Whether you’re jetting off on honeymoon or a weekend away with your loved one, we have tried and tested restaurants famed for their loved-up credentials to reveal the most romantic restaurants in the world – book a table for two now and let the celebrations commence.
Le Relais Plaza and Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, Paris
By Rosalyn Wikeley, Travel editor-at-large
Of Plaza Athénée’s five restaurants and bars, Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée is the standout. Here, a riot of chandeliered decadence unfolds with a pricey menu showcasing creative spins on french classics, all theatrically rolled out. A long Breccia marble ‘royal’ table supporting enormous urns of pink hydrangea, dominates the room and echoes the French Republic’s more regal era. For a marginally less extravagant soiree (though foie gras and trout caviar still open the show), the Art Deco le Relais Plaza seizes on the spirit of a refined piano bar with a lively mix of locals and international hotel guests. The signature gratin of sea bream is the one to order – a paean to Imbert’s grandmother, along with the terrine. Plazaathenee.com
Hot Tip: The buzz continues into the nightclub-style bar, whose energy ramps up on weekends with DJs and whose bartenders slide Mojitos and Martinis along a smooth bar mimicking a slab of ice.
Lauda, Oia, Santorini
By Isabella Foulger, Co-Founder & Editor
If you’re looking for a truly memorable gastronomic Greek treat, Lauda is the one for you. Located in the vibrant clifftop village of Oia, it prides itself on being the oldest restaurant which first opened in 1971. Meander down the narrow stepped pathway, and you will arrive at the poolside restaurant with mesmerising sea views. Romance is the heartbeat here, on arrival expect to be presented with a single red rose amongst other gestures. Waiters wear white linen teamed with trainers, it’s where fine dining blends seamlessly with a relaxed al fresco vibe. Opt for one of the extensive tasting menus curated by Emmanuel Renaut, an award-winning chef and the founder of Flocons de Sel, the legendary 3 Michelin Starred French restaurant. Sit back and admire the panoramic views whilst each course is paired with a local wine or colourful mocktail, by the tentative sommelier. An impressive array of amuse bouche sets the tone of what’s to follow, served on volcanic rocks, there’s virtual olives, mirco-donuts and other surprising delights. There’s a huge emphasis on local ingredients with each dish, highlights include the Yellowtail marinated with fennel flowers, Lobster gnocchi and the pistachio tart with fresh zesty lemon. After sunset hilltop towns twinkle peacefully on nearby islands, it’s the perfect location for spoiling dinner. laudarestaurant.com/
Hot Tip: dine like royalty by booking the famous “red throne” table, which has the best views for a special occasion.
Jaya at the Setai, Miami Beach
By Alessandra Frame, Contributing Fashion Editor
For the couple looking for a romantic setting that delivers on entertainment and atmosphere, Jaya at the Setai is the restaurant for you. High ceilings, deep wooden panelling and rich red accents adorn the luxurious pan-asian restaurant, but the real magic is to be experienced in the courtyard where guests are seated around a magnificent stone-filled pool that becomes the focal point for the evening’s entertainment. A retractable roof means the palm tree lined courtyard can be enjoyed year-round, and couples can expect to be surprised and delighted as fire twirlers and dancers make their way past the tables. The menu boasts popular Southeast and Northern Asian dishes accompanied by a vibrant cocktail menu while the setting provides all of the glitz one would expect to experience in Miami with a definite romantic edge. thesetaihotels.com
Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Moutya
By Serena Knight, Lifestyle Director
Moutya is one of five unique restaurants at Mango House, each delicious and special in their own way. But the star of the show for me is Moutya, offering the most romantic setting and local Creole cuisine, perched overlooking a small white sand cove surrounded by towering granite boulders and overhanging palm trees. Creole cuisine is inspired by the Seychelles’ rich history and social tapestry; a heady mix of French, Asian and Indian influences which comes through in the ingredients, flavour and scents. The abundance of local seafood is the backbone of Moutya’s menu. You’ll enjoy a local feast, starting off with salty and lightly fried breadfruit crisps, (a delicious local vegetable, a cross between a potato and artichoke). Starters are fresh and flavoursome, the mango, smoked marlin and green apple salad was zingy and refreshing. Moutya’s Ceviche was a local twist on a classic dish, made with local red snapper, coconut milk and a healthy topping of coriander and lime. Mains are rich in flavour and local spices, the catch of the day comes wrapped in a banana leaf and is served with papaya and pickles, coconut rice and traditional creole sauce, tomatoey with a little kick of cayenne pepper. The Panna-Coco is a must try to finish, it’s light, creamy and limey. www.sixsenses.com/
Hot Tip: Bag yourself one of the tables at the front of the deck and settle in for hours watching the fruit bats flap above and waves lap on the deck below.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles – Ocean Kitchen
By Serena Knight, Lifestyle Director
Seafood restaurant Ocean Kitchen is an alfresco dining experience on the sea-edge, nestled amongst granite boulders, overlooking the coral-fringed beaches of Felicite island. This spot is just as romantic for lunch or dinner. Wear your breezy beach best during the day or slip into flowy silk dresses and linen shirts for the evening. The menu is inspired by the local creole cuisine, using fresh fish from local fishermen who are committed to sustainable fishing practices. Fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables are also sourced from the island’s organic garden and local farmers. You can watch the chef’s fillet and fry the catch of the day in the open kitchen, served straight off the barbecue grill. At lunchtime, you’ll be hard pressed to choose from the palm heart (local vegetable similar to a white asparagus), avocado and prawn salad, the freshest tuna ceviche or Green-Egg BBQ grilled lobsters. The dinner menu is bespoke and changes every evening, taking inspiration from Seychellois heritage, influences and seasonal ingredients. My favourite was the simple but sumptuous grilled red snapper with caramelised potatoes infused with creole spices.
Hot tip: After dinner head next door to Koko Bar for a night cap. Relax into an oversized hammock stretched above the sea and enjoy a delicious cocktail, many of which include the legendary local rum, Takamaka.
Shangri-La: Ting
By Kendra Leaver-Rylah, Co-Founder & Editor
As the door pings open at The Shangri-La London, your date night starts: greeted by 360-degree vistas of the capital, with a split-level, marble-clad lobby that sings with the overawed delight of guests poring over the floor-to-ceiling widescreen panoramas. Kickstart the night at Gong, on the 52nd floor, which offers an impressive rotating menu of themed cocktails. We suggest The Yuza cocktails with Tanqueray Ten and cedarwood notes makes for the zesty’s kick-start to your evening. Then it’s off to the restaurant, Ting, which is European fine dining with an Asian twist; we love the beef Tataki or Seared King Scallops onto dishes like mouth-wateringly yummy Hainanese Chicken Rice and to finish Coconut Sesame Choux with staff are discreet but on the ball. This place is extreme luxury high up in the clouds. www.shangri-la.com/london/shangrila/
Hot Tip: The lounge is also ideal for reclining in with a nightcap after dinner at its adjoining restaurant, which has a grand piano at its centre.
Hotel Santa Caterina – Restaurant Al Mare
By Alexandra Dudley, Lifestyle Editor
Perched high above the crystal blue coastline of Amalfi, Restaurant Al Mare offers an unparalleled romantic setting of sun, sea, and sky. Discreet waiters dressed in elegant linens are immediately on hand to explain the day’s special fish dishes as they pour you a glass of perfectly chilled Italian sparkling wine. Local anchovies marinated with Amalfi lemon seamlessly appear alongside a basket of rosemary focaccia and seeded sourdough (still warm from the oven). The Gran Crudo di Pesci or seafood carpaccio is not to be missed. Plates of oysters, langoustine, and expertly sliced carpaccio made with fresh catch of the day arrive with a unique seasoning for each. The smell of sizzling pizzas baked in Al Mare’s stone oven offers a worthy temptation but the star is the seafood risotto, enriched with a joyously rich bisque it is designed to be eaten and enjoyed by two. With shaded bamboo ceilings and white-washed wooden chairs the restaurant pairs laid-back charm with impeccable service. This is seaside dining at its finest. www.hotelsantacaterina.it
Hot Tip: Head down to Il Grottino for an aperitif or nightcap and sample some of Hotel Santa Caterina’s home-made lemon liqueurs.
Related Article: Best Date Night Restaurants In London
