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Charley's Crab
The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Detroit, MI
Detroit provides plenty of places to get away from the hubbub and spend quiet moments with your sweetheart.
by Gina DeBrincat Padilla
Throughout Detroit, the traffic hums, industry booms, people race from meeting to meeting and the Motor City pulses to a frenzied beat all on its own. But deep in the heart of the city and surrounding suburbs, Detroit provides plenty of places to get away from the hubbub and spend quiet moments with your sweetheart. Whether it's an anniversary or a first date, below are 10 different restaurants in metro Detroit where lovers can hold hands, enjoy a fantastic meal, share a dessert and linger over coffee.
CHARLEY'S CRAB
5498 Crooks Road
Troy, MI
(248) 879-2060
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11am-4pm, (Mon-Thu) 4-10pm (Fri) 4-11pm, (Sat) 5-11pm, (Sun) brunch 11am-2pm, (dinner) 4-9pm
White linen and candles grace each table of this historical and nautical-themed Detroit favorite. For over 24 years guests have dined among rich wood paneling, carved beams and sculpted windows from the Macauley mansion purchased by the late Chuck Muer in 1973. Impeccable service, outstanding dishes and an extensive wine selection make an unforgettable dining experience. Chicken, pasta and steaks are available, but the main attraction at this Muer flagship restaurant is the seafood. Charley's offers lobster ranging from 1¼ to 5 pounds, along with a full raw bar, crab and more than 13 varieties of fish, including yellow fin tuna with fig marmalade and sautéed lake perch almondine. Two types of chowders are offered, the traditional New England white clam chowder and Charley's own red Mediterranean fish chowder. The roasted garlic mashed potatoes and the desserts are phenomenal. The full menu is available at the bar, which provides an intimate atmosphere, incredible martinis and live piano music nightly.
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $35 - $50
LELLI'S
885 Opdyke Road
Auburn Hills, MI
(248) 373-4440
Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11 am-10pm, (Fri) 11am-11pm (Sat) 3-11pm, (Sun) noon-9pm
The only Lelli's restaurant left in the metro area, since a fire consumed the signature downtown spot a few years ago, the Auburn Hills location provides roomy, high booths, dimly lit rooms, oil lamps and fresh flowers on each table. Although the place gets crowded, the intimate atmosphere and attentive staff make all diners feel like they have the only table. Famous for its Northern Italian cuisine, filet mignon with zip sauce and chateaubriand prepared tableside, Lelli's provides the same excellent cuisine and service as it's downtown forbear. In addition to its signature steak, Lelli's offers a variety of veal, chicken, pasta and seafood dishes. The six-course dinners include antipasto plate, soup, salad, pasta and ice cream. Fresh Italian bread is served with every meal. A small serving of spumoni tops off the meal perfectly.
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed.
Estimated cost per dinner per person: $45 - $55
ALLEY GRILLE
555 East Lafayette
Detroit, MI
(313) 223-2999 x5152
Hours: (Sun-Thu) 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-11pm, (Fri-Sat) 11am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-midnight
Smack dab in the middle of the Greektown Casino, this newcomer on the Detroit scene gives diners a pleasant break from the flashing lights, ringing slots and loud tables. The dimly lit, wood-paneled restaurant provides elegant tables spaced out far enough to ensure adequate privacy. Live piano music enhances the intimate ambience. The appetizers are varied including smoked scotch salmon, crab cakes, a hearty French onion soup and a spinach salad made tableside. Specialties of the house include an assortment of steaks, seafood and the Alley Grille: a tasty concoction that includes a tenderloin, chicken breast, lamb chop, potato and vegetable. The desert cart makes its way to each table and is left there for diners to peruse at their leisure until their senses give into temptation. The deserts are generous portions and can be shared. The Hawaiian Bomb - an orange cake filled with pineapple and other delectable citrus fruits - as well as the strawberry shortcake should not be missed.
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $45 - $55
THE GOLDEN MUSHROOM
18100 W. 10 Mile
Southfield, MI
(248) 559-4230
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am-3 pm, 5:30-10pm, (Sat) 5:30-10pm
Luxurious elegance resonates through every corner of this popular metro Detroit spot. For over 25 years The Golden Mushroom, has enticed guests with their creative cuisine and courteous staff. Owner Reid Ashton knows the secrets to keep clientele coming back - a sophisticated atmosphere, excellent service and fabulous food. Appetizers include caviar, pate and the exceptional namesake, golden mushroom soup. Favorite entrees include filet mignon, salmon, various game and unique creations such as dover sole murat flavored with artichokes and grilled chicken atop celeriac puree. Many dishes have an exotic touch of mushrooms or foie gras. The extensive wine cellar boasts over 800 labels. Be sure to leave room for the sumptuous desserts. The fruit flan and apple pie are out of this world. Reservations are recommended.
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open (unless it falls on a Sunday), Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $50 - $75
THE WHITNEY
4421 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI
(313) 832-5700
Hours: (Mon-Tue) 6-9 pm, (Tue-Fri) 11am-2pm, (Wed-Sat) 5-9pm, (Sun) brunch 11am-2 pm, 5-8 pm.
Located in the restored 1894 mansion of lumber baron David Whitney, Jr., chandeliers, high ceilings and many antiques transport guests back to the old world charm of the Victorian era. Dining is offered in several different rooms throughout the mansion including the music room, drawing room and library. Among the finer a la carte appetizers are a variety of pates, fried calamari and Russian caviar. Turn of the century elegance and superb service add to the romantic dining experience. Executive chef Paul Grosz has created a varied menu including excellent steak and veal dishes as well as specialties such as the pecan-encrusted whitefish, roasted duck steak with herb spatzle and mushroom dusted swordfish. Despite the succulent entrees leave room for the infamous deserts, including peanut butter chocolate mousse and a 'to-die-for' crème brulé. Reservations are a must.
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $50 - $75
THE LARK
6430 Farmington Road
W. Bloomfield, MI
248-661-4466
Hours: (Tue-Sat) Seatings at 6 and 9 pm
The tiled floors, terra cotta walls, murals and fountain garden of The Lark surround diners with the romance of a European-style country inn. Owners Jim and Mary Lark, personally oversee their constantly changing Continental menu, which has earned them many prestigious awards including: Best restaurant in America - Conde Nast Traveler Readers Poll and Best Restaurant in the Detroit Area - Gourmet Magazine Reader's Poll. With 850 labels, their wine cellar has continuously won Wine Spectator's "Best of Award of Excellence." The five-course meal includes hot appetizers, soup, salad, entree and dessert. Curry duck salad and wild mushroom ravioli are offered as appetizers, while the entrees range from classic steak and rack of lamb to Chinese-oven roasted duck with figs, dates, almonds and brandy. Service and presentation are top-drawer. The intimate setting offers only 12 tables, so reservations are mandatory and should be made as far in advance as possible. Jackets are required for gentlemen.
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Closed
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $50 - $75
RATTLESNAKE CLUB
300 River Place
Detroit, MI
(313) 567-4400
Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11:30am-10pm (Fri) 11:30am-11pm, (Sat) 5:30pm-11pm
Perched on the Detroit riverfront, the Rattlesnake Club provides an airy, sophisticated atmosphere and a creative, varied menu. Local chef Jimmy Schmidt has tantalized palates for over 10 years with his fresh, imaginative style. With massive flower arrangements and windows overlooking the Detroit River, diners are treated to an elegant, but not oppressive dining experience. The patio provides a romantic setting with a spectacular view of downtown Windsor across the Detroit River. The menu offers staples such as steaks and chops as well as unique creations like lake perch sautéed with citrus, capers, sweet peppers and thyme. The wait staff is attentive and knowledgeable, but does not rush guests through their meal. Desserts, especially the white chocolate ice cream, are worth the trip alone.
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open (unless it falls on a Sunday), Easter-Open (brunch), Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Closed.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $40 - $60
MARIA'S FRONT ROOM
215 W. 9 Mile Road
Ferndale, MI
(248) 542-7379
Hours: (Mon) 5-9pm, (Tue-Sat) 5-10pm
Small tables twinkling with candlelight envelop diners in old world charm at Maria's. A single rose and candle grace each table while Dean Martin croons softly in the background. Guests sip wine made in Maria's own winery and nibble on freshly baked garlic bread while browsing the menu for their selections. Maria's features traditional Italian fare with homemade pastas and meatballs lovingly prepared by Maria Orlando. Appetizers range from Italian sausage with peppers to calamari sautéed with garlic, hot pepper, parsley and tomato. Entrees include a variety of veal, chicken, pasta, seafood and pizza. Dinners include garlic bread and salad. Veal and chicken dinners also include a side of pasta. The pastas are excellent and the veal succulent. Old world Italian desserts - spumoni, cannoli and an excellent tiramisu are served. Reservations are recommended.
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Closed.
Estimated Cost per person for dinner: $15 - $20
MORO'S DINING
6535 Allen Road
Allen Park, MI
(313) 382-7152
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 10 am-11pm; (Sat) 4-10pm, (Sun) 2-9pm (Labor Day - Mother's Day)
Walking into Moro's is like stepping into an old friend's home. The cozy, intimate atmosphere with a fireplace in the corner and attentive tuxedo-clad staff makes one feel right at home and provides a romantic ambience no matter what the time of day. Opened in 1986 by owner Tom Moro, the excellent cuisine and pampering keeps customers coming back. The menu urges guests to try the specialty of the house - veal, prepared several different ways - from Veal Triestina made with artichoke hearts and lemon to Veal Oscar made with crab. Other entrees include lamb and pasta. Dinners include soup, potato, vegetable and salad, which is prepared with professional flair, tableside. After dinner prepare to be treated with home-style service when the waitperson places a bowl of fruit and nuts, complete with a nutcracker, on the table. No dinner at Moro's would be complete without sampling one of their infamous flaming deserts made tableside. Watching the cherries jubilee being sautéed and set afire is almost as spectacular as eating it. Almost. Reservations are not accepted.
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $20 - $30
BRANDY'S
1727 S. Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI
(248) 338-4300
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11am-9pm, (Tue-Thu) 11am-10pm, (Fri-Sat) 11am-11pm, (Sun) 5-9 pm
The non-descript beige building at the north end of Bloomfield Hills hides a little romantic hideaway with pub-style stained glass windows, high backed booths and terra cotta lamps hanging over each table. Although more on the casual side, Brandy's does not skimp on the excellent food or sensuous atmosphere. Brandy's fare ranges from traditional bar favorites such as spinach and artichoke dip, chicken wings, burgers and sandwiches to crab cakes, portabella mushrooms, pasta, steaks and their specialties: roast pork and baby rack ribs. Dinners include soup or salad and hot rolls served with butter and a very addicting cheese spread. The staff is courteous and attentive. Desserts are one of a kind - blueberry bread pudding and hot fudge sundaes made with authentic Sanders hot fudge - an old made-in-Detroit favorite. Live jazz enhances the atmosphere on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed,New Year's Eve-Open, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $15 - $25
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