London dining suggestions for a Saturday evening
 

My husband and I will be meeting up in London for a few days next week (he's working in Scotland for a few months). We'll be staying near St. Pancras. We'd love to have a special evening out on Saturday evening. Any suggestions for a romantic dining spot? We love wine and enjoy all food. Budget isn't a huge consideration (my husband might not agree with THAT statement!) We also wouldn't mind doing a theatre and dinner night.

In the theatre district we like Criterion and Chez Victor on Wardour St. The Criterion is right next to the Criterion theatre. Montepeliano near Harrod's is excellent but a bit far from St Pancras.

I always tend to believe that most restaurants can be romantic as that depends on the company rather than the restaurant itself, so I am not sure whether the following places fit the bill, but the food is pretty good and the service usually spot on, too (with the exception of St. John none of them is close to St. Pancras, though, rather Mayfair/Knightbridge areas):

1. Zuma
Japanese food, from Sushi and Sashimi to grilled and fried. Better than Nobu in my opinion. Extremely expensive, good wine list and a clientele that is a mix of connoisseurs, top earners, celebrities, a few dubious characters and a mixture of some or all of the before.
I recommend it because the quality is high and it's not something one finds everywhere (although they have been turning it into a chain recently).
http://www.zumarestaurant.com/zuma_uk.html

2. Zafferano
One of the best Italian restaurants in town. Also eye-wateringly expensive, but cannot be doubted quality wise. The service can be excellent, but can also be quite high-browed.
http://atozrestaurants.com/zafferano/

3. Alloro
While the decor may not be asa sophisticated as at Zafferano, this is probably the best value for money Italian food that I am currently aware of. GBP 35 for 3 courses of excellent Italian fare, way beyond conventional red sauce. The wine list is good, but can drive the costs. Service is unobtrusive, but very present when needed. Nice Mayfair location on the backside of Brown's Hotel.
http://atozrestaurants.com/alloro/

4. Scott's
If you fancy seafood, this Mayfair staple is probably one of the better choices in town. Allow for GBP 150 for the 2 of you and do reserve well ahead of time.
http://www.scotts-restaurant.com/

Forgot St John:
Not romantic at first sight, but interesting food if you are not afraid to experiment with intestines and other parts of animals that with high likelihood one doesn't consume regularly.
http://www.stjohnrestaurant.com/home/

Rules on Maiden Lane near Covent Garden is incredible! Possibly the oldest restaurant in London, the menu is wonderful, especialaly if you like game

For a theatre & dinner experience that won't break the bank but will still serve a decent plate of food: I have two suggestions, both of which I have tried with complete satisfaction.

Firstly there is a bargain pre-theatre dinner at Wolfes Bar & Grill, 30 Great Queen street. Ph:2078314442
Try to get a table on the raised floor with a circular type seat. Very plush and comfy. No booking necessary.

Secondly you won't regret dining at Rules, 35 Maiden Lane.
Ph:0718365314 (Here I would reserve a table)

Both these restaurants are in 'theatre land' and easy to walk to and from most places.
Nearer to you is a marvellous hotel specialising in the very English institution of "Afternoon Tea". You will find this also has a nice diningroom called The Oscar.
http://tinyurl.com/ly2wpc

Thank you SO much for the suggestions - I really appreciate it!

Crikey. Where to start. London is the world's capital for food right now.

What do you like?

Ps DO NOT go to Rules - it's crap. Really really bad.

Oh Cholmondley_Warner what a sad thing to hear! Why has it gone down the tubes?

I liked Criterion also! We did pre theater and it was great and reasonable.

As mentioned, we like all foods. Having said that, we come from Alberta, the beef capital of Canada, so would probably not go to a steak house. I have looked at your suggestions on line and they all look like great recommendations. Wish we were staying longer...

BTW , don't mix up Montepeliano and Cafe Montepeliano. The cafe is a very casual place but also has excellent food. I have to agree with CW about Rules and also Simpson's in the Strand. BAD

Oh Cholmondley_Warner what a sad thing to hear! Why has it gone down the tubes?>>>

It's always been crap. Only yanks go there.

jranger - Thanks for mentioning Alberta being the beef capital of Canada. We are flying into Calgary first week in August to spend some time in the National Parks (with Lacombe our headquarter with relatives). I will make sure we go for my favourite, Prime Rib!- unless you have any suggestions?
I was wondering where you will be staying near St.Pancrass as we usually stay at the Ibis Hotel in Cardington stree, next to Euston station.

Tod, we are from Calgary. Honestly, any beef here is amazing - you won't be disappointed with prime rib. I presume you'll be going to Banff and/or Jasper? August will be perfect. Should you have any questions whatsoever between now and then, don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

We are staying at the Novotel. I hope that this location isn't too out-of-the-way. We got it for $100 CAD on Priceline which I think is just terrific.

That's amazing! Yes, we are linking up with a kinda second cousin who lives in Lacombe - he was a tour guide for many years and is planning a trip of a lifetime for us.
What is also interesting to us is the fact we were in Calgary Scotland in 2008 (which is named after the city in Canada) and had no idea whatsoever that 2 years down the line we would be going to Calgary in Canada!
Thanks so much for offering your help - very much apprecated.I will email you direct.

The Novotel sounds like a terrific deal. Well done.
Tod