Roux at the Landau
After closing its doors to make way for a lofty renovation, Roux at the Landau reopened in April 2018 under the guidance of Chef Nicolas Pasquier. It now boasts one of London’s most spectacular dining rooms, centred around a vast counter displaying the charcuterie and shellfish offerings of the day – perfect for impressing a foodie. You can expect simple, but exquisitely elegant modern European fare, with provenance of ingredients taking the forefront.
I’m wearing an evening dress by Sophia Kah
Their specially curated Valentine’s Day set menu includes tasters of many of the restaurant’s highlights, like a black truffled quail and the much talked about Buccleuch beef fillet with seared fois gras. With 525 varieties of both New and Old World wines available by the glass, it’s the perfect place to hone your wine-pairing skills, or let one of their seasoned sommeliers take the reins for you.
Sushisamba
Perched atop the Heron Tower, Sushisamba dishes up eclectic food, astonishing views and an ever-so-Instagram-friendly location. Even the lift up there is impressive. Constructed entirely out of glass, it glides up 38 floors before you can even decide between sashimi or wagyu beef (get both!). Expect a diverse mix of Japanese and South American cuisines served in a vast, light-filled space that provides some of the city’s best sunset views. People come here to see and be seen, so don your glad rags, grab your date, and don’t forget to post about the outing for extra cool points.
Bob Bob Ricard
Perhaps the original ‘impress your date’ space, Bob Bob Ricard is a London institution that keeps up its menu offerings as well as it does its reputation. Famed for its champagne buttons that encourage patrons to do little more than lift a finger when in need of fizz, it doesn’t get more decadent than this. Expect French and British brasserie delights, opulent décor and caviar with, well, just about everything.
Hutong at the Shard
Few vistas in London are more impressive than the one that can be enjoyed from 33 stories up the capital’s tallest building. Not only does Hutong at The Shard boast some of the most spectacular views, its dishes are equally as enchanting. A fascinating and diverse mix of traditional Northern Chinese cuisine, it’s based directly on one of Hong Kong’s most venerated eateries.
Nestled amongst the restaurant’s stunning interior of red lanterns and hand-carved wood, guests can gaze down upon the city as they tuck into dishes such as Sichuan-style deep fried lobster, or hot and sour monkfish.
Randall & Aubin Soho
Though it may be owned by run by TV chef Ed Baines and partner Jamie Poulton, this legendary Soho seafood stop is entirely about the food. If your date has a preference for ocean dwellers, there aren’t many London restaurants that’ll serve you better than Soho’s Randall & Aubin. And really, what’s more romantic than a low-lit, cosy space dishing up mounds of fresh oysters?
Written by Thea Carley
