What makes a restaurant truly romantic? Softly lit nooks and pages of Barolo may be catnip to Cupid, but if the food is forgettable, his aim isn’t the only thing that’s going to be off.
In expanding our list of America’s most romantic restaurants—from mountaintop huts to metropolitan marvels—we doubled down on the best new restaurants that not only offer seductive settings and intimate service, but also feature inventive, mouthwatering cuisine presided over by a host of renowned chefs.
Take rock-star restaurateur José Andrés’s latest endeavor, the glass-and-wood-enshrouded Mi Casa, set against the turquoise waters of Puerto Rico’s Dorado Beach. While the swaying-palm sound track and sand-between-your-toes vibe may draw you in, it’s the spicy lobster asopao and rum-soaked coquito (served in a coconut shell from the beach mere steps from your table) that make for an unforgettable date.
For those whose palates run a tad more trad, Jeffrey’s, in Austin, TX, may be just the ticket. Brass martini carts roll by velvet-upholstered booths, and melt-in-your-mouth osso buco is served alongside lipstick-red currants. Similarly retro but no less exciting, Miami newcomer The Cypress Room (the crown in the city’s brilliant Michael Schwartz’s triumvirate) serves frog legs and lamb tartare at white cloth–draped tables flanked by aquamarine tufted banquettes.
With our list of America’s best new restaurants for romance, even on the off chance your date is a dud, you can be sure your taste buds are hitting a homer.
