want to be in Italy and France at the same time?
33 King St, London WC2E 8JD, Clos Maggiore
Scott's
Scott’s in Mayfair is the seafood restaurant of dreams. Their Valentine’s menu consists of deluxe shellfish platters with wine pairings, or their signature combo: champagne and oysters. The ultimate duo. Originally named ‘Scott’s Oyster Rooms’, this exquisite restaurant is a safe bet for top-notch seafood. What’s more, it’s also a member of the elite Caprice Holdings group (Annabel’s, The Ivy, Sexyfish, etc). Scott’s interiors were designed by the formidable Martin Brudnizki, adorning burgundy leather, a marble bar and fine art from British artists hanging on the walls.
20 Mount St, London W1K 2HE, Scott's Mayfair
Sparrow Italia
Sparrow in Mayfair is perfect for either a romantic dinner, some intimate drinks or both.. If you’re an experimental-cocktail connoisseur, then this place is for you. Ever tried olive oil washed vodka? Now's your chance. This modern Italian restaurant makes their pasta in house to compliment their freshest ingredients. The dimly lit bar with retro brass, opulent lighting and green seats, oozes New York City evening sophistication, whilst the airy dining room adorned with olive trees and gold lights makes for a truly authentic Italian experience.
1-3 Avery Row, London W1K 4AJ, Sparrow Italia
Chiltern Firehouse
A favourite of Princess Eugenie (also where she held her engagement party), Chiltern Firehouse is a London classic for a fuss-free exquisite evening. The 5-star hotel in Marylebone is a celebrity favourite that oozes British glamour. The venue was a fire station back in 1887, and the brasserie style restaurant screams classic opulence. From oysters to vodka pizzas and forty-eight hour chicken, the menu is as a-star as its regular clientele.
1 Chiltern St, London W1U 7PA, Chiltern Firehouse
Bacchanalia
Another masterpiece from Richard Caring, London’s newest fine-dining establishment is still the talk of the town. Be prepared to transport to another world, immersed in Greek god statues, hand painted ceilings and Greek and Roman artwork, the interiors are quite literally breathtaking.
Their ‘Kissed by the Gods’ Venus Valentine’s Day menu consists of champagne, oysters, shrimp carpaccio, Eros cocktails and more. An Instagrammable affair if we ever saw one, escapism and exquisite food is on the menu here for any date night.
Also, Naomi Campbell and Lady Amelia and Eliza Spencer are just a handful of names who attended their lavish opening party. Need we say any more?
1-3 Mount Street, London W1K 3NA, Bacchanalia
Zēphyr
If a more relaxed-chic affair is on the agenda, this Greek restaurant in Notting Hill is the way to go. The restaurant has a chic, minimalist interior that makes even the most coveted of Instagram interior accounts envious – think boucle dining chairs and colourful Anissa Kermiche candles.
If the food selection is too delicious to handle, opt for the lunch or dinner tasting menu and try a more varied selection. Win Win.
They also have a “Naked and Famous” agave bar below the restaurant that only seats 35 people with…. You guess it – agave based cocktails. A truly intimate affair.
100 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QD, Zephyr
The Aubrey
The Aubrey in Knightsbridge is London’s answer to authentic Japanese cuisine in the most sophisticated of settings. Just over a year old, the bar is situated inside the infamous Mandarin Oriental hotel, providing walls adorned with pinkish-red interiors, traditional portraits and marble tables. It’s described as an elevated izakaya (an informal Japanese bar that serves snacks). They’re open for lunch, afternoon tea, drinks and dinner , perfect for either romantic date night feast or ‘Galentines’ and sushi with the girls.
66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA, The Aubrey
Rules
Officially the oldest restaurant in London, which only amplifies the quintessential tradition that steeps through it. Celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, Rules prides themselves on celebrating everything British. Only three families have ever owned the venue, and the menu is everything you would expect from an archetypal British venue - game cookery, pies, oysters and puddings. They also have a ‘secret’ cocktail bar upstairs that apparently Edward VII and his mistress Lillie Langtry used to dine in private. Want something that oozes tradition? Look no further.
34-35 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LB, Rules
Inca
If entertainment is a high priority on the date night agenda, then Inca is the one. This South American restaurant in Mayfair has live shows Wednesday to Sunday, and a mouth-watering menu from Peruvian ceviche, to fine meat dishes including wagyu. Their Valentine’s Day menu is an exquisite concoction of toro, crab, lobster and slow rib bao buns. Singers, dancers and acrobats will keep you enamoured all night.
8-9 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF, Inca
Annabel's
Annabel's Valentine's Day menu is as fine as the decor and ambiance that exudes from this exquisite private members club. Indulge in an Italian à la carte masterclass at Matteo's restaurant made with love, inside one of London's leading Clubs for first-class cuisine and superb entertainment. Your night could entail enjoying black truffle ravioli with a glass of Dom Perignon whilst being seranaded by pianist, John Cervantes and singer, Billie Black. Dreamy.
If celebrating until the early hours is on the cards, a Valentine-themed cocktail will also be served in The Japanese Lounge -- one of the Club's six incredible restaurants.
46 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AT, Annabel's
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