Kitty Fisher's - Mayfair, London

Named for a famous 19th century courtesan, Kitty Fisher's is a bit of a flirt, evincing a culinary coquetry that got London's food press quite hot under the collar when it first opened its doors in 2015. Opened by three friends - Oliver Milburn, Tom Mullion and Tim Steele - who later went on to open the similarly sexily inspired Cora Pearl in Covent Garden - Kitty Fisher's still has all of its original wiles, and some excellent cuisine besides.

The dining room is jewelbox small and fosters an elegant intimacy. Illumination is provided by gilt, crystal pendant lighting and fin-de-siecle scarlet-shaded wall sconces that bring to mind unsavoury if quite classy boites. Dusty rose banquettes play off darkwood tables and chairs and slate grey walls, with occasional alcoves containing golden chalices or lit candles. There's an excellent array of artworks and winning floral displays. In short, it's a very romantic space, one that is sure to stack the deck in favour of a successful date night. 

An ice cold martini provided a full spiritual reset before the food began to arrive. Snacks of bream tartare and apple as well as Welsh rarebit were exceptionally executed and piqued the appetite. This was followed by excellent starters, we were torn between which was better: beetroot with Dorstone goat's cheese and walnut ketchup or smoked eel with parsley risotto and egg yolk. Monkfish with aubergine and tomato put the meaty fish on display in all its glory, while Iberico presa complemented the flavour-seamed pork with candied fennel and peach. 

Kitty Fisher's remains one of Mayfair's most intimate, romantic spots. Factoring in the food and wine offering, it flirts with date night perfection.