Top 10... First Date Restaurants

First dates are usually stressful enough without having to factor in where to go for dinner. So here goes, Top 10 best first date restaurants in London.

1) La Petite Maison/Aurelia: Food to suit everyone, lighting that makes everyone good, with a hint of glamour, the right amount of background noise. Enough but not over the top. Downside? the cost, sharing is encouraged and not everyone loves that concept. 

2) Spuntino/ Polpo/Polpetto: Food so good it makes up for  the fact that "no reservation was required", its cute, its sweet, its fun. There's enough interesting points about both restaurant to create conversation for at least 30 minutes and its so casual theres no pressure. At Spuntino you're probably going to be sat next to each other, instead of facing each other making it one step easier. The noise level is loud enough to mask any awkward silences and its incredibly reasonably priced.  Downside? No reservations can lead to long queues, which is okay as long as there is a) alcohol and b) flat shoes 

3) The Wolseley: British food, beautiful decor and service that is perfect. There is something very old school, and impressive about the ex-car showroom turned star-studded restaurant. Downsides? They have a history of preferential seating which could be a mood killer.

4) Opera Tavern/ El Pirata Del Tapas: Tapas are always a good date option - entertaining and casual. Both Opera Tavern and Pirata have bookings, a lively atmosphere and suitable liking, for reasonable prices. Downsides? No name to drop

5) Nobu Berkley/ Zuma: The only way either one of these works as a date place is if you are confident that you and your dining partner are excellent with chopsticks. Otherwise this whole thing becomes awkward and stressful and will ultimately end with a piece of raw fish in someone's face.  If you are confident about the chopstick abilities in question, then the vibe at both of these places, and the food, is always impressive. Downside? A bit flashy, and screams "Banker, who only eats at Nobu and Hakkasan". More reasonable alternative? Nizuni

Please note: this list is by no way exhaustive and is based on The Boyfriend's and I's experiences. Obviously there are hundreds of other great first date places. In fact, The Boyfriend took me to Barrafina on our first dinner date, a totally unromantic restaurant - clinically bright lighting makes no-one look good.