Date spot in Soho and Covent Garden
Bancone Covent Garden
Share bowls of fresh handmade pasta at the long marble counter of this smart little pasta bar off Trafalgar Square.
William IV Street, Covent Garden
Address: Bancone, 39 William IV Street, London WC2N 4DD- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Why it's a good date: It feels far posher than the bill suggests, which makes it a great pre-theatre pick. Sit at the counter to watch the pasta being made.
More from our Soho and Covent Garden guide
Imad's Syrian Kitchen
Kingly Court, Soho
Address: Imad's Syrian Kitchen, Top Floor, Kingly Court, London W1B 5PW- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Climb to the top floor of Kingly Court for warm, home-style Syrian cooking from chef Imad Alarnab, with mezze to share.
Why it's a good date: Generous, comforting food with a lovely story behind it, and a Michelin Bib Gourmand to its name. Have a nose round the courtyard's other spots after.
Brasserie Zédel
Sherwood Street, Soho
Address: Brasserie Zédel, 20 Sherwood Street, London W1F 7ED- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Romantic
Walk down the stairs off Piccadilly into a vast gilded Art Deco dining room for classic French brasserie cooking.
Why it's a good date: It looks like a big night out but the set menu is one of the best-value meals in the West End. Stay for a drink in the Art Deco bar next door.
Kanada-Ya St Giles
St Giles High Street, St Giles
Address: Kanada-Ya, 64 St Giles High Street, London WC2H 8LE- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Slurp rich tonkotsu ramen at the busy little noodle bar by Tottenham Court Road, where the noodles are made in house.
Why it's a good date: A warming bowl each on a cold evening, and quick enough to fit before a gig or a show. There's often a queue at peak times, so go a bit early.