The Good Taste Guide: where to eat in London, from afternoon tea to omakase

Food and February are a match made in heaven: from romantic nights out to Galentine’s celebrations, to exciting new offerings from the city’s top chefs and eateries, there’s no better excuse to indulge in the finest food and drink London has to offer. 

Meanwhile, if you’re staying in, don’t forget to consult our guide to the very best champagnes.

Here are our picks of the very best places to dine in London this month. 

Afternoon tea at The Landmark London 

Come for the spectacular scenery and stay for the delicious dining at Marylebone’s five-star hotel, The Landmark London. This month, the hotel’s signature afternoon tea gets a romantic twist. Guests will be welcomed with a chilled glass of Laurent-Perrier to toast the special occasion, before enjoying a sumptuous tea in the palm tree-adorned Winter Garden. Sandwiches include the Lapsang souchong smoked Scottish salmon and organic egg mayonnaise with black truffle and chives, while highlights from the hotel’s specialist pastry chef, include salted pistachio choux with honey, and a  zingy Passionfruit and mango mousse. Want to make your date extra special? Book a room at the luxurious hotel and retire in style, post-pastries. 

–  The Landmark London’s Laurent-Perrier Afternoon Tea is available to book from 7th to 14th February, between 3:00pm to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, and 1:00pm to 5:00pm Saturday to Sunday, priced at £78.00 per person. Book afternoon tea here, or a hotel stay here. 

Champagne brunch at YOPO, The Mandrake Hotel

Love champagne? Then say hello to your ultimate brunch. Tucked away in luxury boutique Fitzrovia hotel The Mandrake, the European-influenced South American restaurant YOPO has recently enjoyed a major refurbishment and boasts an exciting new menu to match. For an extra special feast, visit at the weekend for brunch, where you’ll have the option of free-flowing cocktails, rosé or Veuve Clicquot. You’ll enjoy delicious South American sharing plates, before a brunch main, with options ranging from which includes banana flour pancakes and spiced cauliflower tacos, as well as flowing sides and a decadent dessert. Set in the most opulent, art-laden jungle you’ve ever set foot in, this is a perfect new celebration spot. 

– Brunch £65 per person, with free-flowing Veuve Clicquot for £150 per person. Book here.

Coco Grill & Lounge

Bacchanalia 

Quickly earning a reputation as ‘London’s most romantic restaurant’, there’s no better time to visit Mayfair’s recently-opened Bacchanalia than this month. That’s not just because its decadent Greek and Roman interiors provide a backdrop worthy of the goddess of love herself, but because on the 14th February, the restaurant will offer a special Venus tasting menu alongside its a la carte: a sharing menu comprising highlights including Fine de Claire Oysters, Lobster Paccheri Pasta, Braised Veal, followed by the Aphrodite’s Touch, a unique white chocolate, lychee and rose Valentine’s dessert paired with a bespoke cocktail, Eros, an exotic orange and cherry concoction. 

– The sharing menu starts at £195 per person for an alcohol-free option, or £210 per person including a glass of Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne. Book here. 

Looking for a hangover-free date night? The totally Instragrammable and equally as teetotal Coco Grill & Lounge in London Bridge has just the nectar: namely, its Love Potion cocktail offering and alcohol-free wine list, for sumptuous sipping, guilt-free. Elsewhere, on its aphrodiasiac-filled Valentine’s menu, you’ll find the decadent ‘Soulmate’ chocolate tart, topped with a candyfloss with strawberry sorbet, and the aptly named ‘My Sweetheart’ strawberry cheesecake. 

– More info and bookings here.

Arros QD 

Dining omakase (and leaving the menu up to your chef)  isn’t just for Japanese cuisine – this Valentine’s Day, Fitzrovia’s award-winning Spanish restaurant Arros QD is offering a romantic Omakase tasting menu for lucky guests. Adding an extra excitement to Valentine’s, the menu will only be revealed upon arrival at the restaurant, where diners will enjoy a surprise seven-course tasting menu. You’ll be in more than capable hands: the restaurant comes from Quique Dacosta, one of Spain’s most acclaimed chefs, decorated with seven Michelin stars and the award for the best paella in the UK. 

– Valentine’s omakase menu £85 per person. Book here.