50 most romantic restaurants in the UK 2019

by As rated by verified OpenTable diners

Updated January 25, 2019

There are many factors contributing to a romantic dining experience... world class ingredients, impeccable service and a unique ambience. This year's 50 most romantic restaurants showcase those seductive spots that enable couples to create delicious connections and memories that last a lifetime. The list is determined by analysing more than 851,000 reviews from more than 7,300 restaurants across the UK - all submitted by verified diners.

Angels with Bagpipes

4.6

4.6 (4320)

£26 to £40

Scottish

Old Town

About the restaurant

Having opened its doors in 2010, Angels with Bagpipes quickly established itself as one of the finest restaurants to have graced Edinburgh’s most iconic and historic street, The Royal Mile. With upmost pride in sourcing fresh Scottish ingredients.
Mixing an atmospheric Old Town setting with chic, contemporary looks, the restaurant reflects many of the city’s most defining features. With a humble facade nestled in the beautiful 17th century building, rich tones of bronze and marble cascade throughout the two tiers of Angels with Bagpipes.
Angels with Bagpipe’s kitchen has gained a glowing reputation in a city abundant with restaurants of the highest standards. Sourcing the best produce and ingredients, allowing the quality to shine through their elegant dishes. By blending innovative and traditional techniques, their menu is fresh and exciting throughout all seasons

Top review

Phil

Dined 4 days ago

Food was excellent as was the service. The sharing plates worked well - 3 starters & 2 larger plates between 2 of us. It was a bit noisy as there was a very loud group seated nearby (nothing the staff could do about it) and the dining room is quite small - but we enjoyed it as we weren’t looking for a quite night out.

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4.7

4.7 (5782)

£41 and over

Modern European

Orpington

About the restaurant

Chapter One is an award-winning Modern European restaurant with 3 AA Rosettes in Orpington, Kent. Following a major refurbishment in early 2019, Chapter One has relaunched with a more modern approach, tempting guests with greater variety and quality.

Under the direction of acclaimed chef Andrew McLeish, modern European cooking is available in two formats. In the Restaurant, sophisticated seasonal dishes are served in a refined setting with a weekly changing 3-course Lunch Menu du Jour, a seasonally-inspired 7-course Tasting Menu and an a la carte option. In the more informal Brasserie, a selection of favourites are cooked to perfection with the finest ingredients. The drinks offering is as exciting with an AA Notable Wine List, premium spirits, and cocktails. There is also a private dining room for corporate and private occasions.

Top review

Chris

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent food, fantastic service and a warm welcome as always

Claude Bosi at Bibendum

4.7

4.7 (1702)

£41 and over

French

South Kensington

About the restaurant

Celebrated French chef Claude Bosi launched Claude Bosi at Bibendum back in 2017, with a ground-floor seafood and oyster bar and first-floor restaurant which is ‘unashamedly fine dining’, with the chef's signature contemporary and light-hearted flair.

The a la carte menu features some of his signature classics and the chef’s Michelin-starred alma matter, with ingredients sourced predominantly from the British Isles and France. The striking upstairs dining room with its dramatic and iconic floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows has been redesigned to house a larger central open kitchen. The light and airy dining room will feature the original Conran chairs with a soft colour palate of muted blues.

Top review

JOAO

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

Delicious food, full of flavours and excellent presentation. Great service. The dining room was barely heated and the environment coincided with the cold that was felt. Either way, it's one of those restaurants that is worth it and you want to go back again.

Clos Maggiore

4.6

4.6 (15249)

£26 to £40

French

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Clos Maggiore is an oasis of calm in the heart of Covent Garden. Influenced by the stylish country inns of Provence and Tuscany its unique interiors create a warmth and intimacy enjoyed by both business and private parties. The conservatory has a fully retractable glass roof creating a bright and airy dining space. Our extensive cellar at Clos Maggiore includes over 2,000 labels and was extended earlier this year to include an additional 400 wines at a low – mid price range. We are very proud to have been awarded the “Best of Award of Excellence” consistently since 2003 by Wine Spectator.

Top review

harry

Dined 2 days ago

Lovely place for a romantic dining session for two

CORE by Clare Smyth

4.8

4.8 (3512)

£41 and over

British

Notting Hill

About the restaurant

Chef Clare Smyth’s first restaurant, Core by Clare Smyth, opened its doors August 2017.

Located in London’s Notting Hill at 92 Kensington Park Road, Core by Clare Smyth is a modern fine dining restaurant with a strong British ethos, in an elegant, relaxed interior.

Top review

Mervyn

Dined 4 days ago

A wonderful experience with a mixture of outstanding choice of dishes for the tasting menus and equally outstanding service. It made for a perfect evening.

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Experience

Valentine's Day Dinner

Experience

Valentine's Day Lunch

Forage & Chatter

4.7

4.7 (1954)

£26 to £40

Scottish

Edinburgh

About the restaurant

A consistent multi award winning Restaurant Forage & Chatter in Edinburgh boasts the best locally sourced and foraged produce, nestled in Edinburgh's West End. A experience you will not forget. Come and visit us!

Top review

Tim

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

We were there as a part of 6 to celebrate a family birthday and had a wonderful experience. The food was outstanding and the service was great too. The beef tartare, parsnip veloute and smoked salmon were all amazing as starters, as were the sirloin and pork for main course. Everyone was impressed with their meals - thank you for making the occasion special.

Frederick's

4.8

4.8 (3979)

£26 to £40

British

Angel

About the restaurant

Frederick's is a family-run restaurant that is now fifty-five years old. Frederick's is a relaxed, contemporary restaurant and bar with private dining options. Serving a modern, crowd-pleasing menu, with familiar yet focused service and an enviable wine list Frederick's continues to be run by the Segal family. We are proud to be regarded as an Islington Institution, and continue to work hard to ensure that this is the case for years to come.

Frederick’s is open from Tuesday through to Saturday with full hire parties bookable on Sunday and Monday (fifty plus guests). Our familiar team is looking forward to seeing you; we can’t wait to shake you a martini or decant a fine wine for you to enjoy.

Should you have any queries about a forthcoming booking, or if you are planning on organising a party please email andreea@fredericks.co.uk we will get back to you with pleasure.

Top review

Rosie

Dined 4 days ago

We love eating at Frederick's which somehow manages to be both classy and friendly. Delicious food and lovely non alcoholic drinks for Dry January. Great wine list for the rest of the year.

Gauthier Soho

4.8

4.8 (4590)

£41 and over

French

Soho

About the restaurant

Having earned a star within a year of opening Gauthier Soho, Alexis Gauthier is described by Zagat guide as "...one of the Best New French food destinations in London...". With an emphasis on vegetables in all dishes, Alexis provides a seasonal tasting menu with the best possible ingredients (British where possible) all 100% plant based. All served in a chic Soho Townhouse where the staff really make you feel special. There are also five private dining rooms for parties of all sizes.

Top review

June

Dined 6 days ago

An absolute must visit vegan or not. This is truly a wonderful celebration of all vegetables. Alexis Gauthier and his team are magicians in creating this wonderful petit diner menu. Perfect for before heading to the theatre. Already booked to return in February.

Hakkasan - Hanway Place

4.5

4.5 (6347)

£41 and over

Chinese

Fitzrovia

About the restaurant

With 12 restaurants across the globe, located in the United States, Middle East, India, Asia and Europe, Hakkasan offers guests a world-class culinary experience.
Established in 2001 in London, Hakkasan Hanway Place is the original Hakkasan restaurant. Now, two decades later, Hakkasan Hanway Place continues to offer guests exceptional modern Cantonese cuisine, innovative mixology, and dramatic design.
The menu uses the finest ingredients and expert traditional techniques to create timeless yet innovative signature dishes such as the Chilean Seabass and Crispy Duck Salad.
The wine list is one of the most influential in the industry, and the bar team ride the waves of innovation, ensuring they are always ahead of the curve.

Top review

DinerVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great food and great value with the offer. Cocktails were great!

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Experience

The Devil Wears Prada - 3 courses & cocktail

Experience

Weekend Brunch

Experience

Taste of Hakkasan - 3 Course Menu and Champagne

Ham Yard Bar and Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (4707)

£26 to £40

Modern European

Soho

About the restaurant

Ham Yard restaurant has a frequently changing menu revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and the best of British produce. Dishes range from house-glazed Ham Yard ham and hand rolled pasta to chilli beans on toast and ice cream sandwiches and not forgetting the ever popular Champagne afternoon teas. Our discerning guests will be tempted back time and again to sample our selection of small bar dishes, including truffled mascarpone and ham melts, pulled pork sliders with chipotle and parsley and cured sea trout with beet and horseradish.

Top review

Ebrima

Dined on Jan 2, 2025

Great venue, with very welcoming and attentive staff. Had a comfy booth that was ideal to catch up with friends. Food was good quality and arrived quickly. Overall great experience and I will return

Hawksmoor Air Street

4.4

4.4 (13359)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Piccadilly

About the restaurant

The Hawksmoor Air Street menu is equally steak and seafood, receiving some of the freshest produce from Brixham Market & high standard UK beef, as well as cocktails made by award-winning bartenders.

Top review

Matt

Dined 2 days ago

Very helpful staff made us feel welcome and gave us a good table to help us deal with our 5 month old. Food was excellent and good value (their lunch deal)

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4.6

4.6 (6781)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

London Bridge

About the restaurant

A short walk from London Bridge, Hawksmoor Borough serves British steak & seafood. A private dining room for up to 16 & tickets for Cooks' Room Supper Club.

Top review

Victoria

Dined 1 day ago

Attended with family for son’s birthday All staff were superb, from entering to leaving. Food was superb, all steaks were amazing and cooked to perfection My son received a birthday desert which was thoughtful Would certainly recommend and will definitely return Thank you so much

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Hawksmoor Knightsbridge

4.5

4.5 (4616)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Knightsbridge

About the restaurant

Hawksmoor Knightsbridge, off Brompton Road & between iconic department stores, Harrods & Harvey Nichols. Serving British steaks, sustainable seafood & set menus (£29 for 3), or a bar for a quick bite. Tables held back for walk-ins.

Top review

Kristine Angelic

Dined 7 days ago

Fantastic service from the team. Made us feel special on our special day

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4.7

4.7 (10564)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Manchester

About the restaurant

Located next door to Spinningfields, we aim to serve the best steaks in Manchester. Sunday Roasts or for those looking for a casual bite, a set menu is available.

Top review

Calin

Dined 2 days ago

The rump steak that’s on offer for January is delicious, along with the sides, and the vietnamese oysters were really cool!

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Hawksmoor Seven Dials

4.6

4.6 (13059)

£26 to £40

Steakhouse

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Hawksmoor Seven Dials is a short walk from Covent Garden & Seven Dials. The restaurant is a perfect place for steak dinners, seafood and Sunday roasts.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

10/10. High quality steak, tender, cooked to perfection.

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Hawksmoor Spitalfields

4.6

4.6 (7204)

£26 to £40

British

Shoreditch

About the restaurant

Prime cuts of matured British beef and other classics served in stripped-back, bare-brick surroundings.

Top review

Cesare

Dined 4 days ago

Nice restaurant with a lovely atmosphere and great food. The service was excellent, thank you to the staff for making a nice experience.

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The Ivy Chelsea Garden

4.4

4.4 (14168)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Chelsea

About the restaurant

Modern British menus served in a refined, art-filled space with a garden terrace and an orangery.

Top review

Katie

Dined 2 days ago

A wonderful birthday celebration with first class service today.

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Experience

Breakfast Set Menu

Experience

The Ivy Chelsea Garden Afternoon Tea

Experience

Sunday Steak Supper

Jamavar

4.4

4.4 (1151)

£41 and over

Indian

Mayfair

About the restaurant

Michelin-starred Jamavar London, located on Mayfair’s iconic Mount Street is celebrated for its gracious hospitality, inviting atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings inspired by the Viceroy’s House in New Delhi, the acclaimed restaurant is a rendition of a palatial Indian dining experience in the heart of Mayfair.

Here, exceptional pan-Indian dishes are thoughtfully prepared by Culinary Director and Executive Chef Surender Mohan using the freshest British produce and most authentic Indian cooking techniques. In 2022, Jamavar London was awarded a Michelin star in The Great Britain & Ireland Michelin Guide for its high-quality cooking and holistic approach to Indian cuisine.

Top review

Fabrice

Dined 4 days ago

Fantastic meal with subtle spices associations. Nice personnel

Kendell's Bistro

4.7

4.7 (3317)

£26 to £40

French

Leeds

About the restaurant

Kendells Bistro is a casual Informal place to dine with the main focus on quality of food, wine and service within a French bistro atmosphere. It’s relaxed and informal - no waiters topping up wine glasses after every sip or sneaking up behind you with a six foot pepper mill. Cloth napkins but not starched, blackboard menus and open plan kitchen, intimate cosy candles flickering, friendly without pretence.

Bookings of 5 or more will need to contact the restaurant directly, either by emailing info@kendellsbistro.co.uk or calling us on 0113 2436553.

Top review

Katie

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

A wonderful way to spend a wedding anniversary. We were treated really well by the staff, they all wished us a happy anniversary and we were given fizz on arrival and chocolate to finish. The food was delicious, will definitely be returning

Margot Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (2785)

£26 to £40

Italian

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Margot salutes Italy and its many regions with an emphasis on great food and great service. Celebrating the glamour and charm of Italian design and craft in simple elegance, Margot combines comfort and refinement in a lively setting.

Top review

Gwynne

Dined 7 days ago

Everything I expected and more. The food was smashing, very flavoursome and beautifully presented. Whilst the food was very reasonably priced the wine was overly high in my view. None the less a very enjoyable experience

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Popular dish

Tiramisú

Number 16 Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3415)

£25 and under

Modern European

Glasgow

About the restaurant

Award- winning restaurant in the heart of Glasgow's West End.

Number 16 is a cosy, well established and much loved neighbourhood favourite offering quality food, friendly service and great value in relaxed surroundings. Run by a tight- knit, experienced and dedicated team; Number 16 is proud to bring fresh and unusual ideas to modern Scottish cooking. Our ever- changing menu features imaginative, balanced flavours and a commitment to using seasonal produce. We strive to make each dining experience a relaxing, unique and memorable one for every customer.

Top review

John Ewen

Dined 1 day ago

Fabulous food and service celebrating my birthday. Lovely staff and service. Great value!!

Paco Tapas

4.7

4.7 (2058)

£26 to £40

Tapas / Small Plates

Bristol

About the restaurant

Paco Tapas brings the essence of Andalusia to Bristol, offering a vibrant tapas experience. Named after chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias’ father, Paco, who is from Seville, the restaurant is deeply rooted in Spanish tradition and family heritage. Located by the Bathurst Basin, Paco Tapas captures the lively spirit of a true Andalusian tapas bar, with dark walls, exposed brick, and sherry barrel tables creating the perfect atmosphere for sharing plates with friends and family.

Our menu features a selection of classic and seasonal tapas dishes made with the finest ingredients, including boquerones, croquetas de jamon, and the signature quail stuffed with sobrasada and dates. Vegetarians will love options like charred leeks with romesco and gordal olives. To complement the food, we offer an extensive sherry list, alongside carefully curated wines, cocktails, and beers.

Top review

Neil

Dined 6 days ago

Incredibly good. The flavours were so intense and so delicious. In my top 5 dining experiences.

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Peace and Loaf Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (2581)

£41 and over

British

Newcastle upon Tyne

About the restaurant

Headed up by Chef / Owner Dave Coulson, Peace & Loaf is a restaurant unlike any other in the region. Dave has an unrivalled reputation and passion for creating flavoursome and innovative dishes, which shows with the diverse menu and delicately decorated food on offer. Highlighting the importance of using only the freshest, locally sourced produce, Peace & Loaf will offer exciting, seasonal menus that will incorporate Dave’s signature dishes. Heavily inspired by traditional British cuisine with Dave’s own inventive flare, the meticulously crafted dishes will excite and intrigue even the most discerning of palates.

Top review

Robert

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

Brilliant restaurant, great food and ambience all made excellent by the super friendly and professional staff. Superb

Smiths Restaurant Wapping

4.9

4.9 (7812)

£41 and over

Seafood

Wapping

About the restaurant

Smith's of Wapping is located on the River Thames with fantastic views of Tower Bridge and The Shard.
Smith's, famous for fish, was initially established in 1958 and today offers fine dining facilities.

We are now open from 12pm until 230pm for lunch and 5.30pm until 11pm (last seating time is 9pm) on Monday to Thursday.

Friday dinner starts at 6pm until 11pm (last seating is 9.30pm).

Saturday dinner starts at 5.30pm until 11pm (last seating is 945pm)

On Sundays we are open from 12pm until 3.30pm for Lunch
And 6pm until 10pm (last seating time 8.30pm) for Dinner.

Should you not find the time that you are looking for, please contact the restaurant directly as there may be availability.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on Jan 7, 2025

The food, service, and atmosphere were exceptional. Definitely will be back. Thanks

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Popular dish

Apple Tart

Popular dish

Smith's Classic Prawn Cocktail

Popular dish

Large Brixham Dover Sole

Stones Restaurant Matlock

4.9

4.9 (2706)

£26 to £40

British

Matlock

About the restaurant

Tucked away in the heart of former spa town Matlock, Stones is a cosy restaurant serving modern British cuisine. The restaurant’s interior is smart and intimate while the kitchen marries British produce with recipes inspired by international cuisine. Don’t be fooled by the apparent simplicity of the seasonal lunch and dinner menus, every dish demonstrates the culinary imagination, technique and flair of the vibrant kitchen team, led by head chef Kevin Stone. The additional tasting menu offers eight courses partnered with a carefully selected optional flight of wine. Catering for all dietary requirements, Stones offer distinct vegetarian and GF menu. Diners can enjoy views overlooking the coursing waters of the River Derwent. Discreet, informed service with an informal approach, allowing the food to take centre stage, Stones is one of the finest dining experiences in the area, carrying two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. ***Visit www.stones-restaurant.co.uk for up to date menus.***

Top review

Sally

Dined 5 days ago

We go to Stones for special occasions and it never disappoints. Five star food and service every time. Highly recommended.

The Chefs Table

4.8

4.8 (3786)

£26 to £40

British

Chester

About the restaurant

Lunch Menu - Two Courses for £30 / Three Courses for £35

We are an independent restaurant in the heart of Chester offering microseasonal dining with menus designed around what's growing on our farm in Daresbury. Menus change every four to six weeks.
Happy Hour is available in our lounge from 4-6pm on Thursday-Saturday with "Two for £15" Cocktails, wine and beer specials.

Please note we are currently card-only and unable to accept cash.

Meat / Game / Pescatarian / Vegetarian / Vegan / GF / DF

- - -
If your preferred time is not available please make a note on your reservation and we will try our best to accommodate you in the event of a cancellation. If you don't see the time you would like, please email us at info@chefstablechester.co.uk with the preferred time, party size, and telephone number and we will check our availability.

Top review

Alison

Dined 4 days ago

Fabulous food and service. Great value for lunch and really great choices of courses.

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Experience

20% OFF YOUR BILL

The Ivy City Garden

4.2

4.2 (7810)

£26 to £40

Contemporary British

Liverpool Street

About the restaurant

Located in the historic Bishopsgate Gardens, The Ivy City Garden brings the familiar luxury of The Ivy, West Street to the City of London.

Top review

Debbie

Dined 4 days ago

Fantastic venue, food and the staff are amazing. Thank you for a great experience

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4.8

4.8 (3057)

£26 to £40

British

Tunbridge Wells

About the restaurant

The Poet offers an informal yet refined dining experience in the heart of the Kent countryside. Set in a charismatic 16th century building, diners can expect food of the highest standards, made using the finest local and seasonal produce and lovingly prepared by a small team of chefs led by Head Chef & Director Lee Adams.

In addition to the food, we offer a selection of fine wines, quirky cocktails, and have a collection of over 25 craft gins available.

World War I poet Siegfried Sassoon lived in Matfield and is the inspiration behind our name. Sassoon was awarded the Military Cross for "conspicuous gallantry" and later won acclaim for his writing. We're pretty sure he would have loved our food too!

A warm welcome awaits diners from General Manager and Director Tom Haacke and his team. We look forward to seeing you!

Please be aware we do not cater for the vegan diet.

Late cancellations - £20 per person.

Top review

Sally

Dined on Jan 7, 2025

Wow! We went to The Poet for the first time last night to celebrate a significant birthday and it was fantastic. From the moment we entered the building we were made to feel very special. The food was amazing and the staff very friendly and attentive. We enjoyed every bit of the evening. I would highly recommend The Poet to anyone wanting to experience top quality restaurant food and wine.

Gallery

4.7

4.7 (8136)

£41 and over

Contemporary British

Covent Garden

About the restaurant

Introducing Gallery (formerly known as Thames Foyer), a vibrant space at the heart of the hotel for drinking and dining, where guests can enjoy a perfect blend of our theatrical flair and relaxed charm.

The beautiful new space will seamlessly integrate contemporary style whilst remaining true to our much loved heritage. Innovative menus, carefully crafted by our talented culinary team, will entice you in showcasing traditional recipes with a modern twist.

The Savoy’s legendary afternoon tea will return, in addition to breakfast, coffee, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner.

Our delectable lunch offering will be available between 12:30 and 17:30 on a walk in basis.

*Please note that any reservations made are subject to the timely completion of the renovation and we may need to contact you to offer alternative dates should we experience a delay with the work.

Dress code: smart casual.

Top review

Susann

Dined 1 day ago

I booked afternoon tea as a surprise birthday treat for my daughter and mother in law everything was absolutely lovely.

Wreck

4.7

4.7 (3190)

£26 to £40

Bistro

Liverpool

About the restaurant

Welcome to Wreck, from the team behind Sticky Walnut, Burnt Truffle, Hispi, Pinion and Kala. We look forward to welcoming you soon. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner with roasts served on a Sunday!

Top review

Sarah

Dined 2 days ago

The food was amazing, so many lovely choices! Service was great, and lovely open kitchen! Nice for a special dinner

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Experience

Bistro Menu - 3 for £20

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