10 Best First Date Spots in London 2024

There’s nothing like the perfect restaurant to wow your special someone on the first date. We’ve looked at London’s lowkey, luxury, and romantic venues to give you the best options for fun date ideas in the heart of London. Whether you’re in the mood for a candlelight dinner or you prefer a casual vibe before sparks fly, here are the 10 best first-date restaurants in London.

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1. Ochre

🥙Modern European  | £60

Ochre is located in the National Gallery of London, making it a convenient place to take your date after enjoying the artwork of famous masters like Van Gogh and Cezanne. With vivid flavours farmed from all over the UK, the Ochre enjoys Michelin status—and it’s easy to say why.

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The menu features delicious mains like Devon Crab Linguine and some of the best wines in Trafalgar Square. It’s all wrapped up with a modern, elegant interior to impress just about anyone.

Best for

 Ochre is best for pre-theatre or dinner as part of a cultural first date.

Opening hours

Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00

Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 - 18:00

Wednesday - Friday: 12:00 - 23:00

Saturday: 10:00 - 23:00

Customer rating

4.2 / 5

Address

National Gallery, Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN

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2. The Northall

🥙 Modern European | 💲£70

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At the Northall, dining isn’t just about sharing a few bites with your dinner date. Instead, you’ll take them on a culinary journey filled with classic yet reimagined European dishes created by some of London’s best chefs. 

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The restaurant also features different dining rooms for every occasion. Enjoy dinner in their exclusive alfresco garden, sip on the best drinks in their luxurious champagne and cocktail bar, or connect over coffee in the Crystal Moon Lounge. 

Best for

Al fresco dining with your first date, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Opening hours

Sunday: 07:00 - 16:00

Monday and Tuesday: 06:30 - 10:30

Wednesday - Friday: 16:30 - 21:30
Saturday: 07:00 - 21:30 

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Customer rating

4.5 / 5

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Address

10a Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5AE

3. Blind Spot London

🥙 Modern European | 💲£40

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How about a speakeasy-style bar and restaurant inspired by the tea trade to refresh your date? The Blind Spot at St. Martins Lane offers a unique cocktail menu inspired by flavours from all around the world.

But the cocktails are just one part of the package. This luxurious first date spot feels like walking into a movie scene with its classy interior, gourmet dishes, and unmistakable charm. 

Best for

 The Blind Spot London is best when you and your date fancy some hand-crafted cocktails.

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Opening hours

Sunday and Monday: closed

Tuesday and Wednesday: 17:00 - 01:00
Thursday - Saturday: 17:00 - 02:30 

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Customer rating

4.6 / 5

Address

45 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4HX

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4. Humble Grape

🥙Modern European | 💲£30

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There’s nothing like getting to know someone over a few glasses of the finest wine in London. The Humble Grape is all about ditching bland and boring drinks and getting to the good stuff so you and your date can have an amazing time. 

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Besides having an extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff, they also have plenty of dishes to choose from for the perfect combo. Some of their small plates, like Beef Capriccio, Grilled Sardines, and Salt Beetroot Salad, are great options for keeping hunger at bay.

Best for

The Humble Grape is the best when you want to unwind with your data alongside a few glasses of wine

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Opening hours

Monday: 15:00 - 23:00
Tuesday: Friday: 12:00 - 23:00

Saturday: 15:00 - 00:00

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Customer rating

4.7 / 5 

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Address

 8 Devonshire Row, London EC2M 4RH

5. The Rooftop at St. James

🥙Modern European | 💲£50

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If you want a classy, luxurious first date place that gives you views of London’s iconic skyline, then the Rooftop at St. James is the place to go. Situated above Trafalgar Square in Central London, St. James offers an amazing view and much more. Feel free to choose from their diverse menu of seasonal contemporary bites and main courses. They’re just as famous for their margaritas, making St.James the whole package.

Best for

 St. James is the best London first date idea when you want a luxurious vibe with a view

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Opening hours 

Sunday - Tuesday: 12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday and Thursday: 12:00 - 12:00
Friday and Saturday: 12:00 - 12:30

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Customer rating

4.2 / 5 

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Address

 7th Floor, 2 Spring Gardens, St. James's

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6. Gilgamesh

🥙 Fusion | 💲£50  

Gilgamesh does two things very well. Firstly, it lets you and your date indulge in the best Pan Asian fusion flavours London has to offer. Secondly, it sports an immersive, opulent vibe based on the ancient legend with its interior gold, bronze, and rich dark woods.

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Gilgamesh takes you on a journey through taste fit for a Babylonian king with their bountiful menus. Some of their signature dishes include Mekong Lemongrass Chicken, Shaking Beef, and Aubergine Miso.                                 

Best for

Gilgamesh is the best place for first dates with Pan-Asian fusion meals.

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Opening hours 

Sunday: 09:00 -00:00

Monday - Saturday: 12:00 - 02:00

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Customer rating

4.4 / 5 

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Address

A Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9NY

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7. The Den

🥙British | 💲£30

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The Den combines a modern Soho feel with a vintage Speakeasy to give you an unforgettable culinary experience with a stay-all-night vibe. Their restaurant and kitchen serve food like Aubergine Paella and Chateaubriand, complete with rockstar cocktails to help you get the date rolling.

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Afterward, head up to the more cosy area of the den itself. It features a live pianist ready to take requests. With good food, amazing music, and an unmatched vibe, the Den is every music lover’s ideal first date.

Best for

 The Den is best for when you want to enjoy some live music on your first date

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Opening hours

Tuesday - Saturday: 18:00 - 01:00 

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Customer rating

4.4 / 5

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Address

100 Wardour St, London W1F 0TN

8. Bancone

🥙Mediterranean | 💲£20-£40

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Relaxed and classy, Bancone takes fine dining to a new level with mouthwatering Mediterranean classics. In fact, its menu is so good that it's been given Michelin status. Pair a wine from their extensive list with one of their signature mains like Bean Ravioli or King Prawns with Caviar for a night of opulence and roaring good times.

Best for

Bancone is one of the best London date ideas when you're hankering for some Mediterranean-style dishes.

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Opening hours

Sunday: 12:00 -21:30

Monday - Wednesday: 12:00 - 22:00

Thursday - Saturday: 12:00 - 22:30

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Customer rating

4.5 / 5

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Address

9 William IV St, London WC2N 4DD

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9. Olea Social

🥙 Mediterranean| 💲£26-£50

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Modern, relaxed, and fresh are the three words that describe Olea Social. Here, you get to enjoy modern twists on the Mediterranean classics like Lamb Kofta Skewers and Pasta Pappardelle. 

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As the name suggests, Olea is all about the Social. That means bringing you and your date together with their cocktail bar and extensive wine list. If your date is passionate about good food, cosy atmospheres, and refreshing drinks, then you won’t want to miss out on this Mediterranean hideaway.

Best for

 Olea Social is one of the best date ideas for chowing down on Mediterranean food and sipping on cocktails with your first date in a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for beating those first date nerves.

Opening hours 

Monday to Sunday: 11:30 - 23:30

Customer rating

4.6/ 5

Address

10 Upper St Martin's Ln, London, WC2H 9FB

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10. El Ta’Koy

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🥙Hawaiian fusion | 💲£30-£49

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Want to wow your date with a tropical oasis and authentic Hawaiian street food, all while staying right in the heart of London? Created by Cuban chef Luis Pous, El Ta’koy takes you on a culinary journey of the most vibrant flavours in the world.

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 Their dishes mix Asian and Hawaiian cuisine to give you fresh and innovative meals you’ll wish you tried sooner. Finally, finish off with one of their funky cocktails to make your date a night worth remembering.

Best for

El Ta’Koy is best for when you want an Instagrammable first date place with a unique vibe

Opening hours

Monday - Sunday: 12:00 - 21:00 

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Customer rating

4.4 / 5 

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Address

3 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8LU

Find the best first-date spot on Ambl

Looking for the best first date spots in London doesn't have to be difficult. From cosy venues with classic cocktails on the South Bank to places in Mayfair for a fun date night, there are plenty of romantic places in London to choose from. The best part? They're all on Ambl. 

With Ambl, you can make your best date ideas in London a reality. Simply download the app, narrow down your search with the date spot filter, and make your reservation to guarantee a spot in the perfect London venue. Ambl is your go-to app for booking date restaurants in London.

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Best first date spots to go in London FAQs