Guide by Vana

Romantic places in Shoreditch

7 romantic places in Shoreditch, each one on the Guide on merit.

1. 

   Bistro Freddie

   French-British bistro · European

   A burgundy little Shoreditch corner doing British produce with a French accent, white tablecloths and a candlelit Parisian hum.

   Small room, books up fast, so aim for a counter or window seat by the open kitchen.

2. 

   Cycene

   Tasting menu · European

   Theo Clench's candlelit six-table room in Shoreditch's Blue Mountain School, a Michelin star within months. An intimate, culty fine-dining sanctum.

   Fifteen seats over two floors. Book well ahead.

3. 

   Little Fires

   Cocktail bar

   A moody Oaxacan mezcal bar with drinks from a World 50 Best team.

   Eat upstairs first, then drop down to the basement Listening Lounge once it gets going.

4. 

   One Club Row

   Bistro · European

   Paris-meets-NYC bistro with immaculate service and a crowd having a better night than you.

   Watch for the lit walk-in seats available sign at street level if you did not book.

5. 

   Plates

   Plant-based tasting menu · European

   The only plant-based kitchen in the UK with a Michelin star, and it wears it lightly. Kirk Haworth cooks vegetables with classical French technique in a small, warm, earth-toned room off Old Street.

   Two menus, eight courses at 109 or eleven at 130. Wednesday to Saturday only, so book several weeks out.

6. 

   Tatar Bunar

   Ukrainian · European

   Southern Ukrainian that critics fell for fast, in a room as good as the cooking. Book ahead.

   Book ahead; it was tipped as one of London's hardest tables on opening, and the all-Ukrainian wine list rewards a steer from staff.

7. 

   Waltz

   Japanese cocktail bar

   A 28-seat, no-signage Japanese cocktail hideaway from an ex-Kwant bartender, rated among the best cocktail bars in Britain. The impress-a-date room.

   Bar seats are walk-in only and groups of four can book a table. Ask for the Ginza Martini.