The Top 5 Locations in London For Your Partner's First Meeting With Your Parents

The first meeting between your partner and your parents can be a source for anxiety, but it need not be... you just need to find the perfect setting, and the conversation will be flowing!

  • Life as a couple
  • Recomendations
  • City
  • Greater London

When your partner meets your parents for the first time, you want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible! The first meeting is often a source for nerves and anticipation for both parties, and, as the go-between, you can’t help but worry! Will he/she like them? Will they like him/her? All you can hope for is that your partner can see how great your family is, and that they see your partner is just as fab as you have made them out to be!

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Mastering these first meetings seems like a fine art, but it doesn’t have to be. Striking the mood with the right setting is a great way of helping things along. Great food and conversation is a fail-safe method of ensuring that this first meeting goes as smoothly as possible, and we at Zankyou are here to help!

Mildred'sLearn more about “Mildred's”
Photo: Mildred’s Restaurant

It is important to strike the perfect tone for the occasion. Quiet or busy, relaxed or fancy, you need to think about the vibe of the place to ensure that everyone enjoys the evening as much as possible! Mildred’s is a great option if you’re looking for a relaxed, easy-going vibe. Specialising in vegan and vegetarian food, Mildred’s is a Soho staple with a great atmosphere and cocktails which are sure to get the conversation flowing! With everyone trying to get a piece of the action, this place gets busy fast, so we recommend getting there early to avoid disappointment – and we know you wouldn’t want to miss out on this delicious menu! (Note that these guys have a no booking policy – we did say they were easy going!). A main dish will set you back around £12, with cocktails priced around £7.50! Great food, great atmosphere and a great price, there’s not much to dislike about this place.

Mildred'sLearn more about “Mildred's”
Photo: Mildred’s Restaurant

Similarly, if you’re looking for somewhere relaxed and non-fussed, NOPI is a chic, all-day cafe that boasts flavours inspired from around North Africa and the Middle East. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Nopi is a truly delicious option for those wanting to be a little more flexible. The flagship branch on Warwick Street offers diners the choice of a relaxed or more formal atmosphere with a choice of two floors which cater for both dining styles. With rave reviews and delicious food, NOPI is the ultimate place to offer you a range of dining options to strike the perfect atmospheric tone!

NOPILearn more about “NOPI”
Photo: NOPI
NOPILearn more about “NOPI”
Photo: NOPI – John Carey

If you think that something a little more exciting is the secret to a good first meeting, try Sushisamba. This place is best experienced at night time and offers a blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisines. Located in Bishopsgate, this place gives you access to unparalleled, 360 degree views of the London from the 39th floor. In the evening, the lights and the atmosphere offer a truly intimate experience. With mains priced around £12-17, Sushisamba will offer you a night of fine dining and an unforgettable experience, with terraces that allow you to sip your cocktails outdoors and under the stars. An evening like this is a great way to introduce your partner to your parents with excellent cuisine and views guaranteed to get the conversation flowing. We are excited to experience the new branch on its way to Covent Garden as well!

SushisambaLearn more about “Sushisamba”
Photo: Sushisamba
SushisambaLearn more about “Sushisamba”
Photo: Sushisamba

Another choice we think you will love is Gymkhana. Located in Albemarle Street, Mayfair, the restaurant is “inspired by Indian gymkhana clubs, where members of high society socialise, dine, drink and play sport”, and it was also awarded a Michelin Star in 2014 – sounds very tempting indeed. With a whopping 14 menus to choose from, there will be something for everyone to enjoy at this place. With Christmas on its way, Gymkhana offers both Christmas and New Years Eve menus to enjoy, and with everyone in the festive spirit, there is no time like the present to hold the first meeting! Friendly staff, delicious food and a great atmosphere, although a more expensive option, Gymkhana is described by many as one of the best Indian restaurants in London.

GymkhanaLearn more about “Gymkhana”
Photo: Gymkhana
GymkhanaLearn more about “Gymkhana”
Photo: Gymkhana

However, something completely unique and a guaranteed exciting experience is the Dans le Noir restaurant in Clerkenwell. If you’ve ever seen the film About Time, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Described as a “unique human and sensory experience”, this restaurant will get you talking! Dining in complete darkness is an experience that you must try at least once, and not to mention a great ice breaker. The food is a surprise once you choose from one of the four menus, and nothing quite prepares you for how much of a sensory experience it will be! Being such a popular choice due to its unique premise, make sure you book in advance. The packages they offer are priced between £46 and £99, so expect a fancy affair – this is an occasion to splash out, and a great story to tell afterwards!

Dans le NoirLearn more about “Dans le Noir”
Photo: Dans Le Noir

These restaurants promise to help break the ice with such delicious food, atmospheres and friendly staff – it is sure to be an event to remember. Although, we are quite sure that even without their help, your parents and your partner will get on just fine, though there’s nothing like a good first meeting in the ideal location to kick things off!

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