date night Archives - opentable.co.uk blog

Date Night Dining: 8 romantic restaurants to try in Amsterdam

OpenTable February 27, 2019

In the mood for romance? Give Amsterdam a try. The Dutch capital, known for its creative arts scene (hello, Van Gogh and co.), scenic waterways, and pretty gabled houses, will mesmerise any couple in love. We’ve rounded up some of the best romantic restaurants in Amsterdam for an unforgettable date night. Simply pick your favourite.

De Belhamel
De Belhamel, located at the junction of Amsterdam’s picturesque Brouwersgracht and Herengracht, in a peaceful and idyllic neighbourhood of the Dutch capital, wows guests with its original Art Nouveau features. Entering the restaurant, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to fin de siècle Paris. Of course, the food doesn’t disappoint either – the restaurant’s cooking has won several awards and its waterfront location is the ideal setting for a romantic date night.

Van Speyk
Van Speyk is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike when it comes to a romantic night out. The restaurant charms its guests with a prime city centre location and relaxed brasserie style. Enjoy delicious French-influenced dishes like seared scallops and duck confit and don’t forget to be as seductive as the French would be!Continue Reading

Valentine’s Day Dining: Last-minute tables for lovers in London

OpenTable February 7, 2019

Valentine’s Day is only a week away, but there’s still time to find the perfect place to wine and dine your date. There are still some fantastic tables waiting to be snapped up on OpenTable, from glitzy West End restaurants to cosy neighbourhood bistros. Here are some of our top picks.

For couples who love… the buzz of the West End

May Fair Kitchen – This Mayfair stunner is offering a 4-course menu, including a selection of tacos and a cocktail for £75pp.
100 Wardour Street – Book now to enjoy live music at 100 Wardour Street, plus an indulgent 3-course menu (£75pp).
Freak Scene – Skip the fine dining fuss and head to Freak Scene in Soho for Japanese izakaya-inspired plates.
Temper Covent Garden – Treat your favourite carnivore to cocktails, tacos and steaks at this Covent Garden hot spot.
The Petersham – Enjoy dishes like spiced duck and poached turbot surrounded by dramatic floral displays (£75pp).Continue Reading

Romance on the roof: London’s cosiest winter rooftops

OpenTable November 30, 2018

Don’t put the romance on ice this winter – head to the roof for cocktails, comfort food, and views of the city skyline.

Coq d’Argent
Lodge d’Argent returns for another season, transforming Coq d’Argent’s famous terrace into a winter wonderland. Alongside the festive lights and fur blankets, there will be a ‘Ski Cube’ screening vintage ski clips and two chalet-style huts for private dining. The ski theme extends to the menu, too – why not share a baked Vacherin cheese or some Savoyard charcuterie? If your date has a sweet tooth, treat them to warm waffles with chocolate sauce or an Avalanche cocktail made with Hennessy, Disaronno, and white chocolate foam.

Boundary Rooftop
This rooftop dining destination is popular all year round – the heated glass orangery protects you from the elements while you enjoy the view. During the colder months, the menu is inspired by the Alpine regions so expect hot cocktails, cheese fondue, and melting raclette. If your other half has a passion for fromage, you’re on to a winner here.

Aviary
When the city is all lit up at night, there’s no better place to enjoy the view than from Aviary’s rooftop terrace. Through the winter, you can cosy up in one of their ‘igloos with a view’ or enjoy a romantic dinner for two in the restaurant. After a glass of fizz or perhaps some oysters, you can enjoy warming winter dishes like slow-braised beef short rib or gnocchi with roast pumpkin.

Madison
Madison’s rooftop terrace has been given an alpine-inspired makeover, just in time for the festive season. With twinkling lights and plenty of faux fur and tartan blankets, their chalets are the ideal setting for a date night with a difference. No matter how cold it is outside, you’ll be kept warm by their boozy hot chocolate and winter warmers like mac ‘n’ cheese and baked Camembert.

Skyline Skating at John Lewis
Oxford Street can be a little crazy in the run up to Christmas but we’ve found the perfect place to escape the crowds. John Lewis have created the ultimate rooftop hideaway, complete with a mini ice-rink and a Sipsmith gin bar serving hot and cold gin cocktails. If you don’t fancy one of MyPie’s award-winning pies or Scotch eggs, you can dine nearby at Aqua Kyoto, Little Social, or Bombay Bustle.

Visit OpenTable to check out more of London’s most romantic restaurants and give your winter date nights a little extra sparkle.

Date Night Dining: 6 romantic restaurants to try in Berlin

OpenTable July 23, 2018

Fancy a weekend trip abroad with your special someone? Give Berlin a try. Next to its array of history and culture, the German capital’s culinary scene has lots to offer. If you’re in the mood for romance, here are six restaurants for an unforgettable date night in one of Europe’s hot spots.

Spindler Restaurant
German newspaper Tagesspiegel describes Spindler as a place where “all the cool girls and boys hang out” and we could not agree more. Located in a converted industrial building along Kreuzberg’s canal (ideal for a romantic after dinner stroll along the water), the restaurant offers guests a gourmet experience in one of Berlin’s most legendary districts. The menu is modern European with a French accent and there is an interesting range of French and German wines to choose from. Be sure to save room for desserts like tonka bean panna cotta with poached cherries, roasted almonds and grapefruit foam.

Katz Orange
Katz Orange, located in Berlin Mitte, takes up the bottom two floors of a 19th-century former brewery and is tucked away in a typical Berlin-style back courtyard. At night its ornate red brick facade is illuminated and provides atmospheric seating on the open-air terrace – the perfect date spot for you and your partner to gaze into each other’s eyes. The restaurant is a firm favourite amongst Berlin’s intellectual and creative scene. The food is locally sourced and seasonal and there is an impressive list of more than 150 different wines. What’s not to love?Continue Reading