The Most Romantic Restaurant In Every State

A romantic dinner isn't just a meal, it's an experience. It's about setting a mood, whether it's for a date, an anniversary, a holiday, or just a night away from the kids. These restaurants have worked hard to set the stage for a romantic evening, so the next time you have something worth celebrating with your significant other, seek out the best romantic restaurant in your state.

Methodology

To determine the best romantic restaurant in every state, we looked at online reviews from locals and tourists as well as ratings from local and national publications like newspapers, magazines and travel guides. We made sure these spots excelled in ambiance, decor and service as well as offering delectable food. Featuring jaw-dropping views or an intimate dining experience was a factor as well.

Alabama: Highlands Bar & Grill (Birmingham)

The lighting is dim, the tablecloths are white, the waiters are wearing black vests and a fireplace sets the mood at this legendary, award-winning restaurant. Highlands Bar & Grill put the Birmingham, Alabama, dining scene on the map when it opened in 1982. Chef and co-owner Frank Stitt, who runs Highlands with his wife, Pardis, has already been inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor and included among the James Beard Foundation's Who's Who of Food & Beverage. The daily changing menu includes regional Southern foods prepared with classic French technique, such as oysters, grits, pheasant and venison.

Alaska: Crow’s Nest (Anchorage)

Upscale and elegant, Crow's Nest offers 360-degree views of Anchorage from atop one of the state's most spectacular hotels, Hotel Captain Cook. A AAA four-diamond restaurant, Crow's Nest also offers 10,000 different bottles of wine along with a high-end menu from chef Reuben Gerber with selections such as black cod with peppers and sprouts, a daily risotto, octopus with herbed breadcrumbs, and 1 pound of king crab legs served with lemon and butter.

Arizona: Cress on Oak Creek (Sedona)

A candlelit meal alongside a babbling creek lined with cottonwood and sycamore trees is the stuff of storybooks, but this romantic dream can become a reality for you at Cress on Oak Creek. Located in the upscale L'Auberge de Sedona hotel in Arizona, this restaurant offers interior seating, but you'll want to snag an outdoor table overlooking the creek. Menu items feature fresh, seasonal ingredients. It offers an à la carte menu as well as a three-course tasting menu and also crafts menus for special occasions like Valentine's Day, when diners can choose from items such as poached sea bass with pickled mushrooms and beets or stuffed quail with fried dates.

Arkansas: One Eleven at the Capital (Little Rock)

A serene and stylish white-tablecloth restaurant inside the Capital Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas, One Eleven has hardwood floors, original artwork on the walls and plenty of natural light; once the sun goes down, the romance factor is kicked up several notches. Executive chef James Hale's culinary skills are on display in dishes like pork chops with sweet and sour sauce; duck legs with roasted duck breast, potatoes and apples; and shrimp ceviche. Diners can pair their meal with a drink from One Eleven's extensive wine cellar

California: The Little Door (Los Angeles)

"Charming" is a word often used to describe the Little Door in Los Angeles, and that might be an understatement. Entering through the literal little door to the storybook garden makes diners feel as if they've discovered their own secluded oasis. Start your meal with a Mediterranean-inspired plate of tuna tartare, goat cheese, sausage and grilled scallops. Follow it up with roasted California king salmon served with quinoa and avocado, and wash it all down with a nice bottle of wine. You can enjoy the fairy lights on the patio on a warm summer night or cozy up by the flickering warmth of the fireplace during chillier weather.

Colorado: The Peppertree Restaurant (Colorado Springs)

A Colorado Springs fine-dining institution, Peppertree offers just about everything you look for in a romantic restaurant. Its hilltop perch affords stunning vistas of the city, the tables are covered in white tablecloths and, for a dramatic personal touch, many dishes are prepared or finished tableside. If you're on a date, consider the signature pepper steak or the Chateaubriand for two, a 16-ounce filet mignon served tableside.

Connecticut: Vue24 (Mashantucket)

Vue24 is a high-end restaurant perched on the 24th floor of Foxwoods Resort and Casino's Grand Pequot Tower. Live piano music lilts through the refined atmosphere, which is enhanced by incredible views of the surrounding woodlands. The menu is old-fashioned continental dining. Dishes include lobster bisque, Colorado lamb chops served with goat cheese and vegetables, oysters, seared foie gras and, if you're looking to share with your date, a two-pound Alaskan king crab drenched in lemon and butter. For a decadent daytime meal, Vue24 also offers a Sky Brunch all-you-can-eat buffet.

Delaware: Krazy Kat’s (Montchanin)

For an upscale dinner with a bit of whimsy, head to Krazy Kat's inside Wilmington's Inn at Montchanin & Spa. Located in a renovated blacksmith's shop, Krazy Kat's lives up to its name with tiger-print chairs and portraits of cats in military uniforms. The restaurant's menu changes frequently in line with seasonal, local ingredients, but potential offerings include crispy pork belly, Peking duck or a strip steak with roasted garlic bleu cheese butter that's up there with the best steaks in the country.

Florida: Juvia (Miami)

Juvia has perhaps the most breathtaking restaurant view in all of Florida, which is sure to impress your date. This Miami spot looks out across the art deco architecture of Miami Beach and the Atlantic Ocean from either the outdoor patio or the indoor dining area next to the open kitchen with floor-to-ceiling windows. The lively menu plays off of Japanese, French and Peruvian cuisine with dishes such as truffle ceviche, wagyu beef dumplings, grilled Korean short rib and braised lamb shank.

Georgia: Canoe (Atlanta)

Canoe is nestled in a manicured garden along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, and a peaceful stroll through the grounds is a perfect preamble to a very romantic dinner there. The interior is rustic, warm and elegant, with plenty of comfortable booths. Once seated, guests can enjoy chef Matthew Basford's seasonal Georgia farm-to-table menu of entrées, including wood roasted duck breast with squash; black cod with carrots and olive vinaigrette; golden and red beet salad with goat cheese and candied walnuts; and oysters on the half shell. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to try the cranberry chocolate torte cake with walnuts for dessert.

Hawaii: Michel’s at the Colony Surf (Honolulu)

A romantic Hawaii destination since 1962, Michel's is located at the foot of Diamond Head and offers stunning views of the sand and surf of Waikiki and beyond; you can hear the waves lapping at the beach from your table. With a soundtrack of soothing live music, visitors can enjoy classic French-inspired fare like lobster bisque, escargot baked in garlic butter, bone-in steak with french fries and sauteed mushrooms, and old-fashioned desserts like cherries jubilee and local bananas with dark rum (both flambéed tableside, of course).

Idaho: Chandlers (Boise)

Chandlers is an institution in Boise, Idaho, with discreet booths, white tablecloths and dramatic lighting. It features a stylish martini bar, live jazz nightly, and a variety of beef: USDA prime New York strip steak from Chairman's Reserve, natural and organic grass-fed beef from Oregon's Painted Hills, and Japanese wagyu from Snake River Farms. Pair your steak with a side of rosemary potatoes or creamy mac 'n' cheese, and, if you're dining on Valentine's Day, check out the three-course dinner option for you and your date. Chandler's also happens to have one of the state's best seafood selections —  it's so good you just might forget Idaho is landlocked.

Illinois: Everest (Chicago)

Located 40 floors up the Chicago Stock Exchange building just outside the city's iconic elevated Loop, Everest offers one of the finest views in all of Illinois from a hushed and elegant dining room. As proprietor of this AAA Four Diamond Award recipient, chef Jean Joho offers a seven-course tasting menu with a vegetarian option, all inspired by his roots in Alsace, France. Past menus have included dishes like Maine lobster followed by pheasant wrapped in cabbage and cheese then chocolate soufflé for dessert. A selection of wine accompanies each dish on the tasting menu.

Indiana: The Eagle’s Nest (Indianapolis)

Located on top of downtown Indianapolis' Hyatt Regency, The Eagle's Nest is a fine-dining destination that also happens to be the only revolving restaurant in Indiana. While taking in stunning views of downtown from 22 stories up, you can enjoy dishes like seafood chowder with lobster and smoked salmon, baked brie, herb-crusted prime rib and filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes. Dessert lovers should finish the meal with a snickerdoodle cheesecake or a banana sticky toffee pudding.

Iowa: Centro (Des Moines)

One of Iowa's most acclaimed and upscale restaurants is also the state's most romantic. Centro is located in a former Masonic temple, and today it features an open kitchen and a winning Italian menu from chef Derek Eidson. Take your seat, order a nice bottle of wine and enjoy dishes like grilled salmon with lemon caper sauce served with potatoes, chicken and prosciutto pasta as well as a wide variety of pizzas. If you're looking to share with your date, try starting dinner off with meatballs or fried cheese ravioli.

Kansas: Harry’s (Manhattan)

A Manhattan, Kansas, institution located inside the Wareham Hotel, Harry's has a sophisticated air thanks to dark woods, crown moldings, white tablecloths and an old-fashioned vibe. Widely regarded as the finest restaurant in town, Harry's menu is chock-full of upscale dishes, like bacon-wrapped filet mignon, vegetable linguine pasta, and rainbow trout served with tomato relish and grilled asparagus. Its wine list has also consistently earned awards from Wine Spectator magazine.

Kentucky: The English Grill (Louisville)

You may have heard of Louisville, Kentucky's Brown Hotel: It's the birthplace of one of the most iconic dishes in America, the Kentucky Hot Brown, which was invented there in 1926. But it's also the city's most elegant hotel, and it's home to the most romantic dining room in the state: the English Grill. Dark oak-paneled walls, antique lead-glass windows and equestrian paintings give this room an air of Southern refinement. If you'd rather save the Hot Brown, which is toast points topped with roast turkey, Mornay sauce, bacon and tomatoes, for another visit, other highlights include shrimp and grits, center-cut prime filet mignon with candied vegetables, and lamb shank paired with mushroom risotto. Make sure to leave room for the Chocolate Striptease, a dish of milk chocolate mousse with salted caramel served over an espresso cake.

Louisiana: August (New Orleans)

The menu at the upscale August, located in a 19th-century building in New Orleans' Central Business District, shows a great love for, and understanding of, French, Italian and American cuisine, all interpreted through a Louisiana lens. The dining room, with its high ceilings, exposed brick, tall windows, crystal chandeliers and spectacular service makes for a festive and memorable meal.

Maine: White Barn Inn (Kennebunkport)

The White Barn Inn is an acclaimed New England retreat housed in a restored 1820s barn with a huge picture window looking out onto the coast. The four-course prix fixe menu, new each week, is meticulously presented. Given the coastal Maine location, the spotlight is on seafood, with recent selections including halibut and mussels in garlic broth, crab and burrata salad with figs and multiple caviar options. However, other menu options include honey-roasted duck breast and beef tartare with roasted bone marrow. If you're looking to make seafood the star of your meal, check out the Chef's Lobster Menu, a prix fixe dining experience with lobster at the center of all six courses.

Maryland: Charleston (Baltimore)

Open since 1997 in Baltimore, restaurateur Tony Foreman and chef Cindy Wolf's Charleston has been the go-to destination for locals looking to celebrate a special occasion for more than two decades. Drawing on both French and South Carolina Lowcountry influences, the restaurant offers a prix fixe menu of three to six courses of dishes like cornmeal-fried oysters with lemon-cayenne mayonnaise and pan-roasted scallops with potatoes and truffle mushroom cream. Each menu item also has a corresponding wine pairing pulled from the restaurant's selection of more than 600 wines from around the world.

Massachusetts: Scampo (Boston)

James Beard Award-winning chef Lydia Shire is one of Boston's most famous chefs, and her restaurant, Scampo, is one of the best Italianish restaurants you'll ever dine at. While the restaurant is Italian at heart, Shire isn't afraid to incorporate an Indian tandoori oven or Spanish iberico ham into the mix. The dining room features whimsical touches and an open kitchen adds a dose of energy to the dining experience. If you're looking to make your date feel extra special, try out Scampo's special Valentine's Day-only offerings like the tenderloin steak and tempura lobster or the chocolate raspberry cake.

Michigan: Iridescence (Detroit)

A sparkling 16th-floor restaurant inside the MotorCity Casino Hotel, Iridescence is the only AAA Four Diamond restaurant in Detroit. With its high ceilings, modern decor, deep blue lighting, amazing views and comfortable seating, Iridescence is, well, iridescent, and an ideal date spot. Its menu includes seasonal dishes like a shellfish tower of Alaskan king crab, lobster tail, oysters and shrimp; lamb cooked with thai spices; and short ribs with carrots, pears and brussels sprouts. Share a side of lobster mac 'n' cheese with your date, and end your meal with the most lavish of desserts: the 24K Chocolate Bar, made with peanut butter, banana and gold leaf.

Minnesota: Meritage (St. Paul)

One of the finest French restaurants in Minnesota, Meritage is a warmly lit bistro with a bustling yet inviting dining room. Start your meal at the curved zinc bar and settle into a comfortable banquette for a meal of pumpkin-ricotta cheese ravioli, classic French onion soup, honey glazed duck breast and steak frites with some of the best french fries you'll ever try. Pair your meal with a glass of wine or a cocktail from the expansive list.

Mississippi: Mary Mahoney’s (Biloxi)

Going strong for more than 50 years, Mary Mahoney's is a classic New Orleans-inspired restaurant housed in a Mississippi residence that dates back to 1737. Sit in the picturesque courtyard surrounded by old brick below the hanging vines of a live oak or take a seat in one of the several cozy dining rooms. Treat yourself and your date to classic Southern fare like fried oysters, fish stuffed with shrimp and crab, seafood gumbo and lobster tails. For dessert, you can't miss Mary Mahoney's Famous Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce.

Missouri: Sidney Street Cafe (St. Louis)

Located in a century-old building and run by chef Kevin Nashan and his wife and brother, Sidney Street Cafe is a stylish Missouri restaurant with old, exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, an antique bar and a high ceiling dotted with large skylights. The restaurant sources many ingredients from its garden, which grows more than 50 varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs and allows community members to take produce from it freely. Standout menu items include lobster turnovers, prawns with fried garlic and lemon vinaigrette, smoked duck with apple butter, and grilled tuna with cauliflower and horseradish. A chef's tasting can also be prepared upon request. For dessert, you and your date can split the Snicker Bar, a chocolate mousse with honey nougat, roasted peanuts, caramel and chocolate sorbet.

Montana: TEN (Billings)

TEN, located in the Northern Hotel in Billings, Montana, is the ultimate destination for locals looking for a romantic meal. Chef Nick Steen's menu of modern Montana cuisine puts local ingredients to good and creative use in dishes like halibut with rice and peas; roasted chicken with garlic mashed potatoes; and wild-caught swordfish steak and scallops over rice. The menu also offers a selection of Montana-raised steaks, all served with your choice of garlic mashed potatoes, wild rice or brown butter gnocchi.

Nebraska: The Grey Plume (Omaha)

One of Nebraska's great culinary standouts, The Grey Plume has a relatively no-frills, high-ceilinged dining room with wood floors, white tablecloths, original art on the walls, a small floral arrangement on each table and a sleek, upscale atmosphere. Chef and owner Clayton Chapman's menu is seasonally driven and primarily sourced from local produce and livestock. Current offerings include wagyu beef and roasted trout. A four-, five-, or eight-course tasting menu is also available, as well as plates to share with your date, like the duck fat fries and the artisan cheese plate.

Nevada: Costa di Mare (Las Vegas)

Fresh fish and shellfish are flown in daily from Italy's coastline and served at Costa di Mare, located inside Las Vegas' opulent hotel The Wynn. With its lush greenery and large lagoon, Costi Di Mare's outdoor seating makes it feel as if you're dining in the Tuscan countryside, and the modern interior is chic and unique. To dial the romance up a few notches, request a table in a lagoon-side cabana. Make sure you follow the business-casual dress code when dining at this top Nevada spot.

New Hampshire: Ristorante Massimo (Portsmouth)

In a historic brick building in the charming seaside city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Ristorante Massimo offers a warm and intimate dining experience. Upscale without stiff formality, the accommodating staff ensures an enjoyable meal. The kitchen puts its own stamp on Italian dishes; diners might choose entrées such as beef meatballs with ricotta cheese and pesto or house-made pasta with black truffle mushrooms. The new upstairs bar is a great place for pre-dinner drinks and small plates, and don't miss out on a wine pairing from Ristorante Massimo's wine cellar.

New Jersey: Scalini Fedeli (Chatham)

Located inside a more than 250-year-old New Jersey farmhouse, the elegant and inviting Scalini Fedeli is under the helm of chef Michael Cetrulo. With the white tablecloths, high vaulted ceilings and antique pine floors, the restaurant sets the stage for a romantic meal. Cetrulo's menu fuses French and Italian and all dishes are elegantly plated. This restaurant was so successful that it spawned a New York City location in 2000, which is still going strong.

New Mexico: Geronimo (Santa Fe)

The only New Mexico restaurant recognized by Forbes Travel Guide and one of a few given Four Diamond designation by AAA, Geronimo Restaurant is a must-try for foodies visiting Santa Fe. Housed in a historic 250-year-old restored adobe building, Geronimo combines Southwestern-style cuisine with other global influences. Menu offerings include slow-braised New Mexico lamb shank, mesquite-grilled Maine lobster tails and cast-iron seared scallops. The luxe interior features dark leather chairs, exposed wood beams, Native American art and a crackling fireplace.

New York: Blue Hill at Stone Barns (Pocantico Hills)

Located at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, a year-round farm and educational nonprofit center in the Hudson Valley hamlet of Pocantico Hills, this literal farm-to-table restaurant prepares set daily meals based on the day's harvest. Without a menu to peruse, diners can relax in a gorgeous and minimalist dining room inside a former dairy barn with a vaulted ceiling, cream-colored walls, plenty of windows and hanging plants and vegetables. The exciting cuisine and serene, pastoral setting combine to create one of the most romantic dining experiences in America.

North Carolina: Fearrington House Restaurant (Pittsboro)

Open since 1980 inside the Fearrington House Inn just outside Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Fearrington House Restaurant offers four different menus, ranging from three and eight courses. The menus change regularly, as nearly every ingredient is either sourced from the property's herb and vegetable gardens or other local farms, and they're served in a series of intimate dining rooms inside an old farmhouse. For your first course, expect dishes like the miso glazed salmon with cauliflower and capers; for your main course, you may see duck breast with medjool dates and carrots; and for dessert, be sure to ask for the crème brûlée with caramelized croissant ice cream or the signature hot chocolate soufflé. There is an expertly curated wine and cocktail selection to accompany the delicious menu from award-winning chef Colin Bedford.

North Dakota: Pirogue Grille (Bismarck)

Since 2005, Pirogue Grill owners Stuart and Cheryl Tracy have sourced high-end local ingredients to create flavorful dishes served in a warm, inviting brick-walled dining room. The end result? One of the most romantic and popular restaurants in North Dakota. Local walleye fish, bison, lamb and venison sausage are always on the menu, but other seasonal specialties include grilled ahi tuna skewers with couscous, red wine braised short ribs and a salad with house-cured bacon.

Ohio: Lola Bistro (Cleveland)

Michael Symon's flagship restaurant Lola is a true Ohio gem. It's here where the "Iron Chef" and James Beard Award winner displays his culinary prowess via dishes like beef cheek pierogi, duck stroganov, and scallop and lobster sausage. The sleek, modern, dimly lit dining room has an elegant atmosphere, and the service is attentive so your special meal will go as smoothly as possible.

Oklahoma: Cheever’s Cafe (Oklahoma City)

Located inside a circa-1930s Oklahoma flower shop and still retaining much of its original historical detail, Cheever's Cafe has become a local institution since the restaurant opened in 2000. It's famous for its creative spins on traditional Southern fare like chicken fried steak with jalapeno cream gravy, tortilla-crusted Alaskan halibut, and shrimp and grits, but it's also renowned for its reputation as the most romantic restaurant in town. The brick walls and ceiling beams are exposed, large windows let in plenty of light, there's ample outdoor seating, and of course there are crisp, white tablecloths.

Oregon: Ariana (Bend)

Located inside a craftsman-style bungalow in the amazing mountain town of Bend, Oregon, Ariana is run by husband-and-wife chefs Andres and Ariana Fernandez and has been going strong since 2004. It offers fare such as oysters, salmon belly tartare and wild jumbo scallops. But for a truly extraordinary evening, opt for the five-course chef's tasting menu from your seat inside the homey, comfortable dining room, where you'll find large, well-spaced tables, a fireplace and dim, romantic lighting.

Pennsylvania: Vetri Cucina (Philadelphia)

Award-winning Philadelphia chef Marc Vetri's flagship restaurant, Vetri Cucina, offers diners sophisticated, hand-crafted Italian specialties via multi-course tasting menus in a cozy, historic and intimate townhome that only offers seating for 32. The menu is constantly evolving but past dishes have included guinea hen with seasonal mushrooms, spinach gnocchi and chocolate polenta souffle.

Rhode Island: The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn (Newport)

Newport, Rhode Island, is home to countless massive, beautiful mansions, and the Castle Hill Inn is a posh 19th-century summer home turned charming hotel. Its main dining room, appropriately called The Dining Room, is a stately and elegant chamber offering stunning panoramic views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows. Choose one of three prix fixe menus (including a vegetarian option) that highlight local ingredients such as regional artisanal cheeses and fresh seafood.

South Carolina: Peninsula Grill (Charleston)

Peninsula Grill is a renowned upscale restaurant in Charleston that's the perfect date night spot. The romance begins before you even walk through the front door: All guests walk through an enchanting garden path illuminated by carriage lanterns to get to the restaurant. Once inside, the dining room is bustling but elegant, with white tablecloths, chandeliers, and portraits and paintings on the velvet-lined walls. Highlights from the sophisticated nouveau Southern menu include she-crab soup, pistachio-crusted lamb rack, and perfectly cooked steaks. For a sweet end to your meal, indulge in the 12-layer Ultimate Coconut Cake, Peninsula's signature dessert which debuted on Valentine's Day in 1997 and has been a menu staple ever since.

South Dakota: Minerva’s (Sioux Falls)

Minerva's today has nine restaurants in South Dakota, Iowa and Michigan, but the original Sioux Falls location that dates back to 1977 is the one to visit. With white tablecloths, dark wood decor, dim lighting and spacious booths, Minerva's is a comfortable and inviting place to linger over a celebratory meal with a hand-cut steak, roasted duck, buffalo burger or the famous crab artichoke bake. In the warmer months, diners can sit outdoors while enjoying their special meal.

Tennessee: The Barn at Blackberry Farm (Walland)

Make reservations in advance for a special occasion dinner at The Barn at Blackberry Farm; its acclaim and limited number of seats for guests not staying on-property make it a restaurant where it's difficult to get a reservation. The effort is worth it, however, to enjoy the offerings at this upscale, rustic and romantic retreat tucked in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains. Located inside an actual 19th-century barn, this restaurant predominantly utilizes ingredients grown or raised on-site to create its own trademarked culinary style: Foothills Cuisine. Dishes include glazed pork belly, hearth-roasted trout and foraged flower sorbet made with edible flowers. The dining room's antique-style linens, custom chairs, sterling silver cutlery and jacket-required dress code all add to the special experience of dining here.

Texas: Chateau at la Table (Houston)

Chateau, a formal dining room located upstairs from more casual eateries at the multi-part concept La Table, is a gleaming, fancy and undoubtedly romantic Texas dining destination. This bright and spacious culinary gem is filled with light during the day, and at night, the gray walls, light woods and modern lighting combine for irresistible romantic appeal. The surroundings complement the rich menu, which includes classic French dishes like French onion soup, foie gras and caramelized cheese soufflé. The heritage chicken or prime cowboy rib-eye for two prepared tableside are perfect splurges for a big night out.

Utah: Powder (Park City)

Located inside luxurious spa and hotel the Waldorf Astoria in Park City, Utah, Powder offers a menu in which every course is exceptional, from the charcuterie board through dessert. The seasonal menu is inspired by local ingredients, but past iterations have included a buffalo tenderloin with seared foie gras or a wagyu flank steak that's one of the best steaks in the state. The dining room is relaxed yet upscale with large windows overlooking the hotel's courtyard. It's an ideal restaurant for a special apres-ski meal or an anniversary dinner.

Vermont: Trattoria Delia (Burlington)

The most romantic restaurant in Vermont, Trattoria Delia occupies a former working sugar house and is centered around a cozy stone fireplace. This restaurant warms diners from the inside as well with rich, authentic Italian fare. All pastas are either hand-rolled and cut or made with traditional tools, and pizzas are cooked in an imported brick oven. Enjoy pasta dishes like house-made spaghetti with lobster claw, potato gnocchi or rigatoni with homemade meatballs as well as prosciutto-wrapped rabbit and slow-braised short rib.

Virginia: The Inn at Little Washington (Washington)

Self-taught chef Patrick O'Connell opened this Virginia restaurant in 1978, and it has gone on to earn numerous accolades, including the James Beard Foundation's Restaurant of the Year Award and a AAA Five Diamond rating. The ornate, eclectic and luxurious dining room makes for a romantic setting to enjoy one of three tasting menus (one of which is fully vegetarian) that include modern takes on American classics including caviar, pan-roasted quail, lamb loin and green bean tartare.

Washington: Canlis (Seattle)

Canlis is a true Pacific Northwest landmark. It's been open in Seattle since 1950 and serves fresh, seasonal dishes in a rustic-modern space with native wood and stone that evokes forests and streams as well as stunning views of the city, Lake Union and the Cascade Mountains. Along with its architecture, Canlis is known for its trailblazing menu of upscale Northwest cuisine. It's still blazing new trails while keeping the classics on its four-course menu, such as the famous Canlis salad with bacon, mint and lemon. Jackets are required, enhancing this restaurant's aura of refinement.

Washington, DC: Plume

Washington, D.C.'s splurge-worthy Jefferson Hotel houses Plume, a Michelin-star restaurant offering diners Old World ambiance in a plush, nook-filled intimate setting complete with a fireplace. The restaurant's inventive seasonal menu takes its inspiration, in part, from the produce in the kitchen gardens at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello home in nearby Charlottesville, Virginia. Beeswax poached king salmon, bison strip steak and a pan-roasted veal chop are just some of the mouthwatering offerings. If you just can't decide, opt for the five-course tasting menu or the prix fixe menu for special occasions like Valentine's Day.

West Virginia: Cafe Cimino Country Inn Restaurant (Sutton)

Located inside a West Virginia country estate dating back to 1898, Cafe Cimino Country Inn is home to a charming bed and breakfast as well as the state's most romantic restaurant. The small restaurant has just a handful of tables draped with long white tablecloths and topped with flowers and candles. The homey dining room has wine bottles stored along one wall and a curving row of windows along another. Before or after your Mediterranean and Salvadorian-inspired meal of mushroom and feta pasta, shrimp scampi or a gourmet bacon cheeseburger, be sure to stroll along the shores of the Elk River.

Wisconsin: Ristorante Bartolotta (Wauwatosa)

James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Bartolotta's flagship Italian restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta, is located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and has been drawing guests from all around nearby Milwaukee for more than 20 years. Housed in a historic brewery building, the dining room has a rustic, vintage elegance. Standouts among the homemade pasta dishes include the Uovo in Ravioli, a single large truffle raviolo filled with ricotta, spinach and a whole runny egg yolk, and the hand-cut pappardelle with slow-braised duck ragu.

Wyoming: Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room (Moose)

Located at the foot of Wyoming's breathtaking Grand Teton National Park, the Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room is an upscale AAA Four Diamond dining destination hiding inside a rustic-looking 1930s-era log cabin. Upscale and elegant, it boasts a five-course prix fixe dinner menu that changes nightly based on what's fresh, local and in-season. Open annually from June to early October, Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room flaunts high timbered ceilings, plenty of windows and large tables topped with white tablecloths and flowers that create a cozy, elegant atmosphere. If you're really looking to impress your date, consider snagging one of the hardest restaurant reservations to get in America.

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