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Original poster

London restaurant recommendation for early 20s couple, special but not too expensive

60 replies

BarrelOfOtters · 22/04/2023 08:24

DSD boyfriend taking her out for special meal 8n London. Wants a recommendation for something fun or romantic but a bit special. Budget needs to be sensible…..

OP posts:
IClaudine · 22/04/2023 09:51

The Cinnamon Club is lovely. An Indian restaurant in an Old Westminster Library.

cinnamonclub.com/

PegasusReturns · 22/04/2023 09:52

Bob Bob Ricard is good and “date like”

Xarrie · 22/04/2023 09:52

Mine likes Duck and Waffle. Gorgeous sunsets too.

ThisIsNotAmerican · 22/04/2023 09:53

Yep - Bob Bob Ricard.

Or Elysee if they like Greek.

AnnaMagnani · 22/04/2023 09:53

Clos Maggiore. Can get within budget by having the set lunch or pre-theatre menu. Very very romantic.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 22/04/2023 10:07

@JustDanceAddict Agree about Mowgli. The starters and snacks are nice, but most of the curries just taste of tinned tomatoes.

@1990s You're extremely fortunate! For many people, the places listed would be a real treat. And even if the couple are used to the best, they may still enjoy some of these for a special meal.

1990s · 22/04/2023 10:08

I mean I literally wrote that in my post - but thanks for the reminder!!

The OP asked for special, so I recommended unique (not expensive!) places rather than chains or places where a look at the Google reviews tell you that the food is bad.

Verite1 · 22/04/2023 10:11

Circulo popular is beautiful and a great choice. It gets booked up as soon as they release bookings so you have to be very quick. Otherwise Yauatcha is lovely and has a range of set menus (just don’t get the extras)!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 22/04/2023 10:11

1990s · 22/04/2023 10:08

I mean I literally wrote that in my post - but thanks for the reminder!!

The OP asked for special, so I recommended unique (not expensive!) places rather than chains or places where a look at the Google reviews tell you that the food is bad.

Well, you literally didn't but okay. You're being a snob - that's fine, I'm often a snob too - but people are saying places where they've had nice meals and for many people, chains like Dishoom will feel treaty/special if they haven't been before or enjoy that kind of thing.

FlounderingFruitcake · 22/04/2023 10:12

Bodega Negra (speakeasy Mexican), but definitely downstairs restaurant not the upstairs cafe. Tacos aren’t too pricy so should be doable for the budget depending on how much tequila is consumed! Lively atmosphere especially if you go later.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 22/04/2023 10:13

I really didn't like Gloria, in the Big Mama group but may have caught it on a bad night, I suppose.

1990s · 22/04/2023 10:18

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 22/04/2023 10:13

I really didn't like Gloria, in the Big Mama group but may have caught it on a bad night, I suppose.

I really like Gloria and so do all of my late 20s / early 30s friends.

Verite1 · 22/04/2023 10:23

oh another recommendation for clos maggiore if you can get a set menu. Very romantic. Kricket food is lovely but not romantic at all (and probably over budget). Bob Bob Richard also surely over budget - the whole point of it is the champagne button!

AuditAngel · 22/04/2023 10:32

I saw someone has already mentioned Brasserie Zedel, it’s a gem

Original poster
BarrelOfOtters · 22/04/2023 14:59

Brasserie zedel is ace but not so sure for early 20s date night. Also some of these places DH and I would wince at the price. But there’s some gems here I can send on.

OP posts:
DesdamonasHandkerchief · 22/04/2023 15:14

I really enjoyed The Leicester Square Kitchen last week, they have Mexican and Peruvian food, small sharing plates or main dishes. Can be spicy.
Cocktails looked great and it was very modern and buzzy.
We spent £40 each for dinner with no wine, could definitely have eaten more though if we hadn't had a big lunch. They also do a set 2 or 3 course menu for £23/£28 which presumably you could add dishes to if you wanted to.

www.thekitchensrestaurants.co.uk/leicester-square-kitchen

Tidsleytiddy · 22/04/2023 15:34

Savoy Grill.
Masala Zone Covent Garden (check out their website)

Rainydaysgetmedown · 22/04/2023 15:59

Sticks & Sushi / Roka

Croissantsandpistachio · 22/04/2023 16:18

Caravan? Food is great and if they go to the KX one they can have a drink somewhere else as well. Or Gymnasium is also pretty good and does great cocktails.

I quite like Zedel but it's very in and out- they rely on high turnover- and is better for e.g. pre theatre. Food is fine but not that exciting.

Croissantsandpistachio · 22/04/2023 16:24

Would they be in for going slightly out of the center eg to Brixton? There are better indie options outside of the Westend and brixton or Peckham are going to be much cooler for early 20s couples.

ancienthouse · 22/04/2023 16:26

Bocca di Lupo is really nice, regional Italian food with a modern feel, and has a proper take your time restaurant atmosphere. It's not too expensive either.

Original poster
BarrelOfOtters · 22/04/2023 17:21

Brixton could work for them….@Croissantsandpistachio

OP posts:
TheaBrandt · 22/04/2023 17:23

Kricket is very cool my teens are going to go there all the time in their twenties apparently

Croissantsandpistachio · 22/04/2023 18:28

Nanbam or The Laundry (or Kricket) would be great then. Usually much better value for money out of the west end too.