From London, with Love...

From London, with Love...

• Visiting London, Places To Eat, Sightseeing, Top Picks

It is perfectly normal to feel the heat in the run up to Valentine’s Day as we seek to up the ante and pay court to our better halves with a good restaurant reservation. Whilst London can’t compete with the breath taking views of somewhere more remote, it is equipped with an endless plethora of restaurants with romance on the menu. Read ahead to discover where Ivy recommends wining and dining this February 14^th.

Number One: La Poule au Pot, Belgravia

With its beautiful rustic décor, the boulevards of Paris are transported to this brasserie in Belgravia, and along with it too come the romantic connotations of the French city. Within the candle-lit enclaves of this gem, one can enjoy steak frites or beef bourguignon from the distinctly continental menu. The excellent value wine-list cements this quaint establishment as a firm Ivy favourite.

Number Two: Daphne’s, Knightsbridge

Despite its generous size, Daphne’s manages to maintain an intimacy that is second only to the warmth of its service. Their renowned zucchini frite is a must, but then so is everything on their no-frills classic Italian menu. With a sommelier that will go to the earths end to make you happy, and such consistently delicious food, Daphne’s is a staple on the very best of Valentine’s Date hotspot lists.

Number Three: Bob Bob Ricard, Soho/The City

If our last two recommendations could be deemed understated, then Bob Bob Ricard certainly breaks this mould. Keep a bottle on ice at the bar, and a ‘Press for Champagne’ button at your table ensures any lull in conversation is met swiftly with a refill and obligatory giggle. Champagne aside, the oysters here provide the perfect aphrodisiac, and the chicken kiev is delicious. The France-meets-Russia menu is as eclectic as the décor, so this is certainly one if you want to impress.

Number Four: Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden

There’s a reason this restaurant is voted London’s most romantic time and again – and it isn’t just due to the floral ceiling installation and glass roof exposing the twinkly stars. There’s a sense of privacy here that you don’t get elsewhere, even if you don’t manage to get a table in the fairy room (book early for this!). A stellar wine list and delicious French cuisine put this establishment in Ivy’s top five for Valentine’s Day – we particularly recommend the Wagyu Beef for two.

Number Five: Kitty Fisher’s, Mayfair

Adorned with candles and period paintings, this Shepherd Market spot has been feeding appetites since its bakery days in the 17^th century. It epitomises simplistic sophistication – dim lights and truly scrumptious food, grilled game being a speciality of theirs. The Welsh rarebit topped with chilli is a crowd favourite, but there’s plenty for the more adventurous too. Be warned though, this place has a long waiting list, with good reason.