The Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S.

Rob Baedeker February 9, 2007

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This kind of physical entanglement figures into season one contestant Andrea Beaman’s suggestions as well. She recommends New York City’s cozy Korean-vegetarian hideaway, Hangawi, where, Beaman says, “You get to play footsies under the sunken tables.”

For an amorous meal in close quarters, season two chef Betty Fraser is lured by L.A.’s La Boheme, where she says the “private booths and the lush décor” offer the right ingredients for romance.

The classics of romantic atmosphere — seclusion, dim lighting, muted colors — may have broad and time-tested appeal, but for some, like season one "Top Chef" competitor Stephen Asprinio, those elements can be “kind of old-school.” What’s important for the 21st-century romantic dining experience, according to this young chef-entrepreneur, is “sexiness.” He explains, “This sexiness can be expressed through a multitude of design elements, such as a chair shaped to resemble the curves of the female body, or captivating color schemes within a particular décor.” Asprinio recommends the restaurant at the Setai Hotel in South Beach, Florida for a “mind blowing” night of romantic dining.

See our slideshow of the most romantic restaurants in the U.S.

Energy to Burn

Beyond the ambience of a particular venue, our "Top Chefs" emphasized the importance of food that would satisfy but not sedate. According to Betty Fraser, the meal should include “bold flavors that will excite, if you will, the taste buds: Something that is light enough not to weigh you down and make you lethargic, and it should always include a heady bottle of vino or bubbly, like a good Italian Prosecco.”

Harold Dieterle says a romantic meal should feature “feminine food — sensual, petite portions, not loaded with fat and dairy,” a sentiment that fits with chef Asprinio’s aesthetic. “Keep everything small and sexy, as with a tasting menu,” says Asprinio, with entrees like “a lavender honey-lacquered breast of roasted quail, shaved white truffles and chanterelles with a glass of rosé.”

Andrea Beaman agrees that a Valentine’s Day meal should leave lovers light on their feet. “Over-seasoned food can make the diners retain water, and swollen hands, feet and eyes are not conducive to romance. It’s imperative to eat normal-sized portions of food.” She adds a key reminder for those who want their Valentine’s evening to heat up up after the meal: “If we overeat, the only thing we'll want to do when we get home is sleep!”

It’s not about the food

All that postprandial stamina may be moot if you don’t love the one you're with. Several of our experts pointed out that the location of a romantic meal is secondary. “If you're head over heels in love,” says Fraser, “you could enjoy a burger next to a construction site and be gaga-eyed.”

In the end, as Chef Dieterle explains, the romance of a restaurant may be independent of any sunset, champagne or otherwordly crème brulee. “A lot depends on the mood factor,” he says, “stuff that’s out of the restaurant’s hands. If you’re fighting with significant other ahead of time, chances are you won't have a good time.”

See our slideshow of the most romantic restaurants in the U.S.

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