Restaurants worth making plans for.

A design-led, wine-focused choice for a date that feels considered without becoming formal.

Loud, smoky and built around sharing—better for an energetic evening than a quiet first conversation.

Relaxed Italian food and an easy neighbourhood atmosphere that works well for a low-pressure date.

A polished pub option for modern British cooking when you want somewhere smart but not stiff.

Casual Venezuelan sharing plates by the canal for a relaxed, lively date.

An intimate, design-led Italian restaurant for a date that deserves a little more thought.

Seafood, sharing plates and a wine-led menu for a date that feels special without becoming formal.

A £125 tasting menu for anniversaries and serious occasions, rather than a spontaneous first date.

Intimate modern British cooking for an evening that feels polished, calm and a little special.

Bold Malaysian sharing plates and a lively room for dates that benefit from plenty of energy.

Spanish sharing plates and cocktails for an easy-going date with a lively pace.

An intimate modern European choice for a thoughtful date or understated special occasion.

Casual Asian-inspired sharing plates for a spontaneous date that does not need much ceremony.

High-energy Thai sharing plates in Shoreditch for a date with plenty of pace.

Live-fire barbecue and sharing plates for a relaxed Shoreditch date with plenty of flavour.

Straightforward Turkish sharing food in Finsbury Park for a relaxed, good-value date.

Affordable vegetarian Indian food and BYOB flexibility for an unfussy Stroud Green date.