Best Valentine’s Day Restaurants in South London – Hidden Gems & Last-Minute Options…
Little could the 3rd century Roman priest called Valentine have guessed, when he was busy having his head lopped off his shoulders 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.
And yet, from Balham to Brixton, from Wandsworth to Wimbledon, and from Clapham Common to Crystal Palace, 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 South London.
Your Local Foodies to the rescue!
Fortunately, Your Home Managed has got you covered. We not only have years of experience working in the South London Residential Lettings market, we also have years of experience frequenting the many eateries of our local area. We are South London Residents too… so here are our top picks for a Valentine’s date night in this part of London:
Blue Fig, Balham
5-6 Balham Station Road, SW12 9SG – Tel: 020 3340 2192
For a fun but relaxed vibe, head to the Blue Fig in Balham, where Owner and Head Chef Samer brings us a Mediterranean Menu with a definite Middle-Eastern twist – from his small plates and filo-wrapped ‘cigars’, to his sharing platters, his Aubergine Musakha, and his Sea Bass with Avocado Salsa.
Meat, fish, salads and vegetables, as well as plenty of vegetarian options.
There are still tables for two available both Lunch and Dinner (but do not rule out a Valentines Breakfast or Brunch! This place does the lot.)
Sorella, Clapham
148 Clapham Manor Street, SW4 6BX – Tel: 020 7720 4662
Head to Sorella in Clapham for a culinary treat on Valentines Day (and indeed, on any other day) – classic Italian cuisine but with a modern take, in this smart but unpretentious neighbourhood restaurant brought to you by Robin and Sarah Gill, alongside Daniel Joines, and all under the menu design of Head Chef Ross Mangan. Winner of the Michelin Bib 2019, 2020 and 2021, but in our view no less quality or experience since that time.
There is a special £85pp Valentines Day Menu to enjoy this Friday – but hurry, if this place tickles your fancy; tables are booking up fast, and as of this morning there is availability at 5:30pm or before, or 9:15pm or after – but already nothing left in between!
Cafe Castelo, Tulse Hill
369 Norwood Rd, London, SE27 9BQ– Tel: 020 8671 8527
There are plenty of Portuguese cafes and restaurants in London and Little Portugal in particular, as there are indeed across South London, but Café Castelo is one of our absolute favourites (especially for our very own Eddie Patricio, super proud of his own Portuguese heritage).
Only serving the very freshest of food, this family run restaurant – an integral part of the South London Portuguese community – takes its diners straight back to Portugal.
If you like your seafood, make sure you try their Octopus Salad (Salada de Povo) or Prawns starter (Camarao Frito ou Salada de Camarao); and for a real taste of Portugal, the Grilled Sea Bass (Robalo Grelhado) or their Steak in house sauce (Bitoque a Portuguesa) will transport you there in an instant.
There is still a table available at 7:30pm – it just needs to be vacated by 9:20pm – so if you have never tried this place out, give it a shot; you will not regret it!
Lahore Karahi, Tooting
1 Tooting High Street, Tooting, SW17 0SN – Tel: 020 8767 2477
A frequent favourite, not just amongst locals but also writers and restaurant critics, Lahore Karahi is proud of the Pakistani and Indian cuisine that it champions. Another family-run restaurant to celebrate, established by Zahid Iqbal in 1995 and now owned and run by his son, Numan, this local gem has a recipe for success: “mouth-watering food, a lively atmosphere and close friends.”
The food really is mouth-watering – especially the Nihari, if you are a meat eater (but this place really goes to town if you are vegetarian or vegan) – and make sure that you wash it all down afterwards with the most beautiful Mango Lassi.
One thing to note: there is no alcohol served at this establishment, but diners are welcome to bring a bottle of their own – subject to a £2 corkage charge per person.
📌 FAQs – Best Valentine’s Day Restaurants in South London
Q: Where can I book a last-minute Valentine’s Day dinner in London, in particular South London?
👉 Try Blue Fig in Balham or Lahore Karahi in Tooting— tables are still available! There are fewer at Sorella
in Clapham except early or late evening, and at O Cantinho de Portugal
in Tulse Hill you can still get a 7:30 spot, but you may feel a little more rushed to hand the table back when the restaurant needs it at 9:20.
Q: What are the best non-romantic Valentine’s Day restaurants in London?
👉 Skip the candlelit clichés and head to Lahore Karahi for an authentic Pakistani feast, or Blue Fig for a lively Mediterranean vibe.
Q: Are there vegetarian-friendly Valentine’s Day restaurants in South London?
👉 Yes! Blue Fig has plenty of vegetarian options, and Lahore Karahi is fantastic for vegans & vegetarians.
What do YOU think?
So, there you have it – our Your Home Managed 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 South London is bursting with fantastic food spots. Have a hidden gem to share? Drop us a comment—we’re always hungry for more recommendations!
Our appetites are large and our tastes unending. We love to hear it.
👉 "Know someone who’s still looking for a great Valentine’s dinner spot? Share this guide with them!"
