The 19 Most Romantic Restaurants in Dallas-Ft. Worth
Where to take that special someone on Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Cupid’s busy season is upon us and if you’re like thousands of couples across DFW, you’re busy looking for romantic places to dine. We consulted a matchmaker for a few ideas, but we’ve also come up with our own list of 19 sure-to-impress venues, many of which will be offering special Valentine’s Day menus if you’re going out on “The Night.” Other restaurants are set inside hotels, which presents the opportunity for a wonderful dinner-and-a-staycation date scenario. Of course, we wanted this list to be something you can refer to even when the price of roses has gone back down to normal and the store shelves have been cleared of heart-shaped chocolates and overly romantic greeting cards. Whether you’re looking for a fancy steak place, a gorgeous view for splurging on seafood, or some elegant Mexican fare, we’ve got you more than covered.
il Modo
Located inside the Kimpton Harper Hotel, il Modo features rustic-refined Italian dishes created by chef Greg Pawlowski and prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Settle into a table for two and sample signature dishes, such as dry-aged beef Bolognese or a whole herb-stuffed sea bass—both perfect for sharing. After dinner, head to the penthouse lounge, The Harper’s Refinery 714, for a nightcap with a fab view of the Fort Worth skyline, and even Dallas’ skyscrapers in the distance.
Meridian
One of the most celebrated restaurants in recent years, Meridian showcases modern Brazilian cuisine. Opt for the four-course menu where you can build your own leisurely tasting menu (add wine pairings for only a little more). Or for something a little more informal, snag a seat in the bar room or on the patio under a tree with twinkle lights and choose from items on the a la carte menu while sipping on a classic caipirinha.
Snowbird
If you’re looking for a festive-yet-intimate place for dinner that can transition into late-night cocktails and fun, look no further than Snowbird at The Star complex in Frisco. Chef Walter Brandt has created an internationally inspired menu from his travels and extended time abroad with highlights including Bone Marrow & Zabuton Fried Rice and Kimchi Calamari.
How to book: Call 469-598-0369.
Winewood Grill
Cap off a day of visiting Grapevine’s many wineries and tasting rooms with a wine-centric dinner. Book a seat in a private dining room, get cozy in the intimate bar, or stare into each other’s eyes from the comfort of a window-side booth. Can’t-miss dishes include BBQ pork ribs with smoked gouda macaroni and cheese, lobster ravioli, or a New Zealand rack of lamb. Of course, if you love wine, you’re in luck because it has an impressive and extensive list.
How to book: Call the restaurant at 817-421-0200.
The French Room
One of the city’s most iconic restaurants (and easily Dallas’ O.G. “romantic restaurant”) reopened for dinner service this past fall after a COVID closure that we’re grateful wasn’t permanent. There’s not a bad seat in the house, but several booths make for idyllic date spots (and proposals if the timing’s right). Chef Victoria Blamey has taken over the kitchen as a guest chef through April 1 and she leads guests through a culinary journey in five courses.
Tango Room
Set the stage for a lovey-dovey night with a caviar martini followed by an expertly prepared A5 Wagyu steak for two served tableside with a rare vintage wine paired for you by wine director Simon Roberts. Wraparound booths clad in sleek leather, flattering lighting, and the perfect soundtrack complete the romantic equation. And if you really want to impress, request table eight, also known as the Sweetheart Table.
The Charles
A menu of smaller plates presents the sweet opportunity to share multiple dishes and enjoy a leisurely meal at this self-appointed “glam Italian” spot. Start things off with one of its well-prepared cocktail while you make your food selections. Make sure to sample the signature housemade Cappelloni with White Ragu and plan to end the evening at the adjoining Bar Charles for an extensive Champagne collection.
How to book: Walk-ins are accepted, but to ensure a spot, call 469-917-9000.
Georgie
Celeb chef Curtis Stone’s charming restaurant may be best known for its impressive steak program, but the seafood and pastas also shine. Request a corner booth accented by warm velvet and mood lighting from flickering candles to set a sexy scene. And if you’d rather let someone else make all the decisions so you can focus on conversation and public-appropriate flirting, opt for the Taste of Georgie and sit back for a two-hour experience that features five courses with optional wine pairings.
Truluck's
One of our favorite seats in town can be found on the second level of this elegant restaurant known for its fresh Florida stone crabs and impeccably and sustainably-sourced seafood. It’s table 71 and can be reserved by request, so it pays to plan ahead. Once you’re seated at this corner table that faces the glittering Dallas skyline, you’ll be sure to have a sexy time with your sweetheart.
How to book: Call 214-220-2401.
Lexy's
Chef Julian Rodarte took “cooking for his wife” to a whole new level of devotion when he opened this restaurant last year. Named after his wife, Alexa—whom he’s fortunate enough to now work with daily—the pretty-in-pink dining room couldn’t be more perfect for lovers’ liaisons. Start at the Moet Champagne vending machine, then work your way through the perfect-for-sharing menu inspired by the Rodartes’ travels. Must-try dishes include the wagyu tacos for an appetizer and the whole red snapper, which they filet for you in the kitchen and serve half roasted and half tempura-fried. End the meal with a premium chocolate heart filled with chocolate-covered strawberries that are revealed once you break it open.
Sēr
High above the city on the 27th floor of the Hilton Anatole, this iconic steakhouse reopened last year after a 2020 shutdown (for obvious reasons) and it’s better than ever. Featuring the best views of downtown Dallas from a distance, the high-end steakhouse sets the stage for a night of staring deep into each other’s eyes with the twinkling lights of the city as a backdrop. It's an ideal setting for sharing a chocolate “tomahawk” for dessert. Plus, live music Friday and Saturday nights at the adjoining bar and lounge makes it easy to dance away a few of the calories from the Prime steaks and lobster tails you most likely enjoyed for dinner.
Monarch
Fire-roasted lasagna and a butcher’s reserve steak—this could be the best main course pairing ever and an over-the-top way to experience the 49th-floor Italian-meets-steakhouse restaurant atop The National. The building also houses Thompson Dallas (hint-hint: great for a post-dinner staycation). Views from Monarch are nothing short of breathtaking (request a seat by the window when making your reservation for one of the most spectacular views of Downtown from Downtown) and the indulgent food experience matches the sights. If you’re out to impress and money’s not an object, opt for The Royale, an over-the-top chef’s tasting menu where each course is a complete surprise—and an utter delight. Pro tip: Take your final cocktail to the 50th floor where a skywalk gives you even more views of the great city of Dallas.
Âme
White tablecloths, candles, and fragrant aromas set the scene for an internationally inspired date. Traditional Indian fare meets French technique for a standout evening of culinary adventure and sophistication. Seafood, lamb, chicken, and vegetarian options make it easy to create your own sampling of flavors ideal for feeding each other over giggles and a few glasses of wine (if that’s how y’all like to roll).
Parigi
French restaurants always have a slight advantage over other eateries when it comes to romance, and Parigi is no exception. The intimate bistro features a new menu twice each month, focusing on seasonality and local sourcing to create masterful dishes that are sure to impress your date with their artful presentation and fresh flavors. Ask for a cozy two-top in the dining room or on the patio out front to recreate a Parisian sidewalk cafe experience in the heart of Dallas.
How to book: Call 214-521-0295 to reserve.
Gorji
If ever there was a restaurant specifically designed for romance, it would be the seven-table Gorji. With zero televisions, no children allowed, and a dedicated server to wait on you all night long, it may be hard to go on as special a date anywhere else after this experience. Better still, the gratuity is included, so at the end of the meal, you can focus on the person opposite you instead of the calculator on your Apple Watch.
How to book: Call 972-503-7080 to reserve.
The Mansion Restaurant
Back in the day, gentlemen were required to wear a coat and tie to enter this see-and-be-seen space, and though the dress code has relaxed slightly (a sportcoat would still be appropriate for guys), the seasonal menu and upmarket atmosphere are still some of the most coveted in the city. Tables for two can be found scattered away throughout the dining rooms, some more intimate than others, but you can also grab a seat on the terrace by the roaring fireplace for the ultimate bubbly-popping ambiance.
Tulum
The dining room at Tulum is sexy, but a little bright for our taste. Insiders know that the bar and lounge area is where the majority of sweet nothings are whispered (or should be). With comfy couches, dim lighting, and a sense of being stashed far away from the main action, you can enjoy a tasty meal from the bar menu, even better if you hit it up during happy hour. After all, a hot date doesn’t have to be an expensive one.
Rise No. 1
One soufflé, two spoons. That’s the general idea behind this charming spot dedicated to the fine French art of the fluffy soufflé. Start with the famous Marshmallow Soup, then choose a savory soufflé to share with options ranging from Smoked Salmon to Cauliflower and Brie. Save room for a dessert soufflé, with Pecan Praline and Grand Marnier serving as can’t-miss options. And your server can help you pair a seasonal wine with any dish you order.
How to book: Call 214-366-9900 (Dallas) or 817-737-7473 (Fort Worth) to reserve.
Alice
Everything’s small at this quaint East Dallas spot, from the 50-seat dining room to the carefully focused menu of Asian specialties—and that’s what makes it so intimate. Grab a table by the window and bask in the seductive red glow of the neon sign out front, then dive into some Crab Dip, Lettuce Wraps, Steamed Buns, and sushi, all perfect for sharing.