Romance looks different depending on the night—and St. Louis has a table for all of it. Sometimes it’s a rooftop view that makes everything feel cinematic. Sometimes it’s a bowl of mac and cheese eaten at a sticky table where you both forget to talk because the ribs are that good. The best thing about this city? You don’t have to choose between casual and candlelit. You can have both.
Best Romantic Restaurants in St. Louis:
Skyline Magic at Three Sixty
Three Sixty wasn’t just dinner—it was an atmosphere. Perched high above the city, the rooftop views swept in every direction: the Arch, the Mississippi River, the flicker of tail lights far below. We arrived just before sunset, and the entire sky blushed gold as we stepped out onto the terrace. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of view that makes you fall in love with a city… and maybe each other.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the last bit of daylight fade behind the Arch while sharing small plates and letting conversation slow down to match the moment.
Our meal? We ordered the roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and the seared ahi tuna tacos, plus two bourbon cocktails that were dangerously smooth. Everything felt just a little elevated—like the altitude had brought out something special in the food *and* in us.
Three Sixty At a Glance
- Vibe: Upscale rooftop, panoramic views, chic city energy
- Best Time to Go: Sunset or after dark for skyline magic
- Dress Code: Dressy casual to cocktail attire
- What to Order: Ahi tuna tacos, shareable small plates, craft cocktails
- Address: 1 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102 (Hilton at the Ballpark)
- Reservations: Recommended, especially on weekends
Refined Warmth at Vicia
Vicia felt like a quiet surprise tucked into the heart of the city. We were seated in a soft-lit corner with big windows that framed the evening sky, and everything about the space—the wood accents, the open kitchen, the flicker of candles—set the tone without saying a word. I remember thinking, “This is elegance without ego.”
What I Loved Most: Sharing the tasting menu. Each course was like a soft surprise—delicate, layered, and thoughtful. There was something intimate about it, like the food mirrored the way we were looking at each other.
Our meal? A tasting that included grilled carrots with black garlic, hearth-roasted chicken, and a silky panna cotta with citrus. Paired with a biodynamic white wine that lingered just right.
Vicia At a Glance
- Vibe: Modern, refined, quietly romantic
- Best Time to Go: Dinner, especially mid-week for a more relaxed pace
- Dress Code: Smart casual to elegant
- What to Order: Seasonal tasting menu, house-made bread, creative vegetable dishes
- Address: 4260 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
- Reservations: Highly recommended
Cozy Sparks at Pizzeoli
Pizzeoli had that soft kind of romance you don’t always find on a list—it was smaller, dimly lit, with exposed brick and wood-fired aromas that pulled you in before you even sat down. We found a quiet corner table, the kind you lean into, and everything felt close. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place where comfort is the love language.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the flames flicker while we shared a margherita pie and didn’t say much. Sometimes romance is just presence.
Our meal? We split the white truffle pizza—thin crust, ricotta, mushrooms, and that dreamy drizzle of truffle oil—plus a mixed greens salad with citrus vinaigrette and a bottle of Chianti. Simple. Perfect.
Pizzeoli At a Glance
- Vibe: Cozy, rustic, quietly intimate
- Best Time to Go: Late dinner on a cool night
- Dress Code: Casual but date-worthy
- What to Order: Truffle pizza, margherita, house wine
- Address: 1928 S 12th St, St. Louis, MO 63104
- Reservations: Accepted but walk-ins usually okay
Playful Chemistry at Seoul Taco
Romance doesn’t always have to be candlelit—it can be loud music, neon signs, and a shared tray of fusion tacos that you devour while laughing too hard to be polite. That’s what Seoul Taco gave us. It was casual, colorful, and completely unexpected. I remember thinking, “This isn’t fancy, but this is us.”
What I Loved Most: Sharing a plate of kimchi fries and trying to outdo each other with sauce combinations. It was messy, flavorful, and oddly romantic in the way that comes from being totally at ease together.
Our meal? Bulgogi tacos, chicken gogi bowls, and those legendary kimchi fries, loaded and crispy. Paired with two Jarritos sodas and a side of spontaneous dancing while we waited in line.
Seoul Taco At a Glance
- Vibe: Funky, casual, fast-casual fun
- Best Time to Go: Early evening or late-night snack run
- Dress Code: Come as you are
- What to Order: Bulgogi tacos, kimchi fries, gogi bowls
- Address: 6665 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130 (and other locations)
- Reservations: Not needed
Velvet Evenings at The Preston
The Preston felt like stepping into a film. From the rich jewel-toned décor to the quiet clink of crystal glasses, everything about the space signaled that you were somewhere special. We settled into a velvet banquette, the lights low, and I remember thinking, “This is where time slows down.”
What I Loved Most: Savoring each course like a secret. There was space between dishes, and that space filled up with good wine, soft glances, and quiet laughter.
Our meal? Seared scallops with butternut squash purée, followed by duck breast with cherry glaze. Dessert was a shared pot de crème with sea salt and dark chocolate, paired with two glasses of Sauternes.
The Preston At a Glance
- Vibe: Elegant, moody, tailored for romance
- Best Time to Go: Date night, special celebration, anniversary
- Dress Code: Upscale attire
- What to Order: Chef’s seasonal dishes, scallops, duck, dessert
- Address: 212 N Kingshighway Blvd (inside The Chase Park Plaza)
- Reservations: Strongly recommended
Laid-Back Love at Roper’s Ribs
Sometimes romance isn’t in the ambiance—it’s in the comfort. Roper’s Ribs wasn’t fancy. It didn’t need to be. The smell hit us before we even parked—sweet smoke and slow-cooked promises. We ate at a small table near the window, paper towels on the side, ribs served hot on Styrofoam trays. And it was perfect. I remember thinking, “This is what it means to just enjoy something together—no distractions.”
What I Loved Most: Watching him carefully pull apart the rib tips so I’d get the crispy ends—without saying a word. That’s romance too.
Our meal? Full slab of ribs, baked beans, and a generous helping of mac and cheese. Iced tea on the side, extra napkins, and silence between bites except for the occasional “Oh my god.”
Roper’s Ribs At a Glance
- Vibe: Humble, flavorful, deeply satisfying
- Best Time to Go: Early dinner to beat the rush
- Dress Code: Come casual, come hungry
- What to Order: Ribs, rib tips, mac and cheese, baked beans
- Address: 6929 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63136
- Reservations: Not accepted; carryout available
Timeless Indulgence at 801 Chophouse at The Crescent
801 Chophouse felt like stepping into another era—the kind where date nights meant white tablecloths, polished silver, and conversation that stretched over courses. From the first glass of wine to the final forkful of dessert, everything was intentional. We were tucked into a leather booth beneath soft lighting, and I remember thinking, “This is what luxury tastes like.”
What I Loved Most: The way the evening slowed down here. We weren’t in a rush to leave. And we didn’t.
Our meal? Oysters on the half shell, a bone-in ribeye with truffle butter, creamed spinach, and a shared slice of New York cheesecake. We toasted with Cabernet, let the background jazz wrap around us, and leaned into the moment.
801 Chophouse At a Glance
- Vibe: Classic steakhouse elegance
- Best Time to Go: Special occasions or elevated Friday nights
- Dress Code: Upscale
- What to Order: Steaks, oysters, sides, fine wine
- Address: 137 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO 63105
- Reservations: Highly recommended
Closing: The Tables We Remember
By the end of our nights out in St. Louis, I realized that romance rarely comes from the menu alone. It’s in the pause between courses, the shared forkfuls, the glances exchanged over candlelight or queso. Each of these places gave us a little window—a new mood, a new way to be together.