London's most romantic restaurants - oooh-la-la!

When you're in the mood for love, or even just some lovin'...

If you're in the mood for love, or even just some lovin', heading out for a romantic meal has surely gotta be one of the best ways to "pre-heat the oven"... if you know what we mean.

Candles, plush decor, a great view and backing music that isn't Metallica are all requisite when it comes to finding that perfect venue for a romantic meal out.

We've spent time wining and dining countless individuals in a bid to compose the ultimate list of London's Most Romantic Restaurants so that you can rest safe in the knowledge that the waiter won't come out carrying the breadsticks tucked into the waistband of his trousers... that's a real passion-killer.

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Blakes
33 Roland Gardens SW7 3PF
Gloucester Road 0.36 miles
International

Seriously stylish Blakes does fusion cooking inspired by the Far East and modern European flavours (that’s right, it’s not French). The sleek dining room merges Oriental and African décor to impressive effect, and alfresco dining is possible in the Japanese Garden.

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Cigalon
115 Chancery Lane WC2A 1PP
Temple 0.25 miles
AIL
Users
French
Photos

Dishes inspired by Provençal cuisine are prepared in the exposed kitchen here, while diners benefit from intimate booths lit by candlelight, under a glass ceiling. It’s also ideal if you’re on a budget, as dinner can easily cost under £50 a head.

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Bleeding Heart
4 Bleeding Heart Yard EC1N 8SJ
Farringdon 0.12 miles
AIL
Users
French
Photos

Despite the sinister name, inspired by the murder of Lady Hatton at the hands of her jealous lover, this French (what else) eatery was once voted the most romantic City restaurant by The Times. A hit with high fliers, critics and French foodies.

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Galvin at Windows
22 Park Lane W1K 1BE
Hyde Park Corner 0.29 miles
AIL
Users
British
Photos

This French restaurant is on the 28th floor of the Hilton Park Lane, so you can imagine what the views are like. The food is exquisite – feast on things like seared scallops with oyster emulsion and poached chicken with onion tart and foie gras.

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L'art Du Fromage
1A Langton Street SW10 0JL
Imperial Wharf 0.53 miles
AIL
Users
French
Opening Times
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What could be more amorous than sharing a pot of fondue at this pretty little restaurant with log cabin décor? Yes, the whiff of cheese permeates the room, but that only adds to its decadent charm. They also have a very thoughtful wine list tailored to match the cheeses.

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Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill
11-15 Swallow Street W1B 4DG
Piccadilly Circus 0.16 miles
AIL
Users
Seafood
Photos

Quite aside from the fact that oysters are supposedly aphrodisiacs, Bentley’s has a romantic, yet casual aesthetic about it which reminds one of sitting in a Parisian café. Sit at the marble-topped bar or by the window at the Oyster Bar or grab a table at the quieter restaurant upstairs; either way the food is exceptional.

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La Poule Au Pot
231 Ebury Street SW1W 8UT
Sloane Square 0.19 miles
French
Opening Times

The brick walls and nooks and crannies at this French bistro have made it a favourite among couples, it has also been voted London’s most romantic restaurant nine years running. Expect retro Gallic dishes like coq au vin and ratatouille.

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Le Gavroche
43 Upper Brook Street W1K 7QP
Marble Arch 0.23 miles
AIL
Users
French
Photos

The reputation of the Roux family’s Michelin-starred restaurant alone will be enough to make an impression on your date. It's well deserved, as Michel Roux Jr. serves some of the most exquisitely prepared food in the capital. Let the sommelier take care of the wine, and ask them to wheel their tremendous cheese trolley over after your meal. One for splurging.

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Belvedere
Holland Park W8 6LU
British
Opening Times

Its location in a 17th century mansion in picturesque Holland Park means that Belvedere is not short on bookings for wedding celebrations. The menu is French/British, and the opulent dining room is one that deserves dressing up for, appealing to those who love old-fashioned glamour.

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Maggiore's
33 King Street WC2E 8JD
Covent Garden 0.08 miles
AIL
Users
European
Opening Times
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Clos Maggiore has been voted the most romantic restaurant in London by Harden’s, and most romantic in the UK by users of Open Table. But just what makes it so conducive to love? Perhaps it’s the beautiful Tuscan-inspired country décor, the glass ceiling in the conservatory which means you can see the stars at night, the roaring fire, the candles... And the Michelin-starred chef helps.