As the nights get darker, resist the urge to hibernate this winter and venture out for an intimate dinner à deux in the capital’s ever-evolving restaurant scene. Whether you fancy a stylish, understated hideaway or buzzy see-to-be-seen spot, these are some of the most decadent in London.
Yopo at The Mandrake
A hidden gem in the heart of Fitzrovia, Yopo at The Mandrake hotel is the type of place made for romantic liaisons. Imagine walking into a dimly lit adult fantasy land with sumptuous jewel-toned velvet, mirrored walls and a fabulous giant ostrich taking centre stage. Welcome to Yopo, a feast for all your senses, and that’s even before you’ve set your sights on the menu.
Expect South American cuisine with bold flavours and incredible textures. Transforming seasonal ingredients and giving them an unexpected twist, like turning the humble aubergine into a mouth-watering grilled delight with Japanese rice which sizzled on the tongue to house favourites like crab brioche with its fresh, zingy filling and griddled octopus – all divine. Sharing plates are encouraged so be adventurous with your date and order a variety.
The atmosphere gets livelier throughout the evening, so book an earlier table if you plan on whispering sweet nothings. And don’t leave without checking out the brilliantly moody unisex bathrooms with gold taps suspended from the ceiling and a vanity station perfect for a cheeky Insta shot.
Impressive on all levels, don’t peak too early with this prized secret as Amazonian-inspired Yopo sets the bar high for future dates!
Click here for more information.
Bob Bob City
Soho may be the OG but Bob Bob City is its sexy little sister in the Leadenhall Building, bang in the heart of London’s financial district.
Date nights don’t come more decadent than Bob Bob City which inevitably attracts a mix of clientele thanks to its location, so don’t be surprised if you spot banker-types between couples celebrating special occasions. A ‘wow’ venue by all standards, diners are here not just for the hearty Anglo-Russian fare but also for the unique experience. People watch to your heart’s content as you can bet everyone else is too.
Its ‘ultra-camp meet ultra-luxury’ interiors make it an Insta-lovers dream with electric-blue booths, a glitzy bar and the infamous Press For Champagne button.
With the same menu across both outposts, must-haves include the lobster macaroni and cheese, succulent pelmeni Russian dumplings and the hearty beef wellington (for two). Bob Bob City is all about comfort foods served in opulent surroundings with effortless service. Sommelier Giacomo Recchia’s wine pairings are impeccable and if you want to celebrate in style, press the magic button and order the Dom Perignon Vintage!
Click here for more information.
Jeru
The food at Jeru is remarkable, which says a lot for the relatively new kid on the dining block proudly flying the flag for Levant-inspired dishes. Chef Roy Ner, the award-winning Australian celebrity chef with North African and Israeli roots, works his magic by curating a moreish menu inspired by traditional dishes and his travels. And it pays off with an excellent selection of mezze, mains and steaks.
Start with the wood-fired potato bread and famed halloumi doughnuts served with goat curd and truffled honey (a culinary triumph!) Plus, the charcoal butterflied sea bass – grilled to perfection on a bed of roe and cucumber salsa – is a delight, both to Instagram and to eat. There’s an extensive wine list to peruse but the signature cocktails, Mayfair Lady and Smokin Peaches, hit the spot.
The restaurant itself isn’t flashy like its Mayfair address, more understated Arabic glam, with a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
If you’re lucky, chef Roy will make an appearance, and there’s nothing more heart-warming than a man passionate about his produce. “I hope you’re hungry?” he asked before disappearing into the kitchen. And the rest is history. Jeru is a one-of-a-kind culinary experience and a first-class date night spot for gourmands.
Click here for more information.
Maine Mayfair
Entering Maine Mayfair is like stepping into a glamorous old movie – think epic chandeliers, red velvet furnishings and impeccably dressed waiters as the hypnotic sound of jazz fills the air.
Canadian-born, Lebanese restauranteur Joey Gazel succeeds in bringing New England style to these shores with the first UK haunt, following his two popular Dubai eateries. Recently celebrating its first birthday, his newest outpost is a decadent hideaway located in an 18th century Georgian townhouse off Hanover Square. It’s the place to impress, especially if you manage to book a table in the cabaret-inspired brassiere where there’s live jazz and burlesque entertainment on the weekends.
Maine Mayfair is a homage to Gazel’s childhood summers spent on the East Coast and the extensive menu reflects this with classics such as crispy fish tacos and the fantastically named, angry lobster pasta. If you’ve got a penchant for fresh-shucked oysters and hand-dived scallops then the raw bar has your name on it and, of course, they serve the finest caviar, Royal Beluga.
Finally, can you keep a secret? There’s an invite-only bar hidden behind a mirror in the bathroom!
Click here for more information.
Clos Maggiore
An institution in the heart of Covent Garden, Clos Maggiore has been voted one of London’s most romantic restaurants several times over and for a good reason. It serves excellent French cuisine but the piece de resistance is its stunning courtyard conservatory. Dine under a canopy of white cherry blossoms with twinkling fairy lights and an open fire roaring, and it ticks all the dreamy romance boxes. While tables in the conservatory are like gold dust, you’ll be spoilt for choice with cosy nooks in the main restaurant, perfect for an intimate dinner.
Modern European with fresh, seasonal produce doesn’t get much better than this and the Blythburgh pork belly, with a deliciously crunchy crackling and spiced apple is superb, as is the pumpkin risotto. And whatever you do, save room for dessert as the high mountain wild honey and vanilla crème brulee is quite frankly exceptional – light, creamy and packed with flavour. Ambassador, you are really spoiling us!
Click here for more information.
