Bull & Bird Steakhouse
Why we love it: Nestled next to the Chagrin Falls, this restaurant has a cozy year-round patio and three indoor fireplaces. “It’s romantic especially when you consider walking around the village,” says owner Joe Saccone. Try this: The lobster “escargot-style” ($19) served with garlic-parsley butter and crostini. 87 West St., Chagrin Falls, 440-528-3180, bullandbirdsteakhouse.com
Don’s Pomeroy House
Why we love it: This historical 1847 home-turned-restaurant offers up a jumbo eclair ($7) as a shareable dessert for special occasions. “It feeds four people easily,” says chef Todd Arnold. Try this: The Champagne surf and turf ($49) with filet mignon, Maine lobster tail, fingerling potatoes and asparagus in a Champagne beurre blanc. 13664 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-572-1111, donspomeroy.com
Marble Room
Why we love it: With 40-foot ceilings, massive marble columns and glitzy chandeliers, this restaurant will have you living the high life alongside celebrity visitors such as Jon Bon Jovi. “It’s definitely a see-and-be-seen kind of a place,” says owner Malisse Sinito. Try this: The rainbow trout ($29) with butternut squash, wild rice and a sweet onion puree. 623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-523-7000, marbleroomcle.com
Pier W
Why we love it: This 55-year-old establishment boasts an uninterrupted view of Lake Erie and hosts hundreds of engagements each year. “We try to help with every engagement request to make it a special evening,” says manager Mark Kawada. Try this: The bouillabaisse ($35) with fresh fish, topneck clams, shrimp, scallops and mussels in a saffron-tomato broth with oven-roasted garlic crostini and rouille. 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com
Salt
Why we love it: Salt will woo your first date with a menu of rotating small plates. “We keep it lit low and dark because we kind of want to set the mood that it’s calm, inviting and cozy,” says chef and owner Jill Vedaa. Try this: The Squash Toast ($10) with butternut squash, farm cheese and house-made, whole-grain mustard on rye bread from Blackbird Baking Co. 17625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-4866, saltcleveland.com
