The most impressive places for Valentine’s Day in London

We all know that the people who do romance the best are the French! So, for a little je ne said quoi, why not head to La Fromagerie in Bloomsbury? An exquisite delicatessen specialising in all things cheese and wine, the atmosphere is super romantic: exposed brick walls, candlelit tables, and rows upon rows of French cheese, baguettes, and wine (that’s enough to make anybody swoon). Begin your evening of sophistication with an expertly prepared aperitif – we suggest the crémant rose – and then order a selection of small plates to share. Alongside a large selection of cheese boards and charcuterie, you’ll find courgette fritters, duck rillettes, and Padron peppers. If you’re a little hungrier, why not indulge in a melted Emmental fondue? Served with baguette, cornichons, and steamed potatoes. Dreamy.

Arguably one of the finest eateries in the city, a date at SUSHISAMBA is bound to go down well. This rooftop restaurant houses the highest outdoor dining terrace in Europe, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. Two panoramic glass lifts will whisk customers from the ground to the 39th floor, where they will be greeted with a main dining room lined with floor-to-ceiling windows. From Japanese tempura and sushi to Brazilian fare and Peruvian antichucos – the food here is exciting and fresh. There’s an open kitchen and a fiery robata grill, which produces brilliantly flavoured meats, vegetables, and fish. Their small plates encourage a shared dining experience – perfect for couples – and the drinks menu is, as expected, extensive. To celebrate Valentine’s Day in style, we can’t think of anywhere more extravagant.

This old-fashioned Austrian restaurant located in Marylebone screams romance. Owned by the same gentlemen in charge of The Delaunay and the Wolseley, the restaurant is decorated in the style of a European Grand Café – very Art Nouveau. The mirrors, booths, and lights are all evocative of Vienna in the early years of the 20th century (how romantic!). The menu includes an extensive choice of cured fish, salads, schnitzels, strudels, ice cream coupes and traditional tortes mit schlag. There’s a prix-fixe menu that consists of two courses for £24.50 or three for £29.75. There’s also an impressive veggie menu (the potato goulash is outstanding), and the service is always top-notch.

What’s more seductive than pasta? Lina Stores is a super cosy Italian restaurant, specialising in fresh, homemade pasta and antipasti. The atmosphere is relaxed but charming: covered in pastel green tiles and lit-up with rattan lamp shades. The portions sizes are small, but each morsel is full of flavour. Antipasti highlights include their fresh gorgonzola and pear arancini, and ‘nduja with ricotta. For seconds, it’s all about the pasta: our favourites include the gundi alla Sorrentina (full of freshly made ricotta and spinach), duck and porcini ravioli, and the casarecce, served with prawns, Calabrian chilli, and tomato. Finish your date (and meal) with something dolce, like their affogato, or Sicilian-inspired cannoli. Yum!

Covent Garden’s Frenchie is the perfect destination for those hoping to wow on Valentine’s Day. Frenchie is the new London outpost of the well-loved, Paris-based Frenchie, Frenchie to Go and Frenchie Wine Shop. The menu at the Covent Garden-based venue echoes its Parisian counterparts. From classics like fois-gras stuffed chicken breast and parmesan gougeres, to more modern plates like white chocolate and Jerusalem artichoke ganache, there’s something to please all tastebuds. Prices are high, but they reflect the sophisticated surroundings and expertly prepared food. Waiters are attentive, and the décor is chic. Not one to miss!