Finding the right restaurant isn’t just about the food – it's also about the ambiance. Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a date night, special family meal, or relaxing solo dinner? We’ve rounded up the most charming eateries in every state, from restaurants housed within amazing historic buildings to spots offering breathtaking views.
Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the most delightful places to dine in America, counting down to the loveliest of all.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
A farmhouse for more than 100 years, this cute building is now the home of one of New Jersey's most romantic restaurants. Sea Girt’s Scarborough Fair Restaurant features rustic interiors, atmospheric lighting, and several private dining alcoves, making you and your party feel as if you’re the only people in the restaurant. There are countless quirky design touches too, from curved brick staircases to brass lamps imported from Turkey. The menu is eclectic and incredibly tempting, with a particular focus on fresh, sustainable seafood.
Set in an original farmhouse with beautiful gardens, Quiessence at The Farm has previously been voted the most romantic restaurant in Arizona – and it's easy to see why. Tables draped in white tablecloths are dotted around the lawn and among the pretty flowers, and the inside of the fine dining restaurant is equally charming. All produce used is grown on site or sourced locally, and the spot even has its own chicken coop. Diners say eating here is an experience you won't forget.
The cozy Alpino Vino, in Colorado’s Telluride Ski Resort, is North America's second-highest restaurant at nearly 12,000 feet, treating diners to picturesque views of snow-capped trees and mountains. The restaurant, which specializes in gourmet Italian food, is full of rustic charm, with a wood-burning fireplace, sheepskin blankets, and an outdoor wine bar. You can ski right up to the front door or arrive by heated snow coach.
A beautiful restaurant set in a Mediterranean-style villa hiding away in the heart of South Beach, Casa Tua is accessed via wrought iron gates that lead to an enchanting garden. Tables are set among the pretty plants and flowers, while twinkling Moroccan lamps hang from the trees. Inside, you'll find a stylish restaurant with windows overlooking the patio and gardens. If the Italian fine dining menu leaves you too full to move very far, the property also houses a boutique hotel.
In the beautiful city of Cambridge, down a cobbled path in the heart of Harvard Square, is Harvest. This elegant restaurant presents the best of New England cuisine, with chefs working closely with local farmers to devise seasonal menus. The interiors are smart, with dark woods and neutral tones, and there's a beautiful patio for dining alfresco.
For an authentic German dining experience, head to the quirky House of Gerhard in Kenosha. The owner, Gerhard Dillner, opened the quaint restaurant in 1964 and, decades later, his family is still running the establishment and serving his original recipes. There are plenty of delicious dishes on offer here, including a selection of schnitzels, served by staff wearing traditional dirndls. There's an Oktoberfest weekend every September, too.
The Palisades is set within a former general store, and it retains the original character of the building. Period features, including hardwood floors, pressed tin ceilings, and exposed brick walls, along with photos of the restaurant’s past life, are a reminder of the business that thrived here during the 1920s. It’s still a bustling location today, serving as a community hub with a seasonal menu of pizza and modern American food. A full calendar of events – including regular live music nights – adds to the exciting, welcoming atmosphere.
Part of the family-owned Ledges Hotel in Hawley in the Pocono Mountains, Glass has wonderful views of the neighboring waterfalls, as well as an eclectic menu of small sharing dishes. A former glass factory dating back to the 1890s, the building retains some of its original features, though it has a modern interior. The menu includes cheese boards, crispy shrimp tacos, and wild boar sausage – perfect for enjoying while you soak up the panoramic views from the dining room and outdoor terraces.
The Fed, housed in a former bank building, is a super-cool modern restaurant with plenty of charm. The interior features rustic hanging lights, cozy armchairs, fur blankets, open shelving, and colorful rugs. There are even two private dining rooms within the old bank vaults. The menu changes constantly, but popular past items have included tempura tuna rolls and red snapper ceviche. There's live music every Friday and Saturday night, too.
There are three equally charming Bakeri locations in Brooklyn, although it's the Greenpoint bakery and café that has people talking. With pretty floral wallpaper, antique mirrors, and rustic furnishings, it's the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy a coffee and breakfast or lunch. There's a vast menu of tempting sweet and savory pastries, open sandwiches, and salads, plus breakfast dishes such as avocado tartine with cumin, lemon, and sea salt.
Established in 1673, Newport's award-winning White Horse Tavern is believed to be the USA’s oldest tavern building. This historic restaurant has oodles of charm, making dining here a real experience. Today, the focus is fresh, local food – think fish, clams, and lobsters caught in Narragansett Bay, and artisan cheese, honey, and beef sourced from nearby farms.
A landmark in Maine’s Bar Harbor, local favorite Geddy’s was once a dingy waterfront dive bar before it changed hands and became one of the best restaurants in the state. These days, the family-friendly spot is famed for its delicious lobster rolls – and the menu also features huge burgers, pizzas, and seafood dishes. The interior is packed with historical photographs and memorabilia, and customers love the fun, lively atmosphere.
Set in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, Appalachian Grill resembles a cozy alpine cabin thanks to its antique artwork and exposed brick walls – not to mention the skis and poles mounted on the walls. The menu is just as tempting as the décor; there's plenty of sophisticated comfort food on offer, including seafood pasta, blackened salmon and shrimp, pecan chicken, and barbecue pork chops.
In a picturesque waterfront setting in New Haven, Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill is all about great seafood and steak (not to mention superb cocktails, wine, and beer). The décor has a nautical theme, and there’s a big brass and steel bar where you can enjoy drinks. Not only that, but there are both indoor fireplaces and outdoor fire pits – so you can have a cozy, romantic meal whatever the weather.
A local favorite for nearly 30 years, fine dining restaurant Snake River Grill has a rustic yet elegant dining room and a stunning deck area. Inside you'll find exposed brick walls, roaring fireplaces, flickering candles, and a relaxed atmosphere. There's a creative menu, too. Highlights include steak tartare pizza (topped with black Angus New York steak, garlic aioli, capers, parsley, and red onion), and Persian roasted eggplant.
For a memorable meal in a historic venue, head to Cozy’s Café and Pub in Liberty Township. A former home converted into a family-run restaurant, this place offers a range of gourmet comfort food with a twist, from red wine–braised short ribs and pan-seared crab cakes with tomato basil butter to a tasty s’mores bread pudding dessert. Meals can be enjoyed in one of the farmhouse dining rooms or outside on the pretty patio area.
A finalist in the 2022 James Beard Awards, Butcher & Bee started out with one aim – to serve perfect artisan sandwiches – before its popularity and menu grew and grew. A cute spot with a pretty patio, mismatched furniture, plants, string lights, and retro-style tiling on the walls, it has a menu of mezze and sharing plates featuring fresh, seasonal, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include whipped feta with honey and black pepper, pistachio and avocado falafel, and tomato risotto.
Garage-turned-restaurant Sparky’s is a firm Dillon favorite with a vintage vibe. Hints about its former life remain, with old cars outside, and road signs and other automobile memorabilia scattered throughout the joint. There’s even an old Chevy truck you can dine in. The menu is big on comfort food classics such as barbecue sandwiches, big burgers, and thick steaks. There's a second location in Butte, too.
Run by husband-and-wife team Todd and Lori Jansen, the warm and welcoming Sugar Leaf Bakery in Branson serves plenty of sweet and savory dishes that look as good as they taste. Highlights include the panini and tasty salads, as well as the bakery's incredible selection of cobblers, pies, cupcakes, and cookies.
Celebrate Jasper's rich German heritage by grabbing an authentic meal at Schnitzelbank, a traditional German-style tavern. Owned by husband-and-wife team Larry and Betty Hanselman since 1961, the restaurant is all about family, with the couple's six children and many grandchildren also helping out. The top dish is the bratzel, a jumbo salted pretzel covered with sauerkraut, two bratwurst sausages, and honey-mustard sauce, which has been voted the number one sandwich in Indiana. There’s even a glockenspiel that plays every half hour.
This award-winning Huntsville restaurant receives rave reviews from diners thanks to its cozy, romantic atmosphere – think jazz music playing softly in the background, classic décor in neutral shades, a candlelit patio area, and a delicious menu of modern American cuisine. You can dine on the likes of roasted red snapper, porcini and truffle ravioli, and glazed smoked duck breasts at this utterly charming spot.
Romantic fine dining restaurant Parker's offers a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced organic ingredients; menu highlights include roasted duck breast, seared scallops, and an artisan cheese plate. The décor, meanwhile, is tasteful and smart, with soft lighting, flickering candles, and exposed brick walls. Diners say it's the perfect place for a date night.
A visit to Winston-Salem’s Ryan's Restaurant is a magical experience. It's a cozy spot set deep in a forest, and you can dine out on the deck looking over the trees and stream. Want to stay inside? Comfy sofas and a crackling fireplace will keep you snug. The restaurant serves a tempting menu of seafood and steaks, which diners say are cooked to perfection, but it's the fairytale surroundings that keep people coming back time and time again.
You'd be hard pressed to find fresher food than at Campo, located at the Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm in Albuquerque. Here, dishes are created from seasonal, organic ingredients sourced from the property’s own fields, as well as local farms. The restaurant is housed in a renovated barn, with an open kitchen and amazing views of lavender fields and the Sandia Mountains. There's also an innovative menu of botanical cocktails.
For a romantic meal in Minneapolis, head to the atmospheric Café & Bar Lurcat, which has huge windows overlooking Loring Park. The chic restaurant area has sparkling chandeliers, exposed brick walls, and high ceilings, while the candlelit bar is classic with a nouveau twist. There's a menu of small plates, pasta dishes, steaks, and seafood, and there are more than 200 wines to choose from.
Located on a historic street in Ellicott City, the popular Manor Hill Tavern is housed in a mid-19th-century building that once served the area’s livery trade. The place has a rustic feel, with local artwork hanging throughout, and plenty of original features – including exposed stone walls, barn doors, and wooden beams. There's a menu of inventive brick oven pizzas, such as the Figgy Piggy, which comes with fig jam, prosciutto, goats' cheese, and honey-roasted red onion. The restaurant also serves sandwiches and salads.
Set in a castle-style chateau built in 1907, Wandering Vine is something of a Kansas City landmark – and it's often cited as one of the most romantic places to dine in the area. Inside, diners can expect open fireplaces and original stonework paired with chic, modern furnishings and a cozy, intimate atmosphere. There are small plates, brunch, and dinner menus; highlights include lobster and roasted pumpkin ravioli, and calamari with chipotle aioli.
Set over a series of thatched bungalows next to the water, Tidepools is surrounded by flowers, waterfalls, tiki torches, and tropical fish, making for a truly beautiful dining experience. It's the perfect spot to watch the sun set while enjoying a menu of locally caught fish and perfectly cooked steaks. There's also an extensive wine list, and diners praise the outstanding service just as much as the romantic atmosphere.
If you're looking for a breathtaking spot to enjoy a sophisticated tasting menu, look no further than Sierra Mar, part of the Post Ranch Inn hotel. Perched on a rugged cliff, the romantic restaurant has a luxurious outdoor patio and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The menu changes daily, but recent dishes have included delights such as Monterey black cod with miso butter and baby turnips, and beef tenderloin with mushrooms and a potato galette.
Located inside a former church in quaint Bentonville Square in downtown Bentonville, The Preacher's Son is a striking place to eat. The dramatic architecture of the Gothic Revival–style church – complete with staggeringly high ceilings and painted glass windows – makes for a beautiful setting. The menu changes seasonally and prioritizes locally sourced ingredients. There's also a speakeasy-style bar in the basement.
Located in the Wild West town of Virginia City in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the boutique Café Del Rio promises fresh Southern flavors – and it doesn't disappoint. Menu highlights include pork carnitas burritos, a fried chicken dinner, and roasted Brussels sprouts with pumpkin seeds, lime, and chipotle. Diners love the friendly atmosphere and outstanding service.
This stunning mansion house has a picturesque setting on the Gulfport waterfront. It's surrounded by lush gardens, with beautiful views across the water. The Chimneys combines Southern architecture and a predominately seafood-based menu, with dishes such as crab claws, fried oyster salads, and excellent fish tacos on offer. Customers say it's a charming spot with impeccable service.
The Garden District's aqua mansion, Commander's Palace, has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893. This famous restaurant has won an incredible seven James Beard Awards. It continues to be a must-visit thanks to its beautiful interiors and delicious Creole-inspired menu, which features dishes such as mango-chili pork belly and pecan-crusted Gulf fish.
For a taste of Spain, look no further than Mesón Sabika. Housed in a mansion dating back to 1847, and surrounded by four acres of beautiful gardens, this stunning restaurant serves a range of tapas dishes and paellas. On sunny days, you can dine alfresco and soak up the surroundings. Meanwhile, inside, you'll find a series of charming dining rooms to pick from.
Located in Boulder, one of the most remote towns in the USA (with a population of less than 250 people), Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm isn’t the easiest place to get to, but it’s definitely worth the journey. Located on Hell's Backbone Road, a scenic backway from Boulder to Escalante, this pretty restaurant has its own six-acre farm and serves a varied menu of sustainable dishes. Highlights include bison tenderloin with lemony mashed potatoes and vegetables, and an award-winning house salad.
For the ultimate family restaurant experience, head to Momma Rabbit’s Nibbles and Sips in Lexington. Eight siblings – Will, Sarah Grace, Spencer, James, Webb, John, George and Richard Allen – created the restaurant, drawing on their experience of raising animals and growing crops organically. When you pick up a sandwich, soup, or salad, have a look at the walls; they're covered in retro movie posters that used to adorn the home of the siblings’ grandmother, Momma Rabbit.
The sprawling Stephanie Inn Dining Room has a prime location right on beautiful Canon Beach, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Haystack Rock, and the Tillamook Lighthouse. There's a nightly tasting menu featuring seasonal farm-to-table ingredients; recent dishes have included morel mushroom soup, marinated rack of lamb, and warm chocolate cake.
Cozy fine dining establishment Redbook Restaurant has a romantic atmosphere, with open fires, candlelit tables, and original features. Part of the historic Hillbrook Inn and Spa, a manor house located on land purchased by George Washington in 1750, it's a stunning place to enjoy a meal. Expect dishes such as beef tenderloin with fingerling potatoes and seasonal vegetables. There's a set chef's tasting menu with wine pairings available, too.
The award-winning Aposto is set in a Victorian mansion dating back to 1880, with a pretty patio surrounded by flowers and a kitchen garden. Its modern Italian menu is small but perfectly formed; expect standout dishes such as lamb osso bucco, and crab gnocchi. For dessert, the tartlet with seasonal filling and house-made ice cream is not to be missed.
A former florist's shop with a striking Art Deco façade, Cheever’s Café in Oklahoma City is full of charm. The café retains many original features, including terrazzo floors and a glass-walled flower case, which now displays desserts and wine bottles. On the menu, you'll find steaks, seafood, small plates, and sharers; however, the bestselling dish is the chicken-fried steak with jalapeño gravy and garlicky mashed potatoes.
James Beard Award–nominated restaurant The House of William & Merry is set in a cute 1922 farmhouse, which is also the home of chef-owners William Hoffman and Merry Catanuto and their son and daughter. The family lives on the first floor, while the restaurant is on the ground floor, with tables both inside and outside on the front patio. Made using sustainable local ingredients, the menu of creative dishes changes seasonally, with options like crawfish bisque, and grilled Hudson Valley duck breast.
Copper Rill consistently receives outstanding reviews. Customers say dining here is an amazing experience, with reasonably priced gourmet food. Located right on the river with views of Idaho Falls, the restaurant serves a varied menu, with highlights including sautéed shrimp and chicken pasta in a rich lobster sauce, pan-seared salmon with fire-roasted tomato relish, and Thai lamb chops. Diners also rate the service and romantic atmosphere.
For casual fine dining menus devised by an award-winning chef, head to Max’s Restaurant and Pub at the Snowvillage Inn in Eaton Center. Originally built as a summer home by Frank Simonds, a Pulitzer Prize–winning author, the inn has welcomed guests since 1948, with its restaurant a particular highlight. Here, you'll find sweeping views of Mount Washington, as well as tasty dishes such as blackened tiger shrimp, rack of lamb, and fettuccine with seasonal vegetables, Parmesan, and olive oil.
Built in 1905 and originally used as a train station for the Clam Shell Railroad, The Depot Restaurant is now a fine dining restaurant with an international wine list and oodles of charm. The restaurant is just blocks away from the Pacific Ocean and has a menu of fresh seafood, salads, vegetarian dishes, and steaks. There's a heated patio, plus the spot retains some original features, including a ticket window – which is now the perfect place for people watching.
Mezzaluna, housed in a 1917 building in Fargo, is known for its excellent food and elegant décor. With high-backed banquettes throughout the dining room and plenty of original architectural features, it's a stunning place to dine. The menu features both classic and inventive dishes, such as pasta with beef ragù, and halibut with a pink peppercorn velouté.
The Keeping Room in Nebraska City has been reinvented many times since it was built in 1870; it's functioned as everything from a grocery store to a dentist’s office. It’s now a great place to eat, drink, and shop. Alongside the café, there’s a boutique store selling cute antiques, clothes, and home decorations. Dishes include panini, wraps, salads, and a mouthwatering selection of desserts.
Previously run by TV baker Brie Golliher, Boyce General Store is now under new ownership, serving amazing comfort food Wednesday through Saturday. Locals absolutely love this historic place, which started out as a grocery store in 1869. Popular dishes include the joint's signature catfish, the hearty lasagna, and the fried Bologna sandwich. Customers are always quick to note how warm and welcoming the staff are.
An understated local favorite, La Baleine Café in Homer has amassed glowing reviews. Owned by chefs Kirsten and Mandy Dixon, the café with a conscience opens daily at 5am to serve locals and fishing crews with free coffee and delicious breakfasts made with fresh organic ingredients. Reindeer sausage, locally made chorizo, and fish caught that day are among the highlights. There's also a lunch menu featuring dishes such as Alaska salmon burgers with sharp Cheddar, and ramen bowls with house-made broth, local vegetables, and seasonal fish.
The Inn at Weathersfield in the tiny town of Perkinsville is tucked away in the woods and set inside a charming 18th-century house. The resident Hidden Kitchen Restaurant has a close relationship with local farmers, with at least 75% of its ingredients coming from within a 25-mile radius of the inn, or from the on-site vegetable garden. The dining room is incredibly cozy, with wood-burning fireplaces, and there are boutique rooms available if you want to make the most of your visit.
Enjoy fairytale dining in a rustic treehouse at The Laurel Tree in Utopia, Uvalde County. This beautifully quaint private dining room, complete with antique furnishings, is perched in a 450-year-old oak tree, with just one table seating up to six people. Dishes are prepared by a Cordon Bleu–trained chef, with ingredients sourced from the surrounding gardens and local markets. There's more seating available in the main house, plus luxury B&B accommodation.
Now discover the most romantic restaurant in every state
Last updated by Dominique Ayling.