America's Most Romantic Restaurants You Need To Try At Least Once
Don't get us wrong — we love a cozy sweatpants pizza hang. But there's something about a dressed-up night out on the town. The thrill of holding hands across the table, candlelight sparkling in your eyes ... champagne that you could have gotten for $200 less at the store. So where can you get your chocolate soufflé on without a random karaoke night crashing the party? Well, we left a little trail of rose petals leading to the most romantic spots we could find.
Pinky promise these aren't a bunch of stuffy Victorian mansions-turned-restaurants obsessed with high tea service. Or a series of greasy steakhouses gettin' "ruhmantical" with T-bones and margs for two. This is modern American dining: We're dishing up French, snow-line, eastern Mediterranean, concept, northern Italian, California coastal cuisine, and more. From coast to coast (plus Alaska and Hawaii), you're about to get served like royalty.
We tapped fan reviews from across the US to uncover the most loved-up restaurants for anniversaries, engagements, birthdays, and date nights. Our list of must-haves was clear: intimate atmosphere, moody lighting, decadent food, sexy drinks, and special moment energy. (Mini table lamps and violin serenades? Optional.) These aren't Michelin Guide's most romantic restaurants, they're yours. Grab a date and a cocktail at any one of these stunning spots, and your heart will be beating out of your chest like a Looney Tunes cartoon.
Seven Glaciers in Alyeska, Alaska
If you want romance with a chance of snow, this one's for you. Seven Glaciers restaurant at the ski resort on Mount Alyeska invites you and your favorite ski partner to taste the finest flavors of The Last Frontier. Your jaw-dropping appetizer? The unbelievable view.
After riding the tram up the mountain to 2,300 feet (points if you spot a yeti), you'll gaze upon the seven picturesque glaciers that inspired the name. The restaurant is open year-round, but we like the extra cozy factor during the colder months, plus the winter-only chef's tasting menu. Alaskan contemporary offerings might feature fresh oysters, Alaskan salmon, American wagyu, hamachi crudo, Kodiak weathervane scallop bisque with caviar, Alaskan crab cakes, and a cheeky Baked "Alyeska." Seven Glaciers was also hailed for its 700-label wine program via the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards. We'd cheers a Bordeaux to that.
"The dining room was elegant. The service was professional and the food was well worth the money," shared one Yelper. Another festive reveler confirmed, "The wine pairings were perfect...Ambience is romantic." Others noted that they stopped in for fancy birthdays and Valentine's, but it seems that sometimes the most special moment might be unexpected. Having shared a busy tram ride with skiers on the ride up the mountain, one couple posted, "On the way down it was just the two of us which was romantic."
(907) 754-2237
1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, Alaska 99587
La Mer in Honolulu, Hawaii
Hold on to your pool noodles. At the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, world-class French cuisine is best enjoyed by the sea. And the resort's open-air La Mer restaurant (the longest running AAA Five-Diamond restaurant in Hawaii — along with being a Forbes 5-Star restaurant there as well) is just the place to get it. After one bite of the foie gras de canard, you'll be sliding into each other's DMs.
Cheers with a Rêve De Tahiti or Fête Framboise at La Mer's cocktail bar, L'Aperitif, before sitting down at an oceanside table, and letting the sea breeze flirt with your hair. You'll taste local favorites with a tropical flair, influenced by the classic cuisine of the south of France. And heck yeah there's a cheese cart. Choose a wine pairing to accompany your Chilean sea bass, roasted scallops and cuttlefish, poached lobster, or beef filet with truffle mashed potatoes. And don't forget the best part: dessert. Whether it's caramel mousse or honey crème fraîche semifreddo with citrus confit, there's a treat for every sweetie. We'd also happily donate an organ for the Hawaiian vanilla soufflé with caramel and Grand Marnier anglaise sauce.
One fan celebrating an engagement called it (ahem) "orgasmic," adding, "I like the ambiance of La Mer. I like the privacy, the romance, the crazy good service." Another noted that music was kept low enough for intimate conversation, noting, "My favorite table is the one by the window where the two chairs are side by side...and tucked away in the corner."
(808) 923-2311
2199 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Coelette in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Mini. Table. Lamps. And they're nestled inside a beautifully restored historic log cabin, built in 1915. A vintage champagne cabinet, glowing fireplace, soft leather, warm wood, and velvet booths ground the space. It's a town famous for its luxe après-ski scene, but Jackson Hole doesn't get cozier than Coelette.
The menu here is appropriately "snow-line," "western," or "mountain," featuring regional foraged and fermented preparations that feel like the end of a really good hunting day on the '80s computer version of "The Oregon Trail." Humble ingredients go haute cuisine with the addition of chef-driven sauces and surprising pairings. You'll find wild boar, caviar, duck, chicken liver, wild mushrooms, and farro. Along with a strong wine and cocktail offering (one Missoula Sky with lingonberry saffron bourbon, gardenia syrup, lemon, coffee, and bitter brown sugar, please), the desserts will have you handing over the keys to your heart. Buttermilk panna cotta with honey oat crumble comes to mind, just randomly — not like we've been dreaming about it all day or anything.
Happy diners pointed to the "romantic atmosphere," the friendly staff, and the "cozy and quaint yet elevated" space. It's leveled-up dining that you can do in your well-worn, fur-lined boots, centered around food that's gotten as much love as any of us could wish for. It's so good, you might even forget about checking your phone.
(307) 201-5026
85 S King St, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf in Chicago, Illinois
Steakhouse, but make it French (and frisky). Part sultry jazz club, with a sprinkle of Moulin Rouge, even the wedge salad at Bavette's is sexy. It's got a steak knife stabbed through two thick slabs of bacon, draped over crumbled gorgonzola on iceberg lettuce that's dripping with ranch.
Chicago boasts over 1,700 steakhouses (Cubs, Bears, and beef for life). But Bavette's Bar & Boeuf does things a little "bifferently." Michelin Guide noted its "speakeasy ambiance," which tees up a date night where anything can happen. Start things off on the right note with ribeye steak frites cooked to perfection. And don't miss the steakhouse equivalent of "Super Size me," the warm Hokkaido king crab Oscar add-on for any main dish. There's also no better way to say you're in it to win it than with a slice of the decadent, torched lemon meringue pie the size of a human head.
"If great food, romance, and amazing service is your thing, do yourself a favor and go to Bavette's," wrote one steak and oyster fan. Another noted of the dark downstairs bar, "Couples can sit side-by-side to smooch a bit between courses." Not even a bad date could ruin it for someone else who shared, "I was invited here for a date. Loved the atmosphere, the ambiance is romantic with the dimly lit bar. Will be back without the date."
(312) 624-8154
218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, Illinois 60654
Harbor House in Elk, California
Say sayonara to the city, and travel off the beaten path to the devastatingly local, meaningfully foraged, sometimes-you-eat-seaweed-from-the-sea-you-can-see Harbor House restaurant in Mendocino County, California. Boasting two Michelin Stars, with a distinction of sustainability from the Guide, this is one inspired menu that's dressed to impress.
Tucked into the Harbor House Inn, the restaurant is helmed by Chef Matthew Kammerer whose destiny, it seems, is to elevate foliage from the local landscape into something almost unrecognizably chic. Tasting menus might feature red abalone with sea vegetable vinegar, barbequed kohlrabi with Douglas fir and campfire butter, or maitake mushrooms with lace lichen. (Yeah, that stuff that grows on trees.) Even the wine program feels like a work of art. It's as if you're on "Alone," but with friends, eating award-winning twigs, shrooms, and minnows for dinner. It's the perfect secluded culinary adventure for you and your favorite foodie.
One five-star reviewer called it, "The most unreal, romantic getaway I have ever had." Someone else praised the location, posting, "The views are wonderful and you can't find a better romantic setting." While others talked about engagements and anniversaries, one person pointed out that you don't have to sip a tipple to have a good time. She wrote, "The non-alcoholic beverage pairing is super thoughtful, creative, and delicious! I need more 'seaweed chardonnay' in my life ASAP." Who doesn't?
(707) 877-3203
5600 CA-1, Elk, California 95432
Oleana in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Does farm-to-table get you weak in the knees? Well, you're about to taste every delicious bit of it, eastern Mediterranean style. Cambridge favorite, Oleana, blends Middle Eastern flavors with the spices of Turkey and serves up a world tour of tasty treats from the homeland, via the warm, arabesque indoor dining space and (almost)-secret garden patio.
If you're new to the cuisine, the small plates menu even offers a glossary of helpful terms — ok, sorry, we saw "KÜNEFEE ... sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup" and forgot everything we were talking about. Only künefee-ing from now on. Quail kebab, tamarind beef, lamb & sweet potato moussaka, and black lentil kushary rub elbows with an extensive wine, beer, and cocktail list that even ventures into dessert territory, with the sherry, vermouth, and Turkish cold brew Kahve cocktail. But honestly, we'd take one of everything, while lounging at a two-top with our favorite person, with the coconut and passion fruit baked Alaska on its way.
"Lovely staff, cozy, romantic vibe. Insanely tasty food that felt elevated and special without pretension," shared one reviewer. Many called the atmosphere perfect for date night, recommending the garden if you can snag a reservation before it's fully booked. And just in case you were still wondering about the romance factor, this person posted, "The set-up here oozes [romance]. Candles, close seating, dim overhead lights...oh yeah, very romantic." Mkay, buddy, get a room.
(617) 661-0505
134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
The Smokehouse at Antrim 1844 in Taneytown, Maryland
Dip a toe in the mystique of centuries past with a visit to the Antrim 1844 hotel in Taneytown, Maryland. The mansion was built back in '44 and was lovingly renovated into a bed and breakfast 144 years later, in 1988. The historical landmark earned all kinds of praise for its jaw-dropping 15,000-bottle wine cellar and old-fashioned romantic setting.
The in-house restaurant is called The Smokehouse, but there are several New American dining offerings on the property. Once you're there, you can begin an epic culinary adventure, starting with the Le Cadeau wine dinner in the drawing room, a whiskey at Pickwick Pub, or a private dinner and drink pairing in the wine cellar. It's all leather, and luxe spirits, and 19th-century ghosts — and it couldn't get any more exciting. Oh wait — it could. The prix fixe six-course dinner starts with actual hand-passed hors d'oeuvres. And with options like brioche-crusted black cod, house-made cavatelli with venison and beet ragu, or New Frontier coffee braised bison and polenta, you'll hardly have room for the chocolate cake with Bailey's crème anglaise (but you will soldier on. And you'll get the vanilla panna cotta to go).
Reviewers are also swept away by the storybook feel of the place. One wrote of The Smokehouse Restaurant, "We went for Valentine's Day, and it was wonderful." Another shared, "The Smokehouse made this a perfect romantic visit. Oozes with charm and coziness!" Many former visitors also praised the attentive service and special attention to detail (like complimentary dessert and wine for an anniversary).
The Smokehouse Restaurant at Antrim 1844
(410) 756-6812
30 Trevanion Road Taneytown, MD
Casa Tua in Miami, Florida
This isn't your typical scene-y Miami thirst trap. Instead, Casa Tua (Italian for "your home") is designed to feel like a refuge, a relaxed and sophisticated space where you can effortlessly slip in and share a meal. Adding to the atmosphere is a stunning garden that's dripping with tropical Mandevilla plants and strung with warm lanterns.
Cuddle up in the sexy library room or share the love at the chef's table with 20 new friends. Expect to see local ingredients and familiar Italian favorites, like seared octopus, jamón Ibericó, pappardelle bolognese, Mediterranean branzino, and veal Milanese. Those warm lights might look extra glowy after a Casa Tua cocktail, featuring Aperol, Campari, Martini Rosso, muddled orange and lime, and a prosecco float. Order the customer-favorite Tiramisu Casa Tua ahead of time so you don't miss it.
"You can sit on the terrace, hidden from the street by beautiful greenery, your table lit by candles, and above all, [it's] a very delicious dinner," shared one reviewer. Another highlighted the table-side salted branzino presentation, adding, "Since this was a special occasion, the staff laid rose petals on the table, which was a nice romantic touch." The restaurant's motto, "We put our heart first," is one that's experienced by every visitor. This fan confirmed, "Many places try for what Casa Tua has achieved: a beautiful, comfortable/friendly dining room serving the best food and wine around."
(305) 673-1010
1700 James Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139
Three Sisters at Blackberry Mountain in Walland, Tennessee
If you own the Patagonia Nano Puff jacket in every available color, this is fine dining tailored to you. Three Sisters restaurant at Blackberry Mountain luxury resort blends park conservation with culinary inspiration, serving up local, foraged selections that change every day at Chef Joey Edwards' delight. Plus, there's breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you'll never go hungry — no matter when the mood strikes.
While we have definitely fallen in love with the Three Sisters' cheesy English muffin breakfast sandwich, we suggest a sunset seating for the ultimate golden hour vibes. You might find benne seed-crusted salmon with blistered broccolini, or Joyce Farm guinea hen with black truffle and crème anglaise, to your liking. And shared plates like winter citrus salad and celery root gnudi will have you and your dinner date gettin' gnudi in the 'cuzzi. Go with the wine pairing, and share the Strawberry Angel Food Cake with bee balm (a plant from the mint family), whipped mascarpone, and EVOO for dessert.
"Did I say that the food is REALLY good? And wine list, bartenders, sommelier, [and] service at the Three Sisters...[is] amazing," posted a happy customer. And one couple shared, "Three Sisters was probably the most amazing culinary experience we've ever had...unreal!" Plus, it's the only Volunteer State eatery to land on the New York Times' "50 most vibrant and delicious restaurants" roundup back in 2021.
Three Sisters at Blackberry Mountain
(865) 518-0900
Q62P+X6, Walland, Tennessee 37886
The Harvey House in Madison, Wisconsin
Friends, if this isn't love, we don't know what is: The Harvey House smoked kielbasa in a blanket. It's wrapped in pretzel-like brioche, with whole grain mustard jus, and the world's creamiest, gooiest, most orange-iest Wisconsin cheddar melted inside the very middle of it. (Putting the number for reservations on speed dial.)
No one's going to Madison, Wisconsin expecting anything other than authentic Midwest cuisine. But Harvey House elevates those classic favorites so they make sense next to the adult-y Old Fashioned you're drinking. A shrimp cocktail is served with preserved horseradish, chicken schnitzel gets an apple raisin compote, and the baked potato with the works also comes with a black truffle upgrade. Wrap it up in a bow with warm apple crisp and vanilla ice cream, or an espresso martini, depending on where you're headed next. Bistro string lights, candlelit tables, and an old-school bar make this feel like classy comfort.
"My fiancée and I were in Madison this weekend celebrating our anniversary," shared a fan, adding, "The ambiance was elegant yet approachable, and the food was far and away the star of the show." Someone else noted the upscale price point, posting, "Intimate setting and fabulous menu. This might be the most expensive place in Madison to eat but worth it for a special occasion." One reviewer called the smoked kielbasa appetizer a "fancy pig in a blanket" — seems The Harvey House is serving up some delicious nostalgia.
(608) 250-9578
644 W Washington Ave Madison, Wisconsin 53703
The Olde Pink House Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia
For the record, this isn't an 18th-century Victorian mansion. It's an 18th-century Colonial mansion (Architecture nerd alert). And along with fresh baked Southern biscuits, and a custom-crafted Woodford Bourbon Reserve, The Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia is said to be home to a bunch of ghosts: Twelve of them, to be exact — 11 nice ones, one mean one. Like a scary movie, this delicious thriller will have you jumping into each other's laps.
The menu reads like an encyclopedia of inspired Southern cuisine. You'll find everything from fried green tomatoes and cornbread fried oysters, to deep dish chicken pot pie, crispy scored flounder, fried pork chop with pan gravy, and pecan-crusted chicken breast with blackberry bourbon glaze. Comforting sides feature Tillamook cheddar grits, bacon buttermilk whipped potatoes, and crab cakes. And someone in your party is required to order The Olde Pink House "Pink Lady" cocktail with fresh squeezed lemon juice and Atomica raspberry vodka. Them's the rules.
The restaurant is a show-stopper with tourists and Georgians alike. Calling it romantic, one local posted, "First the atmosphere...very relaxed, quiet, and romantic. Next the food...simply outstanding." Another five-star reviewer shared, "Unbelievably romantic! This restaurant blew me away." Save room for the praline basket, pecan pie a la mode, or the chocolate oblivion torte with graham cracker crust. And as always, beware the spooks. One fan recalled, "As a side treat I had a ghost cat rub against my leg."
(912) 232-4286
23 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Parc in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Hoping for the warmly lit vibe of a French bistro in the City of Brotherly Love? Parc restaurant in Philadelphia, PA's got your number. It's unexpectedly French-Philly all the way, serving perfect moules-frites as well as shelling out Parc logo beanies.
Parc is good for a rendezvous any time of day with menus to suit every hour. Weekly specials showcase lobster risotto and coq au vin, with plenty of oysters, crab legs, and shrimp cocktails as sides. Satiate your appetite with steak tartare, escargots, or duck and figs. Favorites might include steak frites, or the scallops provençal, but sometimes the ½ roast chicken just hits right. One dessert in particular strikes our fancy: Vanilla bean crème brûlée. Till death do us part.
While many fans recommended this spot for even a daytime date, one reviewer warned, "This is a great place to come for a romantic brunch and a terrible place to come if you are unclear about your relationship status because...it will only leave you feeling more confused." But someone who leans into labels, shared, "The actual atmosphere was cozy, quiet, and even a little romantic with that Paris feel that you're going for." While trying to hold a conversation amidst the echoey design scheme can be a challenge, you have two choices: Grab the corner seats at the bar, or hold out for warmer weather when outdoor seating opens up again. (Will ya shut up, birds?)
(215) 545-2262
227 S 18th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, D.C.
You should know going into this that Teddy Roosevelt shot the animals whose heads are displayed on the wall. But if really old buildings are your jam, Old Ebbitt Grill in DC will be right up your alley. Despite this being a devastatingly historic landmark (having been founded in the mid-1800s, and established at its current digs in 1983), this east coast American cuisine feels modern and fresh.
From the same people who brought you the no-holds-barred annual Oyster Riot, you'll discover a menu stocked to the gills with all-time favorites. Start off your night with calamari, clam chowder, or oysters Rockefeller, and casually graze your way through filet mignon, burgers, Reubens, and a solid gold raw bar situation. There's also a very intriguing cocktail list, but of course we're getting a dirty martini. And the salted caramel bread pudding.
While you'll definitely run into the DC happy hour crowd, one pair of lovebirds wrote, "[We] would love to come back for the unique atmosphere, excellent customer service, [and] gorgeous food!" The restaurant is also large enough for boisterous groups as well as intimate pairs. One fan posted, "You will love the gas lanterns/sconces and the ambiance is so old world and very romantic."
(202) 347-4800
675 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
natuRe in Waikiki, Hawaii
Some of us prefer a less maximalist approach to romantic dinners. And for the discerning crowd, we bring you natuRe. Let us partake in the tranquil simplicity.
This is Waikiki's ultra French Concept take on farm-to-table cuisine. A six-course tasting menu caters to even the plant-based set, and a la carte offerings satisfy impromptu walk-ins, too. Executive Chef Nae Ogawa aspires to celebrate and conserve Hawaii's bounty, and by all accounts, she's crushing it. Speaking of, grab a seat at the dining table, terrace, bar, or chef's table, and feast on Maui venison, Skipjack tuna with caviar, local burrata, and sweet corn gnocchi with truffle paté. Just blocks from Waikiki Beach, natuRe's warm, chic interior somehow transports you to the heart of the island, and welcomes you as its own.
Also sharing a zen moment, a fan shared, "I took my girlfriend on a date here and it was very romantic. We've been back at least 5 times since and they never disappoint." Someone else posted about the bar seating, adding, "I love the vibe and décor of the restaurant. I also love that you can sit at the bar top where they prepare the food. It is like getting a nice meal and experience all in one." But one reviewer truly hit it on the nose when she posted, "As soon as you step foot into natuRe, you're in for a treat." Isn't that the truth.
(808) 212-9282
413 Seaside Ave #2F, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815