Dining Out: Five London Restaurants for Valentine's Day

Organised by "vibe" and price point. This is public service journalism.

I am very much on record as someone who loves restaurant dates, and of course there is no event in the restaurant date night calendar bigger than Valentine’s Day. I think sitting down and eating with someone – talking to them, looking over at them, admiring them – is one of the most intimate things you can do, whether you’re in at a wine bar or a kebab shop at three in the morning.

So, as an enthusiast of this type of thing, for this week’s paid post, I thought I’d put together five ideas for Valentine’s date spots (at places that do all still actually have room, as far as I’m aware), spanning a range of different vibes and price points. SO, whether you are wanting to keep it chilled or go full Milk Tray Man, there should be something here that works for you. Let me know if you go to any of them, it’ll make me happy.

For very romantic walk in vibes (about £50 per head)
Brutto, Farringdon

My favourite restaurant doesn’t take bookings on Valentine’s Day – it’s walk-in only, excellent news for people who can’t be arsed to observe this very popular place’s admittedly stressful booking process (Mondays are also walk-in only, but usually if you want a reservation between 7 and 8:30PM, you pretty much have to nab it exactly 28 days in advance, though as it’s my favourite place I will always tell you that this hoop-jumping is emphatically worth it).

I can imagine few places more romantic than Brutto at the best of times – with its Lady and the Tramp gingham tablecloths, low lighting, generous, sensual food and gently buzzy feel – so it’s a perfect Valentine’s Day restaurant. If you’re happy to spend some cash, get yourself a table, some fried dough cuddles, and have a snog at the end. Equally, however, if you’re third-wheeling or dating yourself, Brutto have said on social media that they particularly welcome parties of odd numbers for their V Day walk-ins, so you’ll be well served in that case.