The food, the wine, the ambience – it all makes a difference when it comes to a romantic night out. These 10 restaurants in Dallas have the perfect romantic vibe for any budget.
Located inside the iconic Aldophus Hotel in Downtown Dallas, The French Room is an award-winning restaurant fit for royalty. Its sumptuous decor is reminiscent of 18th-century France at its height of grandeur. French food is a go-to when it comes to romance, and The French Room is worthy of the most extravagant night out. Try the foie gras or caviar as an appetizer, fish or veal for the main course, and finish with a cake or soufflé for dessert.
For a more affordable alternative, Rise No. 1 is the best bet. Rise No. 1 is known for its soufflés, both savory and sweet, but they also offer other entrees including sandwiches, tuna, and steak. Sit inside among the romantic twinkle lights or soak up the fine weather on the outside patio. Rise No. 1 only accepts reservations for parties of five or more, so plan your visit accordingly. After your meal, enjoy a romantic stroll around the surrounding Inwood Village shopping center.
Along with French cuisine, Italian is another romance staple. Terilli’s is in the ever-popular and trendy neighborhood of Lower Greenville and has a gorgeous rooftop terrace overlooking the street. Join them for half-price wine on Tuesdays and live music on Wednesdays, as well as an excellent happy hour seven days a week. For your meal, start with the ‘italchos’ (Italian nachos) and proceed to delicious pastas and grilled entrees. During pleasant weather, enjoy after-dinner drinks on the outside patio or rooftop terrace to add to the al fresco vibe.
Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, American, Contemporary, $$$
Another hotel restaurant, The Mansion restaurant at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is long hailed as one of Dallas’ best. Its contemporary American menu draws inspiration from the great state of Texas and its native flavors. The picturesque terrace is open seasonally, so you can sip on cocktails as you recline by the outdoor fireplace. The restaurant is sleek and clean with shades of ivory and honey decor. Plus, The Mansion encourages guests to abstain from phone calls while dining, so you can give your full attention to your date (as you should).
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Nothing beats a good old-fashioned steak, and Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House offers some top-notch cuts. The wait staff is impeccable and can provide expert suggestions for what to order, from appetizers to main courses to wine pairings. If you’re more in the mood for seafood, Chamberlain’s also has delicious options for that as well, particularly the scallops. For even more seafood choices, visit Chamberlain’s Fish Market Grill just down the street on Addison’s Restaurant Row. Additionally, you can stop next door for after-dinner cigars at the Cigar Lounge.
If you’re looking for Tex-Mex, Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano probably isn’t for you. However, if you want upscale, authentic Mexico City dining, this is the right place. Javier’s food has old world Mayan and Aztec influences, so it’s closer to the dishes you’d find in Mexico. Located in ritzy Highland Park, Javier’s is a popular choice for Dallas’ elite, so it’s an excellent option for a sophisticated and classy evening. Javier’s also houses a private lounge and cigar room where you can sip cocktails and smoke cigars in an intimate, relaxed setting.
This quaint wine bistro opened in 1972 as one of Dallas’ first restaurants to serve wine by the glass. The Grape prides itself on its simple yet delicious menu, which is updated monthly to accommodate seasonal and local selections. The small, New York City-style space enhances the romantic vibe, and you can choose to sit inside or outside. Come on a Wednesday to enjoy one-third off any full bottle of wine. The Grape also serves Texas Monthly’sBest Burger in Texas (2009), so try it on a Sunday or Monday to judge for yourself.
Looks like it's closedHours or services may be impacted due to Covid-19
Hotel ZaZa is perhaps Dallas’ trendiest and most elegant hotel, and Dragonfly certainly fits that description. With funky, eclectic decor, Dragonfly offers creative menu options with fresh ingredients such as the New Zealand lamb lollipops and milk-braised pork osso bucco. Dragonfly is also the perfect spot to grab drinks, like the cheekily named Boyfriend Material or No Apologies. For prime people-watching, head outside to recline by the pool. If you’re feeling extra romantic, book a room at Hotel ZaZa and make a staycation out of it.
Take in the best views of the city that Dallas has to offer at Five Sixty, located at the top of Reunion Tower – a Dallas skyline landmark. Anything attached to world-renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck’s name is bound to be phenomenal, and Five Sixty is no exception. Choose from a variety of modern Asian dishes such as sushi, assam curry prawns, and ‘General Tso’ quail. Dine in the main room or in the bar for a more casual experience as you revel in the 360-degree views of Dallas in the slowly rotating restaurant.
Experience refined Southern home cooking at Hattie’s in the Bishop Arts District, one of Dallas’ most up-and-coming areas. Hattie’s presents new approaches to old favorites, such as Low Country shrimp and grits, mac ‘n’ cheese-crusted filet of beef, and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Hattie’s clean, mostly black and white decor centers all the attention on the food. After dinner, take a romantic walk around the rest of the Bishop Arts District, where you’re sure to discover something else to check out.
