If you’re a sucker for hearing those three little words... ‘shall we share?’, this one’s for you. As far as we’re concerned, few things are more romantic than a) French bistros in London, b) cosy restaurant booths in NYC, or... c) tucking into the same plate as your plus one. On the same page? We’ve rounded up London’s best sharing dishes for two, so you never miss a (heart)beat.
In this article:
1 Upper James St, W1F 9DF
Beef Wellington at Bob Bob Ricard, Soho
Best for: Champagne-fuelled celebrations.
The all-booth restaurant Bob Bob Ricard is where you’ll find the novelty ‘press for Champagne’ button at every table. Push it, and a white-waistcoated waiter whizzes over with another glass of bubbles. It's a match made in date night heaven with the perfectly cooked parcel of beef Wellington to share.
bobbobricard.com
Lobster linguine at Sale e Pepe, Knightsbridge
Best for: a candlelit Italian dinner.
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the Lady and The Tramp’s spaghetti scene, here’s your chance. And even if you haven’t, this candlelit Knightsbridge spot is perfect for date night or a dinner with foodie friends. Things get a little bit saucy – the garlicky, tomatoey kind – as the linguine all’ aragosta is loaded with lobster and swirled tableside.
saleepepe.co.uk
9–15 Pavilion Rd, SW1X 0HD
27 Albemarle St, W1S 4HZ
Tiramisu at Il Gattopardo, Mayfair
Gattopardo translates to ‘leopard’ in Italian, so you'll spot lots of motifs dotted around this retro restaurant. But the one we're really here for is the massive tray of tiramisu, finished with the outline of the feline. Sweet tooths should save room for this one – but don’t be surprised if you fight like cats and dogs for the last spoon.
gattopardo.restaurant
Spicy rigatoni vodka at CARBONE London, Mayfair
Best for: viral, velvety pasta.
NYC’s CARBONE has recently hopped across the pond to London, taking a leap with its famous spicy rigatoni vodka in tow. This dimly lit spot dishes out chunky, slightly curly pasta designed for sharing, perfectly shaped to catch every last drop of the creamy sauce. Top tip: pair it with the off-the-menu Mario’s meatballs for the full experience.
carbonelondon.com
The Chancery Rosewood, 30 Grosvenor Sq, W1K 2LG
Claridge’s, Brook Street, W1K 4HR
Lobster Wellington at Claridge’s, Mayfair
Those with a soft spot for seafood will love getting their claws on the world’s first-ever lobster Wellington. Warning: vegetarians should avert their eyes: the extra-special sharing dish looks as though Medusa froze a full-size lobster in a glossy, golden pastry, presented on a silver platter.
claridges.co.uk
Mafaldine al tartufo at Jacuzzi, Kensington
Best for: larger-than-life portions.
If it’s theatre you want, it’s theatre you’ll get at this over-the-top Italian in South Ken. You only have to look at its larger-than-life portions to see why. Exhibit A: the photogenic, tentacle-shaped truffle pasta for two, twirled tableside inside a large pecorino wheel and showered with generous shavings of fresh black truffle.
bigmammagroup.com
94 Kensington High St, W8 4SJ
41–43 Mount St, W1K 2RX
Lobster pie at Mount St. Restaurant, Mayfair
Best for: sharing plates quite literally fit for royalty.
Painting one of Mayfair's best restaurants by numbers requires factoring in its £50 million art collection. It's fitting, then, that the lobster pie is its own work of art. Ordered by the King when he dined here, it’s crowned with a thick, golden-brown crust, from which the head of a lobster breaches the surface.
mountstrestaurant.com
Apple tart tatin at Bistro Sablé, Islington
Best for: French date nights done right.
Bistro Sablé’s version of tart tatin sees chunky, juicy caramelised apple fanned across a perfectly flaky pastry base. It’s for sharing between two, but there’s plenty to go around for three or even four… It’s the whole tart, after all. Dollop two spoonfuls of crème fraiche on the side and pair it with an aperitif in the form of the restaurant’s signature Negroni or a vin moelleux. Délicieux.
bistrosable.co.uk
