Access Atlanta

10 of the most romantic restaurants in Atlanta

Canoe named in Open Table's "Most Romantic Restaurants in America" list
Canoe named in Open Table's "Most Romantic Restaurants in America" list
By Gabrielle Garza – for Access Atlanta
Feb 8, 2023

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you might want to start making dinner plans if you haven’t already. Taking your special someone out for a night of exquisite dining is a wonderful way to express your love.

This city’s diversified and elevated cuisine has plenty to offer, whether you’re looking for a charming candlelit dinner for two or a meal with a breathtaking view. Visit some of Atlanta’s most romantic restaurants featured in the list below for the perfect dinner spot to wine and dine your date.

Canoe

Enjoy the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings while dining at Canoe, right along the Chattahoochee River. Tucked away in Atlanta’s Vinings neighborhood, this hidden waterfront gem is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that’ll make for a special date night. Start with the charcuterie and cheese selection or the crab cake, then for your main course, sample the oven-roasted red snapper or slow-braised rabbit, and top off your meal with their delicious Not Your Momma’s Sweet Potato Pie.

Location: Vinings - 4199 Paces Ferry Rd. SE; Website: canoeatl.com; Contact: 770-432-2663

Volare Wine and Bistro

Check out Hapeville’s Volare Bistro if you want a quiet, cozy atmosphere. Try their superb grilled salmon or pan-seared cod, followed by their crab dip or PEI mussels, which go perfectly with a bottle of wine from their outstanding selection. Don’t forget about dessert; their apple bread pudding is a must!

Location: Hapeville - 603 N Central Ave.; Website: volarebistro.com; Contact: 404-503-6730

Aria

Aria in Buckhead offers a visually stunning menu, an award-winning wine selection, and exceptional drinks for a sophisticated and modern dinner-only establishment. A memorable dining experience is offered with their versatile decor and ever-changing seasonal menu. They have delectable shareable snacks like their six-month-old manchego and Castelvetrano olives, among other tasty items. After enjoying their eight-course tasting menu or dishes like mountain trout and black angus filet mignon, complete your meal with dessert by pastry chef Kathryn King.

Location: Buckhead - 490 East Paces Ferry Rd. NE; Website: aria-atl.com; Contact: 404-233-7673

Ruby Chow’s

Vibrant and unique, Ruby Chow’s features a delicious menu full of flavor. As you sit across from your date, the vibrant and floral design provides an intimate setting, complete with a small tabletop candle. Try their spicy pork noodle and their popular mango sticky rice after sampling some of their sake butter mussels, roasted bone marrow, or fried oysters first. Check out their special Valentine’s Day menu.

Location: East Atlanta - 620 Glen Iris Dr. NE, Unit C-1; Website: rubychows.com; Contact: 404-585-7829

Marcel

While dining at Marcel, you’ll be surrounded by a moody, vintage ambiance. Try their escargots, beef Wellington, or oysters while you enjoy an amazing meal while cozying up to your special someone in one of their distinctive dark red leather booths. Check out their wine library and cigar menu.

Location: Northwest - 1170 Howell Mill Rd.; Facebook: marcelatl.com; Contact: 404-665-4555

Rooftop L.O.A.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable night (and views) at Rooftop L.O.A. You and your date will have a fabulous time here with the 360-degree sunset views, outdoor firepits, and incredible cocktails. The caviar parfait, octopus, squid ink chitarra, and scallops on the menu are all amazing. Be sure to make your reservation ASAP for a seductive Valentine’s Day rooftop dinner.

Location: Northwest - 1115 Howell Mill Rd.; Website: rooftoploa.com; Contact: 470-922-3700

Alma Cocina

Take your date to one of Alma Cocina’s two locations in Downtown or Buckhead for contemporary Mexican cuisine and cocktails with a Latin flair. We promise you’ll be longing to return soon after sampling everything from the mouthwatering roasted chicken mole and swordfish Milanese to the seafood ceviche and esquites.

Location: Two Locations (Downtown and Buckhead); Website: alma-atlanta.com

Delbar

Delbar will quickly become one of your favorite restaurants in Atlanta as you and your date embark on a Middle Eastern culinary journey. Delbar means “heart, captivated” in Farsi, and their delightful dishes, which are brimming with a variety of flavors, will undoubtedly capture your heart. They serve dishes like joojeh kabob, whole stuffed branzino, Omani shrimp, and many more.

Location: East Atlanta - 870 Inman Village Pkwy. NE, Suite 1; Website: delbaratl.com; Contact: 470-500-1444

Anis Cafe and Bistro

This charming Parisian cafe and bistro will transport you to France without having to board a long flight. Inspired by the bistros in the south of France, enjoy light fare and a glass of wine as you relax on their outdoor patio. With their soupe du jour, plat de fromages, steak frites and the traditional croque monsieur, you can experience the flavors of Provence right in the heart of Buckhead.

Location: Buckhead - 2974 Grandview Ave. NE; Website: anisbistro.com; Contact: 404-233-9889

Sotto Sotto

“Mamma mia!” Enjoy a captivating evening at Sotto Sotto for a romantic atmosphere and Italian classics if pasta is the key to your date’s heart. There are many hearty dishes on the menu, including polleto al limone, lasagnette alla bolognese, risotto ai funghi, and ravioli nudi. You will certainly enjoy the quaint and intimate setting of this Italian eatery, which is among the best in the city.

Location: East Atlanta - 313 N. Highland Ave. NE; Website: sottosottoatl.com; Contact: 404-523-6678

About the Author

Gabrielle Garza

More Stories