Blog

Nov 26, 2023

10 Best Romantic Restaurants in Dallas, TX

For over twenty-five years, this endlessly buzzing tapas joint has been the destination of choice for area Hispanophiles. And with a charmingly casual vibe, a menu made for sharing and tables out

For over twenty-five years, this endlessly buzzing tapas joint has been the destination of choice for area Hispanophiles. And with a charmingly casual vibe, a menu made for sharing and tables out front for alfresco carousing, Cafe Madrid is always a solid option for a date-night. Cozy up over classics like tortilla Española, boquerones fritos, and Andalucian meatballs as well as paella, grilled quail, and other Spanish delicacies. Wash it all down with Spanish wine, sherry or beer, and finish off with flan or flourless chocolate cake. Did we mention the flamenco dancing and live jazz?

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Café Madrid is good for a fun, laid-back evening that won't break the bank.

Ilene's expert tip: "First Friday Flamenco" with tapas, wine, sangria and flamenco dancing takes place on the first Friday of every month from 8-10 p.m.

Read more about Cafe Madrid →

If your sweetie has a penchant for sweets, then this dessert-fueled paradise for grown-ups is your destination. Here you'll find a range of decadent treats with cheeky names like the Italian Stallion (a take on tiramisu), and Popcorn Pimp Cheesecake (cheesecake topped with salted popcorn chocolate bark and caramel), backed up with a selection of signature "rim job" wines, coffees and cordials. Whether the desserts are better than sex may be debatable, but the 1940's bordello vibe (think red and gold décor, dim lighting and crystal chandeliers) is undoubtedly a shoo-in for seduction. Unsurprisingly, it's a very popular place to pop the question. Best to book in advance, otherwise expect a wait.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Better than Sex is a great spot for late-night desserts and drinks in a casual, atmospheric setting.

Ilene's expert tip: To make things even more special, request that they customize your date's plate with a greeting written in chocolate. Note that extra parking can be found on the main level of the condo building's garage behind the restaurant.

Read more about Better Than Sex Desserts →

Tucked behind an unmarked door in what formally housed a 1940s era gas station, this sultry, speakeasy-style cocktaileria makes you feel like you stepped into a San Miguel de Allende cantina. After all, what could be more romantic than dining at a cozy candlelit table under a retractable skylight? Along with a cocktail program focused on agave-based spirits, find a solid range of Mexico-inspired dishes: think mini sopes, tacos, and smoked chicken tinga empanadas. And for those who like to incorporate a little dancing with their drinking and dining, head here on the weekend where after 10 p.m. when the venue transforms into a dance party complete with a DJ spinning Latin, hip-hop, and electronica.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Yellow Rosa is the perfect option for casual, yet romantic dining under the stars.

Ilene's expert tip: To reserve one of the private booths, be sure to request table 101 or 102 on OpenTable. Score $5 frozen Rosarita, Picarita or Smoked Watermelon Mezcalina on Thursdays. Also find $6 cocktails, beer and chip and dips during happy hour from 4:30-6:30 P.M., Thursdays and Fridays.

Read more about Yellow Rosa Cocktaileria →

It's a rarity to find soufflé on a restaurant menu these days, much less a place boasting a menu almost entirely devoted to this puffed up French classic. Enter Rise, a rustic French-inspired bistro and wine bar specializing in soufflés both savory and sweet. We're talking everything from souffles with lobster to truffle infused mushrooms to chocolate and praline pecan. The restaurant also offers artisanal cheeses, salads, sandwiches, and even steak frites. All of which is served against a magical backdrop of birch tree branches festooned in twinkling lights. If you want to feel as if you've been transported to a countryside cottage somewhere in France, this is the place.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Rise is where to go for a sophisticated, yet relaxed ambiance.

Ilene's expert tip: Find out about special promotions, and receive a complimentary dessert soufflé during your birthday month by signing up on the website for the newsletter.

Read more about Rise No. 1 →

Arguably one of the best date-night eateries in the city has now reopened in the space that formerly housed sibling restaurant, Macellaio's. And though it's not quite as cozy as it was in its smaller digs, diners will still find Lucia's standout selection of creative Italian fare. That, and the new larger space includes a nice covered patio, complete with fans and heaters. The menu changes seasonally, but expect to find options like smoked sweetbread francobolli with brown butter, and dry-aged duck breast with sunchoke puree, escarole and prunes. Must-tries include housemade charcuterie and foie-gras-stuffed prunes. Desserts are also worth pursuing.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Lucia is where to go for stellar Italian food that extends beyond the classics.

Ilene's expert tip: There is a small parking lot behind the restaurant as well as a parking lot at the corner N. Bishop and 9th. Reservations open every day at 9 a.m., and all reservations must be made through the website. Also note that you can place your name on a wait list to be notified in the case of cancellations.

Read more about Lucia Dallas →

Located inside the 5-star Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek hotel, The Mansion Restaurant, with its hand-carved ceilings, ornate fireplaces and stained-glass windows feels tailor-made for romance. Equally lavish is the seasonally changing menu, featuring new American cuisine with a French touch. To that end, expect to find items such as wild mushroom and escargot terrine, Japanese A5 wagyu striploin, and seared halibut with squid ink huarache. For times that call for something extra special, splash out on the seven-course gourmand tasting menu. It's guaranteed to make your partner swoon. Round out the meal with a drink in the bar, where live jazz is on offer Thursday through Saturday evenings.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: The Mansion is where to go when you want to treat your special someone like royalty.

Ilene's expert tip: Hit the Mansion Bar during happy hour where you can score signature cocktails for $9, select beer for $4 and half priced glasses of wine during the week from 4-7 p.m.

Read more about The Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek →

If you can't swing a trip to Tokyo, this sleek, moodily lit Japanese spot in the Dallas Arts District might be the next best option. Helmed by renowned chef Teiichi Sakurai, the extensive menu features an array of sushi and sashimi (flown in fresh from Kyushu, Japan) along with a variety of both raw and cooked dishes. Sakurai's specialty is hand-crafted soba noodles, which can be ordered cold or warm and come with an assortment of rich broths and sauces. The omakase (tasting menu), while not easy on the wallet, is the best way to experience all Tei-An has to offer. End the night with a Japanese whisky or cocktail on the roof-top terrace and let Cupid do the rest.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Tei-An is where to go when you fancy an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Ilene's expert tip: Tei-An offers 3 omakase experiences, ranging from a pre-theatre 4-course for $80 (available the first hour of opening time) to a base omakase for $120 and a premium omakase for $250. All omakase dinners must be reserved at least three days ahead. Note that there is a self-parking garage as well as a valet available.

Read more about Tei-An →

Often billed as one of the most romantic restaurants in Dallas, this Greenville Avenue stalwart oozes charm with its dimly lit Victorian decor, intimate little nooks, live piano bar entertainment and a menu that shines with comforting, Francophile classics. Try to snag the alcove table in the back, then delve into things like country-style pate, followed by beet & pear salad with pecans and Stilton cheese, grilled rack of lamb, and roasted duck. Oh, and we'd be remiss not to mention the champagne brie soup, it's the stuff of legends. Equally impressive is the global wine list, many of which are offered by the glass. End on a sweet note with a chocolate terrine or Grand Marnier souffle.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: St Martin's is a good place to impress a date without having to bust your wallet.

Ilene's expert tip: Note that St Martin's usually offers a four-course dinner paired with wine for Valentine's Day. Reservations are strongly recommended. Complimentary valet parking is offered in front of the restaurant.

Read more about St. Martin's Wine Bistro →

There's always something pleasing to look at and spectacular to devour at this sleek and intimate eatery tucked away in the historic Boyd Hotel building in Deep Ellum. The modern American menu, designed by owner/chef Tracy Miller, features à la carte options ranging from pan-seared lobster cakes to cornflake-panko crusted sea bass, grilled steaks, and grass-fed beef burgers. But what makes this restaurant even more special is its seven-course chef's tasting, which for $120 (including wine pairings) is an incredible deal. While Local serves wine and beer only, creative cocktails like the prosecco mojito and sake pear martini more than make up for the lack of spirits. The signature "chocolate composed" dessert, consisting of a chocolate soufflé, brownie cookies and a mini Ovaltine malt, is a must.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Local is one of the city's hidden gems and it's a great place for an upscale, reasonably priced date night.

Ilene's expert tip: Local provides complimentary parking in the lot adjacent to Rudolph's Meat Market on the west side of the restaurant.

Read more about Local →

Arguably one of the most buzzworthy dining destinations in the city right now. This glitzy newcomer, led by two-time Michelin-starred chef Danny Grant, opened at the top (49th floor) of The National alongside the Thompson Dallas hotel in March 2021. Food-wise, the menu features modern Italian dishes with a focus on wood-fired specialties and handmade pastas. That translates to everything from whole Maine lobster spaghetti and fire-roasted lasagna to wood-fired salt-crusted fish, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina. All of this comes complete with amazing views of the Dallas skyline. The complimentary glass of champagne for the elevator ride is also a nice touch.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: With its skyline views, if you're looking for a romantic place to really wow your date, the Monarch fits the bill.

Ilene's expert tip: If you can't snag a reservation, you can order off the full menu in the bar. Complimentary valet parking is available. Note that the attire here is business casual or formal.

Read more about Monarch →