With 2022 seeing things vaguely back to normal, you’d be forgiven for not planning anything for Valentine’s Day just yet. Restaurant bookings are hard to come by at the moment, and sometimes the cinema just won’t cut it.

We’ve discovered 7 last-minute ideas (including restaurants with availability) that’ll make sure your V-Day is v fun (and delicious).

1. For a Lady and the Tramp Themed Dinner: Bocca Di Lupo

The Lowdown: Valentine’s Day at Bocca Di Lupo brings true inspiration from Lady and the Tramp with each course designed to eat with your other half, to recreate that iconic moment when ‘Lady’ kisses ‘Tramp’.

This Valentine’s, Bocca Di Lupo is offering one long spaghetti with meatballs or pesto (veggie friendly) to eat from both ends; one long foie gras sausage served with farro and porcini; and one sharing cannolo with ricotta, pistachio and chocolate. The idea is for each course to be devoured simultaneously with one’s other half to finish with a kiss. This will be available only for Valentine’s Day, and the menu is priced at £69.

Where: 12 Archer St, London W1D 7BB

Bookings can be made online here.

2. For a Scandinavian Dinner: Ekstedt 

The Lowdown:  To sweep your other half off their feet this Valentine’s, a Nordic dinner at Ekstedt might be just what you need.

Situated in the impressive red-bricked Great Scotland Yard building, two Michelin-starred Swedish chef Niklas has designed a special 7-course menu with oysters flambadou, grilled langoustine with fermented cabbage vinegar and lingonberries;  charcoal cream with trout roe, smoked reindeer and ember baked leek. As main, a beautiful fire-grilled cod, with potato and horseradish cream, fermented root vegetables and charred shallot; to follow, hay smoked beef with blood pudding and for dessert, meadowsweet sorbet with cloudberries, marigold oil, and buckwheat tuile.  The menu also include two glasse  of ll Veuve Clicquot Rosé upon arrival. The Valentine’s menu is available from Saturday 12th to Monday 14th February and priced at £245.

Where: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN

Bookings can be made here.

3. For a Taste of Burgundy: Maison François

The Lowdown: Hosted in Maison François’ impressive private dining room, François O’Neill and his team will be putting on a one-off dinner and wine pairing called ‘Endless Love’ – celebrating all things Burgundy.

With its fine floral and delicate aromas, burgundy wines have an undeniably sensual appeal; the menu will combine the fruity flavours of the wines with the rich cuisine of the region. After a glass of Champagne Philipponnat on arrival, guests will discover the region home to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; and celebrated Bresse chickens and Charolais cows.  Chef Matt Riley will be laying on a feast, while sommeliers will be delving deep into their Burgundy stocks to grace the table with bottles from Gevrey, Meursault, and Chambolle Musigny.

Where: 34 Duke Street St James’s, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6DF

Booking can be made online here. 

4. For a Greek Valentine’s Day: INO Gastrobar

The Lowdown: This Valentine’s day INO Gastrobar, from the team behind Marylebone restaurant OPSO and Athens based two Michelin-starred restaurant Funky Gourmet, will be having a one-off Monday opening for Valentine’s Day offering a special romantic sharing menu.

Expect Greek classic dips, such as their famous Taramasalata, and a couple of new additions: fava and tzatziki, all to be accompanied by their hand-stretched pittas. As a main, couples will have a choice of lamb shank, chargrilled fish collar or roasted cauliflower.

Where: 4 Newburgh St, Carnaby, London W1F 7RF

Bookings can be made here.
Photo credit: Lateef Photography 

5. For an At-Home Kit: Lina Stores

The Lowdown: Lina Stores Valentine’s offering includes everything you need for an Italian romantic evening at home: Prosecco, some soft and oily Focaccia; cured meat and cheese antipasti for the perfect aperitivo board; a pasta kit for two people and indulgent ‘Baci’ brownie to finish. The feast also comes with a vegetarian option.

Where: Book here

6. For Cocktails: 34 Mayfair

The Lowdown: 34 Mayfair has launched its latest campaign, ‘Love at Grand 34’ ahead of Valentine’s Day.

The bar team have curated an array of limited-edition cocktails to be enjoyed. Concoctions include ‘Something Fresh with Vodka’, the ultimate highball; a mouth-watering mango infused vodka long drink, with citrus, and cherry blossom vermouth, elegantly balanced with a Dragon Well and Gunpowder green tea blend. The ‘Something Spicy with Tequila’, an aromatic margarita with layers of warming spice; with tequila infused with smoked ancho pepper, pink peppercorn and fresh coriander, seasoned with rosemary agave and fresh lime. Guests can also enjoy a limited-edition dessert The 34 of Hearts, a delicious chocolate mousse with a raspberry centre, available from Friday, 11 to Monday, 14 February.

Where: 34 Grosvenor Square, S Audley St, London W1K 2HD

Bookings can be made here.

7. For a Cocktail Pairing Menu: NOILLY PRAT x The Cadogan Arms

The Lowdown: For those looking to romance their tastebuds, NOILLY PRAT brings you a delicious Native and Rock oyster and mini (50ml) martini cocktail pairing menu, available exclusively at The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea on the big day.

Valentine’s guests can savour the classic pairing of NOILLY PRAT martini cocktails and the best of the in-season oysters from Jersey, Carlingford and beyond, with three uniquely dressed oysters and three flavour matched cocktails available for £14. Romantics can sample beer-battered Jersey Oysters, topped with seaweed tartare as they sip an Olive Oil martini cocktail, or taste the Irish coast with a Carlingford oyster, matched with a classic Gibson martini cocktail.

Where: 298 King’s Road, London SW3 5UG