The 25 Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S.

TripAdvisor announced the most romantic restaurants in the U.S. for 2019. This first-time list was based on millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor diners. Rankings derived from the quality and quantity of recent reviews combined with the degree to which the property is romantic.

“As Valentine’s Day is the biggest date night of the year, we have surfaced a list of TripAdvisor diners’ favorite romantic restaurants in America,” says Bertrand Jelensperger, senior vice president for TripAdvisor Restaurants. “Those who aren’t lucky enough to reserve a table at one of these spots can use TripAdvisor to find other highly rated restaurants that are still sure to impress your significant other.”

Methodology
The 25 Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. list is based on reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor diners. The ranking takes into account the quality, quantity and recency of reviews combined with the degree to which a restaurant is deemed “romantic” based on a proprietary algorithm. All restaurants featured have five locations or less, a minimum rating of 4.5 out of 5 bubbles, and have received at least 100 new review submissions between January 2018 and January 2019.

1. Charleston Grill in Charleston, South Carolina

What TripAdvisor diners say: “From the moment you walk through the door, you feel so special. The highly trained staff is amazing and willing to meet your every need. Such a classy place with classy food. This will stay on our list of top restaurants we’ve been to in the U.S.!”

Popular dishes: Crab cake, foie gras, rack of lamb

2. Café Monarch in Scottsdale, Arizona

What TripAdvisor diners say: “The service is impeccable, the courses are perfectly timed, the food is phenomenal and so fresh, and the atmosphere is indescribably romantic… it’s as if you’ve stepped into the backyard of a gorgeous French villa.”

Popular dishes: Filet mignon, sea bass, duck

3. Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood in San Antonio, Texas

What TripAdvisor diners say: “Of all of the great places to get steaks in San Antonio, this is, without question, the bestfrom the ambiance, the service, the selections and the steaks! This is our go-to place for special occasions and for other times when we just deserve a treat.”

Popular dishes: Ribeye, jumbo lump crab cake, French-grilled oysters

4. Le Vallauris in Palm Springs, California

What TripAdvisor diners say: “A truly wonderful experience. Old World charm combined with excellent French cuisine… If you’re looking for a romantic evening of fine dining, you’ll find it here. Not inexpensive, but worth it.”

Popular dishes: Crispy veal sweetbread, duck, soufflé

5. Charleston Restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland

What TripAdvisor diners say: “Few restaurants anywhere can deliver the total experience as the Charleston. Yes it is expensive, but the quality of the food and professionalism of the staff makes it that go-to for a really special occasion.”

Popular dishes: Lobster soup, foie gras, oysters

6. Chandlers Steakhouse in Boise, Idaho

What TripAdvisor diners say: “So you know that the food is going to be great at Chandlers, but the best part is the atmosphere. They have a live jazz trio that plays every night, romantic lighting, and an ebullience that wafts over you. You can’t help but enjoy yourself.”

Popular dishes: Scallops, prime rib, chocolate soufflé

7. The Forge in Miami Beach, Florida

What TripAdvisor diners say: “Every time we come to The Forge we honestly leave with a smile. The service is impeccable, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is incredibly cool and glamorous.”

Popular dishes: Filet mignon, sea bass, soufflé

8. August in New Orleans, Louisiana

What TripAdvisor diners say: “This is a NOLA treasure. The food is five-star along with the atmosphere in this lovely, renovated building. Wait staff was impeccable and personable… Perfect for a romantic date night.”

Popular dishes: Gnocchi, flounder Pontchartrain, pork loin 

9. Summer House Steak & Seafood in Siesta Key, Florida

What TripAdvisor diners say: “Excellent atmosphere, great wine variety, great choice of meats. We absolutely love this place. They treated us like we were the owners… This is the type of restaurant that you expect in a big city, and not in a beach town.”

Popular dishes: Lobster bisque, filet mignon, scallops

10. Daniel in New York, New York

What TripAdvisor diners say: “This is an experience. It’s not just about having some of the best food of your life or the best wait staff in the city – it is about how all of these come together to create probably the best dining experience in all of NYC. The food is decadent and the service is impeccable.”

Popular dishes: Foie gras, lobster, sea bass

 

11. Beach Walk at Henderson Park Inn in Destin, Florida

What TripAdvisor diners say: “This is a super romantic restaurant with amazing views. Our food was cooked perfectly and tasted fantastic. Service was spot on.”

Popular dishes: Grouper, red snapper, filet mignon

12. Geronimo in Santa Fe, New Mexico

What TripAdvisor diners say: “This is our favorite restaurant in Santa Fe. Romantic, elegant and always fantastic! We love the ambiance and the food is unforgettable.”

Popular dishes: Elk tenderloin, sea bass, crab cakes

13. Mama's Fish House in Maui, Hawaii

What TripAdvisor diners say: “This is the place where you could easily pop the question. The atmosphere is so romantic. The views are just breath taking. The food, just wow wow wow! Absolutely amazing and worth the drive out there.”

Popular dishes: Stuffed fish, lobster tail, opakapaka

14. Steak 48 in Chicago, Illinois

What TripAdvisor diners say: “Every now and then a restaurant knocks it ‘out of the park’ with everything… ambiance, food, and staff. Welcome to Steak 48. This place rocks.”

Popular dishes: Filet mignon, ribeye, shrimp

15. Becca in Virginia Beach, Virginia

What TripAdvisor diners say: “If you want to enjoy an upscale dining experience, Becca at the Cavalier Hotel is the place. From the moment we arrived to valet park until our last bite of dessert we were captivated.”

Popular dishes: Crab cake, prime rib, duck

16. Le Cirque in Las Vegas, Nevada

What TripAdvisor diners say: “Le Cirque was one of, if not the finest meal, I have ever experienced. Attention to detail, precision in cooking, elegance, impeccable service – it is the royal treatment.”

Popular dishes: Lobster salad, sea bass, foie gras

17. Hy's Steak House in Honolulu, Hawaii

What TripAdvisor diners say: “I am not exaggerating when I say that the meat was ‘melt in your mouth’ tender. Everything was prepared to perfection! The service was impeccable and ultra-courteous. We felt like royalty!”

Popular dishes: Oysters Rockefeller, beef wellington, bananas foster

18. Tidepools in Kauai, Hawaii

What TripAdvisor diners say: “It was a fantastic experience, from the service, to the food, to the atmosphere. If you’re looking for a romantic and special place, this is it!”

Popular dishes: Opah, prime rib, mahi mahi

19. Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse in Nashville, Tennessee

What TripAdvisor diners say: “It’s perfect for a romantic date or a celebration. It’s expensive, so not an everyday type of dinner, but if you’re looking for a place that will wow you with service and dishes, this is the one!”

Popular dishes: Filet mignon, lobster tail, New York strip

20. Orchids at Palm Court in Cincinnati, Ohio

What TripAdvisor diners say: “The service and food are the best in the city, and the rich art deco surroundings are the best anywhere. Orchids at Palm Court cannot be topped for marking those special occasions.”

Popular dishes: Lamb, chateaubriand, lobster salad

21. The River Café in Brooklyn, New York

What TripAdvisor diners say: “One of the best views of any restaurant in America, and the food is fantastic! This restaurant is worthy of all the hype, definitely a top tier location if you are seeking a place to celebrate a special occasion.”

Popular dishes: Lobster, foie gras, steak tartare

22. Union Park Dining Room in Cape May, New Jersey

What TripAdvisor diners say: “Delicious food served in an original Victorian dining room. Excellent service and management. The perfect place for a romantic evening that transports you back in time to a different era. We have been dining here regularly for many years and it is always a special time.”

Popular dishes: Short rib, crab cake, duck

23. English Grill in Louisville, Kentucky

What TripAdvisor diners say: “The atmosphere is elegant ‘old south’ with the beautiful wood paneling and paintings of horses throughout. And soft piano music wafting in from the bar outside. The service was attentive and friendly and the food was superb!”

Popular dishes: Filet mignon, lamb, salmon

24. Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro in Townsend, Tennessee

What TripAdvisor diners say: “What a beautiful, charming and delicious dining experience! The soft music, soft white lights and rustic setting made for a relaxed and pleasant dinner… Good wine, great food and friendly service.”

Popular dishes: Beef tenderloin, scallops, trout

25. Boulevard in San Francisco, California

What TripAdvisor diners say: “The food here is really fantastic. And the ambiance is quite special. I love the brick ceiling, light fixtures and view of the bridge from the front window.”

Popular dishes: Halibut, lamb, foie gras

Menu Innovations, Slideshow