Best romantic restaurants in America for Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Restaurants of the Year celebrates standout dining across US for 2026
USA TODAY’s Restaurants of the Year spotlights top dining destinations across America for 2026, from roadside gems to chef-driven hotspots. See the list Feb. 11.
Valentine’s Day is, of course, one of the most popular times of year for a romantic dinner — and notoriously one of the most difficult nights to land a reservation — but the right restaurant can make any night feel special.
From standout steakhouses and local hidden gems to rooftop lounges and chef-driven tasting counters, romantic restaurants come in many forms.
Across the country, local dining experts from the USA TODAY Network highlighted spots that set the stage for memorable date nights, anniversary dinners and milestone celebrations.
Some offer sweeping waterfront views, others cozy corners made for lingering conversations, but all pair superb food with intimate ambiance.
Whether Feb. 14 or a spontaneous night out, these restaurants prove romance is always on the menu across the U.S.
Central | Montgomery, Alabama
Details: 129 Coosa St., Montgomery; 334-517-1155; central129coosa.com
Where to eat in Montgomery on Valentine’s Day
Need a place to dine with your special someone in Montgomery for Valentine’s Day? We have 6 suggestions courtesy of users from the social media group Lunch in the Gump.
One of Montgomery’s most intimate downtown fine dining experiences is Central, and it’s a journey of flavor perfect for a romantic outing. Warm up your appetite with wine in this sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Start the meal with a special Valentine menu’s braised pork and apple ravioli. Then it’s time for the flower of an entree, butter poached lobster with rose infused tagliatelle. Cap it off with a multi-layered crimson red velvet snack for dessert. Valentine’s Day or not, Central is always in demand for dining in. Get reservations as early as possible. — Shannon Heupel, Montgomery Advertiser
More romantic restaurants in Montgomery
Christopher’s | Phoenix, Arizona
Details: 2501 E. Telawa Trail; 602-522-2344, wrigleymansion.com/christophers.
Christopher’s at the historic Wrigley Mansion is a classical French training-meets-modern presentation kind of fine dining establishment. Chef Christopher Gross has wowed many critics over the years, and he has the accolades to prove it — from a James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest in 1995 to 18 points from Gayot to this year’s Antonin Careme Medal, which places him among the greats like Julia Child and Walter Roth. Dining at his namesake restaurant is an opulent experience from the glass-enclosed dining room with unobstructed views of the city to the flawless preparation of inventive dishes to the creative presentations (an amuse bouche on a sculpted hand), especially when it comes to the eight-course tasting menu. Bahar Anooshar, Arizona Republic
Double Date | Rancho Mirage, California
Details: 41-000 Bob Hope Dr.; 760-836-3112, omnihotels.com/hotels/palm-springs-rancho-las-palmas/dining/
What’s better than a date? How about a double date? While Double Date’s luxurious interior is perfect for a classic dinner date, the menu is also inspired by dates, the sweet fruit grown locally. Combining regional ingredients with Italian cuisine, the restaurant brings a fusion of flavor to the Coachella Valley. The ambiance inside the hotel evokes classic California, perfect for a quiet night with someone special. — Sam Morgen Palm Springs Desert Sun
Sunset Lounge | Fort Collins, Colorado
Details: 111 Chestnut St.; 970-999-3494, theelizabethcolorado.com/dine/sunset-lounge
Watching the sun dip behind the mountains is a moment made for sharing, and Sunset Lounge atop The Elizabeth Hotel offers some of the best views with a sophisticated, romantic vibe. Perfect for golden hour, you’ll want to dress a little more elegantly, sip something special and slow down while taking in the scenery. The space itself feels intimate and refined, with thoughtfully crafted cocktails and small snack pairings. For Valentine’s Day, the chocolate infusion flight or sunset cheese flight fit the occasion. Cocktails feature vibrant flavor profiles and playful names like “The Last Dance” and “A Night in Tunisia,” — ideal for toasting to a special evening together. — Abigail Flores-Johnson Fort Collins Coloradoan
Le Cavalier, Wilmington, Delaware
Details: 42 W. 11th St., Wilmington; (302) 594-3154; lecavalierde.com
Elegance defines this upscale restaurant inside the Hotel du Pont, the same hotel that was ranked the seventh most beautiful in a 2025 study by Level Frames. Decorated with warm lighting, Spanish chandeliers and smoky wood panels, Le Cavalier serves a French-themed menu with tasty options from breakfast to dessert. Le Cavalier is French for “the horseman” and the name is a tribute to the du Pont family’s equestrian roots, and the popularity of horse riding in the Brandywine River Valley. — Andre Lamar, Delaware News Journal
Black Radish, Tallahassee, Florida
Details: 1304 N. Monroe St.,; 850-825-1973; blackradishtlh.comWhile Florida is better known for its waterfront romantic dining destinations, there’s a gem tucked away in the state’s capital that charms and delights without a beachy view, ideal for those seeking a plant-based eatery that doesn’t disappoint.
Black Radish, a fine-dining, vegetable-focused restaurant on Tallahassee’s North Monroe Street, makes every visit feel like the first time — perfect for a date night meant to feel like the first.
Popular dishes include the french-style tabbouleh salad, ricotta gnocchi with butternut squash cream and fried tofu lettuce wraps. Does your special someone think a romantic date requires meat? Treat them to the steak frites featuring a 24-ounce bone-in ribeye — and be sure to save room for dessert. ― Kyla Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Longboat Key, Florida
Details: 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive; 941-383-0102; drydockwaterfrontgrill.com
For a special-occasion meal with a built-in Florida postcard view, it’s tough to top Dry Dock on Longboat Key, known for white-sand beaches and luxurious homes overlooking the Gulf. The island’s longtime waterfront favorite pairs some of the region’s best seafood with sweeping Sarasota Bay scenery — and yes, dolphin sightings do happen — whether you snag a coveted window seat or one of the outdoor tables right along the water.
Even without a front-row perch, the restaurant, open since 1989, delivers a romantic Old Florida ambiance and views that match the kitchen’s deftly prepared dishes. Standouts include bacon-wrapped scallops, citrus grouper and fresh local red snapper when available. Basically, the kind of place that reminds you why pairing fresh seafood with waterfront views is always special, especially in the Sunshine State’s balmy winter climate. — Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Emelina, West Palm Beach, Florida
Details: 424 Park Place; emelinawpb.com
Where do foodies in Florida’s glamorous Palm Beach County go for date night? Emelina offers a truly intimate setting for a romantic night out. Most seats wrap the chef’s counter, where the proximity to the kitchen gives dinner an immersive, almost behind-the-scenes dinner party feel. Two small tables for two provide a more private perch. Soft lighting and exquisite, understated design set a calm tone. Husband-and-wife chefs Osmel González and Camila Salazar previously earned a Michelin Star for their Miami pop-up, EntreNos, and their 10-course tasting menu here reflects the same precision and intention. Each dish presents high-end Cuban cooking through a lens of possibility shaped by heritage, imagination and global training at top kitchens around the world. — Diana Biederman, The Palm Beach Post
Details: 1031 E. 54th St., Indianapolis, Ind., 317-259-9412, mamacarollas.com
Nestled into a 1920s stucco house that conveniently resembles a Tuscan villa, Mama Carolla’s in Indianapolis has set the stage for countless first dates and Valentine’s Day dinners over the years as well as hundreds of proposals. The red sauce-heavy menu and intimate atmosphere feel a bit like everyone’s favorite Italian restaurant blended into one, and in a way, Mama Carolla’s is just that. Founder Carole Leuer, a woman of Irish rather than Italian heritage, formed the vision for the eatery in 1997 by modeling it after the Italian restaurants she grew up with in, of all places, Nebraska. Mama’s may not be what you’d call traditional, but that hasn’t stopped it from drawing friends, families and lovebirds alike night after night to share quiet conversations over house-made pasta and mercifully inexpensive glasses of wine. — Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star
Claude | Iowa City, Iowa
Details: 215 N. Linn St., Iowa City, Iowa, claudeic.com.
Claude is the newest restaurant to open in Iowa City’s northside neighborhood. Housed in a charming, restored 1870s building, the intimate French-inspired cocktail lounge and bistro transports guests to a speakeasy atmosphere evocative of early 20th-century Parisian cafes, serving curated small plates, craft cocktails, and a wide selection of wines and Champagnes. — Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen
Aposto at the Scala House | Des Moines, Iowa
Details: 644 18th St., Des Moines, 515-244‑1353, apostodm.com
Aposto is one of Des Moines’ most romantic settings — a Victorian mansion turned intimate dining destination. Candlelight, historic architecture, and thoughtfully curated Italian-inspired cuisine make it ideal for couples who want a slow, transportive evening. Handmade pasta is the star here, crafted daily and perfect for sharing. Seasonal menus keep every visit fresh, while the ambiance — elegant, warm and steeped in character — elevates even simple moments. Order Nanee’s polenta cakes with a hearty sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy; a seasonal gnocchi, currently with acorn squash and local mushrooms; or osso buco, perfect to share. — Susan Stapleton, The Des Moines Register
M. Peppers, Louisville, Kentucky
Details: 1306 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Ky., 502-963-5091, mpeppers.com
With red cushion seating, sconces, and a mix of French poster art and Kentucky-themed pieces covering the walls, you’ll get your fancy fix at M. Peppers, a buzzy French bistro in Louisville’s bustling Highlands neighborhood. You’ll also feel like you’re dining in a hidden corner of the coolest living room on the block. Fried cornichons, the fancy version of fried pickles, are served in a silver bowl alongside other appetizer options such as French onion fondue and escargot. The menu also features Parisian gnocchi, three types of steak frites, and beef bourguignon. If your celebration here is also a family affair, M. Peppers has room for a small kids menu, a nod to the fact that this place really strives to be a neighborhood restaurant. — Amanda Hancock, The Courier Journal
The West End | Hyannis, Massachusetts
Details: 20 Scudder Avenue, 508-775-7677, westendhyannis.com
Whether your date is looking for an entrée on the fancier side or prefers a comfort-food favorite, The West End’s menu has what owners Jen Villa and Blane Toedt call “something for everyone.” Filet mignon, duck, rigatoni bolognese and chicken parmesan are all available. There are also burgers, flatbread pizza and a kid’s menu. “It’s a really fun, exciting menu that takes you through different tours of styles of food,” says Villa. The West End is also known for its caviar. “It’s not on the menu but run as a verbal (offering) daily,” says Toedt. — Jason Savio, Cape Cod Times
Cafe Cortina, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Details: 30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI; 248-474-3033 or cafecortina.com
“Inspired in Italy, Made in Michigan” is the motto for Cafe Cortina, where chef Ernesto Antopia crafts a menu rooted in authentic Italian dishes, including a selection of pasta dishes, plus beef, poultry and fish. In the summer months, it’s known for its beautiful outdoor patio and chef’s garden, which provides the inspiration for the restaurant’s garden-to-table approach on the site of a former apple orchard. This year, Café Cortina is celebrating its 50th Anniversary titled “A Timeless Table.” A year-long tribute is taking place celebrating its “culinary excellence, family legacy, and community connection” with a selection of special programming and dinners. — Susan Selasky, The Detroit Free Press
The Gables Historic Inn & Restaurant, Beach Haven, New Jersey
Details: 212 Centre St.; 609-492-3553, gableslbi.com
The restaurant at The Gables, said to be one of New Jersey’s most romantic, is closed in winter but makes an exception for Valentine’s Day weekend. Tucked inside a Victorian-style inn built in the late 1800s, The Gables is elegant, intimate and warm. Diners enjoy a three-course prix fix menu that changes daily, either in a cozy dining room with a fireplace, where wall-mounted mirrors reflecting candelightt. Dishes include lobster bisque, grilled Spanish octopus, roasted salmon tikka masala, and filet mignon with foie gras butter, with pecan pie cheesecake and orange posset for dessert. If you visit when the weather is warm, pair dinner with a stroll on the beach for a perfect evening. — Sarah Griesemer, Asbury Park Press
Andre’s Lakeside Dining, Sparta, New Jersey
Details: 112 Tomahawk Trail; 973-726-6000, andreslakeside.com.
Next on our list of top date spots is a cherished Sparta landmark that’s not only one of the most romantic restaurants in the state, but one of the best restaurants in the state overall. Called Andre’s Lakeside Dining, the beloved waterfront eatery is home to breathtaking views – unique to the meadow-reminiscent forest in which it’s tucked – and incredible fare. Order the truffle cream-topped tagliatelle or a delicate crudo and be impressed by seasonally-inspired eats that are as delightful as the outdoor scenery against which they’re served. Spring for a dessert, and watch the sun set slowly over a frosty, February lake (don’t worry, the indoor dining room will keep you warm). Cozy decor, convivial service and a chef whose humble nature ironically made him a local star; every aspect of the picturesque restaurant is exceptional. — Kara VanDooijeweert, The Record
Harvest on Hudson | Hastings-on-Hudson, New York
Details: 1 River St., Hastings-On-Hudson, 914-478-2800, harvesthudson.com
Rustic elegance defines Harvest on Hudson in Hastings — and that’s exactly what makes this Italian American restaurant such an enduring date-night favorite. At 28-years-young, this waterfront eatery, designed to evoke a Tuscan farmhouse, offers something for everyone, with a timeless charm that continues to feel effortlessly magical. With its prime Hudson River setting, the restaurant shines in every season – from fireside dining in winter to a vibrant garden and greenhouse in spring and summer, capped off by fall’s spectacular foliage. That same all-occasion appeal carries through to the menu, which ranges from a casual burger and beer (or brick-oven pizza) to an elegant five-course tasting paired with wine.If that’s not seductive enough: In-season herbs and vegetables come straight from the restaurant’s own garden, plus there’s an outdoor fireplace that all but begs you to snuggle. — Jeanne Muchnick, The Journal News
Patron Saint | Rochester, New York
Details: 260 East Broad St.; 585-270-5918, patronsaintsteak.com.
Patron Saint, a swanky steakhouse at 260 E. Broad St. downtown, is eye-catching and lush, decorated in a deep blue-green with raspberry accents. Floor-to-ceiling windows, curved doorways, moody lighting and luxe carpeting all add to the ambiance. The restaurant comprises a large bar as well as two dining rooms divided by a glassed-enclosed wine cellar. The main dining room centers on a dramatically lit olive tree surrounded by four curved banquettes; intimate booths and banquettes line the walls. The menu brings classic steakhouse dishes served with indulgence and flair. — Tracy Schuhmacher, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Wildwood Still | Asheville, North Carolina
Details: 61 Biltmore Ave. on the seventh floor of the Moxy Hotel; 828-949-0191; wildwoodstill.com
The rooftop restaurant offers a 180-degree view of the city and mountainous landscape through its wraparound glass walls, and its glass-paneled ceiling enhances the al fresco-inspired dining experience. Wildwood Still offers Asian-inspired cuisine and drinks, with Appalachian influences and farm-fresh ingredients featured across its small plates, entrées, desserts and cocktails. The robata grill allows the restaurant to pay homage to a centuries-old Japanese style of fireside cooking, with a menu featuring dishes like the locally sourced Smoked Tea Mars Hill Mushrooms prepared with black tea gel, charred horseradish aioli, puffed rice furikake and Thai basil. The bar stocks more than 150 whiskeys and bourbons. ― Tiana Kennell, Asheville Citizen Times
More romantic restaurants in Ashville
Caprice Bistro | Wilmington, North Carolina
Details: 10 Market St.; 910-815-0810; capricebistro.com
This restaurant is a bit of a love story in itself. Two married, lifelong, French trained hospitality professionals opened this eatery in a historic building in downtown Wilmington 25 years ago. Although they have since retired, another married couple has taken over the restaurant and have maintained the classic French menu and charming ambiance. Choose a seat in the downstairs bistro, maybe the coveted window seat, or in the cozy sofa lounge upstairs. Order the waterzooi — the house specialty seafood stew — the duck confit, the crepe caprice, or the escargot petit gris served in a Roquefort cream sauce. It’s all love. — Allison Ballard, Wilmington StarNews
More romantic restaurants in Wilmington
Details: 936 Hatch St.; 513-241-3885, theblindlemon.com
Like the classic films “Casablanca,” “Roman Holiday” and “When Harry Met Sally,” The Blind Lemon isn’t just romantic. It’s timelessly romantic. Opened in 1963, it hasn’t changed much at all over the years. Young couples still come here when their relationships are in bloom, and older folks return to recall the romance of their youth. The subterranean lounge is built on the garden level of a brick townhouse perched atop the hills of Mount Adams, Cincinnati’s most beautiful neighborhood. I like to drink bourbon here. A Knob Creek or a Blanton’s on the rocks. The kind of sippers that let you sink into the warmth and magic of this bar at just the right pace. If you’re hungry, ask for a menu from the adjacent Mount Adams Bar & Grill (which is owned by the same family) and the food will be delivered to your table. Specialties include hummus plates and chicken wings, club sandwiches and their famous French onion chicken. I tend to order the mustard sardines with saltines, something I’d advise against if you’re feeling truly romantic. — Keith Pandolfi, The Cincinnati Enquirer
Details: 404 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio; 614-484-5285; storiesonhigh.com
One of the highest rooftops in Columbus is atop the 28-story Hilton Columbus Downtown. It makes for a panoramic nighttime view of the city from Stories on High, the hotel’s sophisticated yet comfortable top-floor bar. Stories serves Japanese-style small plates, but its cocktails — as well as the views — are the star. — Bob Vitale, The Columbus Dispatch
The Salt House | New Hope, Pennsylvania
Details: 7 E. Ferry St.; 267-740-7908; thesalthouse.com
Cozy up near the tavern fireplace at The Salt House, where elevated pub fare is served up inside an intimate 18th century stone building with wide plank floors, wood beamed ceilings and inset bookcases, alongside touches of modern artwork and décor. For a dining experience near the fireplace, reserve a table in the downstairs tavern. Michele Haddon, Bucks County Courier Times
Parker’s Bistro | Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Details: 210 S. Main Ave.; 605-250-1322, parkersbistro.net.
A historic building with remarkable charm in Sioux Falls, Parker’s Bistro has exposed brick walls like a hug around white linen tabletops, glimmering candles and fresh flowers. (Tip: There’s a flower shop nearby. Stop there first.) It’s very intimate inside, with corner nooks on one side and an upscale bar next door with velvet couches near the windowfront. All of it hints at the first kiss. — Angela George, Argus Leader
Amalfi | Knoxville, Tennessee
Details: 5005 Kingston Pike; 865-253-7219; amalfiknox.com
Amalfi co-owners Paul and Meredith Martin curated a space with low lights and intimate booths, and selected servers who want to take you on a culinary journey with a perfect wine pairing. Amalfi has an ever-changing menu, but rest assured each dish has close ties to a family recipe. ― Joanna Hayes, Knoxville News Sentinel
More romantic restaurants in Knoxville
Coastal Fish Company | Memphis, Tennessee
Details: 415 Great View Drive East; 901-266-9000; coastalfishcompany.com
Part of Coastal Fish Company’s magic is its location on the banks of Hyde Lake at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis. If you’re looking for a truly special setting, make a reservation around sunset for one of the tables at the edge of the expansive patio overlooking the lake. (Outdoor heaters keep things warm during colder months.) Coastal Fish also offers some of the best seafood around, along with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu. You can’t go wrong with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Sweet Corn Brûlée or the Chilean seabass. Whether you’re dining outdoors or indoors, enjoying seafood or something “From The Farm,” Coastal Fish is a top date night destination. — John Beifuss, Memphis Commercial Appeal
More romantic restaurants in Memphis
Tailor | Nashville, Tennessee
Details: 620 Taylor St., Nashville; tailornashville.com
They say chilies release endorphins, ginger warms the body, and cardamom and cinnamon awaken the senses. It follows that Indian food could be an aphrodisiac — and this is the place to test the theory. Start with a cocktail or glass of wine at the bar, a lush space filled with plants and chandeliers, then move to the dining room for a seasonal tasting menu with elegant wine pairings and modern, deeply flavorful takes on Indian classics. — Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean
More romantic restaurants in Nashville
Details: 724 N. Milwaukee St.; 414-323-7434, thirdcoastprovisions.com.
If ambiance is as alluring as the food for your romantic rendezvous, this high-style seafood spot in downtown Milwaukee is for you. Downstairs, the soft-lit chandeliers hanging from sky-high ceilings make the whole room sparkle, while the cozy upper level is an intimate space to celebrate. Start with fresh raw oysters topped with caviar or lobster potholes in white wine butter, move on to seared sea scallops or king salmon in preserved lemon cream, go for surf-and-turf with a filet mignon and lobster tail, and end with a rich chocolate layer cake with fluffy chocolate mousse and chocolate truffle. Fun craft cocktails and a focused-but-fresh wine list are something to toast to, as well. A bonus? Sneak away to its lower-level bar, The Loon Room, for a pre- or post-meal cocktail in a swaggy speakeasy setting. —Rachel Bernhard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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