Sophie Farrah’s rounds up her top romantic local restaurants, perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day, date night, or just because…
For meat lovers: Steak
If your Valentine is a meat lover, then why not treat them to a quality Argentinean steak with romantic river views at Gaucho in Richmond? Twickenham’s M Bar and Grill also dish up top-notch steaks from both Argentina and Cornwall, seasoned with herbs grown on the restaurant’s own roof terrace.
Food to get you in the mood: Seafood
What could be more romantic than sharing a dozen oysters whilst overlooking a beautiful stretch of the Thames? Head to Rick Stein, Barnes for fresh seafood, friendly service and dreamy views. Further towards Hammersmith Bridge, the newly opened Sam’s Riverside offers similarly beautiful vistas, elegant interiors and a seafood-heavy menu.
Oh la la: French cuisine
Ignite some French passion with a visit to St Margaret's’ Le Salon Privé, a bijou little spot with good French food and très chic interiors (ask for a table by one of the pretty stained-glass windows). Another romantic local bistro, complete with gingham tablecloths and fabulous French onion soup, is Ma Cuisine in Kew Village.
Glasshouse glamour
The Petersham Nurseries Café, brimming with bougainvillaea and decorated with antique furniture, mirrors and paintings, is one of the most spectacularly beautiful and romantic places to eat in the capital. Go for a long lunch or treat your Valentine to one of its incredibly romantic fairy-lit supper clubs.
Plant-based perfection
If your Valentine loves veg then head to the stylish Oliveira Organic Vegetarian Kitchen in Sheen for inventive veggie and vegan dishes, and lots of beautiful hanging plants. Church Road in Barnes offers a top-notch menu with an emphasis on veg in very chic surroundings – ask for a table at the back near the roaring fireplace.
Style and substance
If your sweetheart has an eye for design, take them to the recently refurbed and incredibly sumptuous Bingham Riverhouse, for style-savvy interiors, sophisticated, ingredient-led dishes and lovely river views. The stylish and modern One One Four in Teddington also boasts beautiful décor, good food and a GIN BAR - need I say more?
Exotic flavours
FERHATELIK
For good Japanese food, head to the wood-panelled Matsuba in Richmond, or the white, bright and modern Oka in Barnes. Alternatively, if you want to really spice things up this Valentine’s Day, then my very favourite spot for a curry is Munal Tandoori in Putney, with its traditional décor and superb Nepalese cuisine.
Love potions: Best for cocktails
A cocktail (or two) and some truffle arancini at The Ivy Café is always a winning date night option. Rock and Rose on Kew Road is another great spot for a romantic night out, with delicious cocktails and decadent décor. Or, treat your Valentine to a ‘Matcha Made In Heaven’, made with Beefeater gin, coconut cream, lime, ginger, egg white and ground matcha, at the candlelit So Bar, tucked away near Richmond Green.
Star power: Michelin star restaurants
If you want to pull out all the stops then book a table at The Dysart in Petersham, which has recently been awarded its first Michelin star. The beautiful Arts and Crafts building, with its large windows and candlelit rustic tables, provides instant romance. The Glasshouse in Kew is another local Michelin starred option, guaranteed to impress.
That's amore: Italian restaurants
For Italian-inspired amore you can’t beat Riva in Barnes, loved by celebs and renowned for its Northern Italian dishes served in its understated dining room. A Cena in Twickenham offers simple yet high-quality Italian food and is a great spot for a date - book one of the wooden booths by the bar.
