It’s that time of year again! Valentine’s Day arrives on February 14th and it’s time to start booking in your restaurant for the evening. If you are looking for something culturally stimulating this year, check out our top 5 restaurants in London we believe will spice up your night. All the restaurants offer to stimulate your senses through the food and ambience that represent their cultures.

Shaka Zulu

• Style: South African
• Address: Stables Market, Camden, London, NW1 8AB
• Tel: 0207 428 4922
• Website: http://www.shaka-zulu.com/
• Valentine’s Deals: none
• About: London’s largest South African restaurant opened in August 2010 with a special royal blessing from the Zulu King, HRH Goodwill Zwelithini.
• Set over 27,000 sq ft in The Stables Market, Camden the restaurant boasts carved wooden murals covering every inch of Shaka Zulu’s walls and ceiling. On the lower floor they have a display of 20ft high warrior statues. The main A La Carte restaurant is located on the lower level and features open flame grills and offers diverse cuisine from all parts of South Africa showcasing the originality and flair of the culture. They also serve game meats, such as Kudu, Ostrich and Springbok from Namibia!
• Value: £20-£40 per head

Pearl Liang

• Style: Chinese
• Address: 8 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London, W2 6EZ
• Tel: 0207 289 7000
• Website: http://www.pearlliang.co.uk/
• Valentine’s Deals: none
• About: Pearl Liang is an up-market,  stylish, Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Paddington.The surroundings find the right balance modern and Oriental through the use of water features, bamboo and a full room-length painting of Chinese blossom branches. Pearl Liang’s menu is rooted in Cantonese cuisine, although you’ll find chicken satay and Thai green curry too.
• Value: £20-£40 per head#

Cah Chi

• Style: Korean
• Address: 34 Durham Road SW20 0TW
• Tel: 0208 947 1081
• Website: http://www.cahchi.com/
• Valentine’s Deals: none
• About: Time Out call Cah Chi “the jewel in the crown of south-west London’s Korean restaurant scene”.  The mix of incredible food, relaxed atmosphere and attentive staff make this a favourite even amongst Koreans themselves.You can try the classics of Korean cuisine with everything available from kimchi to offal to seafood stew! There is a BYO wine policy too although Korean wine and beer, soju and saké are also available.
• Value: £20-£30 per head

Masa

• Style: Afghan
• Address: 24-26 Headstone Drive, HA3 5QH
• Tel: 0208 861 6213
• Website: none
• Valentine’s Special: none
• About: Maybe not the most glamorous of locations but a hidden jewel for sure. You will be greeted by a spectacular chandelier, wooden furniture and artwork on walls that entice you in.
• Afghani food is a not well know but delicious. A blend of Arab, Iranian and Indian cuisines you’ll dine well on rice, kebabs, curries and mango lassis.  If you fancy some of the uniquely Afghan dishes don’t be afraid to ask for help! It’s not licensed so you can take your own.
• Value: £15-£25 per head

Santa Maria del Sur

• Style: Argentine
• Address: 129 Queenstown Road, SW8 3RH
• Tel: 0207 622 2088
• Website: http://www.santamariadelsur.co.uk/
• Valentine’s Special: £30 3-course special (see website)
• About: If you are a vegetarian, this may not be the place for you. A traditional Argentine affair involves meat, and lots of it! Opened in 2006 Santa Maria del Sur specialise in Argentine steaks. It has a good selection of wines from Mendoza and there are options for vegetarians as well as fish. For a taste of gaucho culture this is the place to come.
• Value: £20-£40 per head

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