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Calling all culinary couples! These romantic restaurants in Atlanta are just what the love doctor ordered and will have you swooning not only over your partner but over a table full of delicious dishes.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about our favorite date night spots, from their ambiance to special events to must-order menu items.
Seen by many as the capital city of the American South, Atlanta is an always-exciting hub of entertainment, history, and culture, with an eclectic culinary scene perfect for exploring as a pair.
17 Most Romantic Restaurants in Atlanta
Although this fast up-and-coming foodie destination boasts virtually limitless options, planning a romantic dinner in Atlanta doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s get into it!
BoccaLupo
$$ | Website | 404-577-2332
This Italian restaurant in Atlanta is the kind of place where you and your partner need to be in sync because you’ll want to agree on at least 3 to 4 dishes to share.
There’s no shortage of menu standouts at this innovative Italian-American joint, which prides itself on hand-cut pasta and only the freshest of seasonal ingredients.
Crowd favorites include the Black Spaghetti With Hot Calabrese Sausage, Red Shrimp, and Scallions, the Pappardelle Bolognese With American Parm, and the 20-Yolk Tagliatelle With Mushrooms, Tuscan Kale Kimchi, European Butter. There’s also a four-course tasting menu for those who just can’t choose!
Whatever you order, it’s sure to be a memorable (and delicious) date night, made even more special by BoccaLupo’s casual yet intimate dining room that feels practically made for couples.
Read next: Weekend in Atlanta Itinerary
City Winery Atlanta
$$ | Website | 404-946-3791
Not only is this buzzy spot one of our favorite romantic restaurants in Atlanta, but it does quadruple duty as a winery, full bar, and live music/events venue, too!
Date night gets a whole lot easier to plan when it’s all in one–food, entertainment, and excellent drinks under a single roof.
Check out the events calendar for upcoming comedy shows, podcast tapings, and concerts, or visit on a quieter weekday to simply enjoy the New American menu and award-winning wine list.
A head’s up: If you plan to dine in on an event night, arrive early and expect a longer waiting time to receive your meals.
Where? Ponce City Market.
La Tavola Trattoria
$$$ | Website | 404-873-5430
Cozy and classic, La Tavola is an easy go-to when it comes to date night restaurants in Atlanta.
Here, you can always count on well-executed cuisine, super-friendly service, and a neighborhood atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
And between Italian comfort food, an extensive wine list, and a charming exposed-brick dining room, how can you go wrong?
Fan favorite dishes include the nero spaghetti with gulf shrimp and soffritto as well as the tagliolini with mushroom ragu, truffle oil, and pecorino romano.
For dessert, the chocolate and butterscotch budino with almond meringue is absolutely unmissable. Ask for two spoons and dig in!
Read next: 16 Most Romantic Things to Do in Atlanta
Aria
$$$$ | Website | 404-233-7673
Buckle up, because we’re about to get fancy. This exclusive eatery with New American cuisine menu comes with a high price tag, but one look at their neverending list of accolades or visually stunning dishes, and you’ll instantly understand why.
Thanks to its elegant, upscale interiors and top-tier hospitality, Aria is a popular choice for anniversary dinners and other special occasions.
The seasonally shifting menu includes deluxe dishes like pan-seared sea scallops and duck breast with honey spice glaze, fuji apples, and savoy cabbage.
Can’t choose? Send sparks flying with an indulgent seven-course tasting menu–which the chefs are happy to adapt to various allergies and dietary restrictions.
Tiny Lou’s
$$$ | Website | 470-485-0085
If you’re looking for an Atlanta date night with some real personality, then it doesn’t get much better than Tiny Lou’s. This self-described “swinging French-American brasserie” features Instagrammable pastel interiors and sophisticated but oh-so-satisfying French cuisine (plus a wine list to die for).
From the low lighting to intimate booth seating, everything about this place practically screams “romance.” Visit for an anniversary or purely to score extra brownie points with your special someone.
Tiny Lou’s must-try menu items include steak tartare, steak frites, and lobster risotto. Finish the romantic evening off with a dessert wine or decadent patisserie offering (We recommend the mille-feuille).
Where? 789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Wisteria
$$$ | Website | 404-525-3363
While many romantic restaurants in Atlanta trend towards a more European feel, this neighborhood bistro stays true to its Southern roots.
Each evening, the rustic-chic space fills up with crowds of locals and travelers alike, all looking to share good food and good times. But even amidst the lively atmosphere, couples can find more intimate corner tables to cozy up around.
Past diners rave about the wild-caught, fennel-crusted diver scallops and the grilled pork tenderloin with sweet potato puree, apple walnut relish, and crisp onions.
To make your meal feel extra Georgian, add on shareable sides like corn fritters, mac & cheese, and bacon-braised collard greens.
Osteria Mattone
$$$ | Website | 678-878-3378
While Osteria Mattone is technically a bit outside of Atlanta (around 30 minutes by car), it’s just too lovely not to score a spot on this list.
Escape the downtown bustle for an evening and trade it for a refined and ultra-cozy cottage surrounded by quiet, tree-lined streets. There are plenty of tables for two, but it’s first-come-first-serve, so arrive early for dinner!
You can also opt to sit on the spacious outdoor terrace, which features a fire pit for colder weather–the perfect place to snuggle up with your special someone after a meal.
Osteria Mattone’s menu is overflowing with pizzas, pastas, and other Italian classics, like cacio e pepe and more. Don’t miss the agnolotti di oxo, a braised short rib-stuffed ravioli with butter sauce and savory jus.
Alma Cocina
$$ | Website | 404-968-9662
We take a brief intermission from Italian and New American restaurants to bring something extra fun and flavorful to the table–contemporary Mexican cuisine in the heart of downtown!
Alma Cocina is a date night delight, bringing together bright, fresh dishes and an upscale yet playful atmosphere. Plus, it boasts the most diverse tequila selection in the city, so drink up!
When it’s time to order, we recommend going tapas style and sharing a number of small plates. The sweet fried plantains, fried chihuahua cheese, and guacamole + salsa tasting platter all deserve a try, as well as one of their taco options.
Sotto Sotto
$$$ | Website | 404-523-6678
Like many of the best romantic restaurants in Atlanta, Sotto Sotto dishes up mouthwatering Italian masterpieces. But they’re not about newfangled tricks or flashy presentation.
Instead, the expert chefs focus on perfectly executed classics rooted in centuries of Italian tradition. From pastas to risottos to a few highly recommended veal dishes, it’s hard to make a wrong order.
We hear particularly good things about the Lasagnette alla Bolognese, Pappardelle al Sugo d’ Anatra with duck ragù, and Cape Sante jumbo sea scallops.
For oenophiles, the wine list is unbeatable, boasting mostly Italian bottles. So order your favorite red, settle into an intimate table for two, and chat over candlelight all evening long.
Lucian Books and Wine
$$ | Website | 404-549-2655
What’s more swoonworthy than a love story? Lucian brings together three of life’s greatest pleasures–“beautiful books, smart food, and thoughtful wines,” as they so eloquently put it. And all are meant to be shared!
Every aspect of an evening here feels carefully curated, but without being pretentious. So slip into something nice and prepare to come home with full stomachs plus (perhaps) a new coffee table book.
Build an indulgent meal with these crowd favorites: Crisp polenta with black truffle and parmesan (starter), roast duck with peach and endive (main), and lavender panna cotta with honeycomb (dessert).
Of course, a glass or bottle from the 44-page (yes, you read that right) wine list is an absolute must.
Aziza
$$$ | Website | 404-968-9437
Offering another switch up to the typical spread of romantic restaurants in Atlanta, Aziza specializes in modern Israeli cuisine.
From elevated falafel dishes to a pricey Al Ha’Esh barbecue platter (including chicken, beef kebabs, lamb ribs, herb salad, and roasted veggies), the whole menu is bursting with flavor.
Obviously, the hummus is a must-order, and between a toffee date cake and pistachio baklava, you’ll definitely want to save room for dessert. Don’t forget two Turkish coffees to sip as you indulge!
If you prefer a more upbeat date, Aziza hosts sunset hour patio parties on the first and third Thursdays of every month, complete with drink specials and DJ sets.
Lyla Lila
$$$ | Website | 404-963-2637
The best meals are made with love, and you’ll be able to taste this extra ingredient in anything you order here.
A trendy spot with a focus on Southern European fare, Lyla Lila is like a breath of fresh air. The deftly executed menu takes inspiration from Northern Italy and Spain, while a globetrotting wine list highlights mostly natural bottles, many of them organic or biodynamic.
Most of the dishes have garnered rave reviews, but the stars of the show are crispy artichokes (starter), a crispy duck lasagna with carrot-coriander puree (main), and lemon cheesecake to end on a sweet note.
Savor it all in the dramatic, high-ceilinged dining room that makes any date night feel like a special occasion.
Palo Santo
$$$ | Website | 678-492-9211
Often described as the “sexiest scene in town” and one of the most romantic restaurants in Atlanta, Palo Santo has received quite a bit of buzz since its opening in 2022.
You’ll enter low lighting and modern Mexican-inspired interiors, which make it feel as though you’ve just been transported to Tulum.
And the appeal doesn’t stop there. As far as food and drink offerings, Palo Santo is known for creative cocktails (mostly mezcal and tequila-based) and contemporary dishes that demand you snap a photo before digging in.
Diners love the poblano rice, wood-fired branzino, and patatas bravas. After your meal, pop up to the rooftop bar, open Thursday-Sunday, to take in stunning city views.
Bread & Butterfly
$$$ | Website | 678-515-4536
Prefer breakfast dates over dinner dates? We’ve got you covered! Travel back to simpler days at this retro, French-inspired bistro, perfect for couples who appreciate a particularly aesthetic destination.
Bread & Butterfly was inspired by Parisian sidewalk cafés and boasts a central location practically made for people-watching. Green tile walls, plush booths, and a snug patio set the mood, while a dainty menu makes it easy to settle in for a while.
Brunch is the big draw, with pastries, omelettes, and a very popular giant pancake platter on offer.
Le Bon Nosh
$$$ | Website | 404-835-2007
The brains behind Le Bon Nosh are in the business of “celebrating the beauty of simple, seasonal food,” and that mission shines through every page of the French-influenced menu.
Arrive early to enjoy an impeccable espresso bar and housemade pastry spread, or wait until the tables have been set with candles for an oh-so-elegant dinner service.
Couples will be spoiled for choice between standout mains like grilled red snapper and ribeye for two, plus chic desserts like crème brûlée and profiteroles.
No reservations are needed for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, but dinner guest hopefuls should call ahead. Honestly, we wouldn’t blame you if you set up shop for all three meals in this French restaurant.
The Garden Room
$$$$ | Website | 404-600-6471
Perhaps the most famous–and photogenic–of our romantic restaurants in Atlanta, The Garden Room has acquired a serious following in the city (not to mention its 102,000 fans on Instagram).
The whimsical, greenhouse-inspired space is straight out of a storybook, complete with fairy lights, flowering trees, and playful pops of color.
Make sure you and your date are dressed to the nines, because the crowd here has style. And although outfit creativity is encouraged, a non-casual dress code is enforced.
Now, down to the meal. The New American menu features classy comfort food like lobster rolls and wagyu beef burgers. With unique cocktails and a highbrow wine menu, drink pairings are a must.
Volare Wine & Bistro
$$$ | Website | 404-503-6730
Want to have one more loved-up outing before sweeping your special someone away on a couples’ getaway in Atlanta?
Well, last but not least of our favorite romantic restaurants in Atlanta is this Mediterranean-inspired bistro found near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Volare is known for its super attentive service and a menu overflowing with hearty fare, from grilled lamb chops to chicken cordon bleu to an elevated meatloaf with smoked tomato jam and honey-glazed carrots.
Although it is away from the city center, this spot nevertheless feels like a sophisticated urban dining restaurant with the flavors to back it up!
More Romantic Restaurants in Atlanta
Eight Sushi Lounge is, well, a Japanese restaurant on Howell Mill Rd
Cooks & Soldiers is a Spanish restaurant on 14th St
Polaris is a rotating restaurant with a 360-degree view on Peachtree Rd NE
Kevin Rathbun Steak is a top steak house that also features seafood on Krog St NE STE
Final Words on Romantic Restaurants in Atlanta for Couples
We hope we inspired you to enjoy the restaurant scene of the city and have a special night with your significant other.
Make dinner reservations ahead of time and order a bottle of wine for your romantic night while saving some delicious food—you’re bound to have a memorable time together.
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