What is a good restaurant for a date? Making a statement in a big, funky place? Or a quiet place where you can really socialize and get to know each other? For some it's all about the atmosphere, for others it's all about the food and wine. Style can be important when assessing the aesthetic qualities of a date, and for those who are nervous before a date, a good cocktail list and an understanding waiter are key; and for those of us who are no longer in the frenzy of our early adolescence For people, the only thing that really matters is the light…

Park Chinois

17 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EA London

Chinese

70 - 120 GBP

"Money can't buy the fuel of love, but it's the perfect match," W.H. Auden said, swapping "money" for "charm," and Park Jong-no can't go wrong. 1930s Shanghai was the inspiration for this beautiful restaurant, and every detail of its stunning design has been carefully considered and taken care of. The club downstairs provides the impetus - "Duck de Chine" keeps everyone in a loving atmosphere. Try not to think about your bank balance at dinner.

Brasserie Zédel

20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED London

French

15 - 48 GBP

If you want a bit of glamour but no stomach cramps at the checkout, Zédel is a great option because no one spends too much money when the most memorable thing of the night turns into a band and a choucroute. The walk only adds to the anticipation, the menu does have something for everyone. Surely a good îles flottante will awaken love in any language?

Garrison

99-101 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XB London

Traditional British

17 - 70 GBP

This is a bar, not a restaurant, so no one feels overwhelmed, scared or uncomfortable in this environment. At dinner, candlelight and general whispers of contentment create a warm and inclusive atmosphere, while the food is familiar, comforting, and warm. Just make sure you take a taxi as nothing spoils the atmosphere like walking through the tunnels of Bermondsey Street.

St John

26 St. John Street, EC1M 4AY London

Traditional British

50 GBP

stay with us. A first date isn't just about finding out if you have chemistry -- it's also about finding out if you're a good fit. So if you're reading this, it's fair to assume that your interest in food isn't just a passing hobby. So, if your date glances at the menu at the St. John's Hotel and shrugs off the prospect of ordering pork noodles, beef hearts or rabbits, then you know it's going to be two dates: your first date and your last a date.

Leroy

18 Phipp Street, EC2A 4NU London

Modern British

27 - 52 GBP

Nothing says intimacy like sharing a plate—nothing says character like a person's willingness or unwillingness to share dinner. If your date seems to be enjoying venison or monkfish but is still ready to enjoy the rest of the dish, then you know you have a breeder. As Jane Austen said: "It is not what we say or think that defines us, but what we do".

Trishna

15-17 Blandford Street, W1U 3DG London

Indian

35 - 75 GBP

Food is sometimes about immersing oneself in and reveling in its splendor rather than distanced from it. Order the absolutely delicious Dorset Brown Crab at Trishna, and if you both love angry lip licks and shiny chins, you may have found your soulmate. After that, go around the corner to Daunt Books and start planning your vacation in the travel section.

Barbary

16 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP London

North African

38 GBP

For the shy among us, a countertop restaurant might be a good choice. If maintaining eye contact for hours is repulsive, then maybe sitting side by side is the ticket. Barbary is a lovely little place, so you still get that intimacy, and the food here offers more than just exotic flavors. Afterwards, if all goes well, you can stop by Neal's Yard Dairy to buy cheese together.

Sketch (The Gallery)

9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG London

Modern Cuisine

90 GBP

Sketch The Gallery has always been a popular date for couples, and it makes you wonder if Cupid has a spare quiver or two behind the bar. There is nothing like a room full of people looking eagerly at their table to create a warm and happy atmosphere. It's also a very well run restaurant with delicious food so you can relax knowing you don't need semaphore skills to attract waiters and can just focus on being curious and interesting.