Coquette Patisserie
Before this husband-and-wife team opened their quaint, French-inspired spot last January, they filled the interior with resurrected Cleveland area white marble and wood from the Old School Architectural Salvage Project. Stop in to share a chocolate dessert or oysters with your date and enjoy one of five Champagnes offered by the glass. "We really only have about 30 seats, so it sort of forces it to be intimate in there," says co-owner Shane
Culey.
11607 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-331-2841, coquettepatisserie.com
Downtown 140
Dark woods, natural stone walls and candles set the mood in this open-kitchen restaurant nestled below the streets of downtown Hudson. We recommend making reservations on a Sunday to listen to live jazz while sipping on handcrafted martinis made with house-made simple syrups. "It's kind of like a speakeasy," explains owner Andy Lowrey. "It's about getting more of a dining experience than just getting something to eat."
140 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-655-2940, downtown140.com
Ginko
Located below Dante Boccuzzi's namesake restaurant in Tremont, this stand-out spot is filled with bright colors and traditional Japanese fare. After ordering sake or a Japanese-inspired cocktail, try chef Taishi Noma's tasting menu, which includes appetizers, sushi, soup and dessert. "It's good for a first date because there's a lot to talk about," says Boccuzzi. "There's a lot to experience."
2247 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-274-1202, ginko.danteboccuzzi.com
Osteria di Valerio and Al
Couples love to come here for the traditional Italian cuisine and a stunning view of the Terminal Tower. General manager Mike Gazdak has even seen a few engagements over the years. "All the girls said yes," he says. If your idea of romance is more on the wild side, stop by on Friday nights to see the local act A Swingin' Affair. "It's like if you walked into a hotel in Vegas, you'd see these kinds of people performing," says Gazdak.
408 W. St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-685-9490, osteriacleveland.com
Pier W
Known for its views of Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland, this Lakewood restaurant has hosted romantic dinners for 50 years. Designed to look like a luxury liner that might have sailed the Great Lakes, it specializes in seafood with tuna flown in twice a week from Hawaii. "If you are looking for a romantic night, this is the place to come," says general manager Mark Kawada.
12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com
