With Valentine's Day just around the corner, many of us are thinking about what to do with our sweeties this holiday. Some couples prefer to stay in and cook a romantic dinner, while others might forgo the holiday altogether and have a chill takeout night at home. However, many of us love the opportunity to get dressed up and wine and dine our beau at the fanciest restaurant in town. Fortunately for those who live in Atlanta, there are many delicious and romantic restaurants to choose from.
Whether you're looking to have a tender steak, a classy Italian pasta dish or an upscale Mexican meal complete with mezcal cocktails, Atlanta has it. You can enjoy a buttery lobster or a vegan burger with fries depending on your preferences, and don't forget to have a classy cocktail or a fancy bottle of wine. Valentine's Day provides the chance to set time aside for your loved one and show how much you care, and food and drinks are the way to the heart, right?
Plus, these elegant restaurants aren't just for the couples! Galentine's Day, Palentine's Day, or whatever you want to call dressing up with your best buds to celebrate yourselves rather than having a meal with a partner, is sometimes even better than Valentine's Day. Some of my best Valentine's Days have been spent with my gal pals rather than a romantic partner. Here are 11 of the most romantic restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia for a classy night out on the town.
1. Kyma
Buckhead is the most upscale area in Atlanta, so it's no surprise that many restaurants on this list are there. Kyma is one of them, and it's the perfect spot for any special occasion. Kyma serves Mediterranean seafood, giving guests the opportunity to have Mediterranean dishes like Greek fries with tzatziki or seafood dishes like their signature grilled octopus. Plus, they have a vegetarian menu and a vegan menu! Seafood lovers should try the house specialty, a whole fresh fish.
2. Bistro Niko
If you're feeling like French for your night out on the town, Bistro Niko on Peachtree Road is the spot to go. The ambiance is on point at this sweet eatery with its red bistro booths and open kitchen. The hardest part is the anticipation that will build as you watch the chef make your delicious dish! Have classic French delicacies like escargot, scallops and profiteroles.
3. Aria
Another Buckhead cornerstone, Aria offers New American cuisine, serving appetizers and mains like creamy truffle potatoes, scallops and buttery lobster. This dinner-only restaurant is known for its elegant decor, providing the perfect atmosphere to woo your date. Aria has been given numerous awards and has consistently been listed as one of the top restaurants in Atlanta.
4. Ruth's Chris Steak House
No matter what city you're in, Ruth's Chris Steak House is always a go-to for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. This chain of steakhouses delivers dependably scrumptious steaks and sides, along with a classy atmosphere for the perfect dining experience. The dessert is not to overlooked, whether you're feeling creme brûlée, apple crumb tart or chocolate sin cake.
5. Casi Cielo
Oaxaca is famous for having the best food in Mexico, so enjoying upscale Oaxacan fare in the United States is a privilege to say the least. Casi Cielo is a newer restaurant in Sandy Springs, offering classy Oaxacan cuisine to be enjoyed on an elegant terrace. This Mexican restaurant serves amazing mezcal drinks and traditional dishes like octopus and handmade blue corn tortillas. This Atlanta restaurant is the ideal spot for a Valentine's Day date, anniversary, or birthday.
6. Atlas
Another contemporary American option for date night is Atlas, ideal for foodies who love an amazing wine list. This is one of the best romantic restaurants in Buckhead, and it's located in the St. Regis hotel. To make your night even more romantic, book a room to stay in for after your dinner! Atlas uses their partnerships with local farms to use fresh, local ingredients in their dishes. Enjoy the Veal Striploin with Sweetbreads or the Atlas Classic Burger.
7. Anis Cafe and Bistro
Anis Cafe and Bistro is a classy French restaurant perfect for fine dining and treating yourself. The bistro has a charming outdoor patio, complete with Parisian decoration and live jazz to accompany your meal. This restaurant is located in a converted house in a little side street of Buckhead, providing an intimate, romantic atmosphere along with award-winning dishes. Entrees like the soup de jour with salmon, garlic roasted chicken and pan-roasted trout with lemon browned butter taste even better when followed with traditional creme brûlée for dessert.
8. The Optimist
Seafood is always a classy choice for date night, and The Optimist is the perfect destination. This romantic restaurant in Atlanta is also an oyster bar, so you can feast on oysters along with delicious steak and fish dishes. This Atlanta restaurant is prized for its West Midtown location, allowing you to extend your date by meandering the streets of downtown Atlanta after dinner.
9. Boccalupo
It's hard to go wrong with Italian food. This authentic Italian restaurant is in the heart of bustling Inman Park, bringing the romance with its intimate dining room, mouthwatering Italian dishes and imaginative cocktails. Enjoy high-class Italian-American fare like antipasti, calamari in Sicilian tomato brodetto, risotto, and squid ink spaghetti.
10. Chai Yo Modern Thai
For those with a hankering for Asian food rather than European, this romantic restaurant in Atlanta takes Thai food to a new level. The beautifully decorated dining room has unique wood sculptures and classy light fixtures to complement the modern Thai cuisine on your plate. Award-winning Chef DeeDee Niyomkul makes creative and modern dishes inspired by traditional Thai recipes, along with innovative craft cocktails to make your meal even more romantic.
11. Barcelona Wine Bar
Barcelona Wine Bar is an old classic spot in Atlanta that can more than hold its own against the newer upscale restaurants in town. This Spanish restaurant is considered to be one of the most romantic restaurants in Atlanta, ideal for brunch, date night, and anything in between. The small plates like patatas bravas and albondigas will transport you right to the cobblestone streets of Barcelona, and the white sangria will add a festive flair to your meal.
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