Cleveland's Most Romantic Restaurants: Dining Guide

17 River Grille
Why we love it: Overlooking the waterfalls in the heart of Chagrin Falls, this modern American dining room pairs its stunning views with an inviting, stylish interior. Leather banquettes, soft lighting and wood-topped tables create a gentle glow against floor-to-ceiling windows, while the menu leans into house-made comfort alongside an inventive cocktail and wine list. Try this: The lemon Parmesan chicken ($24) delivers pan-seared crispiness with a rich beurre blanc and a fresh arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. 17 River St., Chagrin Falls, 440-893-0797, 17rivergrille.com 

Related: Dining Guide: Chagrin Falls' 22 Best Restaurants

Amba
Why we love it: Amba pairs its bold, Indian-leaning flavors with an atmosphere built for romance. Dark, cocoon-like walls and glowing lunar sconces wash the room in a soft amber haze, creating a moody hideaway that invites lingering conversation and shareable plates. Try this: The Amba Favorites for two ($78) offers a vibrantly curated lineup of clay bread with herb raita, crispy puris, popcorn chicken, ghee-basted shrimp and wok-fired string beans, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options across the menu for everyone at the table. 430 W. 28th St., Cleveland, 216-417-6718, ambacle.com

Bartleby Cleveland
Why we love it: Escape to this moody world of ornate vaulted ceilings, tapered candles and even a charming tree inside the Ohio City gem that now occupies a stunning historic 1920s building. Whimsical touches, like rabbit lamps and floral wallpaper, make Bartleby stand out. Try this: Michelin-starred chef Dante Boccuzzi curates an American menu with elevated twists. The roasted chicken ($29) is a comforting blend served over silky cauliflower puree with seasonal vegetables and a rich au jus.     2537 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-417-2224, bartlebycleveland.com

Bar Italia 
Why we love it: Inspired by New York’s chic neighborhood bistros, Bar Italia brings a polished, white-tablecloth elegance to Lakewood and Beachwood. Fresh pastas, house-made sauces and an ambient, candlelit atmosphere make it a natural pick for an indulgent date night. Try this: The Parmesan-crusted crispy chicken limone ($24) is a standout, served with a golden crust, peppery arugula and a delicate lemon butter sauce. 15625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood,  216-303-9699;  2101 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-342-5030, baritalia.com

Related: Ohio City's 29 Best Restaurants, Cafes and Bars

Coppia  
Why we love it: In their new Willoughby space, chefs Hedy and Talia Trovato bring their award-winning partnership to life. The Chopped Grand Champion duo crafts seasonal, sustainable menus that are as heartfelt as they are refined, each plate reflecting their shared intuition, heritage and creativity. Try this: Steak Bravo ($60) features an 8 oz. grass-fed filet mignon paired with velvety Parmesan risotto and caramelized sweet onions for a savory, comforting finish. 1731 Lost Nation Road, Willoughby, 440-375-5956, coppiarestaurant.com

Cleveland Chop
Why we love it: A perfect fixture for a night on the town, this modern, approachable fine dining spot sits at the center of Downtown action. Industrial and wood touches add warmth, and the steak-and-seafood menu offers standout burgers, craft drinks and an extensive wine list. Try this: The Filet Oscar ($60) is a showstopper, topped with jumbo lump crab, crispy asparagus and rich bearnaise, served with your choice of side. 824 W. St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-2467, clevelandchop.com

Don’s Pomeroy House    
Why we love it: Nestled inside a mid-19th-century mansion overlooking the town square, Don’s Pomeroy House has been a cornerstone of celebratory dining for more than four decades. Guests have long gravitated to its softly lit rooms, especially the beloved library dining space, where a glowing fireplace and richly traditional decor set an intimate tone. Legendary steaks, fresh seafood and classic cocktails anchor the menu, while a cozy downstairs pub offers a more relaxed place to unwind. Try this: Opt for the braised short rib ($38), a six-hour, fall-apart tender cut paired with asiago risotto, glazed baby carrots and a deep, savory braising jus. Repeat diners also love the delicate baked crab cake ($20). 13664 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-572-1111, donspomeroy.com

Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute
Why we love it: Edwins’ new Cleveland Heights space brings Parisian charm to the former Nighttown, creating a romantic setting for French cooking and its second-chance mission. Brasserie banquettes, art-glass windows and an elegant dining room set the mood, preserving the restaurant’s signature warmth and character. Try this: The bouillabaisse ($48) is a showpiece, featuring fish, mussels and lobster in a fragrant saffron broth. Edwins’ rendition brings classic French technique to the table with a richly layered, beautifully presented seafood stew. 12383 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-921-3333, edwinsrestaurant.org

Related: 25 Best Sports Bars in Cleveland

Etna Ristorante & Wine Bar
Why we love it:  This intimate Little Italy gem channels the essence of a Sicilian home, complete with vintage Tiffany-style lamps, close-set tables and a soft, romantic glow. Chef Peppe Pilumeli’s modern Italian dishes, especially the daily seafood specials, make Etna a perfect spot for pasta, wine and lingering conversation. Try this: Start with the mussels ($15), sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, white wine, tomato sauce and cherry tomatoes, with toasted bread for dipping. 11919 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-791-7670, etnalittleitaly.com

Related: 25 Best Sports Bars in Cleveland

Fahrenheit 
Why we love it: Chef Rocco Whalen’s stunning reboot of the Tremont hot spot boasts an expansive, luxe flagship restaurant in Public Square, complete with a romantic, swanky rooftop patio and an oversized quartz chef’s table. The menu leans upscale American with bold global influences, spotlighting premium meats, fresh seafood and inventive seasonal dishes. Try this: Practice self-love and order the butter-poached lobster mac and cheese ($56), prepared with a cognac reduction, brie, goat cheese, Parmesan and oven-roasted tomatoes. 55 Public Square, Suite 150, Cleveland, 216-781-8858, fahrenheitrestaurants.com

Related: Review: Fahrenheit Brings a Show-Stopping Dining Experience to Downtown Cleveland

Goma
Why we love it: Dante Boccuzzi’s East Fourth Street sushi spot blends traditional technique with modern flair, showcased at a lively bar where chefs work with meticulous precision. Deep blue walls and jellyfish lighting add whimsy to a refined menu, creating an energetic, inviting dining experience. Try this: Treat youself and your partner to an evening of delicacy with the Gomakase nigiri ($79) featuring Chef Lee’s daily special selection. 2079 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-770-4662, gomarestaurant.com

Il Venetian  
Why we love it: This space delivers one of the most romantic dining rooms in Downtown Cleveland, glowing with crystal chandeliers, soft drapery and floor-to-ceiling windows that wash the space in warm light. The marble bar, framed by gold shelving and plush leather seating, adds a luxurious edge, while Murano glass accents and marble floors create a transportive atmosphere. “The ambiance is a huge draw,” says general manager Bob Humphrey. Try this: The veal agnolotti ($29), a family recipe from executive chef Alberto Leandri, features house-made pasta stuffed with Parmesan cheese and braised, cooked-down veal, in a simple Sicilian pistachio sauce with 16-month aged Parmesan (Sapore Del Piave) on top. 100 St. Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, 216-241-4800, ilvenetian.com

L’Albatros 
Why we love it: With its softly lit dining room and breezy brasserie charm, this spot feels like slipping away to a romantic corner of Paris. Every dish reflects classic French technique with a modern twist, from delicate seafood to rich, comforting plates that invite lingering and sharing. Housed in an old carriage house on the Case Western Reserve University campus, it carries a storybook charm of its own. Try this: The duck confit ($36) is a standout, featuring a crispy duck leg over sweet potato puree and braised cabbage. Chef Zack Bruell’s version stays true to tradition, curing the meat and slow-cooking it in duck fat before finishing it with a sherry vinegar gastrique and whole-grain mustard sauce as part of a three-day process. 11401 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, 216-791-7880, albatrosbrasserie.com

Le Petit Triangle Cafe
Why we love it: You’ll feel like you’ve flown to France when you enter this quintessential Parisian cafe, complete with classic decor like cafe chairs, a checkered floor and a charming wooden bar. The intimate setting feels like a vibrant extension of your living room, whether you’re sipping an espresso or enjoying your favorite French delicacy on crisp white linens. Try this: Opt for the French classic boeuf bourguignon ($21), stewed with red wine, bacon, wild mushrooms, pearl onions, mirepoix and roasted potatoes. 1881 Fulton Ave., Cleveland, 216-281-1881, lepetittriangle.com

LockKeepers
Why we love it: A location of many proposals, the cozy interior makes this spot “a natural environment to stage a romantic celebration,” says general manager Brian Woehrman. For more than 30 years, this quintessentially upscale restaurant has built its reputation on house-made pastas, heavenly Italian specialties and standout seafood dishes. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Cuyahoga River, adding to the charm. Try this:  The seafood risotto ($39) is a standout for date night. “It’s made to order and painstakingly stirred until it develops a rich and creamy texture,” Woehrman says. Fresh seafood is folded in, then topped with butter-poached lobster tail and finished with a bell pepper and lobster cream sauce. 8001 Rockside Road, Valley View, 216-524-9404, lockkeepers.com

Related: Summer Patios: Cleveland's 28 Best Spots to Eat and Drink Outside

Luca West Italian Cuisine
Why we love it: A glowing fireplace, rustic beams and crisp white linens create a romantic, countryside-meets-modern-Italian atmosphere, making this Westlake destination an effortless choice for a special night out. With its bright European dining room, Tuscan-inspired details and statues that add a subtle refined touch, every design element supports an upscale, memorable evening. Try this: The branzino ($46) is filleted tableside for peak freshness, then topped with a brown butter citrus sauce. Pair with the Rottensteiner Pinot Grigio. 24600 Detroit Road, Westlake, 216-201-9600, lucawest.com

Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar
Why we love it: Set inside the architecturally significant Garfield Building, Marble Room offers an unparalleled dining experience, seamlessly blending historic grandeur with modern luxury. Intricate columns and opulent chandeliers transport guests to an era of elegance, creating a strikingly romantic backdrop for an unforgettable night out. Try this: Begin your culinary journey with selections from the raw bar, and for the main course, indulge in the 16-ounce Delmonico steak ($67) with an array of accompanying sauces and butters to choose from. 623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-523-7000, marbleroomcle.com

Related: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Nemo Grille
Why we love it: Whipping up globally influenced American cuisine with some inventive twists, this longtime fine dining staple housed in the historic 1850 Alten House is a go-to upscale yet simple spot for West Side milestones and celebrations. Try this: Regulars love the Maple Leaf Farms duck breast ($34) with caramelized onion mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and black mission fig-marsala sauce. 36976 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-0061, nemogrille.com

Pier W 
Why we love it: Suspended above the lake, this iconic restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling views that shimmer at sunset and deepen into moody blues after dark. Soft lighting, curved lines and a refined nautical aesthetic give the space an almost dreamlike quality. It’s a place built for romance, best enjoyed with pristine seafood and someone special. Try this: The chargrilled mahi-mahi ($42) arrives with a sesame garlic marinade and rests on silky mascarpone polenta, finished with fresh watercress, caramelized pearl onions and fire-roasted bell peppers. 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250,
pierw.com

Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens    
Why we love it: Inspired by the polished ease of Napa Valley, this scenic indoor-outdoor haven pairs modern design with rustic warmth, creating a romantic escape surrounded by natural beauty. Try this: The New Zealand rack of lamb ($55) arrives gorgonzola-crusted and perfectly tender, served with herbed fettuccine, haricots verts and a rich mushroom Madeira sauce. It pairs beautifully with the SCW Reserve Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. 16965 Park Circle Drive, Chagrin Falls, 440-543-7777, sapphire-creek.com

Related: Sapphire Creek Expands With Acquisition of Thorncreek Winery in Aurora

Sora
Why we love it: This stunning Asian-inspired destination offers more than great sushi; it delivers a sensory experience rooted in tradition and thoughtful design. Centered around a striking tree installation, the space glows with pink and rose-toned lighting alongside abundant floral elements. The result is a sophisticated ambiance where every detail reflects a balance of authenticity, modern elegance and quiet romance. Try this: Among the lineup of immaculate sushi rolls, the charred octopus ($19) is a point of pride for chef Eric Hess. The tender octopus is paired with charred tomato jam, sweet-and-sour black beans, and a light yuzu sake foam for a dish that delivers brightness and depth. 1121 W. 10th St., Cleveland, 216-294-1800, eatatsora.com

Strip Steakhouse 
Why we love it: Some of the juiciest (and biggest) aged steaks in Northeast Ohio are served in the historic 1850s Ewers Barn, alongside seafood (and delicious pretzel bread served with every meal). Romance and relaxation go hand in hand with this unique rustic-elegant hotspot in the historic Olde Avon Village alongside a row of small quaint shops. Try this: Bring your appetite (and probably another person) for the massive 22-ounce bone-in cowboy ribeye ($59), one of chef Ron Larson’s signature dishes. 36840 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-9900, stripsteakhouse.com

The Last Page
Why we love it: A meal at The Last Page takes you around the world in a single sitting. The menu weaves together global flavors with clever cohesion. Inside, the space feels stylish and warmly modern, with textured ceiling beams, tufted chairs and a softly lit bar that gives the room an inviting glow. It’s a lively spot where exploration and comfort come together beautifully. Try this: For something bold and balanced, go for the Australian lamb chops ($48), paired with smoky eggplant puree, tangy labneh, a kiss of spicy harissa, fresh parsley and grilled pita. 100 Park Ave., Orange, 216-465-1008, thelastpagerestaurant.com

Tartine Bistro    
Why we love it: Candle-lit tables, exposed brick and deep red paneled ceilings give this Parisian-style bistro a dreamy, intimate feel. Rotating artwork curated by Hillary Gent brings a touch of sophistication and surprise to the space, making it an ideal spot for a romantic night out. Try this: For something richly comforting, try the pork tenderloin ($34), served with caramelized onion and fennel, roasted sweet potato and a Brussels sprout, pancetta and apple hash that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. 19110 Old Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-331-0800, tartinebistro.com

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