The Best 17 Luxury Romantic Restaurants
Published on: February 22nd, 2024
There’s nothing quite like travelling the world with the one you love. You’ll feel the thrill of adventure together, make lifelong memories and, of course, share special meals. To help you plan a truly unforgettable date, we’ve compiled a list of the most romantic dining spots across the globe.
1. Royal Mansour – Marrakesh, Morocco
Best for personalised dining experiences
Marrakesh’s lavish Royal Mansour boasts several beautiful restaurants, serving everything from fine French and Italian cuisine to Moroccan specialties and afternoon tea. But we’re especially enamoured by the bespoke menus, settings and service of the Private Tables. Choose the Bucolic Table for a lovely lunch in the garden or the Nest for an intimate treetop dinner.
2. Azul Histórico – Mexico City, Mexico
Best for candlelit dinners
Azul Histórico is set in Mexico City’s Palace of the Counts of Miravalle, which also houses a boutique hotel and several shops worth exploring. You’ll find the restaurant in the atmospheric inner courtyard, decorated with chandeliers and century-old trees. Enjoy a candlelit meal of upscale and authentic Mexican cuisine in this elegant urban oasis.
3. Nuestro Secreto – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Best for a rainy-day retreat
Argentina is world-renowned for its asado (traditional barbecue), and Nuestro Secreto is among the best places in Buenos Aires to try it. Located in the glass conservatory of the Four Seasons Hotel, it’s especially romantic on rainy days. Imagine the patter of raindrops on the roof and the reflections of flickering candle flames as you indulge in exceptional steak and seafood.
4. Lasai – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Best for getting a look behind the scenes
Lasai is one of the most in-demand and intimate restaurants in Rio de Janeiro. With the celebrated Brazilian chef Rafa Costa e Silva at its helm, it accepts only 10 diners at once. Bar-style seating faces the open kitchen, giving you and your partner a close-up look at the artistry and care that goes into crafting each dish.
5. Clos Maggiore – London, England
Best for a cosy urban escape
Although it’s right in the heart of London, Clos Maggiore evokes the ambience of an elegant home in the countryside. Decorated with fresh flowers and rustic details, it’s the perfect place to settle in for a long and luxurious meal. The conservatory’s glass roof adds to the magical atmosphere – as does the roaring fire that’s lit on chilly days.
6. Grotta Palazzese – Puglia, Italy
Best for stunning natural surroundings
It’s hard to imagine a more memorable place to eat than an enormous natural cave right next to Puglia’s turquoise waters. Grotta Palazzese serves elevated Italian cuisine on a scenic terrace jutting out from the cliffside. Reserve a table in one of its exclusive areas for the ultimate romantic dinner by the sea.
7. Lil’a Restaurant – Cappadocia, Turkey
Best for creative heritage cuisine
Lil’a makes the most of its setting amidst the whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey. Located within the exquisite Museum Hotel, it highlights the unique culinary heritage of Anatolia. The ambience is warm and inviting, illuminated by candles and accented by rich fabrics and dark wood – the ideal setting for a special occasion.
8. Lycabettus – Santorini, Greece
Best for ocean views and starlit dinners
The Greek island of Santorini is legendary for its jaw-dropping views, and Lycabettus may be the best place to drink them in. Its incredible terrace is set on the edge of a cliff, creating the sensation of being suspended over the iconic caldera. Here you can savour delicious haute cuisine at sunset or under the stars with the one you love.
9. Solo Per Due – Vacone, Italy
Best for an intimate and exclusive experience
Solo Per Due is the smallest restaurant in the world, with room for just two diners at a time; its name literally means ‘just for two.’ The result is an unparalleled level of privacy and personalised service. This one-of-a-kind experience is enhanced by the inviting atmosphere – a cosy cottage in the countryside – and the menu of quintessential Italian cuisine.
10. Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic – Cape Town, South Africa
Best for remote romance
The first thing that stands out about Chefs Warehouse is its location, right on the rugged and rocky shoreline of Cape Town’s Cape Peninsula. The five-course tasting menu is a direct reflection of its spectacular natural surroundings, focusing primarily on fresh seafood – although there are also fantastic vegan and vegetarian options available.
11. La Colombe – Cape Town, South Africa
Best for foodie couples
La Colombe has repeatedly been recognised as one of the best restaurants in South Africa, and indeed the whole continent. Located on the Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, it offers incredibly intricate tasting menus in a bright and stylish space among the trees. The creative and colourful cuisine makes it an absolute must for epicurean couples.
12. Sheesh Mahal – Udaipur, India
Best for a glamorous lakeside dinner
You and your partner will eat like Indian royalty at Sheesh Mahal, a stunning outdoor restaurant overlooking Lake Pichola in Udaipur. The black-and-white tiled floor, candlelit tables and glowing lanterns create a sense of classic glamour, while the regional cuisine strikes a thoughtful balance between tradition and creativity.
13. The Nest at Constance Lemuria – Seychelles
Best for exquisite island dining
Every dining space at Constance Lemuria Resort is impeccable, but for a special date night, there’s no place like The Nest. Its wooden terrace provides privileged views of Praslin Island’s idyllic beaches, and the private deck perched among the rocks behind it has to be one of the most romantic places to eat in the Seychelles.
14. Walking on the Cloud – Seoul, South Korea
Best for panoramic cityscapes
Set on the 59th floor of Seoul’s soaring 63 Building, Walking on the Cloud is perhaps best known for its panoramic views of the Han River and the South Korean capital. It specialises in modern Mediterranean cuisine and offers a wide array of excellent wine and whiskey. Have dinner above the sparkling city lights, or enjoy a romantic brunch among the clouds.
15. M6M – The Maldives
Best for an extraordinary underwater meal
M6M stands for ‘minus 6 metres’, referring to the fact that this luxury romantic restaurant at the OZEN resort is completely submerged beneath the surface of the sea. Enormous glass windows allow you to observe the brilliant marine life of the Maldives up close, while caviar and champagne set the stage for a uniquely romantic and altogether unforgettable lunch or dinner.
16. The Summerhouse – Singapore
Best for a sublime garden picnic
The Summerhouse boasts a beautiful café, bar and event spaces – but its real claim to fame are its geodesic Garden Domes. Surrounded by lush foliage, these glass structures are wonderfully picturesque settings for magnificent meals. Escape the world for a while as you savour cuisine sourced from Singapore’s local producers and the edible garden around you.
17. The Sarojin – Khao Lak, Thailand
Best for bespoke private dining
Beyond its serene suites and tropical gardens, The Sarojin resort has some of the best private dining options in all of Thailand. Picture dinner for two on a desert island, a secluded seaside barbecue or a table right beside a rushing waterfall, illuminated by dozens upon dozens of candles. Whatever your own idea of luxurious romance may be, here it can become a reality.
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