Valentine's in Islington: Best romantic restaurants in N1

It's just over two weeks until Valentine's Day, so if you haven't already got a romantic candlelit dinner with your beloved lined up, there's still plenty of time to make one happen. If you want to keep it local, you're more likely to be spoilt for choice than struggling to find a free table for two, but here's our guide to romantic places to eat in and around N1.

Italian Passion

You can't go too far wrong with great pizza and lots of wine for a cozy night out, and Islington probably has more Italian eateries than any other cuisine. Always fun and friendly is Cafe La Divina at 134 Upper Streer, which has quirky decor and a great menu. For a slightly more 'posh' ambience, check out Di Montforte on Liverpool Road, where you'll find fantastic pasta in particular and a great dining experience

For lovers of modern Italian, there is also the newly-opened Jamie's Italian in the Angel Building, St. John Street. Treat your loved on to the incredibly well-cooked dishes, flash new surroundings and authentic Jamie Oliver-esque waiters for a night they won't forget!

Show them you care...

If you're eager to prove just how much you care not only for your partner (or intended!) but for the environment too, there couldn't be a better Valentine's treat than a trip to Waterhouse in nearby Dalston.Sadly, its sister restraurant Acorn House in Kings Cross closed in 2011, but the same amazing sustainable cuisine can be found at Waterhouse.

Everything here is eco-friendly at every level - from the recycled chairs you sit on, to the organic wine and locally-sourced food they serve. The dining experience is intimite without being too formal, and the seasonal menu is of a consistently high standard. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Planet-loving couples should also check out the menu at the Duke of Cambridge - an all-organic pub that really gets the juices flowing.

Spice it up!

While curry is not generally recommended for first dates, more "established" couples tend to worry less about the after effects of a spicy meal. So if you're comfy enough with your partner not to worry about them watching you guzzling saag aloo, why not take advantage of the traditionally less popular option of Indian food this V-day? 

Contrary to popular belief, some believe a spicy meal has aphrodisiac qualities, so this could just provide the kick your relationship needs! We can recommend Parveen and Indean Ocean, Holloway Road, in particular for a romantic encounter, as both serve dishes with a lighter feel to your average curry house. 

Candles & cuddles

If you're an old-fashioned sort and just want the real romantic deal, booking in early to a small resatuarant is the best bet, and we can recommend Fig Bistro as just one such destination. Small, intimite and set in a lovely part of town, it's just the right place to let romance blossom. La Petite Auberge on Upper Street is another venue where getting smoochy is almost guaranteed, and the fancy French food is bound to impress food-loving lovers.