Hello - my DH and I will be in London in late May, and would like to have a nice date-night dinner but not break the bank. We have tickets for the London Eye at 7pm so we could go either before (very early dinner) or after the Eye. We would like to keep it to under £150 in total (which would include 1 cocktail/glass of wine each), be a sit-down place with table service, and not feature French cuisine (since we'll be in Paris a week later). We are looking either in the immediate vicinity of the Eye or near Charing Cross. Any suggestions would be appreciated - especially places that may not appear in the tour books. Thanks! -LL.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34004 posts
Your budget is well and truly above what I have ever spent so I don't have any direct recommendations.
But I, like many frequenters of London, rely on Timeout. Have a look at the best restaurants at http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants
I hope you have a good date.
I'd eat afterwards.
I see you have your tickets already. I hope you have good weather. There are several new free viewpoints in London now, including the roof of One New Change across the road from St Pauls Cathedral, and SkyGarden at 20 Fenchurch Street in the City, on the 34th through 38th floors of the Walkie Talkie Building; and the very expensive top of the Shard.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
At this price bracket, all the places will feature in guidebooks and many will feature french cookery.
If you want very traditionally British fare, Wiltons on Jermyn St is a 5 minute walk from Charing Cross. They have a set menu or a la carte.
The Savoy is close to Charing Cross, but this may blow your budget as they don't offer a set menu on Saturday evenings - more affordable midweek.
Another slightly cheaper, but still good option is Hawksmoor close to Piccadilly Circus on Air Street or another branch in Covent Garden at Seven Dials. Their food and service is fantastic.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
http://www.thelondonfoodie.co.uk/. Wonderful resource for dining out in London. I'd check the Mayfair, Covenant Garden and SoHo neighborhoods which are closer to where you are staying. Enjoy your lovely evening.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34004 posts
emma, you didn't suggest The Chiltern Firehouse. Too steep for your budget?
Or is The Firehouse so last year?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34004 posts
hmmmmm
when I were a lad it were space hoppers.
and gymkhana were where my cousin went with her (eat the family out of house and home) pony to fall in the mud....
am I getting old?
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all! I am so very excited and definitely will do my homework. Thanks so much for all your suggestions - will be looking them up!
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
Brown's, Covent Garden, is not far from Charing Cross and we always eat there several times when we're in London. It's a lovely restaurant with excellent food and service. A very nice meal with drinks, appetizers, entrees, and dessert will run you well under 150 pounds. It's unpretentious but has a good amount of low-key class about it. We think it's a relaxed but very nice place to have a meal!
Posted by
London, England.
662 posts
We really enjoyed Cicchetti in Piccadilly Circus. It's Italian, but based around a 'tapas small plate' idea and really good for trying lots of different things and not just having a big plate of one thing. The fresh truffle ravioli were amazing and the best Spaghetti Carbonara I've ever had. Service was fast and friendly. £150 will cover plenty of 'small plates' and a few nice drinks. Booking essential.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3896 posts
MrsEB, DH= "Dear Husband".