Best Romantic Restaurants in the USA
Romantic restaurants in the United States offer the perfect settings for unforgettable dining experiences, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a date night, or simply enjoying a beautiful meal together. From candlelit fine dining rooms and rooftop views to cozy hidden gems, the U.S. is full of places where food and atmosphere come together seamlessly.
I’ve dined in restaurants where the ambiance felt like a dream, enjoyed meals crafted with artistry and care, and discovered intimate spots that made evenings truly memorable. Whether you prefer elegant city dining, seaside escapes, or rustic countryside charm, the country has no shortage of romantic restaurants. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll love them too.
1. Circa 1886 Restaurant - best tasting menu
Circa 1886 Restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, completely swept me off my feet with its romantic and timeless charm. Tucked inside the historic 5-star Wentworth Mansion, this place instantly felt like a hidden gem, the kind of spot I dream about when I imagine the perfect date night.
I loved how the dining room balanced history with elegance—original woodwork, sparkling chandeliers, and a warm, intimate glow that made the atmosphere truly magical. It felt like stepping back in time but with a cool, modern twist.
We ordered a tasting menu, and it was honestly one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in the USA. Each dish was a spectacular mix of Southern flavors and contemporary flair, crafted with so much care that every bite felt like art on a plate.
I think Circa 1886 Restaurant is one of the best romantic restaurants in the USA. Why? The chef changes the menu seasonally, which means every visit offers something exciting and new. I thought that was such a brilliant idea for keeping things fresh and unique.
Another highlight was the wine list, which had exceptional pairings that made the evening even more special. I still remember sipping a perfectly matched red while glancing at the cozy, candlelit room—it was pure romance.
Near downtown Charleston, Circa 1886 is close enough to explore the city’s vibrant streets before or after dinner, making it ideal for a joyful weekend getaway. You can explore historic sites like The Battery, Rainbow Row, and the Charleston City Market, take a historic carriage tour, visit the Gibbes Museum of Art or the Charleston Museum, stroll through Waterfront Park to see the Pineapple Fountain to work up your appetite. I love that there are so many different ways to create the most memorable romantic night out!
For me, this was not just dinner, it was a truly underrated and unforgettable experience.
My personal highlight was ending the night with dessert that was both whimsical and deeply rooted in Southern tradition.
2. Chandlers - best for stakes
Chandler’s Steakhouse in Boise, Idaho, is one of those spectacular restaurants that instantly became one of my favorites for a romantic night out.
I found this independently owned steakhouse in Downtown Boise to be one of the city’s most elegant and romantic dining spots. The décor leans toward classic sophistication (dark wood, rich leather, soft lighting, and live jazz music every evening) creating a refined yet warm atmosphere perfect for special occasions or date night.
The menu highlights USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood flown in daily, and a raw bar, alongside thoughtful seasonal sides and desserts. You can order à la carte or enjoy a curated multi-course experience. The wine list is award-winning and especially strong in big reds, while the craft cocktails show creativity and balance.
This place is one of the most underrated romantic spots in the Northwest, and easily one of the absolute best choices if you want magic, elegance, and flavor all in one evening.
My personal highlight was enjoying live jazz while dining in an elegant, candlelit space.
3. L'Auberge Chez Francois - best for French food
We absolutely fell for L’Auberge Chez François, that unique and romantic gem tucked away in Great Falls, Virginia—just about a 20-minute drive from Washington, D.C.
What I love most is how this place feels like stepping into a cozy Alsatian countryside cottage—rustic stucco walls, dark wood beams, stained-glass accents—so very unique and charming.
It’s a delightful paradox—an absolute best fine-dining experience in a timelessly charming setting. We adored the superb six-course prix-fixe dinners (complete with appetizer, salad, dessert, and those legendary towering soufflés), and they truly feel like a dream feast for our anniversary celebration this month.
We thought the seasonal Alsatian dishes were amazing: imagine lobster in Sauternes butter sauce, seared foie gras, or a classic Châteaubriand made for two—it’s spectacular and so perfectly indulgent.
We also think the hospitality defines the magic here—this family-run auberge has been around since 1954 (then moved to Virginia in 1976), and generations of Haeringer family care show in every thoughtful detail.
Earlier this year, it was even named one of America’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants—such a brilliant idea for a perfect date night—and it continues to be praised among the very best restaurants in the area.
For me, L’Auberge Chez François is more than dinner—its an extraordinary, cozy, elegant escape. Whether it’s a quiet, unforgettable evening or a romantic weekend splurge, it’s easily one of the coolest, most underrated treasures in the D.C. region.
My favorite part? The outdoor terrace and wine-and-beer garden( with tables scattered amid the gardens, a a light breeze, and that tranquil, joyful atmosphere) makes the experience feel both upscale and intimately romantic.
4. Latitudes
Latitudes at Sunset Key Cottages in Key West instantly became one of my favorite romantic dining experiences in the USA while we stayed there for three nights this month.
Reaching it was half the magic—you take a short boat ride from Key West’s harbor, and suddenly you’re stepping onto a private island that feels like a hidden gem straight out of a dream.
I loved how the restaurant opened up right onto the sand, with tables set under swaying palms and soft string lights that made the evening glow with romance. The views were spectacular—watching the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico while sipping a cocktail was one of those unforgettable, absolute best vacation moments.
The menu was vibrant and exciting, blending fresh coastal flavors with a refined touch. We shared seafood that tasted like it had just come out of the ocean, and every bite felt like an indulgence. My favorite was the Key West shrimp dish—it was light, flavorful, and perfectly matched the tropical setting.
What I thought was the coolest part was the balance of luxury and laid-back island vibes. It felt upscale, yet still so relaxed and joyful—exactly the kind of unusual and unique setting that makes a getaway special.
We also enjoyed walking the beach after dinner, toes in the sand, listening to the waves in the background. That simple but magical experience turned the evening into something I’ll never forget.
For me, Latitudes at Sunset Key Cottages is not just dinner, it’s a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime romantic escape, an underrated treasure that deserves a spot on anyone’s list of the most amazing coastal experiences in Florida.
My personal highlight was dining beachfront under palms with uninterrupted Gulf sunset views.
5. La Fable
I discovered this French bistro tucked along Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, and it felt like stepping into a Parisian evening on Delmarva. The interior blends cozy elegance and bohemian flair (soft lighting, vintage mirrors, tufted banquettes, and unexpected artistic touches) creating a quietly romantic and intimate atmosphere.
The menu is rooted in classic French country cuisine with seasonal inspirations and local seafood touches. Think escargot, steak frites, trout amandine, bouillabaisse, and refined preparations of duck and pork. There’s also a strong wine and cocktail program, and on weekends the piano bar adds a musical layer to the ambiance that completely won me over.
For me, La Fable is the perfect place for a weekend getaway dinner—an underrated, vibrant, and truly exceptional restaurant that brings the magic of France to Delaware’s coast. It’s easily one of the best romantic dining experiences I’ve had in the USA.
My personal highlight was the French onion soup that felt both rustic and luxurious.
6. Canlis
Canlis in Seattle is one of those spectacular restaurants that completely swept me off my feet. Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of Lake Union and the Cascade Mountains, it’s easily one of the absolute best romantic dining experiences in the Pacific Northwest.
I loved how the architecture itself set the tone—mid-century modern lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a sleek but warm design that made the entire space feel vibrant yet intimate. Sitting by the window at sunset, watching the city glow, felt like pure magic.
The menu was just as amazing. We enjoyed a multi-course tasting menu that showcased creative, seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. Every plate looked like art and tasted even better. My favorite was a delicate seafood dish paired with a crisp white wine—it was one of those dream pairings that lingered in my memory.
What stood out most for me was the exceptional service. The staff treated us like family, guiding us through the courses with genuine enthusiasm. That personal touch made the evening feel joyful, unique, and unforgettable.
We also thought the live piano music was a brilliant idea—it filled the room with a soft, romantic soundtrack that elevated the atmosphere without being overwhelming. It was the coolest detail and added to the sense of timeless elegance.
I think that Canlis is one of the best romantic restaurants in the USA. Why? Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or planning a romantic weekend getaway, this iconic Seattle gem is underrated in how it blends fine dining, spectacular views, and heartfelt hospitality into one unforgettable night.
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