The Definitive List of the Most Romantic Restaurants in Atlanta for Every Occasion

Couples will find perfectly peachy options in ATL.
Lyla Lila Bar
Photo: Angie Webb
Beth Ann Mayer - The Knot Contributor.
by
Beth Ann Mayer
Beth Ann Mayer - The Knot Contributor.
Beth Ann Mayer
The Knot Contributor
  • Beth Ann writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, including venues, honeymoons and planning advice.
  • Beth Ann is a lifestyle freelance writer, with bylines on healthline.com and parents.com.
  • Prior to freelancing, Beth Ann was a writer and editor for Long Island Pulse Magazine.
Updated Oct 22, 2023
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Certain occasions—like Valentine's Day, anniversaries, proposals and birthdays—call for truly romantic restaurants that you'll remember years later. Luckily, there are nearly endless romantic restaurants in Atlanta that fit the bill for a truly memorable evening. Atlanta certainly has its share of white-tablecloth, fine-dining establishments (and we won't skimp on those here).

The Georgia capital also has peachy options for people searching for an affordable spot for standing Friday-night dinners. Some have views as breathtaking as the cuisine, while others invite you and yours to cozy up at a table by the fireplace and dig in. The flavors on the Atlanta foodie scene are as diverse as the surroundings and price tags—from soul food to seafood, brunch to dinner, couples can satisfy any craving. Whether you're looking for a hard-to-come-by table at one of the most romantic restaurants in downtown Atlanta or an intimate hidden gem, you'll find it in The Peach State capital city.

The Knot's Top Picks for Romantic Restaurants in Atlanta

Lyla Lila
Photo: Angie Webb

Navigating the most romantic restaurants in Atlanta can be like picking a bottle of vino off a pages-long menu. Are you looking for romantic restaurants in Atlanta with a view? Perhaps you'd like to sit at one of the rooftop restaurants Atlanta offers. Sometimes, your biggest priority is focusing on your favorite vista—the person doing life with you—so you're Googling "cozy restaurants near me." We've provided our top picks for restaurants with heaping helpings of romance in this bustling city based on your date-night vision.

The Most Romantic Restaurant in Atlanta: Aria

Best Black-Owned Romantic Restaurant in Atlanta: Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours

Favorite Affordable Romantic Restaurant in Atlanta: Lyla Lila

Best Romantic Seafood Restaurant in Atlanta: Atlanta Fish Market

Romantic Restaurant with the Best View: Ray's on the River

Best Valentine's Day Restaurant: The Blind Pig Parlour Bar

Coziest Romantic Restaurant in Atlanta: Lucian Books and Wine

Read on for our complete list of the 31 most romantic restaurants in Atlanta.

Aria, Buckhead

Aria dining room
Photo: LuAnne DeMeo

Aria is considered one of the finest fine-dining establishments in the city, and it's our choice for Atlanta's most romantic restaurant. The elegant white tablecloth spot feels fresh and contemporary, with decor like statement lights, long drapes and posh-yet-unfussy leather chairs. The food will leave you with something to talk about for date nights to come. The menu changes seasonally, but high-end offerings like truffles and lobster are standard in these parts. Aria has a global wine list that includes bottles of bubbly perfect for celebrating an anniversary.

490 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA

Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours, West Midtown

Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours puts a creative, modern spin on classic Southern dining. The soul food destination is our pick for the best Black-owned romantic restaurant in Atlanta. Chef and cookbook author Deborah VanTrece—a former flight attendant—developed a menu with influences from her well-traveled previous career. Think crawfish deviled eggs with cajun drizzle and hoisin-glazed oxtails with garlic bok choy. A brunch menu developed by executive chef Robert Butts is also a mix of modern and classic, Southern and global. And it gives early-bird couples a chance to do a delicious dine-out date before dark.

1133 Huff Rd NW #D, Atlanta, GA 30318

Lyla Lila, Midtown

Cacio e pepe Photo
Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee

Situated in the heart of the bustling Midtown area, Lyla Lila's cool, European-inspired interior includes muted pink drapery and soft green chairs. A good entree can be had for under $40—considered budget-conscious in these parts. But the restaurant proves expensive taste doesn't need to require a mid-three-figure bill. The ever-changing menu prevents couples from falling into date-night ruts, even if Lyla Lila becomes your spot for years to come. It usually includes pastas and seafood that draw on Southern European influences, like a pristine roasted chicken with herbs and lemon and a duck lasagna that takes taste buds for a ride.

693 Peachtree St NE UNIT 118, Atlanta, GA 30308

Atlanta Fish Market, Buckhead

Atlanta Fish Market dining room
Photo: Atlanta Fish Market

Flavor is a calling card at lively restaurants in Atlanta. Largely considered one of the best spots for seafood, Atlanta Fish Market boasts the city's largest selection of wild-caught fish. Seafood is flown in daily—and it's bursting with fresh flavors. Genuine Maine cod, an ample selection of sushi, and lobster rolls so tasty even a New Englander will swoon make this spot a date-night dream for couples craving the "surf" in surf 'n turf. Even the interior feels fresh and airy—a loft-like setting with large hanging lights brightens any night out.

265 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Ray's on the River, Sandy Springs

Ray's on the River is an intimate spot with sweeping Chattahoochee River views in the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs. It provides a scenic escape from the bustle of the city's center without a true trek. The seafaring spot serves fresh oysters from around the country, Southern comfort classics like New Orleans BBQ shrimp doused in BBQ butter, and wines from around the world to pair perfectly with any dish. Note: Ray's on the River is one of the best romantic seafood restaurants in Atlanta. But it's no seafood shack. Flip-flops and baseball caps are too casual for these waters. Consider this spot one for a more elevated night out with that special someone.

6700 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30339

The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, Buckhead

A speakeasy-style bar behind an unmarked door in Buckhead, a date night at The Blind Pig Parlour Bar feels like a secret mission for two. The turn-of-last-century adventure takes guests back to the age of Gatsby. During holidays, the spot is known for getting all dressed up for the occasion—launching pop-ups for celebrations like Halloween and even Valentine's Day. Blind Pig Parlour Bar transforms into Blind Cupid for V-Day, going heavy on red and pink decor and offering a special menu. It's TBD whether the pop-up will return, but even if it doesn't, the Prohibition-era experience puts a fun twist on a date come Feb. 14.

128 E Andrews Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Lucian Books and Wine, Buckhead

Lucian Books and Wine dining room
Photo: Lucian Books and Wine

A cozy, intimate spot in Buckhead, Lucian Books and Wine is one part wine bar, one part bookstore and one part restaurant. Combined, the ingredients set the stage for a unique lunch or dinner date. For starters, the spot only seats 40—you'll be able to discuss your latest reads with ease. Named for British painter Lucian Freud (Sigmund Freud's grandson), the approachable spot in the upscale Buckhead area serves elevated takes on classics like an omelet with caviar and roasted duck. A 44-page wine list features bottles from around the globe, though guests can also order by the glass.

3005 Peachtree Rd Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30305

Canoe, Vinings

Nestled within a garden on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Canoe offers a serene setting for a tranquil date night, making it one of the best romantic restaurants in Atlanta. The farm-to-table cuisine is as pristine as the manicured grounds. Canoe serves brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert. Everything from the Brioche French toast with macerated berries and vanilla mascarpone to the jumbo lump crab cake with Napa slaw is as delicious as it sounds. After the last of dessert has been licked off the silverware, an after-meal stroll along the property's meandering walkways is a must.

4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

The Farmhouse at Serenbe, Chattahoochee Hills

One of Atlanta's first farm-to-table restaurants, The Farmhouse at Serenbe leaned into the concept before it became an industry standard, and it continues to set the bar to this day. The restaurant sources many of its ingredients from its garden, Serenbe Farms, and other regional sources, giving it a taste all its own. The countryside-inspired interior with high ceilings and colorful wallpaper provides a homey feel, even for couples keen on dining out. White tablecloths add a dash of elegance to taste.

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

The Southern Gentleman Gastropub, Buckhead Village

Refined Southern comfort fare meets contemporary flair at this approachable upscale gastropub in the glistening Buckhead district. True to its name, The Southern Gentleman Gastropub combines noted amiable service with creative twists on Southern classics. Dishes like good-for-the-soul gouda mac and cheese and sweet potato cornbread feel fresh without going too far off the beaten path. The ample bourbon menu? A celebration of the South—and, if it's your jam, the perfect spirit for celebrating an anniversary or milestone birthday.

3035 Peachtree Rd NE A208, Atlanta, GA 30305

Nikolai's Roof, Downtown

A bar with sweeping skyline vistas that's situated on the 30th floor of the Hilton Atlanta, Nikolai's Roof makes for a genuinely elevated date night spot. But the views are just the appetizer at this French-Russian eatery, one of the best romantic restaurants in downtown Atlanta. Grilled cheese with caviar is savory, comforting and sophisticated—a welcome surprise. (Speaking of caviar, couples can indulge in caviar service.) Duck breast and prime strip loin cooked to perfection are other worthy options. Signature vodka-infused cocktails and a curated vino list make for celebratory sippers.

255 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303

By George, Downtown

Set in circa-1906 digs, By George leans into contemporary American fare and serves the four most important meals of the day: breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Couples with different tastes are in luck—the menus are truly diverse. Savory dishes, like shrimp and grits and beef-pork meatballs, and lighter offerings, like salads and chicken, can all make their way to your table. Wooden tables sans tablecloths add an approachable feel, while large marble columns add a unique touch of refined, throwback sophistication.

127 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303

9 Mile Station, Old Fourth Ward

9 Mile Station patio
Photo: 9 Mile Station

Perched atop Ponce City Market in Atlanta's historic Old Fourth Ward, this romantic rooftop restaurant in Atlanta makes for a hip spot for a night out. On a warm Atlanta evening, the sunset views and the chance to dine al fresco at 9 Mile Station are not to be missed. Weather not in your favor? Keep the date night—the spot has a sleek indoor space. This restaurant is more of a beer garden with pub-style grub—expect local brews that play nicely with pork belly sliders and French onion mac and cheese. Note: Reservations are required.

Ponce City Market, 1829, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Casi Cielo, Sandy Springs

Casi Cielo puts an upscale twist on Mexican street food. It starts with the setting—the eatery's well-appointed interior digs include standout light fixtures and shiny wooden tables. An outdoor patio is also available when the weather is right. The Oaxacan-focused menu boasts classics like enchiladas and tacos with locally sourced ingredients. The mezcal collection is the city's largest. Want a night-out feel without leaving your home? You are in luck—Casi Cielo offers delivery, bringing a meal-prep-free date night to you.

6125 Roswell Rd STE 200, Atlanta, GA 30328

Rock Steady, West Midtown

Rock Steady table
Photo: Jacob Thomas

Live music and DJs give this restaurant in West Midtown Atlanta a rockin' vibe, perfect for couples who want to sing and dance the night away. The music at Rock Steady can often be heard on Marietta Street—and the smell of the Afro-Caribbean cuisine with Southern comfort twists also draws people from the outside in. Rock Steady serves brunch and dinner. The dinner menu includes sharable small plates ideal for starting conversations, like jerk lamb egg rolls and calamari served in a peach-jalapeño glaze that only a Georgia restaurant could pull off.

907 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Cooks and Soldiers, West Midtown

Cooks and Soldiers table
Photo: Heidi Harris

This upscale gastropub is perfect for an anniversary or birthday celebration that's special but not snobby. The Basque-inspired cuisine also hits differently, making Cooks and Soldiers an ideal way to break out of date-night boredom. House-baked mountain bread and protein-packed dishes like a 32-ounce ribeye steak, grilled octopus and poached lobster all stand out. Vegetarian and gluten-free menus are also available at this spot that truly welcomes all tastes and needs.

691 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Parlor, Castleberry Hill

Mostly a cocktail bar in the trendy Castleberry Hill area by night, Parlor offers a brunch menu worth rolling out of bed early for. An on-point peach mixed green salad, sweet potato cornbread muffin, and bourbon peach French toast ensure all the greatest hits can be enjoyed. And who says brunch can't come with dessert? Not Parlor—banana pudding is on the menu (two spoons for one bowl are optional but recommended). The stylish interior with drapery and colorful lounge seating creates a funky backdrop.

249-A Peters Street Southwest, Atlanta, GA 30313

Atlas, Buckhead

Located in the St. Regis in Buckhead, Atlas is naturally brimming with upscale elegance. The space is adorned with 20th century art and teal accents that pop against an otherwise neutral canvas. Even the food is artfully plated—truly, no "t" is left uncrossed at Atlas. The food may look too good to eat, but you'll want to dig in, especially if you're splurging on that special someone with a chef's tasting menu. It's seasonally driven, but caviar, poached fish dishes and a dessert or two are typical fare.

88 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

The Garden Room, Buckhead

Garden room bar
Photo: Vanessa Boy

A restaurant in Buckhead, The Garden Room is set in an enchanting space with greenery at every turn. The glass ceilings add a unique charm—allowing guests to take in a different view of a sunset or dine under the stars. Cocktail names exude romance—Love Potion, In Love With Coco and Meet Your Matcha, to name a few. Brunch and dinner are served in these parts, allowing morning people and night owls alike to indulge in a meal at their preferred time.

88 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Mary Mac's Tea Room, Midtown

Mary Mac's Tea Room—one of the last of Atlanta's 16 tea rooms from the 1940s—blends history, coziness and affordability. The Midtown institution is a Southern comfort food destination that allows couples to kick back and relax like they're in grandma's kitchen. The food? It's scratch made and heavenly. Peach cobbler, sweet tea and crispy-yet-juicy fried chicken have been mainstays for years, lending a welcome air of familiarity. Local couples who haven't been there in a while will love new favorites like tomato pie.

224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Chai Yo Modern Thai, Buckhead

As a cosmopolitan city, Atlanta's foodie scene is diverse and versatile—you can find cuisine from all over the world every few blocks. Your taste buds are better for it, and they'll applaud a chance to dine at Chai Yo Modern Thai. Couples will love indulging in Chef DeeDee Niyomkul's riffs on traditional Thai recipes, like lamb chops in Thai BBQ sauce and prime bone-in ribeye with green curry. Modern digs replete with statement decor and dim lighting make for an excellent backdrop for hip couples.

3050 Peachtree Rd Suite 8, Atlanta, GA 30305

Bacchanalia, Blandtown

This white tablecloth setting has been a date-night destination for more than two decades. Reservations are required at Bacchanalia, adding an air of exclusivity to an evening out. The seasonal four-course tasting menu boasts completely organic ingredients sourced from the chef-owners' farm, Summerland. It serves as a draw for sustainably minded pairs. The dishes are also, frankly, delicious. They change by the season—providing an adventure for multiple date nights—but seafood offerings like crab fritters and Maine lobster are standout mainstays.

1460 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW Suite 1, Atlanta, GA 30318

Busy Bee Cafe, Downtown

Busy Bee Cafe dining room
Photo: Busy Bee Cafe

When pairs want their dinner date to actually be about the dinner, they head to Busy Bee. A casual downtown joint, Busy Bee has been serving up simple soul food fare since the 1940s. The unassuming spot with a humble brick exterior and teal awning may not look like a date-night candidate to the uninitiated. But local couples know: This cozy spot has knock-your-socks-off black-eyed peas and a claim to the city's best fried chicken.

810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Miller Union, Westside/West Midtown

Though Miller Union makes an excellent spot for a slightly done-up anniversary date night, it's also perfect for a just-because evening out. Set in an inviting space with unpretentious but refined wooden tables and light-hued walls, Miller Union offers the warm, subtle appeal that draws people to Georgia and keeps them there. The straightforward menu has Southern influences written all over it—from pork belly with lime-pickled onions to a side dish that combines squash, almond, plum, feta and, of course, peach.

999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Mujo, West Midtown

Mujo dining table
Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee

Once a pop-up for the aforementioned Cooks and Soldiers, a table at Mujo has become one of the city's most sought-after spots. The dark interior feels sultry and romantic at first blush. The tasting menu experience? It never gets old by design because it changes daily. The adventure typically starts with small plates and progresses with seasonal nigiri. Guests can add on always-rotating supplemental specialty items, too. At $225 per person, a date night at Mujo is for truly special occasions—but the continued praise of the spot by diners indicates it's worth it.

691 14th St NW c, Atlanta, GA 30318

La Grotta Ristorante, Buckhead

For Italian so good you'll want to head back for an immediate encore, grab your main squeeze and head to La Grotta Ristorante. Though located in glitzy Buckhead, La Grotta's dishes don't try too hard to be trendy. Instead, expect fare as comforting and familiar as the favorite human sitting across from you—think creamy burrata, calamari and penne Bolognese. Still, La Grotta isn't a crocs and flip-flops establishment. The white linens—present even on tables on the outdoor patio—give La Grotta an understated elegance.

2637 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Estrellita, Grant Park

Estrellita dining room
Photo: Michelle Stockstill

Credit: Michelle Stockstill

This cozy, intimate spot in Atlanta's historic and walkable Grant Park is one of the city's best-kept secrets. Nestled next to a deli and pub, Estrellita is easy to miss but a gem of a find. The small dining room seats few, though outdoor seating is also available. Either way, you'll be able to talk to your date in indoor voices as you dig into authentic Filipino food. Think crispy pasta that's bite-sized perfection and savory beef short ribs sprinkled with Filipino seasonings.

580 Woodward Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Bistro Niko, Buckhead

Bistro Niko store front
Photo: Bistro Niko

Bistro Niko's French-inspired food and bustling atmosphere are ideal for couples hoping to be part of the scene. Black booths with red cushions give Bistro Niko a posh appeal, and ample lighting prevents it from feeling too dark. Plates made for sharing, like charcuterie boards and snacks designed to go with cocktails, add to the dining-for-two experience. The savory, rich, crisped-leg duck confit appetizer is known for getting meals off on the right foot.

3344 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

The Alden, Chamble

Set in airy digs with light, neutral walls and furnishings, The Alden feels like a breath of fresh air. The menu follows suit, taking diners on a culinary adventure bursting with Southern flavors courtesy of locally sourced ingredients. Think chicken katsu with sweet chili sauce, potato salad and pickles, and crispy veal sweetbreads. Plates were made to be swapped and shared—a fun component to date night. An approachable wine list lets couples feel fancy without the overwhelm, and a chef's tasting menu with suggested wine pairings that change daily takes the guesswork out of ordering in the most delicious way possible.

5070 Peachtree Blvd Suite B-140, Chamblee, GA 30341

Tiny Lou's, Poncey-Highland

A 100-seat French-American brasserie set in Hotel Clermont, Tiny Lou's goes heavy on cozy and familiar—but not boring. Locally sourced ingredients add unique twists to dishes throughout the seasons, and a manageable but ample wine menu with French vinos leans into the Francophile surroundings. Pink accents like wallpaper and a neon light sign make it clear that Tiny Lou's is a place where love is in the air—and put it in the running for the best Valentine's Day restaurant in Atlanta.

789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Marcel, Westside Provisions District

Marcel Atlanta bar
Photo: Marcel Atlanta

Dim lighting that would make Don Draper feel right at home instantly sets the mood at Marcel. From there, the tufted, dark-leather booth seats are posh and cozy and leave room for a couple to splurge on carnivore-forward indulgences like a porterhouse steak for two. Indeed, the restaurant is known for having some of the city's best steak. The eatery has a wine library with everything from rosé Champagne to brooding Bordeaux. All told, it's a spot for one of those kinds of evenings.

1170 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318

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