With the help of toptable.co.uk, we've compiled a list of the top 10 most romantic restaurants in the UK.
1.) Clos Maggiore
Clos Maggiore is ultra romantic with understated, muted decor, and a welcoming log fire. The bustle of Covent Garden outside seems worlds away when you step into this lovable den, which has the feel of a comfortable country inn. The imaginative menu is inspired by traditional French dishes, with a focus on quality ingredients, and sophisticated presentation. The first-floor private dining room seats 25, or 40 standing. For bigger parties, book the main restaurant which can seat up to 55 guests.Signature meal
Slow cooked shoulder of rabbit with sweet and sour black radish, wholegrain mustard mousseline, £7.90
Sample dishes
Brochettes of seared squid wrapped in smoked bacon, tortellini of spinach & light parsley jus, £10.90
Slow cooked shoulder of rabbit, sweet & sour black radish, wholegrain mustard mousseline, £7.90
Free range breast of chicken poached in crayfish bisque, hand rolled fresh pasta, £19.90
Treacle caramelised breast of Gressingham duck, crumble of red plum & bok choi, aged Armagnac sauce, £18.90
Sample drink prices
Bottle house wine: £18
Average price: £35-£44
Address: 33 King Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8JD
Web: www.closmaggiore.com
2.) Crazy Bear
With its chocolate brown leather banquette seating, dark wood and contrasting gilt details, Crazy Bear's striking interior design is very different to the common perception of a West End Thai restaurant. Walk down the restaurant's dramatic staircase to its cool, chic basement bar. Moody and atmospheric with its art deco interior design, it offers a range of classic cocktails both alcoholic as well as a number of unique recipes. Sit at the bar or retreat with your drink to a cosy alcove. There is no private dining room but parties up to 12 can be accommodated in the main restaurant. More than seven people need to choose the tasting menu.Signature meal
Green chicken curry £11.
Sample dishes
Crispy prawn and apple roll with mango, miso, orange and lemongrass dressing, £7.50
Braised smoked pork rib with sticky braising juices and crispy leeks, £6.50
Confit duck leg with fried Thai basil, crispy leeks and kaffir lime leaves, £12
Braised marinated salmon with Chinese rose wine, light soy, lime leaves and coriander, £13
Vanilla cheesecake with Thai water
Sample drink prices
Bottle of beer: £3.75
Bottle house wine: £14.50
Cocktail: £8
Spirit & Mixer: £7
Bottle water: £3.50
Average price: £35-£44
Address: 26-28 Whitfield Street, London, W1T 2RG
Web: www.crazybeargroup.co.uk
3.) Archipelago
If Archipelago were a film it would definitely be one of the Indiana Jones series. First, the menu features all manner of exotic beasties - locusts, gnu, crocodile and second the décor is an exotic mix of golden buddhas, dwarf palms and giant peacock feathers. The staff will talk you through each dish, but there's also chicken, fish, lamb and extensive vegetarian options. It's a great night out for the more adventurous - or if you happen to be having Ray Meers to stay.Signature meal
Pan fried crocodile with yellow plum dipping sauce £10.50
Sample dishes
Love Bug Salad containing locusts and crickets, £7.50
Marinated Kangaroo fillet with water spinach, choi and chilli potatoes, £18.50
Sliced wildebeest fillet with hot and sour sauce and soba noodles, £19.50
Caramelised wild duck breast with pomegranate and pistachio salad, £10.50
Baby Bee Alaska - Italian rhubarb with white chocolate honeycomb and an edible bee, £7
Sample drink prices
Bottle of beer: £4
Bottle house wine: £18
Cocktail: £8.50
Spirit & Mixer: £6.50
Bottle water: £3.50
Average price: £45-£54
Address: 110 Whitfield Street, London, W1T 5ED
Web: www.archipelago-restaurant.co.uk
4.) L'Escargot
Like a cat with its nine lives, this little snail has risen again and again to dizzy culinary heights, and right now it is riding higher than ever. The Master's name may be on the marquee, but the kitchen is under the confident control of rising stars Warren Geraghty (Executive Chef) and Simon Jones (Head Chef). The Ground Floor restaurant is the less formal - and less expensive - of the two dining rooms. Upstairs, The Picasso Room features original works by Picasso and Matisse, as well as tall ceilings, elegant decor, a discreet ambience, and fleet-footed service. This is haute cuisine in a fine dining setting, and most appropriate for business entertaining, making a massive impression on the love of your life, or celebrating life's milestones. What's cooking? Classic, cultured French cuisine, in all its complexity. Starters include tartare of mackerel a l'Oriental, and parfait of foie gras en gelee with toasted Poilane, mains feature seabass a la nicoise with sauce pistou, or tranche of calf's liver with pommes mousseline and sauce diable, and final courses of perfectly kept English and French cheeses, or puds like arlequin of chocolate with coffee sauce. The wines are excellent and varied, and the service Jeevesian in its shimmering dexterity.Average price: £25-£34
Address: 48 Greek Street, Soho, London, W1D 4EF
Web: www.lescargotrestaurant.co.uk
5.) Galvin at Windows
Under the design direction of Keith Hobbs, Galvin at Windows has emerged as a glamorous space that looks back to the decadent 1930's. Though the phenomenal wraparound views were reason to make this a destination restaurant, the addition of Chris Galvin's expertise in the kitchen now makes this a must. Having gained his first Michelin star at The Orrery, and then moving on to open the much-lauded Galvin, the food here is guaranteed to be as impressive as the views. Start with a bisque of native lobster, spring vegetables and Cognac to start, followed by braised monkfish, shrimp, mussel and saffron paella. Once you've caught your breath from the impressive vista of London, prepare to lose it again on puddings like basil crème brulee with strawberry ice cream.Average price: £65-£74
Address: London Hilton, 22 Park Lane, London, W1K 1BE
Web: www.galvinatwindows.com
6.) The Conservatory at The Lanesborough
This stunning restaurant styled on the whimsical theme of Brighton Pavilion has a reputation for its innovative cuisine featuring both Pacific Rim and Mediterranean flavours. The charming ambience of the Conservatory is enhanced by trickling fountains, palms and a view to the heavens making it the perfect setting for both business and social entertainment. Discreetly hidden in the heart of the grand Lanesborough Hotel - this is dining in very high style. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea and dinner are each an event with a wealth of classic offerings from the full English breakfast through the Chateaubriand for two to the port. The ambience is luxurious, attentive, relaxed, enjoyed by international travellers, business folk and romantic pairs. A perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. Dinner/dance at weekends.Average price: £35-£44
Address: Hyde Park Corner, London, SW1X 7TA
Web: www.starwoodhotels.com
7.) Filini Restaurant
Reached by an open staircase from reception, Filini is the chic, spacious, softly-lit restaurant of Birmingham's eye-catching Radisson SAS Hotel. At one end are an open kitchen and a wood-fired pizza oven. Throughout are walnut floors, mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows encouraging a sense of brightness and space, punctuated by bay and olive trees. The menu is Sardinian, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and a deliberate avoidance of rich ingredients such as cream, and heavy sauces. Delightful dishes are compactly split into antipasti (including three sharing options), risottos, pastas, pizzas and secondi such as baked sea bass with vernaccia wine and artichoke puree. Staff are courteous and helpful. A popular restaurant that’s often busy.Average price: £25-£34
Address: Radisson SAS Hotel, 12 Holloway Circus, Queensway, Birmingham, B1 1BT
8.) Babylon at the Roof Gardens
Top of the world, ma! If you haven’t heard of London's infamous Roof Gardens you've clearly not been listening. Babylon is one of the capital’s most exciting venues, with incredible views across the city from one hundred feet above Kensington High Street. But you don’t need to be on the top floor to enjoy a dining experience with a difference. From the moment you enter Babylon’s restaurant to be greeted by the stunning fish tank lobby you know you’re in for a tropical treat. The contemporary interior combines classic table dressing with inset fireplaces, sweeping windows and a light, airy atmosphere. The food meanwhile is delightfully, mouthwateringly British through and through.Average price: £45-£54
Address: 99 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA
Web: www.roofgardens.com
9.) Winter Palace
The newest addition to Rugby's restaurant circuit is the Winter Palace, focusing on delivering the finest in French cuisine, taking influence from both traditional and modern methods of French cooking. All food on a menu which evolves with the seasons is locally sourced and served in a setting deliberately reminiscent of the sublime Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, with a charming chandeliers and a baroque feel created around a blue, cream and gold colour scheme. A top floor bar and disabled access are all on offer.Average price: £35-£44
Address: 25 Hightstreet, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3BW
Web: www.wprestaurant.co.uk/
10.) Stock
This classy restaurant is widely recognised as one of Manchester's best Italians. It occupies the fine Old Stock Exchange building whose magnificent 50-foot domed ceiling and original marble features create instant atmosphere. Sophisticated and relatively expensive, it's cheaper at lunchtime when there are good fixed-price menus. Stock’s food reflects the best of southern Italian cooking - hearty, inventive and full of robust flavours. A starter of thinly-sliced two-month-aged boned rolled shoulder of pork served with buffalo mozzarella and spiced olives is a delicious example. Another is veal loin steak on a bed of spinach with gorgonzola and cream, perfectly matched with your pick from the award-winning wine list. Jazz duos, trios and quartets play to an appreciative audience every Friday night from 8pm.Average price: £35-£44
Address: The Stock Exchange, 4 Norfolk Street, Manchester, M2 1DW
Web: www.stockrestaurant.co.uk
Agree? Disagree? Got other choices? Let us know.
All of the above restaurants can be booked for free online at www.toptable.co.uk.
The article Britain's most romantic restaurants originally appeared on 999 Today


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