Romantic Restaurants in Albany, NY

Why not spoil the love of your life by booking a table at 677 Prime, a restaurant whose philosophy it is to make every single meal in their restaurant a remarkable and memorable experience. The restaurant believes in treating every guest like royalty, and you will feel perfectly at home as soon as you step inside.

The menu is expansive and diverse, including delicious fresh seafood from the Raw Bar – think fresh oysters, Tuna Tartare or their signature Seafood Tower. Other popular appetizers include Crab stuffed Mushrooms and General Tso’s Octopus. As the name suggests, 677 Prime is proud to offer Prime dry-aged beef from a trusted supplier which will set the bar for all your future steak dinners.

677 Prime, 677 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207, Phone: 518-427-7463, website, Map

If you close your eyes for a moment and imagine a picture-perfect Greek Island, you will start to get an idea of the unique atmosphere which awaits you at Athos Restaurant.

The restaurant has been cited as one of the best Greek restaurants in the country and as you tuck into a plate of delicious Greek delicacies you will find it hard to believe you are sitting in Albany.

You and your date can enjoy light meals in the Taverna area or opt for the full feast experience in the dining room, where a long menu of regional Greek delights await you, accompanied by an excellent selection of Greek and international wines, beers and cocktails.

Athos Restaurant, 1814 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12009, Phone: 518-608-6400

When you are looking for a taste of sun-kissed Spain in the heart of downtown Albany, the Barcelona Restaurant-Wine Bar is the place to go. Perfect for a romantic date-night meal, this restaurant has an up-market ambiance that sets the scene for a great night out.

If you prefer to try a variety of different dishes you will love the delightful Tapas menu served at the bar, where you can pair your food selection with wine by the glass from Spain, Italy, Chile and California. If you are eating in the cozy dining room you can choose from an irresistible list of starters, entrees and desserts with a distinct Mediterranean flavor.

Barcelona Restaurant-Wine Bar, 1192 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203, Phone: 518-438-1144

When your taste buds demand the best Italian fare in town you need to head to Cafe Capriccio in Grand Street. This authentic Italian eatery has been pleasing Albany palates for over 35 years and boasts a long list of regular diners.

You can look forward to enjoying a variety of vibrant, colorful dishes that will take you on a culinary journey of discovery to wonderful Italy. The restaurant interior features a lovely long wooden bar, intimate tables and booths, crisp white table linen and subdued lighting, all of which sets an elegant theme perfect for a special-occasion dinner. The restaurant is open daily from 5pm.

Cafe Capriccio , 49 Grand Street, Albany, NY 12207, Phone: 518-465-0439

While a breakfast/lunch venue may not initially strike you as a romantic restaurant option, Cafe Madison is determined to change your views.

There is no better way to start your day than sharing a delicious breakfast that neither you nor your partner has had to cook, and Café Madison is the place to go for legendary pancakes, excellent coffee and all your other favorite breakfast/brunch treats. The vibe is trendy and colorful and the long weekend queues are an indication of the delicious fare you can anticipate.

Cafe Madison, 1108 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12208, Phone: 518-935-1094

Café Madison, 359 Northern Blvd, Albany, NY 12204, Phone: 518-935-1094

Family owned and operated, Cafe Italia has been providing authentic southern-Italian food to appreciative Albany residents for over thirty years. There is nothing quite like a taste of Italy to get your date night off to a brilliant start, and the relaxing and friendly atmosphere of Café Italia make it the ideal place to celebrate a special occasion.

You can start your meal by ordering a delicious artichoke or sweet Italian sausage starter (there is an extensive choice of appetizers, many of which are perfect for vegetarians). For mains you can move on to delicious pasta dishes, authentic Italian meat and chicken entrees or push the boat out and feast on southern Italian seafood dishes like Lobster and Crab ravioli.

Cafe Italia, 662 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206-1645, Phone: 518-459-8029

Druthers Brewing Company offers craft beer lovers an ideal destination for a romantic lunch or dinner, paired with your favorite beer. The brewpub occupies a renovated 1901 warehouse with huge glass panels which overlook the brewing area and there is a genuine wood-fired pizza oven producing wonderful pizzas with hot bubbling cheese and thin, blistered crusts. Although craft beer and pizza is a match made in heaven, the brewpub also serves other delicious comfort food such as burgers, home-made pasta, entrees, salads and sides. Fresher than fresh beer comes directly from the serving tank to your glass and the selection includes Pilsner, IPA, Goze, Heferweizen and several more.

Druthers Brewing Company, 1053 Broadway, Albany, NY 12204, Phone: 518-650-7996

Serving up affordable Italian food with a fine-dining twist, Grappa 72 Ristorante is the ideal place to take someone special for a romantic night of dining and wining. Although the atmosphere is relaxing, crisp white table linen, mood lighting and beautiful food presentation set the scene for romance. The restaurant presents Italian classics from all corners of Italy along with a selection of other Mediterranean delights, accompanied by your choice of wine from an extensive list of Italian and international wines. In addition to the menu items you can also selects dishes from a daily-changing list of chef’s specials. It would be a shame to leave without sampling their home-made desserts and a very special grappa.

Grappa 72 Ristorante, 818 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206, Phone: 518-482-7200

If you are looking for an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing and romantic weekend brunch (or breakfast/lunch during the week) you need look no further than the Iron Gate Cafe. The décor of the café features interesting music-related posters from the 60’s and there is a delightful outdoor patio area where you can dine when the weather is good. Both the breakfast and lunch menus are available all day long during the week, and the weekend brunch menu draws large numbers of guests on Saturday and Sunday. Their extensive menu of freshly prepared treats include all your favorites such as Benedicts, burgers, toasts and sandwiches, all prepared using fresh wholesome ingredients.

Iron Gate Cafe, 182A Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210, Phone: 518-445-3555