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Little could the third century Roman priest called Valentine have guessed, when he was busy losing his head (quite literally) on February 14th, 269 AD, that his Saint’s Day would somehow become associated forever more with both uber-secret and startlingly public shows of affection…
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And yet, across Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington, our shops are filled with doily cards, heart-shaped helium balloons and, for some reason, half price deals on avocados and asparagus.
But we know what it’s like; you’ve barely got over Christmas, and all of a sudden you’re just a few hours away from Valentine’s Day, surprised (perhaps yet again) that it has crept up so quickly, and whilst you know you’ll find a saccharine-sweet card for your significant other somewhere, it’d be good to know where you can book a last-minute Valentine’s Day table for two if you are looking for a restaurant in the area.
Fortunately, Bartlett and Partners has got you covered. We not only have years of experience working in the Richmond Borough property market, but we also have years of experience frequenting the many eateries of our local area. We are local residents too… so here are our top picks for a Valentine’s date night in this part of London:
22 Manor Road, TW11 8BG – Tel: 020 8977 6333
Let’s face it – some of us do want just that little touch of romance on Valentine’s Day, and what better than a spot of riverside dining?
Well, we give you a Teddington favourite: The Wharf.
Beautifully executed, classic European cuisine – whether going solo from the A La Carte or digging in as a duo into the amazing sharing platters (the Plateau de Fruits de Mer… well, it deserves an ‘OMG’) – or, on a night like Valentine’, something special as the Set Menu.
Top the night off in The Wharf Bar, and most likely with live music too.
A word of advice though: there are tables at 5:30pm or before, and at 9:00pm and after – but they are already fully booked in between… which is no real surprise. But for you earlier diners or late-supper couples, this place really does hit the spot – and without hitting your wallet (not too hard, at least).
5 Whittaker Avenue, TW9 1EH – Tel: 020 8103 8888
If you are looking for a Valentine’s night out in Richmond itself, look no further than one of our favourite neighbourhood spots – Brindisa Tapas.
There is something that to us always feels just a little celebratory when it comes to Tapas – perhaps it’s the small plates, or maybe the act of sharing; or it could be that feeling you get of being transported back to a remembered Spanish holiday…
This one is part of a small chain of restaurants that grew from a rented potato warehouse on the corner of Borough Market, and now has six spots across the city – although they do call this one their first ‘neighbourhood restaurant’ – and the look and feel of it definitely reflects that vibe.
Like The Wharf in Teddington, this friendly restaurant lies on the riverside with views down the river itself. On a sunny evening, it’s great to sit out on the terrace… maybe not the ideal this Friday night, but make sure you come back in a few months’ time.
The good news is, on Valentine’s Day they do still have a table indoors as well as out on the terrace – at 5:30pm or before, or at 8:15pm and after, but again – being riverside and Valentine’s Day – they are already fully booked in between,
So if this one floats your boat, act quickly!
121 Powder Mill Lane, TW2 6EH – Tel: 07593 306644
Our pick of the day if a cracking curry tickles your fancy – spice up your Valentine’s Day by heading to Royal Rasoi, this splendid Indian Restaurant just off the Hanworth Road on Powder Mill Lane, about a mile’s walk from Whitton Station. Celebrating timeless classics as well as what they describe themselves as ‘contemporary innovations’, this is smart, sophisticated Indian cooking in a classy setting, that really won’t break the bank, with most starters at less than a tenner, and main courses ranging from £9.50 to £13.95. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available, and also a whole page of biryani dishes.
Our tip (if you are a meat eater): go for the Gongura Mutton – delicious!
Tables for two available between 7:30pm and 9:15pm.
📌 FAQs – Best Valentine’s Day Restaurants in Richmond Borough
Q: Where can I book a last-minute Valentine’s Day dinner in London, in particular Richmond Upon Thames?
👉 Try Brindisa Tapas in Richmond Upon Thames or The Wharf Bar and Grill in Teddington— both riverside restaurants with views, ideal for a romantic meal out, and tables are still available!
Q: What are the best non-romantic Valentine’s Day restaurants in Richmond Borough?
👉 Skip the candlelit clichés and head to Brindisa Tapas for a more fun and funky meal out with Tapas as the main event, or look to Royal Rasoi in Whitton for an authentic Indian feast in a trendy setting.
Q: Are there vegetarian-friendly Valentine’s Day restaurants in the area?
👉 Yes! Royal Rasoi in Whitton has plenty of vegetarian options, out of our three top picks here, but both The Wharf in Teddington and Brindisa Tapas in Richmond also have options for vegans & vegetarians.
So, there you have it – our Bartlett and Partners recommendations for Valentines Day (but, as we have alluded to already, any other day you fancy, too).
But let us know what you think. These are our picks—but we know that Richmond, Twickenham and Teddington are bursting with fantastic restaurants, cafes and delis – and even amazing takeaways.
Have a hidden gem to share? Drop us a comment—we are always hungry for more recommendations!
Our appetites are large and our tastes unending. We love to hear it.
👉 Know someone who is still looking for a great Valentine’s dinner spot? Share this guide with them!
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