If someone told us they weren’t familiar with Kudu, we would
find it difficult not to judge – and we’re not one bit sorry about
it, either. More akin to a community than a restaurant, this
family-run eatery consists of a grill, cocktail bar and private
gallery. It’s the original outpost on the Queen’s Road that remains
our favourite date-night choice. The dimly lit set-up is decked out
with velvet banquettes, wishbone chairs and blush-pink walls with
framed flowers hanging on them. The food? South African-inspired
small plates that make a one-way trip to Cape Town sound like a
great idea – shoutout to chef Patrick Williams for that one –
spanning scallop and prawn ravioli to cured salmon and scorched
steak tartare. Meet you there at 8pm.

Ask any Londoner where Soho’s most romantic address is and they
will march you straight to the dark and dramatic exterior of Andrew
Edumnds. Slotted between a slew of foodie startups, hip chains and
artisan cafés on the legendary Lexington Street, this 18th-century
townhouse first opened its kitchen back in 1985. Cut to 2022 and
the place remains unapologetically old-school, with chalkboard
menus, old wine bottles for candle holders and wooden tables topped
with white linens. London lost a legendary restaurateur when
founder Andrew Edmunds passed away recently, but his legacy lives
on through an exceptional menu. Make it your choice for lamb rump,
smoked mackerel and cauliflower soup.

Similar to what stepping into your cool friend’s apartment looks
like, it’s difficult not to gawk at the design details of this
north London neighbourhood restaurant. With high, exposed-beam
ceilings, tables carved from recycled barn doors, walls adorned
with abstract prints and floor-to-ceiling windows flanked by warm
pendant lights, you can expect to find Perilla brimming with
Newington Green’s cool kids almost every night of the week (bar
Mondays, when it’s closed). Dreamed up by chefs Ben Marks and Matt
Emmerson, a delightful menu draws on European classics with a
contemporary twist. Standouts include mushroom and barley
croquettes, roasted duck with potato hash, and chocolate-hazelnut
tart.

If there was ever a restaurant that had the ability to turn
every first date into a success story, we’re fairly certain it
would be this one. Helmed by talented chef Robin Gill (foodies will
recognise him as the face behind Bermondsey
Larder and Darby’s), Sorella serves up a slice of the Amalfi
Coast in the heart of south London – think beef tartare with crispy
potato, creamy burrata, parmesan gnocchi and grilled trout with
spicy cauliflower – all made more delicious by a cosy, candlelit
set-up. There’s also an all-Italian wine menu on standby to keep
the conversation flowing (should you need it) – the bertarose
chiaretto rosé has our approval.

If the thought of a five-course meal is enough to talk you out
of your date, consider the relaxed Bar Douro as an alternative.
Just a short walk from Borough Market, this Portuguese restaurant
is the perfect spot for light bites accompanied by great drinks.
Perch on one of the port barrel seats or snag one of the rustic
tables – there’s also a spacious outdoor terrace for when the sun
decides to make an appearance. While we’re borderline obsessed with
the salt cod fritters and just about everything else on the menu,
it’s the classic pastel de nata dessert that has us hooked. The
best bit? Wines are purchasable, so you can grab a bottle for the
road.

Notting Hill is known for its pastel-hued houses, antique stalls
and the occasional starring role in the odd blockbuster – images of
Hugh Grant and a certain bear should spring to mind. Skip past the
clichés (and swarms of selfie sticks) and you will discover a
neighbourhood that has a thriving food scene embedded at its very
core. Enter, Gold Notting Hill – better known as Portobello Road’s
coolest restaurant. Spread across four floors, this light-filled
space is made more inviting with lush ferns, exposed-brick
flooring, plaster walls, braided chairs and zinc tabletops. Our
go-to is the chargrilled squid with lentils and chilli, along with
a side of the balsamic-drenched burrata. Polish off your meal, then
head upstairs to the 15-seater rooftop terrace for a glass of
bubbles.

Having opened in 2010, Trullo has been a firm favourite among
Londoners seeking regional Italian fare ever since. Located on the
edge of Highbury Corner, this place is exactly what you’d expect
from a classic trattoria – all chipped wooden floorboards, an open
kitchen and a short but incredibly sweet menu. If, like us, you’re
the type who prefers to pre-plan their order, it’s worth checking
online in advance, as these guys are known to regularly switch
things up. Rest assured: all the classics, including
fresh-from-the-oven focaccia, slurp-worthy tagliarini and a zesty
Amalfi lemon tart, religiously feature.

Name something more romantic than a restaurant brought to life
by a husband-and-wife duo? Yep, we thought so. Founded by Limor and
Amir Chen, Delamina started out with a small residency in
Shoreditch House, where its Middle Eatsern menu grew so popular
that it soon evolved into two independent outposts. We’re visiting
the Marylebone address to get our fix of flavours. Step past the
sage-green facade and inside you’ll find decor that feels more like
someone’s home kitchen than a restaurant: think framed family
portraits, wicker chairs, whitewashed walls and antique mirrors.
The menu draws on the recipes of co-founder Limor’s childhood in
Tel Aviv, so expect plenty of fresh herbs and spices.

Double date on the cards? Sager + Wilde is your answer. Once a
grotty pub, this urban-chic restaurant offers two completely
different vibes: a relaxed outdoor terrace and a candlelit indoor
seating area. Choose what suits your crew and then get to work on
the cheese boards, sharing plates and upmarket toasties. It’s worth
noting that there’s a stellar wine list, too, packed with
lesser-known producers from around the world, so there’ll be no
need for any pre-drinking.