Date spot in Soho and Covent Garden
Bao Soho
Squeeze into the tiny original Bao on Lexington Street for soft Taiwanese steamed buns and small plates to share.
Lexington Street, Soho
Address: Bao Soho, 53 Lexington Street, London W1F 9AS- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Why it's a good date: It's held a Michelin Bib Gourmand for years and still feels like a little neighbourhood spot. It's walk-in only, so go early or late to keep the queue short.
More from our Soho and Covent Garden guide
Bancone Covent Garden
William IV Street, Covent Garden
Address: Bancone, 39 William IV Street, London WC2N 4DD- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Share bowls of fresh handmade pasta at the long marble counter of this smart little pasta bar off Trafalgar Square.
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.
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.