8 of the World's Most Romantic Restaurants

Fancy the ultimate romantic dinner date? You’ll definitely want to add these remarkable restaurants to your bucket list!

There’s nothing more enjoyable than a romantic dinner date, especially if excellent quality food, world-class service, unique décor and extremely beautiful settings are involved… Well, the below 8 restaurants all offer each and every one of these elements and are sure to make a lasting memory, especially for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and of course Valentine’s Day. Perhaps you’re looking for the perfect place to pop the big question? Or maybe you’re looking for somewhere that you can hint about to your other half… 

Grotta Palazzese, Polignano a Mare, Italy

Italy is one of the world’s most romantic countries, so of course we had to add a romantic Italian restaurant to the list. Situated in the scenic seaside town of Polignano a Mare in Southern Italy, the Grotta Palazzese restaurant is located in a natural candlelit cave inlet, with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea – now that is what you call a romantic setting. This cosy restaurant offers classic Italian tasting menus, as well as an impressive, prestigious wine list with over 300 labels. The prices are quite steep here but that’s because you’re paying for the location, which is well worth it, but perhaps just for special occasions (please note that this seasonal restaurant is only open from March-Nov annually). 

Geja’s Café, Chicago 

Geja’s café is an intimate fondue restaurant that is widely considered as the most romantic restaurant in Chicago. It’s a very cosy venue with candlelit tables and dim lighting, and the menu consists of fresh meats, cheeses and vegetables with delicious dipping options. Dessert is the main showstopper at Geja’s Cafe; a chocolate fondue heaven with marshmallows and fresh fruit for dipping. The restaurant also has an extensive fine wine selection and features live flamenco guitar music, so it’s the perfect venue for special occasions, or if you’d like to spice your current relationship up. Geja’s café is even ideal for first dates, as the awkwardness of waiting for your food isn’t present here. You’re sharing a variety of dishes that are bought to you quite quickly, which brings on interesting conversation starters.   

Clos Maggiore, London

Situated in the beautiful Covent Garden in London, Clos Maggiore is perhaps a cliché for romance, but it’s well worth jumping on the bandwagon for this cliché. The tranquil restaurant boasts a beautiful dining conservatory adorned with an impressive apple blossom display, a retractable glass roof, a cosy log fire and intimate tables located in very snug areas. The restaurant serves up Provencal-inspired cuisine, and the dessert menu is particularly impressive. There’s also an extensive wine cellar at Clos Maggiore with more than 2,500 labels to choose from – wine galore! As well as sumptuous cuisines, desserts and fine wines, amazing service is offered at this romantic enclave so it ticks all the boxes, and it’s in the UK so you don’t have to fork out on a holiday to enjoy it.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea, New York

Visiting this ultra-romantic restaurant is like stepping into a fairy-tale. Set in an ancient carriage house in NYC, One if by Land, Two if by Sea has a charming façade of brick walls, fireplaces, large crystal chandeliers, a grand piano and even a private garden. There is a warm and inviting ambiance about this venue, and it’s been known to be the location for many proposals, as well as weddings… Classic menus include a seven course tasting menu plus an a la carte menu, consisting of fine American cuisines and tempting dessert dishes including chocolate soufflé. One if by Land, Two if by Sea offers fine dining at its best with added old-world charm. Tempting? Why not look into our New York holidays and start planning the date of a lifetime… 

 

Ambrosia, Santorini

Santorini is another travel destination that is often associated with love and romance. How could this glorious island not be featured on our list? Ambrosia is a very special cliffside restaurant in the heart of Oia in Santorini, offering outdoor terrace seating which overlooks Santorini’s breath-taking caldera, as well as an intimate indoor dining area. All tables at Ambrosia are candlelit and decorated with white table linen and stunning red roses – so simple yet so effective and romantic. Ambrosia serves up a variety of traditional Greek cuisines and Mediterranean meals such as seafood dishes and pastas, as well as a mouth-watering dessert selection. Ambrosia is evidently a very popular restaurant, so you’ll need to reserve your table here well in advance.

Kanoun Restaurant, Morocco

Kanoun Restaurant is set within the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains inside the luxury Kasbah Tamadot hotel, an authentic Moroccan retreat owned by Richard Branson. It’s all about the setting at this restaurant – it’s honestly a feast for the eyes. Here you can look forward to dining on an outdoor rooftop terrace which overlooks the mountains and valley, and there’s an option to privately dine by the hotel’s infinity pool. The menus consist of traditional Moroccan and international cuisines, and a selection of delectable Moroccan wines and cocktails which are served at the restaurant’s fireside bar. Kanoun Restaurant is mind-blowingly stunning, especially on a clear night… Dining under the stars here makes for a very magical experience with your sweetheart. 

Le Jules Verne, Paris, France

Paris is the official city of Romance, and the Eiffel Tower is of course the city’s romantic showstopper. Fancy dining inside this iconic landmark? Be whisked away to the tower’s second floor in a private lift to the elegant Le Jules Verne restaurant, where panoramic city views and designer decor awaits. The Michelin starred restaurant serves an array of contemporary yet classic French cuisines, as well as an outstanding French wine list. Dinner consists of a six course menu with premium favourites such as caviar and grilled lobster. After dining, guests receive VIP access to the observation deck on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor via a private entrance. A dinner date at Le Jules Verne truly is one of those once in a lifetime culinary experiences. Advance reservations are definitely required, though! 

Sheesh Mahal, Udaipur, India

Sheesh Mahal is a rooftop Indian restaurant situated by the stunning Lake Pichola in the grand Leela Palace hotel. The two-tiered restaurant is open for dinner and it offers the finest of dining experiences. What’s on the menu? Traditional, authentic Rajasthani cuisines of course, along with the warmest of hospitality and the most excellent of service. You’ll feel like royalty at Sheesh Mahal, so make sure you wear your best outfit for the occasion. Picture it, dining al fresco beside the beautiful lake, with amazing views of Udaipur and the ancient City Palace complex – it’s the ultimate romantic experience! Book flights to India with Brightsun and look forward to enjoying this extra special dining experience.