The 15 Most Romantic Restaurants in Houston

Inspired by hotspots along the French Riviera, Ciel (French for “sky”) was built for over-the-top decadence. The hotly popular smokeshow puts out a high-energy, glam, and totally sexy vibe, with a Michelin-trained executive chef (Joseph Geiskopf) who favors fresh, sustainable seafood and live-fire cooking; a world-class list of craft cocktails, wine, and bubbly; and pop-up performances to keep things exciting. Get all googly eyed over plates of Toro Carpaccio, Oak Grilled Octopus, Truffle Bucatini, and Wagyu Nigiri, and if you’re bored with each other, simply enjoy the people-watching.

Dining on the tree-lit veranda at this Berg Hospitality trattoria is a guaranteed date night win. Plus, if Lady and the Tramp taught us anything, it’s that Italian food is just plain sexy. Feel the romance and share small plates of Wood-Roasted Beets with Smokey Labneh and Toasted Sicilian Pistachios, Fritto Misto and Crudo di Pesce, Margherita Pizza, Torta Di Cioccolato (gooey chocolate cake), and Cacio e Pepe that, yes, you should split like that famous spaghetti scene.

If it’s an experience you're after, this bespoke Korean steakhouse is your spot. There’s something alluring about a tableside, cooked-to-order meal, which is exactly what you’ll get here. Snag a table inside the stylish space and get spellbound by an alluring mosaic of steakhouse riffs—Jumbo Tiger Shrimp with Wasabi Cho-Gochujang, Milk Bread Toast with Osetra Caviar, “Kured” Korean Pork Belly, and Japanese A5 Wagyu that gets cooked right before your eyes.

A chandelier-lit glass treehouse in the sky sounds like a pretty good date idea if you ask us (and since you’re reading this, we’re pretty sure you did), especially when it also entails fancy queso. Bring your sweetie to this Big Vibes Group Mexican kitchen to enjoy just that, plus oh-so tender Barbacoa de Borrego, zippy Red Snapper Ceviche, and Shrimp Mojo de Ajo so good you won’t mind the garlic breath.

Why, yes, you can slurp oysters and caviar while cozied up under an illuminated disco ball. You just have to score rezzies at this decadent bistro from The Big Vibe Group (Coppa Osteria, Graffiti Raw, Flora). The space truly brings the sexy vibe with rich, bold colors, and European countryside villa feel. It offers a decadent menu to match. Start with those oysters and caviar, then move on to Lobster Risotto, Filet & Frites, and Croissant Bread Pudding.

This Agricole Hospitality stunner is a triple threat when combined with its hip sibling establishments. One space is a groovy cocktail joint and the other, a rebellious slice shop perfect for those late-night hankerings. The best part? You can hit all three if your date is going really, really well. Start your love affair at Indianola, where polished modern Texas eats like Blue Corn & Gulf Shrimp Hushpuppies, Wood Grilled Chicken with Duck Fat Potatoes, and a juicy Angus Burger will get the juices flowing.

What is sexier than Baked Alaska set aflame before your eyes? Hopefully your date, but either way, chef Aaron Bludorn’s restaurant is a stunner. Vamping up the old Pass & Provisions space on Taft, the moodily lit interior makes for an intimate experience, while the breezy outdoor canopy brings the charm with verdant greenery and twinkling cafe lights. Both are swoon-worthy settings for taking down Bludorn’s refined, satisfying fare, from Seafood Towers and Black Truffle Risotto to the must-have Lobster Pot Pie for two.

Savoir may sit in what was once a neglected warehouse, but after a little architectural refresh, this Heights haunt oozes charm for days. Interior details, like exposed brick, plush seating, and tealight candles set in Old World-style glassware, set the stage for you to flirt over plates of Blackened Gnocchi, Seared Duck Breast, and the uber romantic Chef’s Fry Trio flight. If you’re looking for an even more intimate vibe, hidden speakeasy and steakhouse Patton’s lies just beyond the wine cellar doors.

This Israeli steakhouse—which dry-ages its succulent beef in a chandelier-lit meat locker—is a romantic’s dream, offering a sexy dining space (and crowd) with a smashing menu of steaks, Middle Eastern inspired plates, and cocktails. Go for cheese-oozing Stuffed Beetroot, chargrilled Octopus with Tzatziki and Smoked Tomato Salad, Moroccan Gulf Fish, and top-quality cuts like Prime Bone-in Ribeye and Japanese A5 Wagyu complete with little piles of seasoning so you can unleash your inner Salt Bae. Also, and this is important, this is one place where you’ll want to submit to the temptation of dessert.

Sneaking glances at your date while sharing a bottle of wine and Bangkok Fries is pretty much as sensual as it gets. And that’s exactly what you should do while tucked away inside or taking in the fresh air on the dreamy, string-lit patio at this artsy neighborhood wine bar and kitchen. Did we mention there’s Lavash Pizza topped with things like Truffle Mushrooms, Spicy Goat Cheese, and Korean Barbacoa, too? Because there is, and it’s delicious.

Whisk yourselves off to far-flung place by date nighting in a gilded dining room, cozying up on tufted sofas in a sultry lounge, or wining and dining on a patio inspired by the breezeways of Indian palaces at this well-traveled fine dining spot. Opulence flows abundantly as chef Mayank Istwal churns out seasonally inspired Spice Route dishes bound to titillate the senses. Get the juices flowing with bold plates like Coriander Prawn, Truffle Chaat, and Braised Lamb, and end the journey with a mosaic of rich, silky Kheer scented with saffron and cardamom.
How to order: Order take-out via Toast.

Go ahead and lick your fingers after scarfing down chef Travis McShane’s enviable Roast Chicken—just try to make it sexy while you do. Ostia’s ambiance will help, with tiny tables and mood lighting, an open kitchen firing scratchmade pastas and Whole Branzino, and a verdant greenhouse and patio combo known to ratchet the romance factor up quite a few notches.
How to order: Order take-out via Toast.

This Downtown stunner oozes sophistication, with a dark and luxe space that evokes a modern Italian villa. Set the mood with a superb bottle of wine, and keep the excitement going with fancy-pants Italian steakhouse gems like Aleppo-crusted Tonno, housemade Cacio e Pepe hit with black truffles shaved tableside, and a Prime Porterhouse for two. Finish the meal with Limoncello-spiked cocktails and a delectable Amaretto Crème Brûlée.

Sexiness and weirdness often go hand-in-hand, and this avant-garde concept is about as weird as it gets. You’ll feel like you’re going down the rabbit hole as you slice open a tomato only to realize it’s not a tomato at all, but a gelatinous veil for parmesan mousse and pesto over pumpernickel crumble. The showy light fixtures and wacky decor are straight out of a Picasso painting, and there’s a top-notch collection of gin to enhance the whimsy.
How to order: Order take-out via Toast.

Set on lavish grounds along the banks of Buffalo Bayou, this gorgeous steakhouse has served as backdrop to many a romantic evening (and even some weddings). Maybe it’s the woodsy, cascading waterfall near the restaurant’s patio, or their striking, two-story dining room? Or, maybe it’s the seared Wagyu Skewers, colossal Seafood Tower filled with delights like oysters and tuna poke, lamb chops, Crispy Duck Leg Confit, and steaks of all kinds dripping with herb butter and savory demi-glazes. Regardless, there’s something seductive about this place. Also, triple bonus points if you start your date with bayouside drinks and live blues at the al fresco Blue Bar.