5 Places You Need To Book For Your Valentine's Day Dinner
Romance is not dead, you guys.
Whether you’re spending Valentine’s with your partner, first date or gal (or guy) pals, these are my top 5 recommendations. Get in quick with bookings because this is London and things get booked up real fast.
Wright Brothers, Spitalfields
Exuding chic luxury, Wright Brothers in Spitalfield’s Market is the perfect to get cozy and start your roman tic evening the right way, with a few aphrodisiacs (oysters). Sit by the bar and watch the bartenders concoct your dreamy drinks (their Bloody Mary is out of this world and comes with an oyster, too). The wine list is exceptional, and the staff are on hand to give any recommendations based on your mood or you meal. Slide into a booth or a low table for ultimate cozy vibes and order off their specials or main menu and prepare to be impressed. Everything on their menu is thought out and you don’t have to like shellfish or fish even to enjoy. There are a few veggie and meat options for those opting out of fish. Don’t ignore the dessert menu and wines, as these wines are spectacular and well priced. Get the apple pie.
Naughty Piglets, Brixton
This is hands down one of my favourite places in London, I mean I’m a big South London fan anyways but this spot has had my heart ever since I found out about it. It’s a small plates menu, incorporating meat, fish and veg, the spot has an open kitchen that you can sit and look into, and cozy wine cellar perfect for a group of friends. Everything is magical.
Dim, cozy and small, a booking in advance is a necessity, and so is booking the bar seating if possible. You can also ask their servers upon arrival and try little tasters to see what tickles your fancy.
If you don’t try their recommended wine of the evening, you’re missing out - It’s always divine.
Lino, St Paul’s
The most incredible bar, multiple nooks and crannies, sink into a comfy booth or slide onto a velvet blue sofa to celebrate. Wherever you’re sat, the bar stands gorgeously in the centre of the restaurant. Order any of their small plates or mains, indulge in a glass of wine (or a bottle) or simple grab a quick drink at the bar before heading off to The Barbican or a stroll around St Paul’s in the evening. Everything about this place is beautiful, and alongside beautiful decor comes friendly and helpful staff and gorgeous dishes made for everyone’s taste palettes, including a 100% vegan menu upon request.
The Cornish mackerel with Porthilly oyster mayo and pickled cucumber small plate, and Yorkshire lamb with salt baked turnips and black garlic are calling my name like no other. In addition, everything on the dinner menu is under £26 meaning you don’t have to feel guilty about ordering a few plates.
Flor, Borough Market
The sister to 26 Grains, this place is everything from breakfast to drinks to date night. Sit in the window and people watch or grab a table with your loved one for a more intimate vibe. This spot has everything, but if you’re dessert obsessed - this is the place for you.
The menu changes daily, but their desserts are absolutely out of this world. A must order, or maybe skip the main altogether and grab a bottle of wine and a few desserts to share.
Ok so don’t skip the main, as they’ve got tons of seasonal options, all ready to share as small plates like Palourde clam flatbread or lamb rib with rose harissa, pomegranate and freekeh. The one main order to not miss is their famous prawn heads (I haven’t tried these myself yet, but almost everyone who is someone in food has said these are incredible - see here).
It’s kind of magical to also be around the Southbank at night, and after stuffing yourself with food and wine, you can wander through the alleys to the Thames and have a look at all the sparkly lights and bridges - if this isn’t romance, I don’t know what is.
Oklava, Shoreditch
Value for money, this is your winner. Not only that but quality of food - this place has got me feeling some type of way.
Order the set menu and ask for recommendations for wine. This place will give you the best recommendation, and you’ll go intending on a glass or two and end up ordering a bottle. The food also pulls your in, with their set menu being only £36 per person (whole table must order), it would be a shame not to! The set menu includes some of their classics like grilled hellim (halloumi), lemon, London honey and oregano or chilli roast cauliflower, red onion, parsley & pistachios.
If you’re feeling more like a cocktail and dessert, their dessert to order is the Künefe which is a crispy pastry stuffed with pistachios and cheese, orange blossom syrup, clotted cream and sour cherries and will have your mouth watering just thinking about it. Their cocktail list is unique and incorporates ingredients native to the Turkish roots of the restaurant.
