Valentine’s Day is almost here; no date night is complete without a romantic candlelit dinner in a cosy, atmospheric restaurant. Whether you intend to stay in the UK or indulge in a couple’s trip abroad, romantic restaurants are everywhere across. Consider our favourites below before you book you dinner reservation!
On a list about the most romantic restaurants in the world, where better to begin than the most romantic city in the world: Paris, France. Tour d’Argent is both one of the dreamiest dining experiences and also one of the oldest; dating as far back as 1582. The restaurant offers a table with a view, overlooking the River Seine and the iconic Notre Dame. And if the Michelin Star food isn’t enough to impress your partner, a cellar of nearly half a million bottles of wine will do the trick.
Located about an hour’s drive north of Rome, Italy, in the picturesque, hilly commune of Vacone, is a restaurant whose name alone sets its patrons up for a romantic evening. Solo per Due means “only for two”, and that’s exactly what you get; a restaurant that only serves two at a time. You will have your own table in a warm, homey space, surrounded by antique décor and low, romantic lighting. Naturally, you need to reserve ahead of time, but your experience doesn’t have to end with your private dinner. Solo per Due also offers an overnight stay, a private fireworks display, and you can even hire a Ferrari or limousine for the day.
Despite Bali’s rapidly rising popularity, parts of its gorgeous coastline remain quiet and secluded. One such place is along the southern coast, where the Samabe Bali Suites & Villas resort lies at the edge of the rocks, overlooking the clear water. The Samabe Bali Restaurant is actually built into a cave: mere metres from the sea; lit by hundreds of candles; and the tables are sometimes decorated with flowers to add to the mood. You might even want to kick your shoes off while at dinner to feel the white sand between your toes. Then tuck into a four-course meal of Indonesian seafood or barbecue, including a tasty dessert, and an exotic drink.
They say New York has enough restaurants for you to eat out every night of your life without ever visiting the same place twice. Yet, for romantic restaurants, one stands above the rest. One if by Land, Two if by Sea, in the heart of Greenwich Village. This delightful eatery swaps cityscape views for a more intimate experience. Exposed, red-brick walls, glowing candelabras, and meticulous white-cloth tables decorate this former 18th-century carriage house. Choose from the wide selection of dishes as part of a three-course meal or the seven-course taster menu. The restaurant even has its own pastry chef for exquisite desserts to delight your other half.
Two Oceans Restaurant is aptly positioned at the meeting point between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. From this raised eatery, diners can soak up views of seemingly endless ocean. From the southern tip of the peninsula; following the panoramic coastal view; around to the striking False Bay and the high mountains in the distance. It’s close proximity to Cape Town and Table Mountain make it a must visit for couples looking to make their holiday even more romantic; whether you just want a quick drink to enjoy the views or dine on some of South Africa’s finest seafood and sushi.
Tucked away at the base of the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco, lies an oasis, around which the Kasbah Tamadot Hotel has been lovingly constructed. The buildings and gardens are designed to respectfully blend into the landscape from afar, while lucky guests of Richard Branson’s resort can enjoy a comfortable, luxurious stay within. This same thoughtfulness extends to Kanoun Restaurant, where couples can choose to dine in a location of their choosing; be it on the roof overlooking the awe-inspiring valleys, beside the pool, or somewhere private for just the two of you.
Let’s finish with somewhere a little closer to home: Clos Maggiore in London. This small, cosy restaurant is officially London’s most romantic restaurant for a number of years now. For starters, the flower branches outside the restaurant continue on the inside, creating an overhanging canopy that transports you from a busy city to a secret garden with your partner. Dishes are heavily influenced by French cuisine, but you will spot flavours and foods from all over Europe, including dear old Blighty. On a warm evening, you and your significant other can dine in the conservatory, where the retractable roof will expose you both to the stars. And when the London chill begins to creep in, you can warm yourselves by choosing from one of over 2,500 wines.