Valentine’s Day is less about spectacle and more about atmosphere candlelight, exceptional food, and places designed for a dinner a little longer than planned. From high-glamour Soho institutions to intimate Parisian-inspired hideaways, these are the restaurants setting the tone for a memorable Valentine’s in London.
At Aqua Shard, love is celebrated high above the city through a refined collaboration with luxury British jewellery brand Dinny Hall. To mark the brand’s 40th ruby anniversary, the restaurant introduces The Heart Jewel a limited-edition dessert inspired by Dinny Hall’s ruby designs. Available from 9–15 February, the striking, shareable creation offers a romantic finale, with guests also in with the chance to win a piece from the ruby jewellery collection and a brunch for two at Aqua Shard.
For a one-night-only celebration, Hakkasan Hanway Place sets the mood with The Slow Dance Menu on 14 February. Created in collaboration with Billecart-Salmon and Pantalones, the £150 per person experience pairs signature Hakkasan dishes with bespoke cocktails and a half bottle of Billecart-Salmon Le Rosé per guest. A dramatic red-carpet arrival and immersive Valentine’s décor complete the evening.
Bold flavours take centre stage at COYA Mayfair, where contemporary Peruvian cuisine meets unapologetic romance. The £170 per person Valentine’s set menu is designed for sharing, featuring baked oysters, Orkney scallops and Chilean wagyu fillet, before finishing with the Strawberry Kiss dessert created exclusively for the occasion. Each reservation includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne to share.
A timeless choice for candlelit dinners, Langan’s Brasserie offers classic elegance with a lively edge. Valentine’s specials include torn burrata with blood orange and pickled fennel, lobster vol-au-vent with caviar and champagne cream sauce, and an indulgent pistachio cheesecake with raspberry, lychee and rose jelly. Upstairs, plush red interiors and expertly crafted cocktails including the romantic La Vie En Rose – invite guests to linger long into the evening
For cinematic glamour, Bob Bob Ricard delivers as reliably as ever. Beneath Art Deco ceilings and glowing blue booths, indulgent British dishes and impeccable cocktails are served alongside the restaurant’s iconic Press for Champagne buttons a sultry, high-drama setting made for Valentine’s Day.
Housed within a beautifully restored 19th-century townhouse, Louie London offers a Valentine’s experience that unfolds across three distinct floors. Begin with refined Japanese sharing plates at Wani Tzuki, or opt for French classics in the candlelit dining room, before finishing the night upstairs at The Alligator Bar with cocktails and music.
For an intimate, Parisian-inspired escape, Chez Lui captures effortless romance. Set across two softly lit levels, the space blends velvet banquettes, antique mirrors and flickering candlelight. In the kitchen, Neptune Prize–winning chef Rocco Seminara reimagines French classics with contemporary flair, complemented by a thoughtful French wine list and elegant cocktails.
For those who like their Valentine’s loud, glamorous and full of flavour, STK London delivers a high-energy alternative. Available from 13–15 February at STK Strand and STK Rooftop & Bar, Stratford, the Love at First Bite four-course menu (£90 per person) is designed for sharing. Expect Wagyu tartare with Oscietra caviar, yellowtail crudo, indulgent mains including USDA chateaubriand with lobster or a seafood-led Cupid’s Catch, followed by a dramatic chocolate and raspberry dessert. STK also brings the party with a Galentine’s VIBE Brunch on 14 February, complete with bottomless drinks and prize giveaways a confident choice for couples and friends alike.
Whether you’re drawn to high-glamour dining rooms or understated candlelit corners, these are the tables worth booking this Valentine’s Day each offering its own invitation to slow down, indulge, and stay a little longer.
