No matter what your idea of romantic is, Atlanta has a restaurant to match it. Some may prefer to spend time with their sweetie washing down a burger with a frosty beer at the Vortex or sharing a pie at Fellini’s. Those not into tattoos and bikers may like the kitschy ambiance of Alfredo’s or the over the top romance of the Sundial. However, if your occasion calls for a traditional and perhaps more low key notion of date night, rest assured you can find it in any neighborhood and on any budget.
KROG BAR 112 Krog Street Ste 27, Atlanta, GA 30307 Phone Number: 404.524.1618 Fax Number :404.524.8580
Business Hours: M-SAT. - 4:00 pm -
While not as decadent and involved as next door neighbor, Rathbun’s, the Krog Bar’s foundations are built upon the same food sensibility. Chef Kevin Rathbun has given Cabbagetown this cozy little spot which is intimate yet laid-back, a perfect idea for a low key first date true tapas dinner or an end of the date drink and dessert. The elaborate wine, cheese, and charcuterie lists provide easy conversation starters. Informative and friendly staff are helpful but not invasive. Outdoor cushioned bench seating provides an extra chance to cuddle up to your date and observe the Krog Street scene.
Estimated Cost: $15-30 pp
LA TAVOLA TRATTORIA 992 Virginia Avenue NE ,Atlanta, GA 30306 404.873.5430
Traditionally Italian with an update, La Tavola captures the seasonal sensibilities of the Italian-born slow food movement. If the dishes, like shrimp and roasted corn risotto and a spot-on Bolognese sauce, aren’t enough enticement, then consider the intimate atmosphere set in the middle of the usual bustle of the Virginia-Highlands neighborhood. An open kitchen and excellent location add to the ambiance. Typical of the Fifth Group restaurants, La Tavola doesn’t skimp on desserts, with an decadent selection of sweets. Take a stroll up North Highland, stop in some shops, and then settle in at La Tavola for a delicious dinner with your date.
Estimated Cost: $35-50 pp
WISTERIA 471 North Highland Ave, Atlanta, Georgia 30307 404.525.3363
Special enough for a celebration dinner but relaxed enough for an impromptu dinner date, Wisteria is a perfect destination for any occasion. While white linens dress each table, the pervasive mood is one of casual familiarity. It’s amazing how the tightly-lined rows of tables fail to disclose your conversations to your neighbors, even if you aren’t prone to hushed tones. The starters are a no-fail choice and perfect for a sharing and grazing dinner for two. If you prefer a more traditional dinner progression, the entrees are updated seasonally and paired with sides that are always the perfect complement.
Estimated Cost: $20-35 pp
VIOLETTE 2948 Clairmont Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30329 (404) 633-3363
Nothing says romance more than an intimate French dinner. The wine, the music, the food, the je ne sais quoi of all things French can bolster even a dud of a date. Violette is one of Atlanta’s hidden spots. With a delicious and authentic menu of traditional favorites, like rilletes, pâtés, coq au vin, and more, Violette’s menu is unbelievably affordable. A cozy bar area makes waiting (a rarity) pass quickly. And the perfect finishing touch is the live music offered by a pianist, who gently plays throughout your dinner. Bon appétit.
ANTHONY'S 3109 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 262-7379 Set in an old Plantation House that miracuously escaped the fires of the Civil War, Anthony's features a southern ambience that is hard to match anywhere else. The Southern accoutrements that adorn the hallways and walls are textbook examples of how a "proper" Southern mansion should be festooned. Despite it's Italian sounding name, the food served here is best described as "Continental" with a southern flare. Chops abound and the wine selection is outstanding.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
BACCHANALIA 1198 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30318 (404) 365-0410 The first time I reviewed Atlanta's top 10 restaurants I was besieged by people who thought that I had left out one of Atlanta's best restaurant -- if not the best restaurant -- Bacchanalia. Patrons' rave about Bacchanalia's incredible attention to service and their fresh baked desserts that you have to order before dinner (and inevitably take home if you're too full). Bacchanalia is true to its namesake (the God of Wine) and offers an extensive wine list. Formerly a downtown eatery, Bacchanalia traded in its Victorian clothes for the wider, trendier South Buckhead outfit. The décor is clean and immaculate. In all, Bacchanalia is a very romantic and winning restaurant.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $60 - $70
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
CARBO'S CAFÉ 3717 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 231-4433 Plainly spoken, Carbo's Café "gets it". Their dining room: opulent. Their continental food: sensational. The bar where numerous singers come in and entertain the crowds nightly in the "Rat Pack" fashion: swingin'. What else needs to be said? This place is class all the way down to the valet and a surefire home run for romance.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $55 - $65
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
CIAO BELLA 309 Pharr Road, Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 261-6013 Owned by two Sicilian Americans and staffed by Italian waiters, cooks and bartenders, Ciao Bella is one of the most hospitable places in town. It is a small place but they always seem to make room. Once inside, you are treated to a variety of classic southern Italian food. Eggplant, veal, large bowls of pasta and rustic Italian wines make this place both romantic and a culinary delight.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: Set by discretion of management
NIKOLAI'S ROOF 255 Courtland Street (Hilton Hotel), Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 221-6362 Nikolai's Roof is a reason for most of Atlanta to go to the Atlanta Underground at least once a year and without visitors from another city as the excuse. Housed in the Atlanta Underground Hilton (the Atlanta Underground is a notorious tourist trap located downtown that features a mall in a pre-Civil War street setting), the view here is only topped by the Omni's Sundial. The difference is in the food. Nikolai's is perhaps the top Russian restaurant in Atlanta and features a large selection of caviar and vodkas. Jackets are required, a valet will handle your car and your food will be kept under silver until served. A wonderful experience although the Tsar-like proportions of the bill may have a few crying "Nyet!"
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $85 - $95
Holiday Schedule: Set by discretion of management
RITZ CARLTON BUCKHEAD 3434 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 237-2700 I left the Ritz Carlton off of my top 10 list for Atlanta and for good reason: It goes without saying that this is the best restaurant when you consider all factors. It is tops in service, food, décor and atmosphere but it also has that one intangible feeling that can only be described as the feeling of success. To be sure, this isn't a place to hang your head and cry about the one who got away. This is the place you come with that person and listen to the Jazz band, partake in all of the mastery that Chef Arnaud Berthelier imparts on you and celebrate the moment. This place can make even the most mundane life seem distinctive by desert.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $75 - $85
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Atlanta, GA