The Most Romantic Restaurants Across the US for 2024

Book your calendar with reservations at the most romantic restaurants in the US and you'll be guaranteed a lifetime of memorable (and delicious) meals.

One could argue that a great meal is the secret to a great relationship. It all starts with that perfect first-date spot that you'll always remember, then a birthday night out and the annual Valentine's Day reservation. Eventually, you'll need a special restaurant for the proposal and then the place to celebrate anniversaries together. Think of the ultimate relationship as one epic, lifelong culinary journey around the most romantic restaurants in the US. Sometimes you'll crave a fancy Michelin-star experience—dress and heels, jacket and tie—with bottle service and a tasting menu; other times you'll want exceptional, yet affordable, comfort food with ocean or mountain views.

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We've rounded up our 2024 top picks for the 27 most romantic restaurants across the US. Bonus: If you're searching for 'romantic restaurants near me', jump to our city guides below for our favorite restaurants near you.

The Knot's Top 27 Romantic Restaurants for 2024

Photo: Garrett Rowland

Sometimes it's the setting the sparks the mood: an ocean view, candlelight, an intimate table tucked away in just the right corner of the dining room. Other times, it's the perfect soundtrack and service that create just the right vibe. And for some couples, a romantic moment truly just comes down to the food and wine. Here are the reservations that guarantee a romantic night out for every occasion.

• The Most Romantic Restaurant in the US: Harbor House Inn Restaurant, Mendocino
• Favorite Michelin Star Restaurant: SingleThread, Healdsburg, California
• Romantic Restaurant with the Best View: The Beach House, Kauai, Hawaii
• Best Romantic Restaurant by the Water: Latitudes, Florida Keys, Florida
• Most Romantic Winter Restaurant: Alpino Vino, Telluride, Colorado
• Most Romantic Restaurant for Wine Lovers: Jory, Newberg, Oregon
• Best Restaurant for a Milestone Moment: Canlis, Seattle, Washington

Read on for our complete list of the 27 most romantic restaurants in the U.S. by region.

American West | Pacific Northwest | California | New England | American South | Mid-Atlantic | Midwest | Hawaii | Alaska | Romantic Restaurants Near Me

Most Romantic Restaurants in the American West

Photo: Logan Einhorn

Whether your idea of romance is a white-tablecloth restaurant with mountain, ocean, or skyline views, we have you covered. The following restaurants cover it all, from five-star fancy to laidback, burger and beer casual all with the service and ambiance for a special night out.

Alpino Vino, Telluride, Colorado

North America's highest elevation restaurant sits at 11,966 feet and channels the vibes of the Alps with a charming European refugio setting and northern Italian menu. On a bluebird day, there's nothing better than sipping bubbles on the multi-tiered deck and soaking in views of the Wilson Range. Or book a snowcat transfer for dinner and experience the restaurant's world-class wine cellar. With just 30-some seats, reservations are essential at Alpino Vino.

Coelette, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This darling downtown restaurant takes up residence in the historic Coe cabin originally built in 1915 and recently refurbished with chic interiors. In summer, reserve a table at Coelette on the rooftop deck; in winter, inside by the fire. The chef's global twist on mountain fare is truly original, featuring dishes like beef tartare with egg yolk gel and kewpie mayo and roasted dry aged duck with xo d=sauce and fermented berry sauce.

Cortina, Big Sky, Montana

Named for the glitzy ski town in Italy's Dolomite Mountains, this refined restaurant in the Montage hotel makes every guest feel like a VVIP. A wood-fired grill turns out melt-in-your-mouth braised ossobuco, but pastas—both handmade and imported from Italy—would do a nonna proud. Order the paccheri Bolognese and ask for the truffle shavings if they're in season.

Most Romantic Restaurants in the Pacific Northwest

Photo: Canlis

It feels almost unfair for Washington State, Oregon and Idaho to be home to so much natural beauty, and couples will find the local culinary scene reflects the outdoorsy lifestyle embraced by residents of the Pacific Northwest.

Jory, Newberg, Oregon

Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine region at the Allison Inn & Spa, this farm-to-table restaurant is a dream for wine lovers. Its extensive cellar includes rare Old World vintages as well as more than 100 Oregon pinots. The dining room overlooks hazelnut orchards and gardens, but foodies should request a counter seat in front of the open kitchen. (Psst: Weekend brunch is just as romantic as dinner and you can't go wrong with sweet treats, such as brioche French toast and peanut butter mousse, or savory dishes, like shrimp and grits.)

Canlis, Seattle, Washington

The location within a mid century modern home whose floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Lake Union and the Cascade mountains has made Canlis a top pick for a romantic evening since the 1950s. Impeccable service and an outstanding wine cellar guarantee a special night. And a reinvigorated tasting menu from talented chef Aisha Ibrahim makes this iconic fine dining restaurant more exciting than ever.

KIN, Boise, Idaho

The five-course, seasonal pre-fixe menu at this whimsical restaurant might challenge your palette with dishes such as ostrich tartare with Asian pear kimchi beef cheek with sauerkraut, sour cream, and root beer. It's the perfect date spot for serious food lovers. If casual is your vibe, book a seat at KIN's late-night Supper Club, held on Friday and Saturday.

The Most Romantic Restaurants in California

Photo: Brendan McGuigan

Couples can find just about every type of romantic dining concept in California, but some of the most romantic restaurants in the state showcase the best that nature has to offer. (Both through its food and the views.)

Harbor House Inn Restaurant, Mendocino

A 320-acre ranch and gardens near the restaurant supplies the bulk of ingredients used by chef Matthew Kammerer and everything else is sourced from within a few miles. His hyper-local cooking has earned him two Michelin stars. With just 20 seats, reservations in the waterfront dining room are a must. Splurge on your anniversary and book a room at the inn. Then, savor Harbor House Inn's tasting menu, which might feature red abalone with sea vegetable vinegar and black cod smoked over bay laurel.

Sierra Mar, Big Sur

Dining in this glass-wrapped restaurant perched on clifftops high above the Pacific feels like you're having a meal in the clouds. The restaurant at dreamy Post Ranch Inn celebrates the local coastal bounty with a tasting menu of ingredient-driven dishes such as endives with ricotta and kumquat and octopus with gochujang aioli. Tap the sommelier to suggest pairings from the cellar's 3,200 labels.

SingleThread, Healdsburg

Photo: Garrett Rowland

Scoring one of the 55 seats at this three Michelin-star restaurant requires advance planning (reservations are released on the first of every month for the following month). But a meal at SingleThread is well worth the effort. Chef Kyle Connaughton and his wife and farmer, Katina, use their 24-acre farm in nearby Dry Creek Valley as muse for theatrical 10-course tasting menus. If you're celebrating a special occasion, book one of the five suites upstairs and be treated to a Japanese-inspired breakfast in bed the next morning.

Most Romantic Restaurants in New England

Photo: Hen of the Wood

Lobster rolls, clam bakes, farm-to-table dining concepts and a diverse selection of dining options makes New England one of the best places to explore for couples. Here are our favorite restaurants across the region's six states.

Hen of the Wood, Waterbury, Vermont

Chef/co-owner Eric Warnstedt recently moved his raved about farm-to-table spot to more modern digs up the road, but his food is as delicious as ever. The menu at Hen of the Wood changes daily but you'll always find staples like the addictive Parker House rolls with cultured butter and mushroom toast. Ask to be seated at the chef's counter with a full view of the wood-fired grill and after dinner pop down to the 8-seat "speakeasy" for barrel-aged negronis.

M.C. Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine

A killer raw bar, two oceanfront bars, and a dining room with sweeping views of Oarweed Cove have long made this a favorite spot for special celebrations. The setting at M.C. Perkins Cove is all about seaside romance, while the food is refreshingly unfussy bistro fare like steamed Bang Island Mussels and smoked gouda mac and cheese.

Oleana, Cambridge, Massachusetts

In the warmer months, there's no place more romantic than the garden patio at Oleana. Tables are available on a first-come, first serve basis but well worth the wait. Chef Ana Sortun's menu transports diners to the Middle East and shareable mezze dishes like spinach falafel and carrots with preserved lemon, goat cheese, and orange harissa are perfect for a first date.

Most Romantic Restaurants in the American South

Photo: Lilette

This particular region is home to one of the most well-known food cultures in the country, if not the world. Here are a few of the most romantic places to eat down south.

Lilette, New Orleans, Louisiana

This lovely white tablecloth restaurant on Magazine Street has one of NOLA's prettiest dining rooms, but tables under the sparkling white lights on the patio are even more romantic. Service is always top notch, and the Italian-meets-French cuisine is always a crowd-pleaser. The menu at Lilette has something to please every palette, from high-brow dishes like escargots to classics like a seared Kobe burger with fries.

Latitudes, Florida Keys, Florida

Located on Sunset Key, just a few hundred yards from Key West, Latitudes embodies toes in the sand elegance. The Ernest Hemingway Room, adorned with photos of the author, has its own charm, but couples should request an outdoor table surrounded by tiki torches and the ocean breeze. Seafood dishes, like the signature ahi poke with coconut rice and chilled Key West Pinks, don't get any fresher.

The Firetower at Blackberry Mountain, Walland, Tennessee

It's worth being an early bird so you can take in the views of the Smoky Mountains from this restored 1950s firetower at Blackberry Mountain resort. A farm-to-table ethos and Southern flavors drive the menu, like crispy chicken thigh with Sea Island rice peas and honeynut squash and fried quail with chili honey and potato chips. The wine program at Firetower is also outstanding, so put your trust in the sommelier.

Most Romantic Restaurants in the Mid-Atlantic

Photo: L'Artusi

The Mid-Atlantic region is teeming with amazing restaurant options for couples. Between New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and beyond, lovebirds should expect exceptional service, trendsetting concepts, and divine dishes worth raving about.

L'Artusi, New York City, New York

Yes, there are grander and flashier dining rooms in New York City, but sometimes you just want a cozy spot with a great vibe, consistently excellent service, and delicious food. L'Artusi, in the West Village, delivers on all fronts. The downstairs dining room tends to have a bit more buzz and the chef's counter is the spot to score. The pastas are always on point and just put yourself in the hands of the sommelier to guide your wine pairings.

Rat's Restaurant, Hamilton, New Jersey

If you can't swing the anniversary trip to Paris, the next best thing is a meal at Rat's. Situated on the 42-acre Grounds for Sculpture park, you'll feel like you're stepping into a Claude Monet painting. In fact, the dining room is inspired by Monet's hometown, Giverny, and resembles a French countryside tavern. A lunch reservation at Rat's allows time to enjoy the distinctly French fare (chicken liver mousse, croque monsieur) and explore the grounds.

Zahav, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Want to make an impression? Score a table at Zahav. Reservations are released 8 weeks to the day for the four-course Tayim tasting menu featuring fire-cooked skewers or the four-course tasting menu anchored by a dish of pomegranate lamb shoulder with crispy Persian rice. Consider it a prelude to a trip abroad as flavors are influenced by Balkan, Middle Eastern, North African, and Eastern European cuisines.

Most Romantic Restaurants in the Midwest

Photo: Nicole Franzen;

Couples will find innovative new dining concepts and classic New American fare at the most romantic restaurants in the Midwest. Here are a few of our favorites below.

The Eagle's Nest Restaurant, Indianapolis, Indiana

It's all about the 360-degree skyline views at this revolving rooftop restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Time your reservation to dusk so you can watch the city light up as you dig into classic dishes like shrimp cocktail and Prime New York strip steak with garlic mashed potatoes. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to order the banana sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

After, Chicago, Illinois

This sexy new lounge from Michelin-star chef Curtis Duffy is located next door to his fine dining temple, Ever. Request a low-top booth for two and nibble on caviar flights and small bites like pork belly steam buns or share larger plates like the Ora king salmon with black olive and grapefruit. Cocktails—both classic and creative—shine at After.

The Harvey House, Madison, Wisconsin

Two Midwest natives with fine dining chops (think French Laundry and Gramercy Tavern) have transformed the old baggage claim house of Madison's former train depot into a glam dining room that revives the midwestern Supper Club tradition. Request a table in the private train car and kick off your celebratory meal with a classic Wisconsin cocktail like the Grasshopper. The nostalgic menu at the Harvey House features elevated takes on Midwest classics like walleye and chicken schnitzel.

Most Romantic Restaurants in Hawaii

Photo: The Beach House

A honeymooners' paradise, Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful romantic restaurants in the world. With views of the Pacific, many facing sunset, couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to the Aloha State.

The Beach House, Kauai

People drive halfway around the island just to catch the sunset views at this oceanfront restaurant on Kauai's south shore. An open-air layout means every table has an ocean view. The Beach House's food lives up to the vistas, with a menu that highlights the island's local farmers and fisherman. You can't go wrong with the fresh catch and the signature Monkeypod Mai Tai is a must to toast sundown.

Mama's Fish House, Maui

This waterfront institution on Maui's North Shore is beloved for its kitschy tiki décor and caught-that-day seafood (the menu even lists the fisherman who hooked your dinner). The kanpachi stuffed with lobster and crab in a macadamia nut crust is a signature. Arrive early to snap photos on the beach with the resident sea turtles and save room for the Polynesian Black Pearl dessert. Reservations are a must as the establishment is considered one of the best and most romantic restaurants in the US. Mama's Fish House books out up to two months in advance.

La Mer, Oahu

The place to go for a fancy night out in laidback Oahu, this elegant restaurant set within the Halekulani Hotel has a dazzling view of Waikiki Beach and sensational Neoclassical French food (think seared foie gras with pineapple coulis). Aloha shirts won't fly here. A collared shirt or jacket is required for men. La Mer is the perfect place to celebrate an anniversary. Arrive early for a cocktail accompanied by live jazz in neighboring Lewers Lounge.

Most Romantic Restaurants in Alaska

Photo: Seven Glaciers Restaurant

Views of glaciers, freshly-caught seafood options, and unbelievable tasting menus are just a few markings of romantic fine dining establishments in Alaska. Imagine the experience of a delicious tasting menu, followed by the spectacle of the northern lights.

Seven Glaciers Restaurant, Alyeska

The tram ride to reach this fine dining restaurant set atop Mount Alyeska sets the mood. Request a table by one of the floor-to-ceiling windows so you can continue enjoying the snow-capped mountain views. Three- and four-course menus might feature dishes like scallop bisque with caviar and beef tenderloin with Bordelaise sauce. Ask your server to suggest wine pairings from Seven Glaciers Restaurant's award-winning cellar.

Altura Bistro, Anchorage

Don't be deceived by the location in a downtown strip mall. This tiny fine dining spot is a special occasion establishment thanks to its warm, attentive staff, excellent wine list, and cozy dining room. Pacific Northwest ingredients are the stars of Altura Bistro's menu. Start with oysters and champagne then split the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu so you have room for decadent desserts, like sesame truffle yuzu meringue tart.

Latitude 65, Fairbanks

The destination restaurant of Latitude 65 set within a craftsman-built yurt overlooking Wickersham Dome feels like you're dining in a snow globe. The beautifully executed food wouldn't be out of place in a big city restaurant. Expect a mix of creative flavors in dishes like crispy pork belly with honey fermented garlic miso glaze and curried coconut and refined takes on comfort foods, such as reindeer sausage and sauerkraut.

Romantic Restaurants Near Me

Photo: Saint Theo's, NYC

Looking for romantic restaurant ideas in a particular city in the US or state? Perhaps you've already checked the boxes off our picks. Read on for our city restaurant guides and explore more top local establishments.

• NYC Romantic Restaurants
• Atlanta Romantic Restaurants
• New Jersey Romantic Restaurants
• Chicago Romantic Restaurants
• Boston Romantic Restaurants
• Austin Romantic Restaurants
• Dallas Romantic Restaurants
• Houston Romantic Restaurants
• Miami Romantic Restaurants
• Seattle Romantic Restaurants
• Las Vegas Romantic Restaurants
• San Diego Romantic Restaurants
• Los Angeles Romantic Restaurants