The Best Romantic Restaurants in London

From classic French dining to exotic Thai dishes, London's smitten diners can find a meal to satisfy just about any taste. And just because you and your sweetie are confined to the city, doesn't mean you can't indulge in the romance of the great outdoors to build an appetite or walk off a decadent dessert. London's parks are a great escape from busy streets and offer plenty of cozy benches to snuggle on.

Blue Elephant

Exotic dark woodwork, stone walls and large decorative pieces of this restaurant magically transport diners to Thailand. The classic Thai menu, including many vegetarian options, satiates hungry and adventurous mouths at Blue Elephant. A large dessert list, including the Coupe Blue Elephant with fresh Thai fruits, is sure to sweeten an already sweet date.
Blue Elephant London
4-6 Fulham Broadway, London, SW6 1AA
blueelephant.com/london
011 (+44) 20.7385.6595
011 is the code for dialing internantionally from the United States--if you're already in the UK, don't dial this prefix.

Cafe des Amis

Chef Fabrice Renou mixes traditional French cuisine with other world foods, keeping dishes seasonal and simple. After a show at the Open Air Theater in Regent's Park, take a short cab ride to this sleek, yet dramatic restaurant.
Café des Amis
11-14 Hanover Place, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9JP
cafedesamis.co.uk
011 (+44) 207.379.3444

Belvedere

The historic Belvedere is a seventeenth century ballroom to the Jacobean mansion converted to a lovely restaurant amid the gardens of Holland Park. The restaurant, with its high ceilings, archways and dramatic flower arrangements, nearly demands romance. Of course, you'll want to follow your meal with a stroll around the 54-acre park.
The Belvedere
Off Abbotsbury Road, Holland Park, London, W8 6LU
belvedererestaurant.co.uk
011 (+44) 20.7602.1238

Zaika

According to Zaika's website, "Zaika" means "sophisticated flavours." Zaika is the first Indian restaurant to obtain a Michelin star and to receive The Best Indian Restaurant London Award, so guests cozying into one of the booths will enjoy a great atmosphere and impeccable food. Start or finish your date at Zaika with a walk and bottle of wine at Hyde Park, just down the road.
Zaika
No1 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5NP
zaika-restaurant.co.uk
011 (+44) 20.7795.6533

Hush

Even the name of restaurant is seductive. Only a 15-minute walk from Hyde Park, Hush is perfect for a post-carriage-ride meal with your sweetheart. Hush's private dining room, with its dramatic silver candelabras and interesting light box ceiling, can host up to 160 guests for a wedding or anniversary party. The silver room offers a more intimate and understated backdrop for a close evening for two.
Hush
8 Lancashire Court, Brook Street, London, W1S 1EY
hush.co.uk
011 (+44) 207.659.1500

J. Sheekey

What started out as a small oyster bar in the 1950s, grew into a posh dining experience perfect for a post or pre-theater production dinner. The large menu brings the sea to you with dozens of fresh seafood dishes and also gourmet vegetarian and vegan options.
J. Sheekey
28-32 St. Martin's Court, London, WC2N 4AL
j-sheekey.co.uk
011 (+44) 20.7240.2565

Article Written By Allegra Oxborough

Allegra earned a B.A. in Sociology and African American Studies from the University of Puget Sound. Allegra has been writing for 10 years and has been published in St. Louis Park, Minnesota's The Echo Newspaper and, more recently, on web sites such as Trails.

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