Soho is the obvious play. This is for when you want to show you know London beyond the obvious. South Bank to Farringdon — a route that says "I actually thought about this."
Start with St Paul's Cathedral lit up in front of you and a cocktail in hand. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is excellent for sharing, and the setting is romantic without being try-hard. First-date nervous energy dissolves immediately with this view.
Walk to Shoreditch for the best barbecue in London. The 35-day brisket is smoked for 16 hours and it shows. Share everything — the sides are as good as the mains. The industrial-chic space feels cool without being cold.
End underground in Shoreditch's best jazz bar. Cocktails arrive with smoke, fire, and theater. Live music from the tiny stage fills the room. It's intimate, impressive, and the kind of place that turns a good date into a great one.