Editor's note: We love this guide to romantic restaurants, but for a more expansive and up-to-date guide, published in January 2024, check out our list of 24 romantic restaurants.
Acqua di Luca
Why we love it: This chic Mediterranean-inspired dining spot bears a plethora of seafood along with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Try this: The lemon-stuffed sole ($38) wraps crab meat, cheese and spinach in a sweet filet. 500 W St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-329-0700, acquadiluca.com
Don’s Pomeroy House
Why we love it: This historical 1847 home-turned-restaurant offers up an eclair ($5) as a mouth-watering dessert for special occasions. 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
Hook & Hoof
Why we love it: This scratch New American kitchen offers nostalgia and class right in the heart of downtown Willoughby. “The uniqueness of the menu and the atmosphere transports people to a place where they don't feel like they're in a small suburban town,” says co-owner Chaz Bloom. Try this: The double bone-in heritage porkchop ($34) is brined in sweet-tea with a side of red wine-braised fennel and cabbage and potato salad with dill and scallions. 4125 Erie St., Willoughby, 440-571-5312, hookandhoofdtw.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 two-pound whole lobster truffle mac ‘n’ cheese ($135) is an extravagant meal that’s perfect for a special occasion. 623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-523-7000, marbleroomcle.com
The Pompadour
Why we love it: This Fairport Harbor favorite has an inviting modern atmosphere that proves the best things come in small packages. “The elegance and luxury of the experience comes from the artisanal and passionate way in which the team cultivates a culinary story for your pallet,” says owner Rusty James Phillips. Try this: Hand-made ravioli made with short rib, sautéed peach and whipped ricotta ($17). 320 High St., Fairport Harbor, 440-639-0263, thepompadourbar.com
Pier W
Why we love it: This 57-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 General Manager Mark Kawada. Try this: Grilled Hawaiian Tuna ($40) served in a Sweet Chile glaze. 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 White Bean Puree ($13) with mashed olives and grilled bread will have everyone at the table ordering another plate. 17625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-4866, saltcleveland.com
The Standard
Why we love it: This elegant venue hosts weddings and special occasions alike while bestowing guests with a Mediterranean-inspired hand-selected menu, crafted daily. Try this: Oysters Rockefeller ($4.50) make a delicious, romantic appetizer before braised lamb shank with madeira wine demi-glace, acorn squash and mushroom risotto with white truffle. 779 East 185th St., Cleveland, 216-531-9643, standard185.com
StoneWater Rustic Grill
Why we love it: This Highland Heights golf course with a three-wall summer patio and winter igloos goes way beyond club food with creative seasonal takes and upscale American grub. Try This: Airline Chicken Florentine kicks off a three-course meal ($50) including grilled hanger steak with creamy smashed red skin potatoes and goat cheese cheesecake. 1 Club Dr., Highland Heights, 440-461-4653, stonewatergolf.com
Thyme Table
Why we love it: Thyme Table inspires intimacy with its variety of high-class wines and rustic atmosphere. “We’re a much smaller restaurant and it's very intimate,” says owner and executive chef Mike Smith, “all our tables are four tops so everything is more focused on the individual.” Try this: Lamb Merguez Pasta ($24) adorned with roasted red pepper, caramelized onion and squash pecorino. 583 Dover Center Road, Bay Village, 440-617-6964, thymextable.com
Cordelia and Cent's Pizza Collaboration
Long-time friends, chefs Vinnie Cimino and Vincent Morelli, are teaming up this Valentine's Day for a deliciously elegant evening at Cent’s. The event ($250-$500) features a wood-fired, modern Midwestern menu accompanied by all-natural wines that perfectly complement each meal. Tickets offer two- and four-person tables. “We're bringing in our plates and our silverware to plate on,” Cordelia's head chef and owner, Vinnie Cimino says. “We want it to be very much this mishmash vibe of who we are.” Dishes like the Midwestern relish tray, which features Cordelia's carrot muhammara and Cent's wonder bread, embody the collaborative spirit of this Valentine’s bash. 5010 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-862-6427, centspizza.com
