Romance is a subjective issue, and for many it is often the simplest. Grand gestures are all well and good, but sometimes it is the subtleties that can mean the most. You only have to look at the famous scene in Disney’s Lady and the Tramp – where the two dogs come face-to-face via a slurped string of spaghetti – to know that low budget can yield the best outcome. Of course, if you have the readies then why not splash out – that’s exactly what our romantic restaurants have in common: you, the person sitting opposite, where you are, what you eat, what you drink, and the way the candlelight looks at you. Fall in love responsibly!
CLOS MAGGIORE, LONDON
It isn’t easy to find a haven of peace amidst an intensely busy part of any city, but Clos Maggiore, nestled deep in Covent Garden, is just that. Inspired by the rustic country inns (and, of course, the food) of Tuscany and Provence, the restaurant has been described variously as “a real-life fairytale” (Tatler), “the ultimate romantic experience” (GQ Magazine), and “romantic settings don’t get more splendidly over-the-top than this” (Time Out). What’s that all around you? As well as twinkly stars, you won’t miss the cherry blossoms and candlelight.
Details: 33 King Street, Covent Garden https://www.closmaggiore.com/
MÉTIS, BALI
If it’s the faraway island resort of Bali then the romance quotient is almost off the chart to start with. Add in something as intimate as Métis and you have a true romance double whammy. Now in operation for over ten years (the brainchild of Bali-based French chef Nicholas ‘Doudou’ Tourneville and art curator Said Alem), Métis has it all: food, French-inspired interiors, semi-alfresco ambience, and incredible views of Le Jardin Garden tropical paradise.
Details: Kuta Atara, Kabupaten Badung https://www.metisbali.com/
THE LITTLE DOOR, LOS ANGELES
Some restaurants have it nailed, and no matter whether it’s a new kid on the block or an old hand that has been around for years, if it has it (how ever you define ‘it’) then you can be enchanted time after time. The Little Door is a tiny brasserie that comes with a French-influenced menu and the most romantic patio area you will ever place your feet on. Covered with vines and leafy brush, and bedecked with warm and woozy candlelight, the atmosphere is European with Californian accents. No wonder this petite, pretty place has won the Best Romantic Restaurant of LA award.
Details: 8164 West 3rd Street https://thelittledoor.com/]
RISTORANTE AROMA, ROME
You might think a restaurant that describes itself as “intimate and grandiose” is trying to have the best of everything, but with the Michelin-starred Aroma (overseen by Head Chef Giuseppe Di Lorio) the two words fit perfectly. It’s intimate because it’s a 28-seater rooftop garden restaurant in an enclosed outdoor terrace, and it’s grandiose because the outdoor setting offers incomparable and unobstructed views of the Colosseum. Another romantic reason to visit here is the recently opened Court, a cocktail bar that matches innovation with radical mixology. Intrigued? You should be.
Details: Palazzo Manfredi, Via Claudio Monteverde https://www.aromarestaurant.it/en/
TURTLE ISLAND, FIJI
If you’re searching for one of the best romantic experiences in the world, then Turtle Island is up there. The only snag is that it comes at a hefty price – Turtle Island is an all-inclusive eco-retreat that offers luxurious villa-style bed and board to only 14 couples at any given time. While the cuisine is as you would expect (ultra-fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables), it is the surroundings that give the word ‘romance’ completely new meaning: panoramic views of the Blue Lagoon, balmy breezes, warm azure waters, you and your partner. You can imagine the rest.
Details: Turtle Island, Fiji https://www.turtlefiji.com/
LA TOUR D’ARGENT, PARIS
Not many people know this, but La Tour d’Argent was the first restaurant in France to introduce a game-changing item of cutlery: the fork. And so began the concept of relatively civilised dining, which in turn led to tables for two, which in turn offered the opportunity to whisper sweet nothings into each other’s ears. Renowned the world over for being the epitome of an extravagant romantic spot (with the level of impeccable service you would expect for the price), this has the added benefit of having truly gorgeous views of Notre Dame and the Seine.
Details: 15, Quai de la Tournelle https://tourdargent.com/en/
AMBROSIA, SANTORINI
A restaurant named after the food and drink of the Gods. A clifftop village. A panoramic terrace that fits about 12 tables. A candlelit dinner. A balcony that looks out onto the caldera’s edge. A culinary fairy tale woven out of Greek gourmet cuisine. Frankly, what’s not to swoon at here? We could add soul-enhancing views of the sunset, the Greek walnut cake and dark chocolate soufflé, and the Santorini wines (especially those delish white Assyrtiko grapes).
Details: Oia, Santorini https://www.restaurant-ambrosia.com/
LA SPONDA AT LA SIRENUSE, POSITANO
La Sirenuse has been around since the early 1950s when it began as a summer house hotel. Located less than 60km south of Naples, it has long since been regarded as one of Italy’s leading coastal luxury establishments, but the cherry on the cake is the in-situ restaurant, La Sponda. While the light Mediterranean food is enriched by the wonderful culinary traditions of the Amalfi Coast, and immersed in the casual, natural elegance of Positano, the clincher is an evening meal here. The views, the food, the company and the romance is complemented by 400 candles (yes, really) that illuminate surroundings as you’ve never experienced before.
Details: Via Cristoforo Colombo, Positano https://sirenuse.it/en
KANOUN RESTAURANT, MOROCCO
Located one hour from Marrakech, Kanoun Restaurant is part of Kasbah Tamadot, a 28-bedroom hotel that rests by the Atlas Mountains and which is owned by Sir Richard Branson. Translated from the Berber language as “soft breeze”, Kasbah Tamadot was recently voted Best Resort Hotel (North Africa and the Middle East) by Travel + Leisure magazine. That’s the good news. The brilliant news is that Kanoun is renowned as being perhaps the best-situated restaurant in North Africa. Here, you can dine under the stars (as well as being surrounded by flickering candlelight) on a rooftop terrace that is towered over by the most extraordinary mountain scenery. Two words: “I do.”
Details: BP 67, 42152 Asni, Marrakech https://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/kasbah-tamadot
ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA, NEW YORK
Regularly praised as one of the most romantic restaurants in the US, this unusually-named place (it’s a reference to the British army incursion into Boston in the 1770s) of has all the ingredients to make dinner-for-two seem like the best idea you’ll ever have. There is a clever old/new atmosphere here, too: while the menu is decidedly contemporary the décor in this converted carriage house is very much in keeping with hushed, old-time romance: dark wood staircasing, floor-to-ceiling windows, weathered brick walls, candlelight.
Details: 17 Barrow Street https://www.oneifbyland.com
WRITTEN BY TONY CLAYTON-LEA
