There comes a time in every relationship, young or old, when two cans of Red Stripe and a bag of Wheat Crunchies doesn’t quite cut the mustard. In the face of such challenges, here are our recommendations on London’s finest, most romantic, restaurants:

Central:

1. Andrew Edmunds, Soho, W1F 0LW

 

Don’t be fooled by its unassuming exterior. Small, snug and scrumptious. It’s a Soho classic – and they’re increasingly hard to find.

2. Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JD. Reserve here with TopTable.

 

This place could turn around a forgotten birthday, but start saving your pennies now as this little love nest doesn’t come cheap. Brilliant location right in the heart of Covent Garden – try and bag yourself a seat in the conservatory for the best experience; perfect for pre-theatre.

West:

3. Maggie Jones’s, High Street Kensington, W8 4PL

As the Hot Rod said himself: “Oh Maggie I couldn’t have tried anymore, You lured me away from home ’cause you didn’t want to be alone, You stole my heart I couldn’t leave you if I tried”. He’s absolutely right. The ultimate British restaurant with hearty fare, wine with a measuring stick and properly cosy couchettes to sit in, it’s the place Harvester dreams about at night.

4. Julie’s, Holland Park, W11 4LW

 

This Holland Park gem has been going strong for 40 years and has even been graced by the presence of royalty. Pick either the ‘pink’ room or the garden room for romancing of the tallest order. Or the little snug off the lounge for a pre-dinner drink.

5. Princess Victoria, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 9DH. Reserve here with TopTable.

 A charming gastro-pub chez She’ Bu’. Ideal for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

East:

6. Bleeding Heart, Farringdon, EC1N 8SJ. Reserve here with TopTable.

Hearts may bleed, but with any luck they’ll melt along the way. Ahh. Bleeding Heart is a restaurant but also a bistro, yard, tavern and crypt – it’s like a theme park of romantic meals. Without Mickey. Or people wearing bumbags.

7. Café du Marché, 22 Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6AH. Reserve here with TopTable.

Secluded down a cobbled mews a stone’s throw away from the Barbican, you will find this très French restaurant. Rustic food, exceptional wine, bare brick walls and wooden beams give this place some proper je ne sais quoi.

8. Les Trois Garçons, Shoreditch, E1 6JX

 From the same guys as Loungelover, another GLP favourite, this does Shoreditch smart and Shoreditch characterful perfectly. Great food, chic décor and quirky ambience. Magnifique.

North:

9. Paradise by way of Kensal Green, 19 Kilburn Lane, W10 4AE. Reserve here with TopTable.

 You might think of this more of a night spot, but the restaurant’s actually fantastic. More than a gastro pub, it does hearty meals with class. And you don’t have to walk far for the after dinner drinks. Throw in a Grade A roof terrace and this badboy just works.

South:

10. La Poule au Pot, Belgravia, SW1W 8UT.

 

Mais oui, they named it in French so you know it’s got a job lot of joie de vivre. Share the best in French cuisine and French kisses (outside, thanks) at this quaint bistro. Given it’s the third Gallic rendezvous on our list, it seems us Rosbifs have some work to do…

Be sure to follow us on Twitter for more adventures: http://twitter.com/glpLondon…

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 12:16 pm and is filed under Romance. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.