Whitewashed stucco townhouses. Regency-esque streets. Verdant garden squares. It must be… Belgravia. A swoon-worthy spot no matter who you are—and especially if you’re on that all-important first date with someone special. The whole place is brimming with fabulous places for couples to hang out, flirt and spend quality time together, bursting with exciting establishments to discover while you rediscover one another. So whether the two of you are in the mood for a crisp London ale in a homely pub, a swanky meal in a Michelin-starred eatery or a bit of a knees-up in a hip and happening bar, you’re guaranteed to find somewhere perfect for flirtin’ down in this most affluent of districts. Here are our top 5 first date ideas in Belgravia.
1. Restaurant Ours
264 Brompton Rd, SW3 2AS
Simple yet standout, Restaurant Ours is a remarkable restaurant which brings the outside in. The whole place is utterly abounding in botanicals, not to mention an incredibly extensive menu. Midweek à la carte? No problem. 3-course bottomless brunch? They’ve got you covered. Expertly selected wines and eclectic cocktails for even the most discerning of connoisseurs? You’re on.
Matchmaker Tip:
You simply have to check out Restaurant Ours’ cocktail menu. The talented bar staff led by renowned mixologist Pierre Bedouillat honour and explore the originality of 10 countries’ distinctive flavours, styles and traditions.
Restaurant Ours is an immersive experience of fine dining and effortless elegance and unpretentious decor, with a generous nod to retro chic. It’s widely considered one of the finest restaurants in all of Belgravia, so make sure to book in advance—the place is seriously popular, and for good reason!
2. The Botanist
7 Sloane Square, SW1W 8EE
The Botanist is an opulent spot dishing up quintessentially British fare: sea bream, Jersey Royals, tender confit duck leg with an apple, pea and mint risotto. Drawing on a wide range of influences, this bar and restaurant is a thoroughly classy affair, with comfortable yet eminently aesthetic interiors, chic and sexy cocktails and a truly international wine list. Envelop yourselves in the opulent ambience which washes over you the moment you step through the great oak doors, and settle in for a night of top-tier service, sumptuous food and saucy beverages, right in the very heart of Sloane Square. Or if you and your date are more in the mood for a daytime rendezvous, you simply have to check out The Botanist’s weekend bottomless brunch. It’s notorious for all the right reasons!
3. il Pampero
20 Chesham Pl, SW1X 8HQ
il Pampero is a swish Italian number set in The Hari, a five-star hotel slap-bang in the heart of Belgravia. The restaurant embodies Italian chic and vintage glamour while dishing up traditional Southern Italian cuisine with a 21st century twist, complemented by a fabulous menu of world-class wines and bespoke cocktails. Head Chef Calogero Carlino leads a highly talented team in creating innovative flavour combinations which permeate the seasonally changing menus. Prepare for the perfect marriage of real Italian cuisine and just a touch of international ingredients and techniques.
Matchmaker Tip:
Don’t miss out on il Pampero’s exceptional new set lunch menu! Get ready to indulge in old favourites like prawn and celery salad with cherry tomato confit; grilled seabass fillet with roast peppers, capers and olive tapenade; and all finished off with some truly mouthwatering pistachio crème brûlée.
And if it’s a daytime rendezvous you’re after, make sure you swoop in for il Pampero’s hour-and-a-half bottomless brunch, comprising Prosecco, Aperol Spritz and Milanese G&T—complete with a magnificent backdrop of live Italian music from midday, naturalmente. Expect a fusion of typical brunch dishes and authentic Italian recipes with a generous sprinkling of surprises throughout. Highlights include il Pampero’s famous cacio e pepe (tagliolini with creamy pecorino and pepper) and traditional wood-fired pizzas with delectable toppings such as ventricina spicy salami, truffle cream and sautéed mushrooms.
4) Layalina
2 Beauchamp Pl, SW3 1NG
Nestled right in the very heart of Belgravia is Layalina, a breathtakingly sensuous Lebanese restaurant, bar, and cabaret club, all under one roof. Layalina serves up enticing culinary delights equal parts creative and delicious, reflecting the roots of founder Fadi Sabha but with some delightful modern flourishes. Indulge in canapés, shishas, and a 7-course gastronomic bonanza, if you and your date are in this for the long haul. Layalina is Arabic for our nights, and they really couldn’t have picked a word that more beautifully encapsulates everything the establishment’s about: it’s a provocative yet classy party spot for happy-go-lucky Belgravia folk (and only a mere stone’s throw from Harrods), but just as much an intimate and atmospheric spot tailor-made for a seriously romantic first date, too.
5. Buddha Bar
145 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7PA
Arguably one of the finest eateries in all of Belgravia, Buddha Bar specialises in Pan-Asian dishes, drawing particularly on the cuisines of China and Japan. Look no further than their flavourful black cod and salmon fishcakes, seared sesame tuna, or spicy mango maki with king crab and prawn tempura. (Isn’t your mouth watering just thinking about it?) The chain was founded back in 1996 in Paris by Raymond Visan, whose venues fast became the meeting places of choice for the various cities’ beau monde. Buddha Bar has since become one of the world’s most successful brands of its kind, with destinations including Moscow, Manila and Monte Carlo—but Buddha Bar London in the centre of Belgravia will take something truly special to beat.
Buddha Bar complements its extravagant menu with splendid East-meets-West decor, avant-garde cocktails skilfully thrown together by exceptional mixologists—and one helluva big Buddha, of course. Speaking of which…
Matchmaker Tip:
Buddha Bar’s giant, omniscient Buddha statue, designed and sculpted by world-renowned French artist Bruno Tanquerel, makes for the perfect selfie opportunity while your date’s at the bar. Or if things are going swimmingly, you could even take one in front of the great man together!
If you cannot find the date night in Belgravia why on check out romantic venues in Victoria.
If you are ready to meet someone special, contact the friendly award winning matchmakers at Drawing Down the Moon Matchmaking.
