Looking for somewhere special for date night? Here’s my edit of the most romantic restaurants in Derbyshire. There are plenty of traditional, candle lit restaurants, but I’ve not restricted it to restaurants that meet that ‘conventional’ notion of romance so hopefully there are plenty of options to suit everyone.
Everywhere I’ve recommended would be a great option for Valentine’s Day (although some are not open on the day itself), but are equally lovely all year round. Updated February 2024.
Everywhere here is included purely on merit, but [AD] at the start of each listing indicates I’ve received some sort of discount, a PR invite or paid advertising from this establishment.
Romantic restaurants in Derby
Darleys, Darley Abbey
Darleys is set in a beautiful location next to the river. I haven’t visited since it changed hands, but given it’s the only restaurant in Derby listed in the Michelin Guide, it’s a safe bet.
Lorentes, Darley Abbey
Superlative Spanish tapas in the gorgeous riverside setting of the Darley Abbey Mills complex.
Romantic restaurants in Chesterfield
Bottle & Thyme
Bottle & Thyme is one of the restaurants that might not be seen as a traditional choice for a romantic dinner. There’s more of a hipster vibe. But if a botanical cocktail and a small plates menu floats your boat I promise you will be in heaven. It’s also in Chesterfield town centre if you wanted to make a full night out of it.
Lombardi’s
Again, probably not a conventional choice for a romantic meal, but my husband and I have had some lovely meals here over the years. It’s a fairly traditional, bustling Italian. It’s proudly family run and the food is every bit as good as you’d expect. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like Italian food so it’s a safe bet for a date if you’re in those early stages and want somewhere nice but maybe not hearts and flowers overboard.
One little point – we often find our table isn’t quite ready for whatever time we book. So just go with that in mind and be prepared to enjoy a drink at the bar.
Just as gorgeous inside, but further from the town centre, I’d also recommend Sicily Restaurant in Chesterfield for a relaxed, romantic meal.
Cocina at the Casa hotel
[AD] We recently had a really lovely date night at Cocina at the Casa. We dined on a Saturday night and there was a great buzzy atmosphere. Much of the food is sourced locally from the owner’s farm – and is delicious. There’s also the option of starting/ending at Barca Bar downstairs which does sublime cocktails and an authentic tapas menu.
Photo credit: One of my favourite food bloggers, @nomnomnom_deplume
The Hunloke Arms, Wingerworth
The new Orchard Restaurant at the Hunloke Arms is seriously stunning. Or downstairs the pub has a lovely, deconstructed, cosy feel. I love that you can choose which room your table will be in when you book online. The food is gastro pub style plus wood fired pizzas, bao buns etc. Read my previous review here.
The Red Lion Peak Edge Hotel
[AD] The Red Lion at the Peak Edge Hotel is a great option for a romantic evening. There’s an expansive, yet cosy, bar area and the restaurant is good. Read my recent review.
Bulls Head, Holymoorside
[AD] If you’re out to impress your date with some seriously good food, book a table in the restaurant at the Bulls Head in Holymoorside. I honestly think this is the best high end food in Chesterfield at the moment. Michelin trained, Chef Owner Mark Aisthorpe’s current a la carte menu is insanely good. Produce is locally sourced (some of the meat even shot and butchered by Aisthorpe himself). I visited just before Christmas and was blown away by the quality of the food. The venison in particular was incredible. [AD – previous invite, no obligation to include here]
Other romantic restaurants to try in Chesterfield:
The Tickled Trout in Barlow which is a consistently great gastro pub. Somewhere that is often recommended to me, and has rave reviews on TripAdvisor is the Old Post, Chesterfield for divine food and a cosy feel. I haven’t been yet – but it’s firmly on the list!
Click here for my insider guide to the best places to eat in Chesterfield
Romantic restaurants in the Peak District
Rutland Arms, Bakewell
We recently stayed and dined at the Rutland Arms in Bakewell town centre. Their lovely eatery definitely deserves a mention as a romantic option. There’s flattering mood lighting, comfy armchair seating and the tables are well spaced out. The food’s great, as is the wine and service. Whilst it ticks all my boxes for a romantic venue, it’s all done in a very contemporary, understated way, so would work well during an early date venue.
The Maynard, Grindleford
[AD] Gorgeous boutique hotel with a brilliant restaurant and cosy bar area. Service is spot on, and one of the best wine lists around. Read my review of the new menu at The Maynard.
I also hear great things about The Old Hall in Chinley, an historic building with insanely good food and open fires
Fine dining restaurants in the Peak District
[AD] Fischer’s at Baslow Hall is my current favourite for a special treat. Every single morsel of food presented by Head Chef Adam Thackeray and his team was incredibly good, service is exceptional and the secluded setting ticks all the boxes for a romantic weekend away.
[AD] Similarly, The Peacock at Rowsley offers well executed fine dining and some beautiful rooms in an impossibly romantic, historic setting that would make a wonderfully romantic stay.
Lovage in Bakewell has a really exciting menu and would be the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two. The restaurant is chic in a casual, contemporary way and the service is impeccable.
[AD] I haven’t yet had the pleasure of dining at the Cavendish Hotel in Baslow but based on my recent experience of afternoon tea there, this would be high on my list for a decadent date night. Similarly, I’ve only sampled the afternoon tea so far, but Rafters at Riverside House would be a gorgeously romantic getaway.
Quirkily romantic in the Peak District
Curry Cottage at Lovers Leap, Hope Valley
If you’re looking for somewhere just a little bit out of the ordinary, Curry Cottage is a much loved Indian restaurant. Not only is it situated in the stunning Lovers Leap, but they also have a little cave area for a really special, intimate meal (request when booking). Note no alcohol is sold, but you are welcome to bring your own wine with no corkage charge. I’ve not been here myself yet but the Trip Advisor reviews are impressive.
Romantic restaurants in the Derbyshire Dales
Stones, Matlock
It is a long time since I have dined at Stones, but it was a truly memorable meal. The food here is incredible, and it has all the loveliness of fine dining without feeling stuffy or overly pretentious. I have just been looking at the menus and would honestly struggle to pick since everything sounds so appealing. There’s also a bespoke vegetarian offering.
Armando’s at The Talbot, Belper
Another place that I haven’t been to since moving to Chesterfield, but I hear it’s still every bit as good. A cosy, traditional Italian restaurant, perfect for an intimate meal for two!
If you’re looking for specific Valentine’s menus, head here.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this round up of my recommendations of the most romantic restaurants in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
3 replies on “Romantic Restaurants in Derbyshire and the Peak District”
I remember a particularly good meal at Nonno’s in Belper when we lived over near Eastwood.
Oooh yes – up behind that car park opposite the Ritz cinema?
Yep, think we ate there because we were going to the cinema