Some of the most romantic restaurants for 2018 are in unlikely locations.
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday or other special event, the perfect place to celebrate is a beautiful and romantic restaurant.
What factors identify a restaurant as the most romantic? Surely the decor and ambience set the mood. The food must be exquisite, original and decadent. And the service must be impeccable.
Members of Open Table who use their reservation service voted on 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America. Here are the 13 restaurants that caught my eye as being especially, deliciously romantic! Six of the 100 restaurants are in my home state of Florida so I included all six here. A meal at any one of these beautiful restaurants would make for an enchanting experience. See which ones appeal to you.
Latitudes on Sunset Key
Key West, Florida
Photo: Key West Express
Latitudes on Sunset Key is just an 8-minute boat ride from Key West. It is located on the secluded island of Sunset Key. With breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and palm trees and tiki torches illuminating the night sky, it’s a most romantic setting with a glorious view of the sunset. My husband and I enjoyed a lovely lunch here some years ago. I remember the warmth of the tropical breezes and sunshine. The food was beautifully prepared. The unique aspect of being on a secluded island makes for a convivial atmosphere.
One Diner’s Review
The boat ride over was very short. Very smooth ride, take off and landing. We were seated outside. Alittle sunny so if you can’t take sun request a shaded area. Although the palm trees swaying above us was heaven for me. The view is just breathtaking. There’s not another word to describe it. We all just couldn’t keep our eyes off the view. Our server Valentina was superb. We were there for lunch so I ordered the shrimp flatbread which was great. My husband ordered grouper sandwich. Very fresh and grilled to perfection. Very reasonably priced. This is a secret spot, untouched and not a crowd in site. No loud music playing and it was perfect. Shhhhh!!!! Let’s keep it that way. We will definitely return. I hope it remains just as it is. A challenge to look up, get there and serene. It’s a paradise off the crazy Key West Point. I have traveled extensively and this by far it in my top 3. Thank you Latitudes for an experience of a lifetime.
Source: OpenTable.com
Enzo’s on the Lake
Longwood, Florida
Photo: enzos.com
In 1980, Enzo’s on the Lake opened as a lovely secluded lakefront restaurant, built in the style of an Italian villa. Enzo’s is a favorite among Central Florida diners. We have enjoyed several relaxed dining experiences here. The restaurant offers simple yet sophisticated cuisine. An extravagant antipasto bar beckons and delights. The dining room overlooks the lake making it a romantic, relaxed dining spot.
One Diner’s Review
Delicious food and excellent service provided in a warm, charming atmosphere. What sets Enzo’s apart from other top-notch restaurants is the attention to detail and personal service. We celebrated our 45 wedding anniversary at Enzo’s and what made it memorable in addition to the mouth-watering antipasto and entrées was the special recognition Enzo’s host gave to this event.
Source: OpenTable.com
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
Santa Barbara, California
Photo: 10Best.com
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch is located in a 19th-century citrus packing house, the Stonehouse Restaurant features a relaxing lounge with full bar service and a separate dining room with a crackling fireplace and creek side views. The regional cuisine is prepared with a palate of herbs and vegetables harvested from the Ranch’s organic chef’s garden. I chose Stonebridge as one of the most romantic restaurants that I’d like to visit because of its ambience, history and the possibility of celebrity sitings!
Sadly, much of the ranch was destroyed by mudslides in January 2018 after being narrowly spared from the Thomas Fire. The owner, Ty Warner, of Beanie Baby fame, has vowed to re-open but not before August 2018 at the earliest. Here is a news report about the damage. Let’s hope this historic treasure will come back to life soon.
One Diner’s Review
One of the most beautiful properties in the world, one of the most beautiful restaurants with an outstanding menu and Chef. The staff always makes you feel at home and the wine list is one of the best in the world.
Source: OpenTable.com
The Melting Pot
Longwood, Florida
Photo: meltingpot.com
At The Melting Pot of Longwood you can build your own fondue experience by enjoying one, two, three or four courses of decadent fondue. Start with a cheese fondue prepared tableside. Then choose from seafood, steak and vegetarian options for your main course. Finally, end with the dessert for which The Melting Pot is often voted Orlando’s most romantic restaurant – the chocolate fondue. The Melting Pot was started by a couple of University of Central Florida students here in my home town of Orlando. Sitting with a group of friends circling a fondue pot is a fun way to spend an evening!
One Diner’s Review
We are regulars at The Melting Pot. The food and service are always excellent. We’ve never had a less than perfect experience. It’s no wonder the staff is so good when you see the manager in action, he has clearly set the bar. The restaurant is very relaxing. We have been booking the bar area lately so we can watch a game and eat fondue. If you’ve never been it’s definitely an experience. I’ve been to other fondue restaurants over the years but the quality of the food served at Melting Pot is superior, excellent steak and seafood and probably the best house salad in town. Melting Pot is even good for a snack if you don’t feel like dining. They do cheese, salads and chocolate. If you haven’t been you’re missing out!
Source: OpenTable.com
Collage Restaurant
St. Augustine, Florida
Photo: visitstaugustine.com
At Collage, the menu focuses on fresh local seafood, steaks, lamb, and veal, with international flair. The coziness of this dining room would spark some intimate conversations, I think! St. Augustine is rich in history and makes for a great walking tour. A day of touring the sites topped off with an elegant, gourmet meal here would be a lovely day indeed.
One Diner’s Review
My husband and I have been told on numerous occasions to dine at Collage. Wow! What an amazing dining experience!! Collage is our number 1 favorite place for dining because: the atmosphere is warm cozy and intimate; wait staff is very professional, courteous, and knowledgeable, and the food—-outstanding! 4 of us ordered different entrees ranging from the filet magnifico to the cobia fish special. We couldn’t pick a favorite since everything was so delicious. The appetizer lobster gnocchi was so good that we ordered more. Our waitress was exceptional. In fact, I asked “Jessica” to surprise me with a fish entree and she chose the scallops. Perfect choice! We dined for over 2 1/2 hours and never rushed! Although we live in Jax Beach we will undoubtedly travel for a repeat performance!
Source: OpenTable.com
Donatello
Tampa, Florida
Photo: OpenTable.com
Donatello is a fine dining restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1984. The menu is based on century-old Italian recipes. Every woman is gifted with a rose upon her departure. If the night is still young after dinner, diners can relax at the piano lounge where blues, jazz and love songs are played at the baby grand. I would love listening to the music while sipping a drink.
One Diner’s Review
We went to this restaurant to celebrate my wife’s birthday with two other couples. What an enchanting evening, from the warm greeting upon first entering by the grandson of the owner, to be seated, to the phenomenal service, the fantastic food, the special dessert, to the rose and hug as you left. What an incredible evening.
Source: OpenTable.com
Carlo & Johnny
Cincinnati, Ohio
Photo: JeffRubycom
If you want scandal, murder and the mob for ambience at a an upscale dining establishment, Carlo & Johnny is your choice. The restaurant, housed in a Victorian-era former home, was named for the two police officers who shut down the place for illicit gaming activities by the mob. The restaurant specializes in steaks with an Italian accent. Diners can choose from three unique dining rooms. The restaurant boasts three wine cellars and live music. The history of this restaurant embues it with charm which places it on my list of top romantic restaurants in America.
One Diner’s Review
I took my girlfriend here for our first anniversary. The money was well spent. The place is huge and has so much to look at, after spending 3 hours in there I still don’t think we saw everything. The red booths they have are the most comfortable I have ever sat in. Very spread out, so we could be our usual childish selves and not be bothering others. We took a tour around the ground floor after our waiter (Corey, who was excellent) gave us a rundown of the history of the building. I never knew that a house/mansion in Cincinnati had so much history with the mob and originally being a brothel. Very interesting place, now we have made it our goal to visit a historical restaurant for each anniversary.
Source: OpenTable.com
Nineteen61
Lakeland, Florida
Photo: Yelp.com
Nineteen61 is an upscale Latin-inspired restaurant. They locally source many of their products and raise their pigs and chickens naturally. Lakeland is a smaller town in Florida and an unlikely place for such an exquisite restaurant. I can’t wait to experience this restaurant.
One Diner’s Review
This restaurant is a shining star in Lakeland for great dining. Their cuisine is unique and extremely well prepared. Absolutely worth the price for a special evening and they even handled the little touches that most restaurants miss in this caliber like printing Happy Anniversary on the menus when we made the reservation that same day. One of the top dining experiences I’ve had in a long while.
Source: OpenTable.com
Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Photo: OpenTable.com
Lake Park Bistro is located in an historic renovated park pavilion that sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The Parisian-style bistro serves authentic rustic French cuisine. It is regularly voted Milwaukee’s most romantic restaurant. The kitchen is led by Chef Adam Siegel, who won the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest in 2008. There is just something about a restaurant overlooking the water that makes it special. That this restaurant is known for its French cuisine makes it even more enticing!
One Diner’s Review
Lake Park Bistro is worth a drive from Chicago. It is located in a beautiful building, in a park, and atop a ridge that looks over Lake Michigan. The food is great, and the service is impeccable. It is a wonderful venue for celebrating anything!
Source: OpenTable.com
Cafe Provence
Kansas City, Kansas
Café Provence serves progressive American / French cuisine served in the warm, inviting atmosphere of a neighborhood bistro. It has been honored by Zagat as the best restaurants in Kansas City. What I love about this restaurant is its relaxed atmosphere and lack of pretension as well as its French cuisine. It is high on my list of restaurants to seek out when in Kansas City!
One Diner’s Review
We had four co-workers in from out of town for a large meeting the next day (over 200 people). We wanted to show off KC a bit for something besides our excellent BBQ. it doesn’t get any better than Café provence for that! We had a late seating (8:30 pm) – while we knew that the kitchen closed at 9:00, the staff were wonderful about letting us talk, enjoy the sampler plate and mussels for starters (you have to try the stuffed dates), and some good wine (recommend the Rothschild white Bordeaux). Entrees were the sea bass, duck, two salmons, and my favorite, the Amish Chicken. Everyone was happy and we shared (except the guy with the duck – it was gone too fast!). Desserts were the new carrot cake, apple tart, and goat cheese cheesecake with coffee and some after dinner drinks. With folks in from Washington DC and Dallas – all were impressed and were bragging on their dinner at the meeting the next day!
Source: OpenTable.com
Erminia Ristorante
New York, New York
Erminia, opened in 1982, is one of New York City’s most romantic restaurants. The Roman influenced Italian food is award-winning. The Swiss Alps cabin-like atmosphere accents the rustic feel at Erminia. In a city full of enchanting restaurants, Erminia is a standout. Somehow we’ve missed this restaurant and will make it a priority stop on our next visit to NYC!
One Diner’s Review
The restaurant was romantic and the perfect setting for a valentines date with my girlfriend. The staff was welcoming and personable, and we felt very valued. The food was delicious – both of our meals (veal and chicken) were great and I would also highly recommend the octopus appetizer and crème brûlée for dessert! Everything tasted fresh and authentic, and the restaurant itself was brilliantly decorated. Loved it, highly recommend!
Source: OpenTable.com
Bouchard Restaurant
Newport, Rhode Island
Photo: Bouchard Restaurant
At Bouchard Restaurant, a warm relaxed ambiance and gracious welcome signals your arrival. The restaurant serves fine French cuisine in a 1785 Georgian-style house. A restaurant in a former home? Swoon! The warm coziness of Bouchard could easily inspire a trip to Rhode Island (in the summer!)
One Diner’s Review
Authentic haute cuisine. excellent service, creative & reasonable wine list, the best martini ever, and a friendly, warm ambience on a freezing midwinter evening. It is a credit to Bouchard’s reputation that the dining room was filled because Newport at this time of the year is usually deadsville. This was my birthday dinner, and it had a surprise ending. Maxim, the maître d’hôtel, is the son of Roger Putier, the master French chef who brought modern french cuisine to newport in 1975. Bravissimo to the Bouchards for keeping Newport’s culinary tradition alive!
Source: OpenTable.com
Signature Restaurant
Sant Antonio, Texas
Photo: San Antonio Magazine
If you find yourself deep in the heart of Texas Hill Country, seeking out Signature Restaurant might afford you a dining experience to remember.
The menu offers contemporary interpretations of classic dishes — fresher, brighter versions of traditional cuisine. Gulf seafood and Atlantic Coast oysters are flown in fresh. House-aged sirloin, Pacific Northwest lamb, and local venison, dove and quail round out the offerings. Local and organic ingredients change as the seasons inform the menu. San Antonio is an historic city with loads of charm. As a Texan, with a lingering hint of drawl, I’m sure I would feel right at home at this outstanding venue.
One Diner’s Review
Clayton and Sommelier Adam Spencer took incredible care of us as we enjoyed our 3.5 hour dining escapade. They guided us to an Incredible meal from the fresh Nova Scotia oysters, escargot buried in a quail egg with chorizo crema, cauliflower cream soup accompanied with a lime cannoli, pheasant tucked into a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with wild mushrooms and ciopinno shellfish stew. Wonderful dining experience yet again from Chef Wiseman!
Source: OpenTable.com
Have you dined at any of these lovely restaurants? Given free hotel and airfare, which one would you choose to spend your next celebratory restaurant dining experience?
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I would love to try any of these restaurants, Linda. They all look so inviting but the first one Latitudes on Sunset Key looks beautiful and I love the outlook and the name. I also love the rustic style so the Stonehouse and Carlo and Johnny would be my next choice. Thanks for linking up and sharing with us at #midlifesharethelove party. I will have to check out some romantic equivalents in Australia.
Every one of these restaurants looks lovely. I live not too far from Milwaukee so I will check that one out- maybe this summer when the lake is pretty. It is so nice to be able to enjoy nice restaurants now and take our time and relax.
They sure look lovely, Linda. I haven’t had the pleasure to dine in any of them. I’d choose Latitudes on Sunset Key in Key West.
Great round up of restaurants Linda! I would love to try out Lattitudes, who wouldn’t want dinner on a beach! Carlo and Johnny is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from me so that one is definitely going on my must visit list and I am always up for Italian cuisine so Donatello has to be on the list too…what woman wouldn’t want to be given a rose after dinner!!
Great compilation of wonderful restaurants, Linda! Would love to try all of them. Happy Valentine’s Day!…. Christine
I’ve been to the Melting Pot in Utah. It was fun because of the unique nature of eating dinner fondue style. These all look lovely, but if I have to choose one, I pick Cafe Provence. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for stopping by!! I love all of these interesting places to dine!!
Hugs,
Deb
Hi Linda! I know I’ve commented before but wanted to thank you for linking up with us at #BloggersPitStop. Have a lovely week and see you at the next link up.