Over the last few weeks, we’ve been bringing you our top choices to take that special someone on a date. Read our Brunch Dates, Lunch Dates features. On the eve of Valentine’s Day, we bring you our Dinner Dates version. So, what are you waiting for? Get booking!
Best Dinner Date Restaurants
Sushi Samba
If you’re looking to splash the cash for plush surroundings and excellent food, look no further. Sushi Samba will not disappoint; a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, impressive interior and attention to detail means this restaurant is a sure winner. Be warned, you may have to book well ahead of time.
What to expect? Contemporary-glam setting and an impeccable menu.
What can we tuck into? The finest sushi, gyoza, tempura, raw dishes, skewers, steak, ribs and lamb chops.
Why should I bring my date here? The food is exquisite and the rooftop bar provides a stunning backdrop and if that isn’t enough for you, the exciting elevator ride up will make your ears pop!
What’s the damage? This totally depends on what you order. Your main could cost anywhere from £16 to £32. If you’re feeling flash you could splash out on a £144 steak or better still, the 1kg £1,000 Japanese Wagyu Kobe Beef Ishiyaki! Pocket change.
Little Bay
I have always had a soft spot for Little Bay, they serve the best food at such inexpensive prices in the most romantic of restaurants. I go most often to the Kilburn branch as I prefer it to the Farringdon branch, but I am really keen visit the Brighton branch because it looks so cool! Little Bay consistently serves excellent dishes for low prices and their distinctive red and gold decor and intimate balconies gives a touch of luxe to your romantic evening.
What to expect? Romantic setting, good wholesome food and affordable.
What can we tuck into? Hearty soup, goats cheese parcels, mussels, filo pastry, tagliatelle, duck fillets, chicken fillets, lamb steak, chicken, salmon and cod.
Why should I bring my date here? Dinner by candlelight. The luxe red and gold decor and balconies make for a romantic atmosphere. They have mastered the flavours of staple European dishes. Simple perfection!
What’s the damage? Mains are £6.24 before 7pm and £8.25 after, so you cannot go wrong either way but of course if you’re ballin’ on a budget, give your partner the polite nudge to be on time!
The Waterway
The Waterway in Maida Vale looks over the Grand Union Canal. In summer you can lap up the holiday feel and in the winter you can cosy up indoors, they even have a fireplace! European staple dishes are served and the food is delicious. What more could you want?
What to expect? Good food overlooking the canal. Imagine you’re in Venice!
What can we tuck into? Tasty Goat’s cheese fritters, squid, scallops, risotto, seabass, lamb, chicken, duck, beef, greens, potatoes, fries, salads, burgers, salmon and steak.
Why should I bring my date here? It offers the best of both worlds, stay inside on a cosy winter’s night or outdoors on a mild summer evening. The Waterway offers a good meal and a great atmosphere for an affordable price.
What’s the damage? Mains are about £15, cocktails will cost around £8.50 and a corona is £4.20.
Beach, Blanket, Babylon
I love this place! Particularly the Notting Hill branch over the Shoreditch branch as I was seated in a cave-like setting downstairs which felt magical. I had excellent customer service and my food was fabulous. The restaurant definitely provides the atmosphere; the rest is up to you.
What to expect? Great menu selection, trendy locations and fab customer service.
What can we tuck into? Tender cuts of meats such as chicken, beef, lamb, duck and steak. Fish dishes such as salmon, seabass and seafood linguine and a mushroom cannelloni for the vegetarians amongst us.
Why should I bring my date here? For a solid menu, excellent customer service and if you head to the Notting Hill branch, cross your fingers that you can sit downstairs in the unique romantic cave setting.
What’s the damage? Mains cost about £19 however steaks will set you back closer to £30. Cocktails are about £12 and a glass of wine starts at £7.
Hakkasan
Their customer service is legendary! Literally one of the best experiences you will have; as you walk in every member of staff will greet you warmly and it doesn’t feel forced. Waiters will explain the menu to you and offer their suggestions if you wish. Also both times my guest left the table (must’ve been something I said) the waiter came over to make sure I was OK, again this felt very sincere.
What to expect? Great service and one of the finest destinations for great Cantonese food!
What can we tuck into? Delectable Dim-sum, spring rolls, Peking duck, squid, crab, ribs, soup, cod, seabass, prawns, lobster, chicken, duck, pork, ribs, venison, tofu, Chinese veg, rice and noodles.
Why should I bring my date here? Everything is of a high quality, customer service, atmosphere, location, menu selection and the all-important taste!
What’s the damage? Again, Hakkasan is known for being one of the finer restaurants in London and as a result they do not feature their costs on their website (classy folks) however you may find tasting menu deals on Open Table or Book A Table so it’s worth a Google search!
Hawksmoor
Probably the best steak you’ll ever have in London. Staff are friendly, helpful, accommodating and very knowledgeable about their food!
What to expect? There are other options but it makes sense to get the steak! You know you want to.
What can we tuck into? The steak, if you eat meat, for goodness sake you owe it to your taste buds! Decide what cut you want, how you want it cooked and what side and sauce you want to accompany your meal. Why not treat yourself to a glass of red too! On my last trip I had a succulent Rib-eye steak, grilled to perfection with a little steamed kale and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Why should I bring my date here? It’s guaranteed high quality food and service. STK is fabulous but it’s time you tried something different, this is your slightly more sophisticated choice. It’s like STK’s grown up big brother who is done with his partying days!
What’s the damage? Starters such as the Brixham crab on toast is £12.50, a steak will cost between £18 to £35 and sides for under a fiver but I found a set menu price on Open Table or Book-a-table which worked out as £35 for a 3-course meal and a delicious cocktail! Winning!
Featured image credit: Tess Ward
