Planning a romantic evening in the City of Brotherly Love? Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a special date night, or simply looking to impress someone special, Philadelphia offers a wide selection of intimate and elegant dining spots. From cozy candlelit bistros to upscale fine dining with skyline views, the city has something for every couple seeking a memorable experience.
If you’re searching for the most romantic restaurants in Philadelphia, you’ll find a variety of options catering to different tastes and settings. Whether you prefer classic Italian cuisine, contemporary American dishes, or globally inspired flavors, there’s a perfect spot waiting to set the mood for your evening. Explore our top 10 picks to find the ideal restaurant for your next romantic outing.
10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Philadelphia
Plan an unforgettable date for someone special with one of the best romantic restaurants in Philadelphia we’ve listed below!
1. Amada
Opened in 2005, Amada was Chef Jose Garces’ first Philadelphia restaurant. Today, he owns restaurants across the country. The Old City restaurant features Spanish cuisine perfect for sharing. Signature dishes include a variety of tapas perfect for sharing, such as the renowned Cochinillo Asado—a roasted suckling pig served tableside. The menu is complemented by an extensive selection of Spanish wines and handcrafted cocktails.
You and your date can order several small plates and try a little bit of everything together, the true beauty of tapas. Pair the plates with a cocktail, or even a pitcher of sangria, and you’ve just put together an unforgettable date.
- Price Range: $$ – $$$$
- Operating Hours: Monday–Friday: Dinner 5–10 pm; Saturday & Sunday: Brunch 11:30 am–2:30 pm, Dinner 4–10 pm
- Restaurant Type: Authentic Andalusian Tapas
2. Bastia
Located in Fishtown, Bastia brings the charm of the Mediterranean to Philadelphia, drawing inspiration from Corsican and Sardinian flavors. The warm, intimate setting—featuring a central fireplace, soft candlelit tables, and vintage-inspired decor—creates the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening.
The menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients, with standout dishes like storzapretti ricotta dumplings, grilled octopus with salsa verde, and buttery skate cheeks with polenta.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the delicate balance of flavors in the sea urchin butter tartine, while handmade pastas add a touch of rustic elegance. Complement your meal with a handcrafted aperitivo or a glass of natural Mediterranean wine, and soak in the effortlessly romantic atmosphere.
- Price Range: $$$
- Operating Hours: Monday–Tuesday 5–9 pm, Wednesday–Saturday 5–10 pm, Brunch on Saturday & Sunday 10 am–2 pm
- Reservations Needed: Recommended
- Type: Mediterranean (Corsican & Sardinian)
3. Lacroix at The Rittenhouse
Perched on the second floor of The Rittenhouse Hotel, Lacroix is the epitome of fine dining, offering a luxurious arrangement of flavors, ambiance, and impeccable service. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the lush Rittenhouse Square, while the dining room’s soft lighting, marble columns, and elegant décor set the perfect scene for a romantic evening.
The menu, curated by Executive Chef Eric Leveillee, showcases contemporary French-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, featuring dishes crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
The restaurant’s acclaimed Carte Blanche tasting menu allows couples to embark on a culinary journey, with exquisite selections such as foie gras, poached lobster, and delicate pastries.
For those seeking a more relaxed yet refined experience, Lacroix’s legendary Sunday brunch offers an indulgent raw bar, caviar service, and artisanal cheeses. Whether it’s an anniversary, a special date night, or just a reason to celebrate love, Lacroix guarantees an unforgettable experience.
- Price Range: $$$$
- Operating Hours: Dinner: Thursday–Saturday 5:30–9:00 pm; Brunch: Sunday 11:00 am–1:30 pm
- Type: Contemporary French
4. Talula’s Garden
Talula’s Garden, a hidden gem in Washington Square, is the perfect escape for couples looking to dine in nature’s beauty. The restaurant’s stunning outdoor patio, adorned with twinkling lights, lush greenery, and intimate candlelit tables, offers one of the most romantic settings in Philadelphia. Inside, the rustic-chic décor, with its wooden accents and soft lighting, creates an inviting and warm atmosphere.
The menu, deeply rooted in farm-to-table philosophy, highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients with dishes like pan-roasted salmon, braised beef short ribs, and creative vegetarian options. Moreover , Talula’s Garden has a menu dedicated just to cheese. Call us cheesy, but true romance is bonding over a plate of locally sourced cheddar.
- Price Range: $$$
- Operating Hours: Dinner: Monday–Friday 5:00–10:00 pm, Saturday–Sunday 4:00–10:00 pm; Brunch: Sunday 10:00 am–2:00 pm
- Type: American (Farm-to-Table)
5. Valley Green Inn
One of Fairmount Park’s most beloved dining spots, Valley Green Inn is perfect for a relaxing dinner date. Built in 1850, this restaurant is one of Philadelphia’s last remaining roadhouses. Featuring a historic country charm, welcoming porch, cozy fireplaces, and a warmly lit interior, Valley Green Inn is easily one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
Treat your date to some classic American cuisine from Valley Green’s seasonal menu, complete with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include buttermilk-dipped fried chicken, pan-seared salmon, and filet mignon eggrolls that are sure to delight your taste buds.
This perfectly rustic and cozy inn is sure to provide a romantic escape for you and your partner. Adding a small attention with a flower gift can make the evening even more special.
- Price Range: $$ – $$$
- Operating Hours: Lunch: Wednesday–Saturday 11:00 am–3:00 pm; Dinner: Wednesday–Saturday 4:00 pm–8:00 pm; Sunday Brunch: 10:00 am–3:00 pm; Sunday Dinner: 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
- Type: American
6. The Love
Radiating a delicate and romantic vibe, there couldn’t be a more fitting name for this restaurant. The Love in Rittenhouse Square features a light and airy atmosphere, complete with a comfy and modern white brick interior. If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers an imaginative take on traditional American cuisine, look no further than here.
From honey-brined pork chops to creamy butterscotch pudding parfait, you and your date are bound to find a favorite on the menu. Its signature dish, “The Lovebird,” is a savory combo of collard greens, buttermilk fried chicken, and grits. Plan the ultimate romantic evening when you reserve a table at The Love.
- Price Range: $$ – $$$
- Operating Hours: Lunch: Monday–Friday 11:30 am–2:00 pm; Dinner: Monday–Sunday 5:00 pm–10:00 pm; Brunch: Saturday–Sunday 10:00 am–2:00 pm
- Type: American, Contemporary
7. Butcher and Singer
Step into Butcher and Singer, and you’re instantly transported to a bygone era where glamour and sophistication reigned supreme. This upscale steakhouse, nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, exudes an old-world Hollywood charm that sets the stage for an unforgettable romantic evening. Imagine plush leather banquettes, dim lighting casting a warm glow, and the soft murmur of jazz in the background—all creating an ambiance that’s both intimate and grand.
The menu is a love letter to classic American cuisine, with expertly prepared steaks and seafood that promise to tantalize your taste buds. Whether it’s a tender filet mignon or a succulent lobster tail, each dish is crafted with precision and flair. Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list, and you’re in for a culinary experience that’s as timeless as your affection.
For those looking to add a touch of romance, presenting your partner with a small bouquet can elevate the evening, making it even more special. Such thoughtful gestures, combined with the restaurant’s enchanting atmosphere, ensure that your date night at Butcher and Singer is nothing short of magical.
- Price Range: $$$$
- Operating Hours: Dinner: Monday–Thursday 5:00–10:00 pm, Friday–Saturday 5:00–11:00 pm, Sunday 5:00–10:00 pm
- Type: Steakhouse
8. Friday Saturday Sunday
Tucked away in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, Friday Saturday Sunday is the epitome of understated elegance—a place where culinary artistry meets heartfelt hospitality. The intimate dining room, with its minimalist décor and soft lighting, creates a cozy yet sophisticated setting that’s perfect for couples seeking a genuine connection over a meal.
The restaurant offers a modern American tasting menu that evolves with the seasons, ensuring that each visit is a new adventure for your palate. Dishes are thoughtfully composed, highlighting the freshest ingredients and innovative techniques. An optional wine pairing complements the courses, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Adding a flower gift, combined with the restaurant’s warm ambiance and exquisite cuisine, creates a romantic experience that’s both intimate and unforgettable.
- Price Range: $$$$
- Operating Hours: Dinner: Wednesday–Sunday 5:30–10:00 pm
- Type: Modern American
9. Alpen Rose
Tucked discreetly along 13th Street, Alpen Rose is Philadelphia’s intimate homage to the classic steakhouse, reimagined with a touch of speakeasy allure. Behind its unassuming facade lies a cozy enclave where vintage charm meets culinary excellence.
With seating for just 40 guests, the ambiance is both exclusive and inviting, making it an ideal setting for a romantic rendezvous. (also, note that reservation is a must for a place that offers such small seating).
The interior boasts leather seats, an arching wood ceiling, and dim lighting, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The menu is a carnivore’s dream, featuring meticulously dry-aged steaks that are coddled and fretted over to perfection. Signature cuts like the Tomahawk Ribeye, sliced tableside, are smoky, tender, and incredibly well-seasoned, offering a dining experience that lingers in memory.
For those seeking variety, the menu also offers a selection of seafood dishes, including a seafood tower with oysters, shrimp, lobster, and tuna. Complement your meal with one of their fragrant, floral signature cocktails or a choice from their extensive wine list, and you’re set for an evening where time seems to stand still.
- Price Range: $$$$
- Operating Hours: Monday–Thursday & Sunday: 5:00 pm–10:00 pm; Friday–Saturday: 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
- Type: Steakhouse
10. Vetri Cucina
Last, but not least, we picked one of Philadelphia’s top Italian restaurants. Vetri’s buttery yellow and wood walls, not to mention the chandelier, look nothing short of enchanting. Housed in a charming 19th-century townhouse, this intimate dining space exudes warmth and exclusivity, making it the perfect retreat for a truly romantic evening.
The limited number of tables ensures an undisturbed, almost private experience, where the soft hum of conversation and clinking of wine glasses create an atmosphere straight out of an Italian love story.
Vetri only offers a tasting menu at $165 per person. The price tag may be high, but the dining experience is divine. Every dish reflects Chef Marc Vetri’s dedication to the art of Italian cuisine, using both locally sourced and imported ingredients to craft a symphony of flavors.
The menu changes seasonally but often features delicacies like hand-crafted pastas, slow-braised meats, and exquisite seafood dishes, all prepared with impeccable technique. The thoughtful pacing of the meal allows you to savor every moment, making it feel more like an elegant culinary journey than just dinner.
As Vetri’s guest, you and your date will enjoy antipasti, pasta, secondi, and dolce dishes of your choice. The wine list has 70 different bottles to choose from, so don’t be shy about asking for a recommendation.
In fact, wine pairing is part of the magic here, with an expertly curated selection that brings out the best in every course. One of the most romantic restaurants in Center City Philadelphia, Vetri Cucina is the perfect place to spoil your special someone—whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or simply indulging in a night of unforgettable Italian flavors.
- Price Range: $$$$
- Operating Hours: Dinner: Daily 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
- Type: Italian Fine Dining
Accent Your Perfect Date in Philly With Flowers
While romantic restaurants in Philly with a view make for an unforgettable date night, a lovely bouquet of flowers makes the evening extra special. With classic roses, exotic orchids, vibrant tulips, and more, we have a beautiful selection to choose from at Ode à la Rose. Whether you know your date’s favorite flower or color, or you’re making a decision from scratch, we’ll help you find an arrangement they’ll adore.
The best part? We offer next-day flower delivery in Philadelphia, so your date can receive their flowers the day after you order them. For a date night they’ll treasure for life, browse our selection and send blooms to a loved one in Philly today!
