The 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in the World
There are few things more romantic than a sumptuous meal in stunning surroundings.
Many of the world’s finest restaurants pride themselves on being a setting for romance, making the memories that will last a lifetime.
A romantic meal can be one of the very best ways to experience unfamiliar surroundings too. Food is an instant gateway to the heritage and culture of a location. History expresses itself through aromas, ingredients and — at the outstanding restaurants below — rich flavours.
Join us on a culinary tour and experience our selection of the ten most romantic restaurants in the world!
- AROMA, ROME
Rome is a breathtaking city steeped in history.
It is a place where the modern meets the ancient. The hustle and bustle of fast-paced city life unfolds against the backdrop of ruins and mosaics. Central to it all, of course, is the spectacular colosseum.
Aroma restaurant in the heart of Rome boasts some of the most spectacular views of the landmark. With an intimate twenty-eight seats, it has become one of the most hotly-contested bookings in the region too.
The restaurant is nestled in the sumptuous central penthouse of Palazzo Manfredi. The outdoor terrace is the perfect place to experience elegant alfresco dining. Watch the locals from above and marvel at the spectacle that must have unfolded in the colosseum ahead.
Aroma is not just a wonderful setting either. The authentic Italian dishes are both classic and creative, and have been awarded a coveted Michelin star. Chef Di Lorio is also a genuine Roman, born in the city, and is proud to develop dishes that reflect his passion for the area.
The city is famous for one of the world’s most beloved romantic films too, Roman Holiday, starring the iconic Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Here at Aroma you can take a Roman holiday all of your own.
You can discover information on dress codes, online booking, price lists and more on the Aroma website.
2. BOUCAN, HOTEL CHOCOLAT, ST LUCIA
Founded in 2004, Hotel Chocolat has rapidly become one of the most recognised luxury chocolate brands on the British high street.
Chocolate remains one of the most popular romantic treats worldwide, especially as a Valentine’s gift. But many people prefer to enjoy it all year round.
The Boucan restaurant overlooks the Caribbean splendour of the St Lucian rainforest, and Hotel Chocolat’s own private cocoa plantation.
The menu is inspired by the rare and exceptionally flavoursome cocoa variety grown here; Whether sweet or savoury, you can enjoy the subtle spice and complexity of this cocoa in your meal and drinks selection. In particular, the variety of cocoa known as ‘Bellini’ is especially popular here on balmy St Lucia evenings.
The secluded and luxurious setting has made the restaurant especially beloved by newlyweds and honeymooners, although there is a huge amount here for all groups of people to enjoy.
To experience the legendary Caribbean hospitality, book your reservation at the Boucan restaurant here.
3. THE IVY GARDEN, MARLOW
For quintessential English charm, The Ivy Garden in Buckinghamshire’s Marlow is hard to beat.
Its setting is both elegant and relaxed, with easy-going eccentric touches — tropical wallpaper, sumptuous velvet seats, and impressive indoor foliage.
The menu is inspired by contemporary British cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It is especially popular for breakfast, brunch, and afternoon tea. Situated not far from Higginson Park on the River Thames, The Ivy Garden is known for its indoor-outdoor dining approach.
The central restaurant opens out onto a private garden, allowing guests to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air of an English garden. It is a popular choice for sophisticated celebration, and also offers gift cards for dining experiences. Cocktails at the beautifully stocked bar are ever-popular.
They are open seven days a week to residents and visitors alike. You can make a reservation online or on 01628 902 777. If you are social-media-minded, you can also follow their Instagram page.
Between Mondays and Saturdays, the last bookings are accepted at 10.30pm. On Sundays and Bank Holidays, please be aware that the last bookings will be accepted at 9.30pm.
4. AMBROSIA RESTAURANT, SANTORINI
If you are seeking an explosive evening passion, what could be more appropriate than overlooking a volcano? Ambrosia offers elegant candlelit dining with unrivalled views in the clifftop village of Oia in Santorini.
Ambrosia restaurant’s owner, Panagiotis Vassilopoulos, also owns the local villas and suites of Horizon Mills. He oversees a stunning menu of gourmet Greek cuisine with a decidedly international twist.
Sun-drenched Santorini is famous for its breathtaking oceanic views and white-washed coastal villas. It is also world-renowned for flavoursome food and hospitable locals. It is one of the most beloved and photographed of all the Greek islands, and is perfect for a memorable and romantic stay.
Ambrosia has not only become well-known in Santorini but also around the world and on the internet. This stylish location with outstanding Greek food has regularly topped travellers’ lists of the best views, the most romantic settings, and must-see attractions.
The menu is inspired by the outstanding local seafood and includes soups, salads, desserts and a drinks menu. Opening times vary depending on the time of year and can be found on Ambrosia’s website.
5. AQUA SHARD, LONDON
One of London’s most exclusive restaurants, the Aqua Shard is located on the sky-high 31st floor of The Shard, which is an iconic London location all of its own. Dining at the Aqua Shard is a sleek and romantic way to experience it firsthand.
The restaurant has a sophisticated, cosmopolitan atmosphere with stunning views of the London skyline. The cuisine is inspired by both classic and contemporary British cuisine, showcasing seasonal local produce with the very best and innovative cooking techniques.
The Aqua Shard is also especially known for its playful take on cuisine; for example, the Mary Poppins afternoon tea is well known for brimming with English eccentricity.
The weekend brunch is perfect for catching up friends or visitors, and the all-new Floral Five features teas, desserts and cocktails inspired by a range of English herbs and botanicals.
Restaurant reservations for the Shard are open on a three month rolling basis. Bar reservations are open on a two month rolling basis.
For menus, reservations and other enquiries, you can visit the Aqua Shard website.
6. LASSERRE, PARIS
Paris has a reputation as one of the most romantic cities in the world. It is not difficult to see why.
The ‘City of Lights’ is stepped in history, elegant architecture, and boasts some of the world’s finest poets, writers and artists through history. French cuisine is also world-famous.
Lassere Paris has a history all of its own. Founded in 1942 by the irrepressible René Lasserre, the restaurant has held three coveted Michelin stars. Its airy, sumptuous interior design of pillars, plants, and silverware is inspired by a bygone era of elegance.
It is located on the elegant and distinctive Champs-Élysées of Paris, of course serves the finest French cuisine. Lassere has built its preeminent reputation on serving classical French cuisine that is subtle, refined, and instantly recognisable.
For your romantic dinner, opening times begin from 6.30pm. Dinner reservations can be booked from Tuesday to Saturday. Private bookings can also be taken for both lunch and dinner on Tuesday to Saturday.
You can discover more about Lassere’s history, as well as make your booking at the restaurant website.
7. RAINBOW ROOM, NEW YORK
New York is a bustling city of excitement, entertainment, and modernity. But it has a great history too.
Part of that history is the Rockefeller centre, and our next choice — the Rainbow Room — is nestled within this historic building. It is staggering 65 stories above ground, with striking decor and panoramic views of the city.
Executive Chef Mathew Woolf is known for his stylish, playful twists on all-time classic dishes. Seafood fans will adore the ‘raw bar’ — complete with fresh tartare, crab claws, cervice, and oysters.
For a fun take on a time-honoured classic, why not enjoy a Little Burger? Sliders, pretzel buns and an array of classic toppings add an element of interactivity and a great talking point for your romantic meal.
Then dance the night away at Rainbow Room’s own Bar SixtyFive, or the seasonal pop-up Tiki Bar with a tropical twist.
Romance is in the Rainbow Room’s DNA too. It offers the perfect venue for weddings, with views of Fifth Avenue and glamorous gardens. It is a press favourite too, with Vogue, People Magazine, TimeOut and more claiming that ‘Old New York is getting harder to come by, but is alive and well in the Rainbow Room.’
Learn more at the Rainbow Room website here.
8. THE LOEB BOATHOUSE, CENTRAL NEW YORK
As the only Manhattan restaurant venue that is right on the lake, The Loeb Boathouse is one of the most romantic ways to experience Central Park.
Central Park is renowned as a pristine green space in the heart of the bustling New York metropolis. You will feel transported to the heart of nature as you sip a champagne overlooking the lake, or dine on speciality seafood as you people-watch.
In true alfresco style, the menu of the Loeb Boathouse is inspired by the very finest in seafood and barbecue cooking. The restaurant also boasts its very own speciality cocktail — the Dockside — made with sparkling prosecco, Carpano Bianco vermouth, and a splash of red grapefruit juice.
The Loeb Boathouse’s lakeside setting also lends itself to a truly unique experience. For the height of romance, why not rent a boat or gondola to while away the afternoon? If the weather permits, the restaurant has a fleet of 100 rowboats that are available from 10am to sundown.
Venetian-inspired gondola tours are also available, for an unrivalled way to experience the water features of Central Park. Life jackets are also provided by The Loeb Boathouse to ensure safety.
You will make memories that will last a lifetime.
9. KOZUE, TOKYO
Japan has a rich and intriguing history, and a meal at Kozue takes you on a culinary journey through time.
The bold, striking decor of Kozue compliments its towering location in the heart of an ultra-modern capital city. The restaurant is located on Park Hyatt’s 40th floor in the Shinjuku City area of Tokyo.
The stylish setting is the perfect place to experience Japan’s very own haute cuisine known as kaiseki. This distinctive menu is known to make the very best of Japanese ingredients, inspired by modern takes on historic Japanese techniques.
Fine sake is served with the meals, and seasonal delicacies like torafugu (puffer fish), speciality mushrooms and marbled wagu beef have built a strong brand loyalty.
On a day with fine weather, the views are taken from the striking to the truly sublime. The western hills will be visible along with the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance.
For a romantic visit that you will not forget in a hurry, the style and exoticism of Kozue is hard to beat. Dinner begins at around £115. For more details you can visit the Kozue website here.
10. ASOKA, CAPE TOWN
This stunning Victorian townhouse bar serves a delectable array of cocktails and tapas inspired by Asian fusion cuisine. The open roof-top courtyard is perfect for balmy, candlelit summer dining and romance.
The decor is inspired by exotic, sensual locales and outdoor eating. The menu is exceptionally creative and refined, designed around five spiritual elements — Earth (the vegetarian menu), water (seafood), fire (rich meats), wind (duck and chicken), and the blissful Nirvana (mouthwatering desserts).
Asoka’s innovative, aromatic cocktails are also local legend in Cape Town. The space is also home to a variety of events and culinary adventures. Live music Sundays, guest DJs, and Tuesday Jazz nights provide easy-going entertainment that is great for enhancing the atmosphere.
The ‘Hungry Mondays’ event is also perfect if you have worked up an appetite on the Asoka dance floor! Choose any three items that tantalise your tastebuds on the delicious set menu.
You can follow Asoka on their Facebook and instagram pages or else find further information on their website and sister venue here.
That completes our list of the 10 most romantic restaurants in the world! If you’ve found this guide interesting or valuable, please help us out by sharing it on social media.
About Caterquip
Caterquip are the largest supplier of second hand catering equipment in the UK. Some of the products Caterquip provide include Bratt Pans, Stainless Steel Tables, Reconditioned Dishwashers, Rational Ovens, Blast Chillers, Pass Through Dishwashers and more. This blog post was written by New Frontiers Marketing.
