One of life’s sweetest luxuries is a romantic meal with your beloved. But where to go for the perfect romantic restaurant meal on date night? We’ve curated a list of the most romantic luxury restaurants in the world right now.
where to go for the perfect romantic restaurant meal
If there’s anything we’ve learned after nearly 14 years of marriage and 3 kids, it’s that a truly romantic night out should consist of a few things: beautiful surroundings, sumptuous cuisine and, of course, amazing company.
And with one of the most romantic days of the year around the corner we set out to explore some of the most romantic restaurants to share a meal with your beloved. Ones with the right ambiance that will invite guests to linger and help to fan the flames of love. Of course a stellar wine list helps, too.
Fortunately for my husband, as an adult I have long outgrown many of these clichés. And it also appears that real romantic restaurants have too. Instead of strolling violins and long stemmed roses, they’ve focused on what’s really important: great food and wine, excellent service and an authentic ambiance. After all, having the right ambiance invites guests to linger and helps to fan the flames of love. Of course a stellar wine list helps, too.
The Most Romantic Luxury Restaurants in the World
So where should you go for some modern romantic vibes on your next date night? Whether you are looking to go all-out for your proposal, honeymoon, anniversary or Valentine’s Day, or you’re having a night out “just because,” we’ve found 12 outstanding romantic restaurants around the globe.
Each one offers top-notch cuisine and service, plenty of character and of course, excellent wine lists. From white tablecloth stunners to cozy foliage covered charmers, here’s where to head for your next romantic meal:
1. river café, brooklyn.
With an entryway filled with lanterns and a lush year-round greenhouse, the romantic vibe begins long before you even enter Brooklyn’s River Café. What really sets the mood, though, are the breathtaking vistas of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The most romantic luxury restaurants in the world: River Café, Brooklyn. Courtesy Photo.
Pro tip: when making your reservation, be sure to secure a table at one of the windows. While the view has been luring diners for decades, it’s the food that keeps them coming back. The menu focuses on New American dishes, ending with a miniature version of the Brooklyn Bridge rendered in chocolate.
2. soulmate, west hollywood
Beyond the extremely fitting name, Soulmate, in West Hollywood is the perfect backdrop for a romantic date spot. It’s the soft lighting, olive trees, overhead vines, plush seating, tasty food, and candlelit tables that will have you ready to get down on bended knee.
The most romantic luxury restaurants in the world: Soulmate,West Hollywood. Courtesy Photo.
On the menu, the dishes show Spanish-Mediterranean and Californian influences, with signatures like Paella, Crispy Eggplant, and Salmon Crudo.
3. cress on oak creek, sedona.
Part of the L’Auberge de Sedona Resort in the heart of Red Rock Country, the idyllic and lantern-filled Cress on Oak Creek lies on the banks of the pristine creek it takes its name from.
The world’s most romantic restaurants to go on date night. Cress, Sedona. Courtesy Photo.
The name isn’t all the restaurant takes from its surroundings. The menu comes from locally foraged ingredients to create seasonal dishes, presented as edible works of art. Seasonal favorites include Canyon City Farm Beef Tenderloin and Ricotta & Braised Bison Tortellini.
4. circa 1886, Charleston.
Be transported back in time at Charleston’s Circa 1886, located in the original carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion. The establishment retains many of the classic architectural elements of the time period.
The most romantic luxury restaurants in the world: Circa 1886. Charleston. Courtesy Photo.
The restaurant includes a wood-burning kitchen fireplace, stable doors and heart-of-pine floors. Couples can dine by soft candlelight and enjoy Chef Marc Collins distinctive spin on classic Lowcountry dishes. This spot oozes Southern charm, with modern and healthy dishes that include whole grains and fresh, local ingredients.
5. gianni’s, miami
If it’s glitz and glamor that you seek, look no further than Gianni‘s in Miami Beach. Housed inside the former home of Gianni Versace, the setting of this upscale restaurant is extravagant through and through.
The most romantic luxury restaurants in the world: Gianni’s, Miami. Courtesy Photo.
Grab a table by the gold-studded mosaic swimming pool and enjoy dishes like dover sole, Gianni’s spaghetti Pomodoro and T-bone porterhouse.
6. le train bleu, paris.
It may be hard to believe, but one of Paris’ most romantic restaurants is located in a busy train station. Located in the Gare de Lyon, Le Train Bleu was built for the Exposition Universelle in 1900.
Where to go for a romantic meal on date night: La Train Bleu, Paris. Courtesy Photo.
The space features a sumptuous interior decorated with gilded carvings, chandeliers and frescoes. For over 100 years, this establishment has been known for its gorgeously presented and delicious cuisine. It has been enjoyed by the likes of Coco Chanel, Jean Cocteau and Brigitte Bardot, to name a few.
7. maggie jones, london
A Kensington favorite for over 40 years, Maggie Jones is an informal, rustic spot that imparts romance into even the most spur of the moment weeknight dinner.
Where to go for a romantic meal on date night: Maggie Jones, London. Courtesy Photo.
Lit almost entirely by candlelight, the twee inspired interior beckons lingering over a nice bottle of red paired with British classics like stilton mouse and roast pork belly. Request a booth for added intimacy.
8. club del doge, venice.
Venice is another wildly romantic Italian city, with its winding canals and intricate alleyways that seem made for amour. Go big with a visit to the candlelit terrace overlooking the Grand Canal at Club del Doge in the Gritti Palace hotel.
Where to go for date night – the most romantic luxury restaurants: Imago, Rome Courtesy Photo.
There, you can dine on the Venetian gourmet cuisine of chef Daniele Turco. This culinary style takes inspiration from the other equally romantic places he spent time working in. Including Malta, Sicily, Turkey and Morocco. The menu is constantly changing, according to the season. Except for the mainstay, of course. The Tiramisu.
9. girafe, paris
Looking for the perfect spot to pop the question in the City of Light? You can’t go wrong at Girafe where you’ll find sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower alongside crisp white tablecloths with a menu that puts fish and seafood front and center.
Where to go for a romantic meal on date night: Girafe, Paris. Courtesy Photo.
Time it right and you’ll catch the Iron Lady’s twinkling lights being turned on. Talk about a guaranteed yes and a night you will never forget.
10. tate dining room, hong kong.
With two Michelin star to its name, Tate Dining Room is more than just a pretty space. Located on Hong Kong’s Hollywood Road, Tate features one of the most elegant and innately romantic dining rooms in the world.
Where to go for date night – the most romantic luxury restaurants: Tate, Hong Kong. Courtesy Photo.
The soft and modern setting provides the perfect platform for Chef Vickey Lau’s tasting menus. It combines premium Chinese ingredients with intricate French technique. The ever-changing menus are inspired by love poetry; beloved verses are translated into seasonal dishes called Odes.
11. catalina rose bay, sydney.
Home to award-winning modern Australian cuisine, fantastic wine and cocktails, in addition to sweeping waterside views, Catalina Rose Bay is a must visit for couples looking for a little romance.
Where to go for date night – the most romantic luxury restaurants: Catalina Rose Bay, Sydney. Courtesy Photo.
Located near the site of Sydney’s first international airport, this venue takes its name from one of the vintage vessels that used to gracefully glide through the water. Diners can still watch seaplanes take off and land just yards away. Some of which include fellow diners arriving in true grand style.
12. one if by land, two if by sea, new york.
If there is one restaurant in New York City that defines romance, it is definitely One If By Land, Two If By Sea in the West Village. Once owned by Aaron Burr, this institution is located in a historic 1767 carriage house.
Where to go for date night – the most romantic luxury restaurants: One if by Land, Two if by Sea, New York . Courtesy Photo.
The space is filled with a spirit of romance: candlelit tables, a crackling fireplace, live piano music and a decadent menu. It was no surprise at all to find out that this is not just one of the city’s most popular places to bring a date. But also one of the most popular for popping the big question. If you are thinking about heading here, be aware that there just might be some expectations beyond the food and ambiance on your date’s mind.
The Most Romantic Luxury Restaurants in the World
And there you have it, 12 of the most romantic restaurants around the world that make falling in love that much easier. Are there any that we missed?
