Looking for a romantic restaurant in Seattle?
They do exist! Even though Seattle has a well-earned reputation for going casual, there are quite a few fantastic restaurants that are so romantic you’ll feel inspired to wear your very best Patagonia. When putting together this list, we considered a few different metrics that make a meal out memorably romantic: flattering mood lighting and beautiful decor, an intimate ambiance, good service and an overall elevated dining experience, and of course, top-tier food and drink. Every Seattle restaurant on this list checks those boxes, so you can feel confident taking your date there—that is, if you can get a reservation.
Here are the most romantic restaurants in Seattle:
1. Canlis, Upper Queen Anne
When you talk about fine dining in Seattle, Canlis is always the first restaurant that comes up. This upscale restaurant has been convincing Seattleites to dress up for dinner since 1950, and it since has maintained its stunning midcentury-modern design—and its dress code as well. As your reward for leaving the sweatpants at home, you and your date will enjoy a multi-course dinner of fresh Pacific Northwest fare, live piano music, and a stunning view.
2. The Pink Door, Pike Place Market
Delicious Italian food, mood lighting galore, and a stunning view of the Seattle waterfront: what more could you want on a romantic date? You’ll find somewhat hidden Pink Door by looking for its namesake in Pike Place Market.
3. Maximilien Restaurant, Pike Place Market
If you want the view of the Seattle waterfront but a cuisine other than Italian, check out Maximilien. This French restaurant in Pike Place Market has a gorgeous patio for outdoor dining. You can even make a reservation for their Le Igloo tasting dinner series and stay cozy while dining outdoors.
4. Serafina, Eastlake
Locals love Serafina for its traditional Italian food and its lush courtyard during the warmer months. Go here on a summer evening and sit outside for a relaxing and romantic date night.
5. Lupo, Fremont
If you’re looking for a more low-key but still romantic vibe, head to Lupo in Fremont. This cozy Italian restaurant serves wood-fired sourdough pizza, wine, and ice cream in its rustic, dimly-lit space.
6. Toulouse Petit, Queen Anne
If you want to feel like you’re enjoying a romantic dinner in New Orleans, head to Toulouse Petit. This dramatic Cajun-Creole spot is all gleaming dark wood, candle-lined walls, soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, and red-tiled floors. The food is just as good as the ambiance, too.
7. Spinasse, Capitol Hill
It can be difficult to get a reservation at this high-end Italian restaurant in Capitol Hill but don’t give up. Spinasse’s rich Italian dishes and rustic decor make for a cozy date night.
8. Il Nido, West Seattle
A great Italian restaurant in West Seattle for date night, Il Nido is in a rustic log cabin that has a cozy fireplace and a covered back patio. Hot tip: No reservations are needed for bar seating.
9. San Fermo, Ballard
San Fermo is an Italian restaurant in a historical building in Ballard that has a cozy, rustic vibe that’s perfect for a romantic date night. Whether you’re seated downstairs, on the patio, or in the intimate upstairs area, you and your date will have a memorable meal of fresh, handmade pasta.
10. The Corson Building, Georgetown
A New American restaurant inside a stunning 1910 home in Georgetown, The Corson Building doubles as a wedding and event venue—and it’s easy to see why. The outdoor dining area is particularly romantic, with lush greenery and string lights everywhere. You can make a reservation for their a la carte and prix fix dinners Thursday through Sunday.
11. Damn the Weather, Pioneer Square
Located in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, Damn the Weather continues the romantic vibes inside with its exposed brick walls and chandelier-based mood lighting. The excellent craft cocktails and elevated New American fare will ensure that your date goes well.
12. The George, Downtown
A new addition to Seattle’s historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel, The George is a glamorous New American restaurant with French influences. Your date will be wowed by the beautiful aesthetic. Afterwards, the two of you can slip into the Fairmont’s speakeasy bar Founder’s Club for some craft cocktails and even more romantic vibes.
13. Il Bistro, Pike Place Market
Step away from the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market and into the candlelit ambiance of this underground Italian trattoria. Il Bistro is the perfect romantic dinner spot before catching an improv show at the market theater or a concert at one of Seattle’s live music venues nearby.
14. Il Terrazzo Carmine, Pioneer Square
Il Terrazzo Carmine was named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America for 2024. This restaurant in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood has been serving authentic Italian fare and an excellent wine list in a romantic indoor/outdoor space since 1984.
15. Eden Hill, Queen Anne
Eden Hill is a cozy little New American restaurant in Upper Queen Anne that offers a tasting menu with creative flavors and beautiful presentations. Surrounded by floral wallpaper, throw pillows, and other couples, you’ll quickly get into the date night frame of mind.