Most Romantic Restaurants from Mobil Travel Guide

fleur de lys restaurant, san francisco restaurants
Fleur de Lys, San Francisco

What makes a restaurant truly romantic?  If you're looking for the perfect spot to pop the question, make a great impression on the first date, or celebrate a special anniversary, Mobil Travel Guide's Incognito Inspectors visited hundreds of restaurants and found the perfect mix of intimacy and charm that can make your romantic dinner for two a memorable experience. Here are our recommendations for your special night on the town.

Romantic Restaurant Picks

1.  Inn at Little Washington, Washington, VA
Located within the Mobil Five-Star Inn at Little Washington, this quaint restaurant cultivates a cozy atmosphere with a dining room of only 30 tables, so you can keep your special evening private.  Flemish-inspired tapestries and silk lampshades strike the right note of luxury, and Chef Patrick O'Connell and Reinhardt Lynch are the ultimate hosts.  The 14,000-bottle wine cellar is a perfect complement to a memorable meal.

2.  Bishop's, Vancouver, BC
Intimate, modern, and lofty, Bishop's is a Vancouver dining institution worthy of its many accolades.  Proprietor John Bishop is the author of several cookbooks as well as a wonderful host, and he and his staff are dedicated to superior service and outstanding cuisine on a weekly-changing menu.  Bishop's focuses on local Pacific Northwest ingredients, featuring the freshest organic and free-range offerings. For your night out with that special someone, be sure to sample from a vast selection of wines by the glass, or by the half-bottle.

3.  Fleur de Lys, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Fleur de Lys offers a classic French menu influenced by global tastes under the watch of Hubert Keller, one of the city's most renowned chefs. The dining room is tented in 800 yards of custom-designed fabric accented with plush drapes for the ultimate feel of luxury.  Generously spaced tables are set with Limoges and Rosenthal china, Riedel stemware and gorgeous floral arrangements for the perfect setting of exclusivity.  Other seating options include several alcoves and even a private wine room.

4.  The Dining Room, Atlanta, GA
The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton in Atlanta prides itself on pampering its guests. The restaurant's green silk banquettes, oil paintings and tableside carts for cheese, tea, and mignardises emphasize elegance and sophistication.  Chef Arnaud Berthelier's menu is adventurous without being intimidating, with Spanish, French and North African influences.

5.  Les Nomades, Chicago, IL
Chicago boasts Les Nomades, a former private club that retains a quiet, intimate ambience.  Stunning floral arrangements, wood-burning fireplaces, Lalique vases and original artwork accent the flawless dining room.  The dining room staff caters to your every whim under the eye of owner Mary Beth Licciono, and Chef Chris Nugent imbues his French-inspired menu with several modern twists and global influences. 

french room, dallas restaurants
The French Room, Dallas

6.  The French Room, Dallas, TX
Long considered one of Dallas's most romantic restaurants, The French Room is located within the Hotel Adolphus.  The dining room is made for royalty, with its 18-foot domed frescoed ceilings, gilt sconces and crystal chandeliers.  Chef Jason Weaver presides over a modern American menu.

7.  Rover's, Seattle, WA
For something more cozy, try Seattle's Rover's and its warm yellow walls, dark woods, maroon velvet curtains and vibrant artwork.  Fresh flower arrangements and Bernaudaud appointments provide an added touch of subtle charm.  Service is unbelievably polished and sophisticated, making the perfect complement to Chef Thierry Rautureau's Pacific Northwest cuisine.  The freshest local ingredients and meticulous, expert preparation strike just the right balance of a meal that is elegant without being fussy.

8.  One if By Land, Two if By Sea, New York, NY
One if By Land, Two if By Sea is one of the most obvious choices for a romantic restaurant in New York, and there's a very good reason why it's such a popular destination for couples seeking a special night out. Located within a carriage house in Greenwich Village, the elegant dining rooms are appointed with fireplaces, candlelit tables and fresh flowers.  Live piano music serves as a lovely accompaniment to an American menu with seasonal influences.

9.  The Hungry I, Boston, MA
For something different, try The Hungry I in Boston, set within a restored 1840's brownstone.  With three separate dining rooms, each fitted with a working fireplace, the small, intimate spaces encourage private conversation over a traditional French bistro menu.

10. Truffles, Toronto, ON
The elegant Four Seasons Hotel Toronto houses Truffles. Beautiful parquet floors, large bay windows and murals depicting French gardens set the tone for a special night.  The menu is contemporary French cuisine, and for something truly unique, try the Truffles Spaghettini with Truffle Foam -- it is the restaurant's signature dish, and should not be missed.