The Feast of St. Valentine would be incomplete without an intimate meal shared between two people to mark the year's most anticipated day for romance. One of the most charming cities in the world for partners to spend Valentine’s Day together, London has long captured hearts through countless romantic places and venues and a repertoire of some of the world’s best restaurants to dine in.
On14th of February, London’s most celebrated fine-dining establishments strive to create the ultimate romantic setting for couples looking to celebrate love in a most elegant fashion – eating delicious food together. From extravagant displays of love to understated romance that lets the meal take centre stage, here's our edit of the most loved-up locations to enjoy Valentine’s Day.
Da Terra, Bethnal Green
Nestled within the grandeur of the Town Hall Hotel, Da Terra offers a tantalising experience combining the tastes of both Brazilian and Italian cuisine. This two-Michelin Star establishment is the brainchild of chef Rafael Cagali, combining both his heritage and culinary education in Spain and the UK to produce an inspiring collection of dishes reflecting his approach to cooking – full of colour, bold flavours, and exceptional balance between each element on the plate.
The menu at Da Terra is kept tightly under wraps as it is subject to daily changes, however, diners can look forward to indulging in a mouth-watering eight-course meal, with plenty of surprises thrown in for good measure. With parquet flooring, Brazilian granite tables, high arches dividing the dining space, and wood panel furnishings accompanied by bright, poppy artwork, the restaurant is an intimate space on Valentine’s Day. To heighten the romance, Da Terra puts out a special tasting menu for the occasion, accompanied by live music in honour of the occasion.
Bocca di Lupo, Soho
For when ‘you’re hungry like the wolf’, Bocca di Lupo’s extensive menu takes you on a journey around Italy, with the region of origin listed beside each dish.
Curious though it may be to tempt fate by naming a restaurant after such an idiom, it perfectly defines the off-beat nature and individuality of a family-run trattoria serving authentic regional Italian cuisine. The restaurant makes fresh gelato at its sister premises across the road, Gelupo, along with fresh pasta and fritti as well as importing seasonal delights such as black truffle, offering up a true taste of Italy.
Recognised by Michelin with a Bib Gourmand, Bocca di Lupo’s hearty flavours and warm, open dining space carry the touches of Chef Jacob Kennedy’s inspiring family history, complete with walls that are decked out with paintings by his mother, acclaimed artist Haidee Becker. The pre-theatre offering is a fantastic option for those wishing to combine dinner with a show for Valentine’s Day. Menu items include radish and hazelnut salad, followed by tubetti pasta with borlotti beans, finishing off with apple and honey fritters. The generous post-theatre option invites sharing a glass (or two) of select wine or champagne so that couples may extend their evening at Bocca di Lupo on the most romantic night of the year.
Trivet
Opened by former Fat Duck chef and sommelier Jonny Lake and Isa Bal, their collaboration has produced a two-Michelin-star restaurant that serves fantastic continental dishes and an expansive wine collection to accompany them. Found among the gorgeous Victorian streets of Snowfields in Bermondsey, the warm glow of Tivet’s soft lighting reflecting off the polished wood surfaces of the restaurant creates an ambience that draws in diners.
As one would expect from a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, the food is sublime, and the restaurant takes pleasure in choosing rather tongue-in-cheek names for some of its dishes. “Best Friend of White Burgundy” translates to grilled monkfish, “Hokkaido Potato” is a sumptuous baked potato mille-feuille served with saké and white chocolate mousse and saké gelato. Those searching for an intimate setting will be pleased to note that spending Valentine's Day at Trivet means making the most of enjoying food that is outstanding throughout, with each course different from the norm and very individual.
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Carlos Place
One of London’s most celebrated dining establishments, Hélène Darroze became the new patron of the Connaught Hotel in 2008 after a £70 million refurbishment at the property, reaching the pinnacle of culinary excellence by achieving a hallowed three Michelin Stars. Serving seasonal, classic French cuisine, diners can enjoy the decadence of caviar, lobster, and cured venison, as well as firm favourites such as the tarte Tatin and Hélène’s brother Marc’s delicious Armagnac Baba.
The Connaught exudes romance with rose-coloured walls, grand columns, and intimate booths, which are ideal for a fine dining experience on Valentine’s Day. The restaurant offers a mouth-watering tasting menu for the occasion. Grilled Foie Gras with Granny Smith apple and jalapeno marmalade, smoked turbot with truffle braised cabbage, and a glossy heart-shaped black forest gateau for dessert.
The Barbary, Covent Garden
As the name implies, the rugged flavours of the North African coast come to the fore at this Bib Gourmand recipient nestled within the charming confines of Covent Garden. Offering a superb blend of seafood, slow-cooked meats, and regional staples such as naan-e Barbari, the restaurant is one of the area's most exciting venues for couples wanting to explore a rather under-represented cuisine on the London dining scene.
The counter-style seating provides an exciting alternative compared to typical table dining, allowing couples to see plates come together before their eyes whilst offering a more intimate and personal service. For Valentine’s Day, The Barbary produces an outstanding tasting menu focusing on its most popular dishes, such as octopus masabaca, Moroccan cigars, and coffee-rubbed chicken, injecting a little bit of creative love in keeping with the theme.
Bacchanalia, Mayfair
Bacchanalia has more in common with an ancient Roman or Greek Palace than it does with any of the other restaurants in London. Adorned with stunning marble statues of figures from both mythologies, towing columns, and a ceiling fresco that is reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel, the restaurant staff even dress in period-style tunics, robes, and sandals to complete the theme of hallowed antiquity.
Bacchanalia derives its name from the Roman god of wine, Bacchus, but it is Venus that takes the stage, with a special tasting menu curated to honour the goddess of love on the most romantic day of the year. Bedecked in candles with rose petals scattered everywhere, a harpist in the corner is the only thing that’s more resplendent than the atmosphere of the food. With menu items such as lobster paccheri served with fresh black truffle, and braised veal with saffron polenta, this is an experience as close to divinity as mere mortals can get on Valentine’s Day at Bacchanalia.
