In true cupid-style, here’s a roundup of a few more of my favourite dinner spots in London, as well as some on my golden bucket list.
As always, devour the food, drink til your heart’s content and enjoy the ambiance! Hopefully these gems will result in date numero dos …. For which I’m sure I’ll have to make another insta guide!
Bon appetite & bisous! Lots of love, Jo xoxo
RIVER CAFE (CHELSEA)
If you manage to secure a booking at this unicorn restaurant, then you’ve already sealed the deal in my books 😉 Jk Jk. The River cafe is notoriously hard to get a table at, and is booked months in advance. If your date invites you here, you’ve definitely found yourself a keeper. Jokes aside though, there’s a reason why the River Cafe is always booked… so pray to be one of the lucky few to taste the delightful Italian food, admire the gorgeous view and tell your friends after!
HAKKSAN (HANWAY PLACE)
Exuding glamour and glitzy energy, this sultry spot is the *perfect* excuse to wear your most jaw-dropping dress. Your favourite heels? Also a must. Sequins? Optional, but preferred. Go big or go home. Although tbf going home isn’t really the worst end to a successful date….
Ok ok, this is probably the most cliché dating spot at this point, but that merely justifies its inclusion in the guide! Clubby vibes mixed with Michelin starred Cantonese cooking… it really is a w-i-n-n-e-r!
BOB BOB RICARD (SOHO)
Be whisked away on the Orient Express in this luxurious Russian restaurant in the heart of Soho. This is my favourite date spot, to date. The famous golden “Press for Champagne” button tantalises you to order drink after drink after drink, whilst you devour the oysters, caviar, lobster and truffles…. You really will feel like a Russian Oligarch.
I’d also say it gives the best bang for your buck – so it you’re a PE guy or gal and after those efficiency gains, this is the place to go. Creme de la creme quality food, for a reasonable price… you can’t beat it.
NOBLE ROT
Wine and dine to your heart’s content. If you’re courting a wine connoisseur who is partial to a bit of Vino, then I’m sure they’ll say VinYes to Noble Rot. Apologies in advance for this pour banter.
Just make sure you brush up on your knowledge beforehand and you know your tannins from your acidity. Your date truly will be saying “You’re the wine that I want” after a few glasses, if you know what I mean. Sip back, relax & enjoy the date (or should I say grape).
SCOTT’S (MAYFAIR)
Reclining on my favourite road in London, Scott’s make the p-e-r-f-e-c-t location to relax in the summer sun, enjoy some of the best of London’s seafood dishes and people watch with your date.
Square tables draped in pristine white table cloths and enshrined by luscious greenery, creates an almost secluded, intimate atmosphere to your date. You really will feel as though you are dining at a Northern Italian vineyard.
Scott’s has a deep, rich history. Opened in 1851, it is one of the 5 oldest restaurants in London. Also, rumour has it Ian Fleming discovered the dry martini “shaken not stirred” at Scott’s.
CECCONI’S (SHOREDITCH)
Cecconi’s Mayfair has been my go to for a while, but one of my close friends recently told me about her date at the Shoreditch branch.
Enzo Cecconi opened his first “Cecconi’s” in Mayfair in 1978, and now there are world-renowned locations from New York to Istanbul, from West Hollywood to Mumbai.
BEACH BLANKET BABYLON (NOTTING HILL)
A refined white exterior complements the monochrome awning, inviting you to enter this diamond dinner spot.
The Baroque-style interior features golden accents, a multitude of light-reflecting mirrors and glass chandeliers and accents.
GOLD (NOTTING HILL)
A modern European three story ‘pub’ on Portobello Road, Gold is a magical oasis which gives me a Greek Holiday kind of vibe.
Maybe that’s why it’s called Gold? GOLDen sun, GOLDen beaches on a (G)reek Holday?!
Exposed burnt orange brick flooring, light bamboo-esque chairs, and green ferns and palms fill the space, creating a relaxed yet refined restaurant.
If you can’t get a reservation at The River Cafe, then maybe Gold is the next best thing. Chef Theo Hill previously worked at The River Cafe, and has now created an electric European menu, catering to veggies and non-veggies alike.
