Whether your idea of the perfect date night involves a charming, low-key eatery filled with cozy corners, or an upscale spot with white tablecloths and leather-bound menus, one thing's for sure – the place you choose needs to be something special. From cute and casual joints serving tasty cuisine and a romantic ambiance to fine-dining restaurants that are push-the-boat-out fancy, we've found the best locations for a date night dinner in every state.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover America's best date night destinations, state by state. 

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.

Located at the top of the Marriott Shoals Hotel in pretty Florence, 360 Grille is Alabama’s only revolving restaurant. Our recommendation? Go before sunset to gaze at the changing light as the tables slowly move past the Tennessee River and surrounding valley. Diners love the beautiful views, not to mention the menu of steaks and Southern-influenced seafood.

You could walk straight past and not notice this charming restaurant, hidden inside a 1930s home. However, we definitely recommend dropping by – because inside, you'll find one of the cutest, coziest, and most romantic spots around. There are just 60 seats, some at tables tucked away in the wine cellar. Conversation is bound to flow as you feast on top-rated dishes like bacon-wrapped dates and roasted duck.

Classic Italian restaurants will always be a good bet for date night, and CiBO packs in plenty of old-school charm. The cozy tables are arranged inside a cute 1913 bungalow, yet the menu is anything but old-fashioned. Antipasti dishes like oozing burrata are great for sharing, and guests love the perfect pizzas and romantic atmosphere.

Quaint Ciao Baci is the type of warm, welcoming spot people return to date night after date night (and for other occasions, too). The setting – intimate tables in a bungalow nestled among trees – is a good start. But it’s the warm and inviting atmosphere and impeccable food that keep couples coming back.

Hark back to the days when a date meant dinner and a movie at this gorgeous boho-chic spot. At Foreign Cinema, Mediterranean cuisine is given a Californian twist with seasonal, regionally sourced ingredients. Go full 'ooh la la' with oysters on the heated, twinkly patio, where classic and cult movies play on a big screen – a romantic touch that diners love.

With charming decor, hideaway nooks, and one of the coziest dim-lit terraces in the city, Amour has quickly become the go-to date night destination in Los Angeles. The restaurant, which opened in late 2023, offers French dishes with an innovative Japanese twist; expect to be wowed by the likes of pistachio-crusted salmon, lavender-honey duck, and chocolate mousse.

A combination of romantic ambiance, divine pasta dishes, and perfectly paired drinks makes Rioja, a restaurant inspired by Mediterranean ingredients, a real winner. The restaurant is also popular for its innovative brunch dishes, including an indulgent take on waffles loaded with confit duck – in case you prefer a day date.

If your ideal date is to-die-for food with delicious drinks on the side, Vinted is the spot for you and your beloved. The pork belly tacos are a hit with customers. Order them with other sharing dishes like cheese and charcuterie plates – all perfect for intimate dinners for two. 

One Coastal is all about local, seasonal, and artisanal food – so it's no surprise that many of its ingredients are sourced from small producers and farmers. With an intimate, homey feel that's ideal for date night, the restaurant itself is tiny, which means reservations are essential. Guests can't get enough of the scallops and house-made pasta.

Chic restaurant The Wellborn is home to downtown Orlando’s prettiest courtyard – filled with lush greenery, frilled parasols, and string lights – and you could easily spend a whole night immersed in conversation in one of its cozy corners. The menu here focuses on Spanish-style tapas; order for the table and enjoy everything from jamón croquettes to piri piri chicken.

Lagniappe means 'a little gift' and, in a city that does glitz and glam so well, this well-loved garden restaurant is just that. With a vintage feel and a semi self-service style, this spot bucks the city's high-maintenance trend. Under a canopy of fairy lights strung across trees, with music playing, it's a favorite for dates – especially if you’re just starting to get know someone. The charcuterie and cheese boards are go-to orders.

The elegant gardens of this farm-to-table restaurant look like something from the pages of a glossy magazine. Sit outside on the plant-filled patio, or grab a table in the equally lovely dining room, filled with perfectly mismatched vintage furniture and chandeliers. Favorite dishes include the shrimp risotto, and the perfectly cooked and seasoned filet of beef.

Catch the sunset in style courtesy of this stunning date night destination. Alongside the mesmerizing ocean views, Quiora wins over guests with its modern Italian-style dishes, focusing on seasonal, local ingredients sourced across Hawaii. Share the oozy burrata to start before diving into heaping plates of crab spaghetti and pork rigatoni.  

Dine on crowd-pleasing food and take in the cool ambience at Fork, a modern and relaxed spot in downtown Boise. If you prefer your date nights low-key and informal, with winning dishes like shrimp and grits and sweet butter cake, this is the place. Grab a table on the twinkling patio when it’s warm out.

There’s no shortage of choices for a romantic meal in the Windy City, but we think this fondue restaurant is one of the cutest for a little old-fashioned romance. And, apart from the gooey stuff you’ll be dipping into, it’s more charming than cheesy. Take a table by the outdoor fireplaces, or sit inside to sway (and dunk) while live music plays. Round off the meal with – what else? – chocolate fondue.

Bloomington is getting a reputation for fabulous food – just book a table at relaxed spot Lennie's for proof. It’s attached to Bloomington Brewing Company, with a food menu of wood-fired pizzas and strombolis (turnovers with cheese, meat, or vegetables). You can always head to the bar after dinner to stretch your date night out a little longer.

Sharing a few tapas dishes is a great way to get closer on a date night – and there are a lot of tasty morsels to choose from at The Stuffed Olive. The chicken skewers come highly recommended, as do the spinach artichoke dip and Nashville hot chicken sliders. The house-made crème brûlée is worth saving room for, too.

With impeccably prepared mains from seafood to steak, it’s no wonder Georges French Bistro is the go-to date night spot for those in the know. There are classics like steak tartare, plenty of shareable appetizers, and desserts (from crème brûlée to a perfect pavlova) designed for two spoons.

Bella Notte is the kind of neighborhood spot that locals love and visitors feel lucky to have found. Dim lighting and warm, attentive service add to the romantic atmosphere, while menu favorites include the rigatoni and seasonally changing salads. Grab a spot by the fireplace to really impress your date.

You could go to any number of old-school establishments in the French Quarter, have a terrific time, and eat some delicious Creole dishes. But this bar, in the hip Marigny district, is perfect for a night of connecting over flavorful small plates (think charred octopus with buttermilk aioli). The chic interior is all nooks, crannies, and dim lighting – and for balmy evenings, there’s a dreamy plant-filled patio.

It’s all about the sharing plates at this laid-back spot in Portland’s atmospheric Old Port area. Grab a table in the warmly decorated dining room, which is filled with colorful art, and cozy up over platters of charcuterie, regional cheeses, and stuffed flatbreads. Be sure to order a giant slice of the New York–style cheesecake, complete with chocolate sauce and blueberries.

This cute cottage-style restaurant serves tempting dishes like coconut shrimp with a sweet and sour pineapple glaze, and a zesty papaya salad with tamarind-lime dressing. The pizza is also highly rated here, too – choose between the Cornhole Champ (corn sauce, mozzarella, fontina cheese, crab meat, pickled red onions, and cilantro), and the Spotted Hog (mozzarella, provolone, salami, house-made wild boar meatballs, mushrooms, and truffle oil).

New England ingredients are given a little 'je ne sais quoi' at the French-inspired Bistro du Midi, which oozes European elegance and sophistication without a hint of haughtiness. The bouillabaisse – packed with fresh regional lobster, scallops, shrimp, calamari, mussels, and clams – and the desserts come highly recommended.

What could be better than a table for two? A booth for two, that’s what – so you can huddle even closer together. Wright & Company’s warm, relaxed decor, complete with exposed brick, chandeliers, and curved leather booths, makes it the perfect place to enjoy a deliciously languid evening over sharing plates like pork belly sliders and sweet potato gnocchi.

Italian restaurant Rinata has the romance down – customers say it's cozy, dimly lit, and atmospheric, with friendly service. The freshly made pastas are a hit, with the pappardelle being a favorite. It would be rude to not finish an Italian dinner without a cannoli, and the ones here come filled with chocolate mascarpone and hazelnuts.

Filled with peppery-spicy Creole and Cajun flavors, the freshly caught seafood – particularly the blackened catfish – is a firm favorite at Patio 44, a sleek but relaxed spot close to Biloxi’s white-sand beaches. Make the most of year-round mild weather with a table on the patio and order shareable dishes like dreamy, creamy crawfish nachos.

This little French bistro is loved for its fun and romantic atmosphere, and it's a spot that people have been coming back to for years. The lobster bisque is a favorite, as are the steaks – and when the weather is good, you can look up at the night stars from Le Fou Frog's patio dining space.

Colorful, charming, and classic without being outdated, Ciao Mambo is a go-to place for date night in downtown Billings. People love the fact that there are decent gluten-free pasta options – while for those who fancy double carbs, the fresh cheese bread comes particularly recommended. Finish your meal with zeppolis, mini donuts that come with dipping sauces.

With a wonderfully cozy, tucked-away feel and a menu that wows customers, Dolce knows it’s the perfect date night spot. The menu is filled with sharing appetizers such as charcuterie boards filled with house-cured meats, rillettes, and pickles, and an indulgent four-cheese mac ‘n’ cheese. Other highlights include the scallops, lamb rack, and brioche bread pudding – some say it's hard not to lick the plate clean (though perhaps not on a first date).

Swerve the glitzy Strip for a more relaxed, intimate meal at this rustic-chic Italian spot in the trendy Arts District. The interior of Esther's Kitchen is warm and bright, with wood-paneled walls and an open kitchen that sends out crowd-pleasing plates of burrata and incredible house-made pasta. It’s also great for weekend brunch. Whenever you visit, order the sourdough bread, which is served warm, soft, and with just the right amount of chewiness.

Seafood is the order of the day at Surf, a chic spot in Nashua. Sample shellfish from the raw bar (the oysters come particularly recommended) followed by Surf's excellent selection of sushi – the buttered lobster maki is a standout choice. The friendly service just completes the dining experience.

New York City might have some incredible views – but for a view of the Manhattan skyline, you can’t really beat a window-side table at this sleek restaurant, which overlooks the Hudson River. Chart House is definitely on the fancy (read: expensive) side, although it’s worth it for its luxurious ambience (and, of course, those vistas). The menu is dominated by impeccably prepared surf ‘n’ turf dishes, while, for dessert, it has to be the lava cake.

Brightly flavored, shareable Mexican food – what could be better for a chilled-out date night? Sazón’s softly lit, art-filled dining room oozes subtle romance and passion, as do its delicious dishes. Take the pressure away from choosing and opt for the chef's menu, complete with dishes such as California seabass and octopus.

The cute name alone might be reason enough to visit Peekamoose in the Catskill Mountains. But even if it had a dull moniker, it would still make the cut. This charming restored farmhouse has an equally charming dining room, with warm lighting and vintage vibes. Standout dishes include the wood-grilled pork loin and the chocolate pudding with caramel.

For authentic Japanese dishes and low-key vibes, head to Raku. The space is reminiscent of udon shops across Japan, complete with neutral decor and a relaxed ambience. Share a plate of gyoza before moving on to the main event; choose between bowls of hot or cold udon bursting with flavor (the Niku Udon with beef short ribs and honeycomb tripe is a favorite).

Sometimes all you want is some good old-fashioned comfort food. This elevated canteen-style spot in downtown Raleigh serves up just that, albeit the best versions you can possibly imagine. Think perfect chicken and waffles, and mac ‘n’ cheese 'custard' that's so good you might not want to share.

There’s something joyously romantic about discovering restaurants that are a little tucked away; it feels like you’ve stumbled across a brilliant secret together. This downtown Fargo restaurant – behind the Art Deco Fargo Theatre – continues that feeling inside, with dark, sophisticated decor and clamshell booths. Reviewers love the cool vibes, and from a menu of elevated New American classics, the burger is a standout.

Italian food with an Argentinian twist – it’s tough to imagine a more seductive combination. The menu at Alfio’s Buon Cibo focuses on the flavors of Argentina’s Italian-influenced foods, such as diner favorites short rib ravioli and goats' cheese cheesecake. The relaxed ambience and decor, all dark wood and low lighting, are equally romantic.

A little different from your usual bistro or restaurant, Shuffles is ideal for couples who want some good-old geeky fun over a game of Connect Four. There’s nothing fancy about the menu – it's really more about huddling over board games. But people love that, especially with tasty bites like tempura broccoli and pizzas customers say are 'to die for.'

Sometimes all you want from a date night is a cozy table, well-mixed drinks, and good food. Angel Face has all this, serving seasonal small plates that pack in huge flavors. The relaxed yet chic speakeasy vibe is a winner – and the knowledgeable bartenders are great at figuring out what you want to drink, even if you don’t. Expect dishes such as rabbit and pork terrine, cheese boards, and clams.

You'll feel like you’re having a clandestine tête-à-tête at Umami, a Japanese pub (known as an izakaya) in Pittsburgh. There's a cool, intimate bar downstairs, plus an upstairs dining space serving incredible sushi and robatayaki, where Wagyu beef, pork belly, and salmon are cooked over charcoal. Food is served into the early hours, so you can be dirty stop-outs.

Whether it's your first date or your 50th date, this restaurant and bar – located inside an antiques store – is just perfect for a romantic evening, thanks to its eclectic decor and fun atmosphere. The menu is a creative selection of global plates, and diners agree that they’re pretty much all delicious. 

From its green-and-white checkered tablecloths to its pub-style food, Little Jack’s Tavern has the old-school atmosphere down pat. This feels like the kind of place Frank Sinatra might have taken a date. The menu includes shrimp cocktail, juicy burgers, and crab cakes. The shrimp burger comes highly recommended.

Grab a table at Wine Cellar Restaurant for the coziest date in town. The vast drinks list is a big draw, but the food – from the blue cheese stuffed date starters to the bittersweet chocolate cake dessert – is pretty impressive too. Regular live music just adds to the romantic ambience.

The cutest tables at this hip, much-loved spot in Memphis’ cool Cooper Young district have chairs underneath vintage hairdryers (not turned on, thankfully). It isn’t a completely random touch – this space was once a beauty parlor, and one that Priscilla Presley used to frequent, no less. Everything about The Beauty Shop is wonderfully whimsical, and the food – from the duck starter to the Lucky Pot, a red curry in a coconut broth – is simply delicious.

Chic Gemma feels like it should be perched by the coast in California rather than in Dallas’ sleek, cosmopolitan center. In fact, the owners moved here from Napa Valley, something that shows in the impressive drinks menu and the breezy blue, grey, and white tones that run through the dining room. People rave about the incredible food, with standout dishes including rabbit pappardelle.

If you’re after an elevated date night destination, it’s got to be The Warwick. This Houston hotspot has become renowned for its diverse dishes and bold flavors; fan favorites include the jerk lamb chops, the spinach-stuffed salmon, and the indulgent lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. Split the caramel bread pudding with vanilla ice cream, and you’re guaranteed a second date.

This funky, laid-back restaurant, located inside an old theater, is all mismatched crockery and warm, friendly vibes. A Salt Lake City favorite, Tin Angel is the type of place where you’ll want to spend every date night thanks to its menu of global dishes like charcuterie, chicken piccata, and lamb chops.

Parisian chic meets Vermont charm at this cute spot, which serves elevated takes on regional specialties. Highlights include the cheeses and the onion soup, which are regularly served with a side of live music. If it’s a warm night, grab a table on the patio, where fire pits add to the ambience and help to stave off any evening chills.

This classic red-and-white tablecloth joint oozes sophistication and charm. The menu at chic Orofino in Fredericksburg goes beyond pasta (although the ragù is fabulous) with authentic regional specialties that change with the seasons – and the gelato is not to be missed.

This restaurant is a Seattle stalwart for a reason, with white tablecloths and candles, and zero pretension. The owner, Jackie Roberts, is committed to working with small-to-medium-sized farms for ingredients. Come for the cool theme and decor, stay for the delicious food. There's also live entertainment to make the experience even more special.

Set in a house in the South Hills area of Charleston, Lola's is an incredibly cute restaurant that makes you feel at home straight away. People love the Neapolitan-style pizzas, which are made in a stone oven and are best enjoyed with a portion of pan-seared mozzarella bites. The crust is the perfect texture, and the toppings are interesting and delicious.

A blend of industrial chic, vintage charm, and romantic lighting, 1919 Kitchen & Tap is a fabulous choice if your idea of the perfect date night involves tasty food like beer cheese and pretzels, or chicken pot pie – plus sports (it’s attached to Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers football team). Don’t miss the highly recommended desserts.

The Kitchen is a perfect date night spot, with a casual but refined take on dining that makes it feel special without being over the top. The tempura shrimp with spicy aioli is a favorite, but the quality of food in general makes the restaurant the hottest spot in town.

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Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.