Whether you are searching for the most romantic ambience in which to enchant your new beau, an extraordinary setting to make precious memories with your long term love or simply wanting to celebrate true friendship with your loved ones for ‘Galentine’s Day’, we have rounded up 15 of the best spots for Valentine’s Day in London this year. With everything from breathtaking city views and panoramic river scenes to quiet candlelit corners and dimmed lighting, London is has something to suit your every desire this Valentines Day.

The Aubrey at The Mandarin Oriental

The Aubrey is the new restaurant addition to The Mandarin Oriental, described as a Japanese ‘izakaya’, which roughly translated means pub. The idea of an ‘izakaya’ is to visit for a couple of drinks with some small plates to match them. It’s a high-end establishment with a price point to match but don’t let that put you off because it’s well worth the visit, whether you’re dropping in for a casual drink with friends or diving in headfirst for a top-tier date night meal.

Clos Maggiore (closmaggiore.com)

Arguably known as perhaps London’s most romantic restaurant of the moment, Clos Maggiore, serves contemporary French cuisine under its pièce-de-résistance canopy of white blossom and twinkling fairy lights that adorn the ceiling in the beautiful courtyard conservatory. Based in Covent Garden, guests can enjoy the warmth of the open stone fireplace in this room, or chat over flickering candlelight in the main restaurant. Indulge without the guilt in their perfectly balanced menus, which have consistently been recognised and awarded with multiple AA-rosette awards.

Beach Blanket Babylon (beachblanket.co.uk)

A classic Notting Hill favourite, you can never go wrong with Beach Blanket Babylon. With stunning decor that encapsulates the beauty of the Seven Wonders of the World’s historic Hanging Gardens of Babylon, enjoy a feast for the eyes as well as your taste buds here. With two crackling open fires, plush velour seating, marble tabletops and leafy green plants you are sure to enjoy nouveau cuisine against this superior backdrop and the lively chatter of other diners. Choose from their ‘Raw Bar’ menu which serves a selection of seafood delicacies or their inventive mains that include dishes such as the Mafalda pasta with truffle mushroom sauce, roasted wild mushrooms and shaved truffle.

Crazy Pizza (crazypizza.com) 

For a crazy fun Galentine’s, visit Crazy Pizza. Choose either their Marleybone or Knightsbridge restaurant at which everything is in the spirit of Italy. Priding themselves on ‘la bella vita’, artistry and performance, delight in the art of pizza-spinning chefs for that perfect Instagram moment before tucking into a ‘just the right crispness’ skinny pizza with guilt-free (but never taste-free) dough. For an extra indulgent experience, jump straight to the extravagant, signature ‘Crazy Pizza’ or the Tartufo with copious shavings of fresh black truffle and white truffle extra virgin oil. Finish with traditional tiramisu served at the table. Bellissimo! 

Bill’s Soho

On the most romantic day of the year, Bill’s Restaurant and Bar invites you to celebrate their limited-edition ‘Lovestruck’ cocktail and three-course set menu. The limited-edition Lovestruck (£4.95) cocktail composed of Beefeater pink gin, sour mix, strawberry puree and topped with basil leaves is the perfect cocktail to celebrate with your partner, or to gather your best friends for that ‘Galentine’s Day’ experience.

OXO Brasserie (Restaurant website here)

For a truly memorable Valentine’s Day that is perhaps the UK’s closest equivalent to the famous Empire State Building and it’s iconic moment in the classic 90s Tom Hanks rom-com, Sleepless in Seattle, The OXO Tower houses the surreal OXO Tower Restaurant Bar and Brasserie. This year they will be hosting Valentine’s Day on the eighth floor against their famous city backdrop of twinkling lights combined with chilled Champagne and mellow tunes, creating the warmth and ambience they are regarded so highly for. Tickets for the Valentine’s menu are £150 per person and includes half a bottle of Champagne per person, and a three-course menu – complete with hand-dived scallops, baked crab thermidor and wild sea bass.

Passione Vino (passionevino.co.uk)

One for the wine connoisseurs, Passione Vino near Shoreditch High Street is all about their guests ‘discovering their favourite wine’. Specialising in being unpretentious and ‘solid’, enjoy simplistic wholesome dishes full of flavour such as fresh pastas and cheese boards, each with a delectable richness perfectly paired with a carefully chosen wine. If recommendations aren’t your thing and you want to impress your date, go rogue and choose from one of Passione Vino’s 320 wines. Is there anything more romantic than sharing a bottle of good red wine on Valentine’s Day?

14 Hills (14hills.co.uk)

Towering 14 floors above Fenchurch Street, take the elevator up to one of the most breathtaking scenes in London. Enjoy views across the city that includes a close-up of the shimmering Gherkin, prepare to be bowled over by the cocktail bar’s jungle-like aesthetic mixed with vibrant Instagram-chic colour palettes and opulent furnishings. Whether you are simply wanting to sample the inventive array of exquisite cocktails, such as ‘The Rose Garden’ (Kettel One Vodka, fresh lime, cinnamon, Morello cherry, Fever-Tree Raspberry and Rose Soda) or wanting to indulge in their Valentine’s Day menu, 14 Hills is sure to provide a beautiful backdrop to any date – romantic or not. 

London Stock (londonstockrestaurant.co.uk)

A Wandsworth newbie, London Stock is complete with glowing downlighting as well as glossy black floors and furniture ripe to bring the sexiness to any date this Valentine’s. Carefully sourced British ingredients with a modern international twist take centre stage on a stunning tasting menu. Gastronomes will be in their element at this fine-dining experience which will definitely place food as the focal point. Menu highlights include roast cod with pickled mussels and ginger broth and stone bass fennel salad, hazelnut and smoked gazpacho. Opt for paired glasses of wine with each course, of which there are eight.

Hutong (hutong.co.uk)

Destined to impress even the harshest of romance critics, The Shard is perhaps now London’s most iconic, ultimate date spot. An experience rather than just a meal, a trip to Hutong goes literally above and beyond all expectations, with unparalleled views over the city through floor-to-ceiling glass windows alongside an outstanding Northern Chinese menu. Stare out across London (or into your date’s eyes) as you tuck into favourites such as the crispy prawn rolls, Iberico pork dumplings and Peking duck roll pancakes. The intimacy of Hutong is what sets it apart from other skyscraper venues with great food, perfect for Valentine’s dates, the seating is arranged specifically for two and lined down a slim corridor. 

Bateaux London Dinner Cruise (bateauxlondon.com)

An experience to remember and cherish for life (you will definitely tell the grandchildren about this one), take in the city from the water onboard with Bateaux London. Offering a variety of sunset dinner cruises, sip champagne as you float down the Thames in style and soak up some of London’s most famed landmarks before you tuck into one of their famed aperitifs from their seasonal five-course á la carte menu, complimented by free-flowing wines. The crème de la crème of cruise experiences, enjoy majestic architecture, illuminated skylines, divine river lights and ever-changing scenes of the city from a beautifully unique perspective.

Amazónico (amazonicorestaurant.com)

Step inside the world of Amazónico and allow yourself to be taken on a sensory journey along the Amazon River and through Latin America, all from the beating heart of Mayfair. Inspiration from the Amazon region is encapsulated not only by the gorgeous leafy decor but through a mouthwatering menu that pays tribute to its cultural and gastronomic heritage. Sit back in the immersive lush rainforest environment as you indulge in the likes of Peruvian sushi, the freshest raw seafood and carefully sourced grilled meats. Finish your meal with something seductive from the desert menu such as caramelised passion fruit soup, tonka bean caramel or an acai and blueberry compote with roasted caramel glazed pineapple.

Daphne’s (daphnes-restaurant.co.uk)

Want to enjoy perhaps the most romantic cuisine of them all? (I am biased!) Visit Daphne’s for a real taste of Italy and ‘amoré’. Founded more than half a century ago, Chelsea based Daphne’s thrives off its laid-back attitude and gorgeous interior made up of the vibrant palettes of Italy, both elements typical to a splendid Venetian trattoria. Sip Negronis from the pink marble-topped bar before you sit down to a hearty meal made with love, such as the spaghetti alle vongole and risotto with black truffle. With effortless Italian charm and a cocktail menu designed to enhance this,  Daphne’s is the perfect venue for a typically romantic Valentine’s Day.

Les Folies de L’Amour with Sumosan Twiga (sumosantwigalondon.com)

On 12th and 14th February, Knightsbridge’s trendy Sumosan Twiga is set to celebrate Valentine’s with two scrumptiously seductive evenings. On the 12th, take part in fun and frivolity late into the night; with Cabaret, pin-up singers, cancan dancers, trumpet players, and even a mime artist. Instagrammable corners and the iconic staircase will be adorned with feathers and roses, making Sumosan Twiga the ultimate venue to share the love with friends and partners. 

On the 14th, enjoy live music, saxophone players and an incredible tango duo after being welcomed with a glass of bubbles. Sit down to an exclusive menu, priced at £120 per person, which includes a glass of Kir Royale and a selection of sushi and maki rolls. This will be followed by seared salmon and Sumosan’s famous ‘Alaskan Marinated Miso Black Cod’, as well as their home-made tagliatelle ‘alla Bolognese’ and truffle French fries with grated parmesan cheese. Dessert will be carefully selected by the Chef, and paired with the venue’s selection of wines and spirits.

Cartel (shutterscanarywharf.com)

Cartel is a dedicated cocktail bar inspired by the delights of Mexico. Located on the upper level of One Canada Square above Shutters restaurant, the bar is stocked with Artisan Mezcals, pure Tequilas, clean spirits, and top-shelf tipples from around the world. Sip your drinks in slick contemporary style at this stunning Canary Wharf oasis. Ask for a personalised cocktail and the clever bartenders are sure to come up with a concoction destined to impress. 

Skuna Boats (skunaboats.com)

Take to the water this Valentine’s Day in a luxury wood-fired hot tub, courtesy of Skuna Boats, the UK’s first hot tub boat experience. With prosecco and Champagne available in abundance from the bar to drink as you drift along, the hot tubs are heated to a balmy 38°C, making them perfect for either a fabulously fun day out with the girls or a unique romantic time with a date. Priced from £33 per person, you can enjoy 75 minutes on the water, taking in the sights at London’s lively Canary Wharf. 

Hide (www.hide.co.uk)

With a gorgeous menu specifically crafted for Valentine’s Day, choose from Hide’s three venues set across the three floors at this Piccadilly treasure. Select the ‘Bar Below’ for an enchanting experience encapsulated by amber lighting and dark wood furnishings, topped off with carefully concocted cocktails that are forever changing. If you are craving a quiet, intimate experience for drinks and dining á deux, this is the place for you. If you are wanting more of a food-focused dream, choose the restaurant upstairs to sample the Michelin starred menu.