The Metroplex abounds with a wide array of offerings to diners. Whatever one desires for a culinary experience can be found. For an intimate evening, a scrumptious meal in a warm environment can be the blossom that brings forth a treasured memory for a lifetime. For romance, it is largely the restaurants featuring the cuisines originating from the lands where the romantic languages are spoken. All restaurants on the list accept major credit cards.
Le Rendezvous 5934 Royal Lane Dallas, Texas (214)739-6206 Hours vary depending on business, but posted hours are: (Monday – Wednesday) 11 am – 9 pm; (Thursday) 11 am - 10 pm (Friday and Saturday) 11 am – 11 pm (Sunday) 11 am - 9:30 pm
Extravagant to a fault, this romantic little restaurant will make you feel like you have stepped out of the DFW area and into an evening in Paris. After being seated at a small table with white linen it’s easy to see why this romantic dinner will be an experience. From the gracious wait staff to the forest green and gold interior that lights up the room you can’t miss the murals on the walls making guests feel welcome. The oh-so-French food is made to perfection with well-chosen seafood options rich appetizers. Owned by a professional musician, Tim Georgeff, he has brought together what he knows from both entertainment and hospitality and served it up well at Le Rendezvous. As they say, “When in France” try the Brie soup, chicken cordon bleu or if you’re really hungry dine on the marinated lamb and vegetables kabob – an offering of Mediterranean faire. If you enjoy the taste of cumin and garlic then you will find not only the ultimate in romance, but also the ultimate in rich food guaranteed to speak to all your senses and with the extensive wine list you will want to be a repeat guest after your first time. Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 to $40 Holiday Schedule: New Years Day – Open, Valentines - Open, Easter - Open, Thanksgiving – Open, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day - Closed, New Years Eve – Open.
Central 214 5300 E. Mockingbird Lane Dallas, Texas 75206 (214)443-9339 Hours: Breakfast (Monday – Friday) 7 am – 10:30 am; Brunch (Saturday and Sunday) 8 am - 2 pm; Lunch (Monday - Friday) 11:30 am –3 pm; Dinner (Sunday – Wednesday) 5 pm - 10 pm, (Thursday – Saturday) 5 pm to 10:30 pm
Near downtown Dallas, Central 214 at the Hotel Palomar offers an extensive menu along with a dining scene that is both romantic and hip in an elegant, yet still urban setting. The diverse flavors feature American cuisine and Executive Chef Tom Fleming makes dishes as the seasons unfold – expect a slow cooking style and fresh seafood to sit alongside the meat selections. Oftentimes Fleming will have fresh ingredients flown in to add to the realness and it’s true that the dishes here, from steak to wild game to seafood is all American with a bucolic side to match. Central 214 seats 116 people and is reminiscent of a day in the country, think blues and natural wood with a red Asian twist thrown in for good measure. The mood lingers on even outside where there is outdoor seating complete with a water fountain, infinity pool and garden. The restaurant was designed by Paul Draper, well–known in Dallas for his designs and it seems he has done it again bringing together an atmosphere for romance and fine dining. Estimated cost per person for dinner = $31 to $40 Holiday Schedule: New Years Day – Open, Valentines - Open, Easter - Open, Thanksgiving – Open, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day – Open, New Years Eve – Open.
This intimate little place is in the happening area of McKinney, but inside it’s all about atmosphere, low lights and good food. In fact, there is a wide range of dining options and each are uniquely prepared by Executive chef Ken Rathbun and Chef Tre Wilcox. The food is from around the globe and indeed, these men have searched the world over for just the right recipes to serve at Abacus. It’s the kind of place where you want to have a martini and relax before being served the scrumptious Mediterranean, Cajun, American, Southwestern or Pacific Rim dishes. The restaurant opened in 1999 and they have won quite a few awards since that time. The staff are friendly, but cool as they greet diners with smiles and grace, making the experience all the better. There is a chef’s table where you can dine if you are with a larger party, but for a really romantic dinner try the Chef’s Tasting Menu (nine small courses) paired with wines. Speaking of wine, this is one of the most extensive wine lists in the area so if you can’t find something on this list you won’t find it anywhere. Estimated cost per person for dinner = $51 and over Holiday Schedule: New Years Day – Open, Valentines - Open, Easter – Closed, Thanksgiving – Closed, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Years Eve – Open.
ANTARES 300 Reunion Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75207 (214) 712-7145 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11:30 am-2 pm/6 pm-11 pm; (Sun) 10:30 am-2: 30 pm Antares is nestled atop the fifty-story landmark Reunion Tower making for a romantic ambiance. The diners will feel that the city belongs to them and that they are in the penthouse on top of the world. The restaurant offers a magnificent panoramic view as it makes its fifty-five minute revolution to reveal the skyline of the Metroplex. It also has some very tasty offerings and is making a concerted effort to break the stereotype of a hotel restaurant even though it is part of the Hyatt Regency complex. Antares now offers special menus on a monthly basis beyond their traditional fare. Braised red snapper with mediterranean vegetables is extremely delightful. In addition to red snapper, it features a medley of shellfish, shrimp, artichoke hearts, olives, and tomatoes with a scrumptious sauce. Antares also has some of the finest desserts in the area and a very good bar. A tasty and varied Sunday brunch is served buffet-style.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $40
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open DEL FRISCO'S DOUBLE EAGLE STEAKHOUSE 812 Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 (817) 877-3999 5251 Spring Valley Road, Dallas TX 75240 (972) 490-9000 Hours: (Mon-Thur) 5 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 5 pm-11 pm This Dallas legend is unsurpassed in fame, quality, and service. But be forewarned that is not inexpensive and that the ordering is ala carte. Entrées start at $21.95. The dining areas feature dark wood and brass décor. The Rose Room is a particularly romantic setting. There is also a room with a James Bond theme displaying wines from those movies. The turtle soup and shrimp cocktails are good openers. It could take a while to make a decision on wine as there are over 600 selections available including some rare vintage offerings. While the beef is the mainstay, there is strong support from the veal, lobster, and salmon offerings. Of the ten choices of beef, the superb filet mignon stands out. The side dishes are served in generous portions with the onion rings being particularly noteworthy. The desserts are very rich and fillings.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $50 - $60
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
L'ANCESTRAL 4514 Travis Street, Dallas, TX 75205 (214) 528-1081 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11:30 am-2 pm; (Mon-Thur) 6 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 6 pm-11 pm On the dining landscape, a true traditional classic French restaurant is almost something of an endangered species. L'Ancestral remains loyal to the Tri Color with even much of the staff being French. The environment is warm yet formal. The soft ambiance sets the tone of a classic continental bistro for an intimate dining experience. The French onion soup is excellent and the salads can be quite creative. The sauces often featuring brandy, sherry, or another wine bring the food to life. The wine list is impressive and will enhance the meal. The beef tends to stand out, the filet au poivre flamed in cognac in particular. The lamb chops are also a succulent delight. Salmon and chicken entrées are also very good. Desserts are awesome with many delightful choices for the chocolate lover.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
LA DOLCE VITA 1924 Abrams Parkway, Dallas, TX 75214 (214) 821-2608 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11 am-2:30 pm; (Mon-Thur) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Fri) 5:30 pm-11 pm; (Sat) 11 am-11 pm; (Sun) 12 pm-10 pm This small intimate Italian restaurant features a very romantic atmosphere that is excellent for a quiet romantic meal for a modest price. There is a breezeway with low lighting accented with palms about the small tables. This provides a quiet somewhat secluded ambiance that is perfect for conversation. The wait staff appreciates this and watches from a distance so as to not disrupt, yet be ready to serve. The meals can be a bit hit or miss however. The salads are very good as are the varieties of seafood pastas. The toppings such as the sun dried tomatoes included on the pizzas and other dishes are divine. Generally, the food is good with the atmosphere and pricing, excellent.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 - $25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
LA PIAZZA 1600 South University Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76107 (817) 334-0000 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11 am-2 pm; (Sun-Thur) 5 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 5 pm-11 pm This warmly elegant Italian restaurant is considered by many to be the finest in the Metroplex and makes for a romantic atmosphere, even if it does tend to be more expensive than most Italian restaurants. It also features a lovely patio for outside dining if the weather is conducive. The owner is Italian born and trained and will burst into song on occasion. The seafood pasta dishes are outstanding. The salmon and calamari are particularly enjoyable. The service is impeccable. The wine list features mostly Italian fare and are reasonably priced.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
THE MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK 2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75219 (214) 559-2100 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 6:30 am-10:30 am; (Sat-Sun) 7 am-10:30 am; (Sun) 11 am-2 pm; (Mon-Sat) 11:30 am-2 pm; (Sun-Wed) 6 pm-10 pm; (Thur-Sat) 6 pm-10:30 pm She will be treated like a queen for a king's ransom. The Mansion oozes with refined elegance and class extraordinaire accompanied by culinary creations worthy of the price and atmosphere. The décor features gold leafing, ceramic tile, marble, and warm woods. The service is very efficient but can seem haughty and pretentious to the point of extending to arrogance. Almost paradoxically, many of the most renown delicacies are not what one unfamiliar with this legend of international stature would expect. The most celebrated of these include tortilla soup and lobster tacos. The aperitifs and entrées with shrimp feature the largest most succulent to be found. All offerings are top shelf, however the portions can seem a bit small. Oddly enough, they now offer some delightful poor boy sandwiches lunch too. For those who choose to dabble in the regal lifestyle at relative value, the breakfasts and Sunday brunch are most worthy of consideration.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $55 - $65
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
YORK ST. 6047 Lewis Street, Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 826-0968 Hours: (Tues-Thur) 6 pm-10:30 pm; (Fri & Sat) 6 pm-11 pm For a romantic quiet evening in a warm subdued atmosphere, this continental style restaurant with about a dozen tables is hard to top. The staff is friendly as well as professional to add to an enjoyable dining experience in conjunction with the delicious food. There is an excellent wine list to compliment the various dishes. Roast duckling is a savory treat that can be served in various ways on any given night. Seafood like stuffed crab, trout, and salmon are delectable. There are also many other offerings with a French influence featuring rich sauces.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Estimated cost per person for dinner is based upon one entrée, one beverage, and 20% gratuity.