If food be the language of love, then there's one nation that speaks it more fluently than the rest. Italy is a country of homely cooking, excellent wines and sweep-you-off-your-feet romance, and while we can't bring you the azure blue seas or stunning backdrop of the Colosseum, London's most romantic Italian restaurants are a charming bunch. From candlelit tables to cosy little corners, we've rounded up the best eateries in the city come date night - because that's amore.
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If you're after a romantic Italian restaurant in Covent Garden then you've come to the right place. Ideally located near West End theatreland and the iconic market, Opera Tavern welcomes you with tapas-style small plates for veggies and meat-eaters alike.
A complete dream of a restaurant, Martello Hall channels an abandoned New Orleans mansion via faded turquoise interiors and velvet furnishings. It's only a short stroll from London Fields and has plenty of pizza, perfect for refuelling after scouring the area's plant shops.
You can always rely on Alba Trattoria for the ultimate date night vibes. On top of the laid-back, homely interiors, this venue is sure to impress with its flavour-packed traditional menu. Think 48-hour proved pizzas, burrata and lots (and lots) of fresh pasta to share.
From the hand-painted floors to the wrought iron staircase (Romeo and Juliet vibes, no?), Bocconcino has got 'special occasion' written all over it. The Mayfair restaurant is a fancy affair, and along with boasting an olive tree at its centre, has a menu of classics; expect risotto, pizzas and insalate.
Named after the Tuscan region, Maremma brings some of that Italian spirit to Brixton in the form of freshly made pasta and stripped back interiors. The romantic spot isn't just easy on the eyes, the wine list features bottles not seen from the UK before, along with olive oil and meats sourced directly from Tuscany.
Sartoria is a high-end spot located on the iconic Savile Row in Mayfair. This intimate restaurant boasts an extensive wine collection, alongside dishes like grilled octopus, burrata and nduja tortelli and black Angus beef tagliata on their set menus, all designed by chef Francesco Mazzei.
Mashing cool murals with Mediterranean tiles, Gotto Trattoria is a neighbourhood gem in the heart of Hackney. And it's not just the interiors, the space is fronted by the River Lea and come sunny days has alfresco seating; with handmade pasta this good, you could almost be in Italy.
With pretty lighting, decorative plants and lots of artwork, Cucina creates just the right atmosphere for an elegant yet relaxed date night. As for the food, they've got everything from aubergine parmigiana and mushroom risotto to a hot honey pepperoni pizza on the menu.
For an affordable romantic restaurant in London, Basil & Grape makes for a rustic-chic setting. Tuck into Roman pizzas for under £13, while sipping on a glass of red and splitting a vanilla cheesecake for dessert. And if you fancy something lush, check out their wine tastings.
Brining the vibrant, sunny vibes of Italy's stunning coastline to Oxford Circus, Amalfi Ristorante is perfect for couples. Dine in the beautiful botanical gardens upstairs, where you can tuck into king prawn linguini, aubergine rigatoni or tasty pizzas, alongside a cocktail or two.
This Soho institution is an intimate basement hideaway serving authentic Italian dishes and a range of delicious cocktails from the copper bar. You can get your hands on succulent steaks, 48-hour proved pizzas and homemade pasta at this romantic restaurant.
Looking to impress the other half with a fancy restaurant? Head to Bardo St James's for a stunning evening of Italian fare. Munch on everything from homemade rosemary focaccia to lobster tagliatelle and clam spaghetti, alongside a bottle of wine with your sweetie.
For date night Italian restaurants in London, head to Theo Randall at The InterContinental. Impress your other half with baked fontina cheese soufflés, lobster ravioli and yellowfin tuna tartare as you settle in their gorgeous leather banquet seating.
Craving an intimate atmosphere and a mouthwatering meal? Look no further than Piazza Italiana, located right in the City of London. At this romantic spot, you'll be able to enjoy traditional Italian cuisine, an extensive wine menu and scrumptious desserts.
Inject a lil' romance into your plans with Obicà Mozzarella Bar in St Paul's, Soho and Canary Wharf. Not only do these gorgeous venues boast stunning interiors and private spaces for those intimate dinners, but also authentic Italian food that's sure to set the scene come date night.
Wow your date at Terra Terra, the beautiful restaurant in North West London where you can dine surrounded by plants. The authentic Italian menu features indulgent pasta dishes like rigatoni alla norma or arrabiatta, alongside freshly-made pizzas.
From the chandeliers and rack-upon-rack of wine across the interior space, to the quaint terrace outside, Piccolino Heddon Street is one romantic destination when you want Italian food. Tuck into pizza, pasta and more across the menus that are bound to please you both. If you're in the City of London? Head to Exchange Square.
Want to really make your date swoon? Treat them to a night out at Bloomsbury Street Kitchen. Blending together a fusion of Japanese and Mediterranean influences, this romantic restaurant is sure to impress with its fresh seafood, signature tacos and grilled goods.
One of the best date night restaurants in London, this Italian gem is serving up delicious food and some serious date night vibes. Grab a table in or outside of Conchiglia in Fitzrovia and share a range of antipasti or a mouthwatering Roman-style pizza.
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, Tosi Gorgonzola Bar is a stylish, intimate restaurant serving great wines and a menu of Italian delicacies. Whether you're after oysters in creamy gorgonzola gratin or rosemary charred butternut squash, your taste buds will thank you for visiting this beautiful venue.
Flaunting ambient lighting, plush blue seating and large island bar, Teatro Hall will certainly earn you a few brownie points. Everything is made fresh from 48-hour fermented pizza dough to homemade pasta - one of the best romantic restaurants in London? We think so.
The swoon-worthy interiors of Chucs Belgravia make it one of the most romantic (and Instagrammable) restaurants in London. Better yet, the swish spot is also fronting a lineup of fizz, Italian wines, cocktails and top-notch grub to treat your SO with.
One of the most beautiful Italian restaurants near Old Street, Serata Hall offers a uniquely romantic experience for couples in London. Head over for the chance to tuck into homemade pizzas and pasta plates, washed down with fine wines and gin cocktails.
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Il Pampero has romantic Italian restaurant written over it; from the luxurious interiors through to the menu of elevated authentic cuisine, the Belgravia restaurant is sure to add wow-factor to your date night. Expect nothing but the finest from this Belgravia spot.
Thought Circolo Popolare was just one for raucous group meals and brunch parties with friends? Think again. This lively Capri-inspired space makes for one slick date night, with gawp-worthy interiors, OTT dishes and cocktails made for sharing.
Perfect for special occasions and date nights to impress, Margot is a traditional Italian restaurant in Covent Garden. Expect authentic Mediterranean fare in the form of polenta, salumi and traditional pasta dishes, finishing up with eclairs in apple and white chocolate cremaux.
