Valentine's Day falls on a Friday this year, which means you've got no excuse not to plan something special. Whether you're looking for fine dining, a cosy pub meal, or something a bit different, Waterlooville has more romantic options than you might expect.
We've done the research — analysed the reviews, checked the menus, and found the spots that'll make your Valentine feel special without having to trek into Portsmouth or Southampton.
🍷 Best Romantic Restaurants in Waterlooville
1. Barnard's Restaurant — The Fine Dining Choice
!Barnard's Restaurant *Barnard's Restaurant - elegant fine dining in Horndean*
📍 1 Barnard's Way, Horndean PO8 0HU
⭐ 4.7/5 (201 reviews)
💰 ££££
If you want to properly impress, Barnard's is Waterlooville's most romantic restaurant. It's the kind of place where they remember your name, the food is exquisite, and the atmosphere is intimate without being stuffy.
The menu changes seasonally, but expect beautifully presented dishes with local ingredients. Reviewers consistently mention the "special occasion" feel — this isn't somewhere you pop in for a quick meal; it's somewhere you *experience*.
Book now. Seriously. Valentine's tables here go fast.
2. Four London Road — The Reliable Favourite
!Four London Road *Four London Road - over 800 glowing reviews*
📍 4 London Road, Horndean PO8 0BZ
⭐ 4.6/5 (805 reviews)
💰 £££
With over 800 five-star reviews, Four London Road has earned its spot as Waterlooville's most-loved restaurant. It strikes that rare balance — special enough for Valentine's, but not so formal that you can't relax.
Pro tip: Ask for a table away from the main door for a quieter evening.
3. Number 73 Bar and Kitchen — The Steakhouse Option
!Number 73 Bar and Kitchen *Number 73 - steaks that rival restaurants charging twice the price*
📍 73 London Road, Waterlooville PO7 7EY
⭐ 4.6/5 (419 reviews)
💰 £££
If your Valentine loves a good steak, Number 73 delivers. Their steaks rival restaurants charging twice the price, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming — think exposed brick, soft lighting, and a proper cocktail menu.
4. DARBAR — The Romantic Indian
📍 20-21 The Precinct, Waterlooville PO7 7DT
⭐ 4.3/5
💰 ££
OpenTable reviewers describe DARBAR as having a "quiet ambience for dinner" and being a "perfect restaurant for a special occasion." If your idea of romance is sharing a lamb biryani by candlelight, this is your spot.
5. The Chairmakers Arms — The Countryside Escape
📍 Oakshott Ln, Hawkley GU33 6LB
⭐ 4.5/5 (612 reviews)
💰 £££
A 15-minute drive from Waterlooville, but worth every mile. The Chairmakers is a proper country pub with roaring fires, excellent food, and the kind of cosy atmosphere that makes you want to stay all evening.
🥂 Romantic Bars & Pubs for Drinks
Don't want a full meal? These spots are perfect for cocktails, wine, or a cosy pint by the fire.
The Bird in Hand
!The Bird in Hand pub *The Bird in Hand - log fires and proper village pub atmosphere*
📍 269 Lovedean Ln, Waterlooville PO8 9RX
⭐ 4.3/5 (1,197 reviews)
Classic country pub with a massive garden and a genuinely romantic feel on winter evenings. Log fires, real ales, and that proper village pub atmosphere.
The Exchange
!The Exchange bar *The Exchange - modern cocktails in a relaxed setting*
📍 Wellington Way, Waterlooville PO7 7EY
⭐ 4.2/5
More modern than the traditional pubs, The Exchange has a decent cocktail menu and a relaxed atmosphere.
🌳 Romantic Date Ideas Beyond Dinner
Sunset Walk at Portsdown Hill
Free, beautiful, and only 10 minutes from Waterlooville. Time your visit for sunset (around 5pm in February) and watch the lights of Portsmouth flicker on below. Bring a flask of something warm.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
If you're both outdoorsy types, a winter walk through QECP is genuinely romantic. 1,400 acres of forest, quieter than summer, and plenty of cosy spots.
💐 Valentine's Day Essentials
- ✓Claire's Floristry — Local florist in Waterlooville, beautiful bouquets
- ✓Angel Cakes — For something sweet (cupcakes make great gifts)
- ✓Hotel Chocolat (Gunwharf) — 20 minutes away, premium chocolates
📅 Valentine's Day 2026: The Essentials
Date: Friday, February 14th
Sunset: 5:08pm
Top tip: Book restaurants NOW. Valentine's on a Friday means everywhere decent will be packed.
The Verdict: Where Should You Go?
- ✓Want to impress? Barnard's Restaurant — proper fine dining
- ✓Playing it safe? Four London Road — 805 reviews can't be wrong
- ✓Love a good steak? Number 73 Bar and Kitchen
- ✓Prefer curry? DARBAR for the romantic atmosphere
- ✓Want an adventure? The Chairmakers Arms (countryside escape)
- ✓On a budget? Sunset walk at Portsdown Hill + pub meal at The Bird in Hand
Whatever you choose, the key is to book early and make an effort. Valentine's Day is one night a year — make it count.
*Happy Valentine's Day, Waterlooville. ❤️*
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