Romance looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a candlelit dinner with a bottle of wine and a piano playing softly in the background. For others, it’s a table with a spectacular view of the Dallas skyline, a perfectly cooked steak, or a cozy neighborhood restaurant where the conversation is just as memorable as the meal. Fortunately, Dallas has plenty of places to set the mood, but which restaurant is the most romantic?
We asked readers on DiningOut Dallas’ Facebook page to name the city’s most romantic restaurant, then followed up with another post asking about their favorite date-night destinations. The response was enthusiastic, with 386 comments across the two posts and 140 different restaurants receiving mentions.
The recommendations ranged from glamorous steakhouses and intimate Italian restaurants to longtime neighborhood favorites and dining rooms that have been closed for decades. But one restaurant stood well above the rest: St. Martin’s Wine Bistro earned 25 mentions and 118 likes, making it the clear favorite across both Facebook discussions.
The French-inspired Greenville Avenue favorite received nearly three times as many nominations as its closest competitors, proving that when it comes to romance, sometimes the old-school approach still wins.
St. Martin’s Wine Bistro has built its reputation around the kind of intimate dining experience that feels increasingly rare in a city where flashy restaurant openings and see-and-be-seen dining rooms often dominate the conversation. One reader praised the restaurant’s combination of French cuisine, piano music, dim lighting, and an impressive wine selection. Another made the case that while St. Martin’s may not be the fanciest, loudest, or newest restaurant in town, it has something those places don’t necessarily offer: an atmosphere that feels made for a date.
Three restaurants tied for second place with nine mentions each, although one is no longer operating and another has changed its dining format.
Dakota’s Steakhouse, the subterranean steakhouse in Downtown Dallas, received nine mentions and 39 likes. Its below-street-level setting and courtyard patio have long made it a popular destination for couples looking to celebrate something special.
One reader kept the recommendation simple: “Dakotas on the patio.”
Between the dramatic entrance, polished service, and classic steakhouse menu, Dakota’s offers a different kind of romantic experience than St. Martin’s, but one that clearly appeals to Dallas diners.
The French Room, inside The Adolphus hotel, also received nine mentions, along with 58 likes. Long associated with elegant dining, ornate interiors, and special occasions, the historic space remains firmly lodged in Dallas’ collective memory, even though it no longer operates as the traditional fine-dining dinner destination many readers remember.
The third restaurant tied for second was Il Sorrento, the long-closed Italian restaurant that received nine mentions and 65 likes. Its inclusion was a reminder that some of Dallas’ most romantic dining experiences live on through memories rather than reservations.
One reader recalled getting engaged at Il Sorrento more than 30 years ago, specifically remembering a special corner table overlooking a small water feature. For couples who celebrated milestones there, the restaurant clearly left a lasting impression.
For those who believe romance is best served with a sweeping skyline view, Monarch made a strong showing with eight mentions. Perched high above Downtown Dallas, the upscale Italian restaurant is known for its dramatic setting, polished dining room, and panoramic city views. It’s easy to see why the restaurant earned a place among the favorites. There’s something undeniably romantic about watching the city lights come alive over dinner, particularly when the occasion calls for dressing up and making a night of it.
Another skyline destination, Crown Block, received seven mentions. Located inside Reunion Tower, the restaurant offers a similarly dramatic backdrop for a memorable evening. Together, the two restaurants demonstrate that Dallas diners appreciate a little visual spectacle when planning a special date.
Not every romantic dinner requires a skyline view or an elaborate tasting menu. Sometimes, a familiar restaurant with great food and a comfortable atmosphere is all it takes. Al Biernat’s and Terilli’s each received seven mentions, tying with Crown Block.
Al Biernat’s, with locations in Oak Lawn and North Dallas, has long been a go-to for steaks, seafood, and special occasions. Its reputation for attentive service earned praise from readers, although some questioned whether its lively dining rooms were always conducive to romance.
Terilli’s, meanwhile, emerged as one of the strongest contenders in the October discussion. Five of its seven mentions came from the more recent date-night post, suggesting that the Lower
Other restaurants receiving multiple mentions included The Mansion Restaurant on Turtle Creek, with six, and Table 13 and Javier’s, with five each. The Mansion, in particular, sparked some disagreement. While several readers praised its upscale setting, one argued that the restaurant was more fancy than romantic, pointing to closely spaced tables that make private conversation difficult.
Some of the most enthusiastic responses weren’t about restaurants where couples can currently make reservations. Instead, readers took the opportunity to reminisce about places where first dates, anniversaries, and marriage proposals once unfolded. The Grape, the beloved Lower Greenville restaurant that closed in 2019, received six mentions and 73 likes. One comment simply stating that The Grape used to be the answer earned 55 likes, making it the most-liked individual response across both discussions.
Il Sorrento inspired similar nostalgia, as did other shuttered favorites such as Baby Doe’s Matchless Mine, Pietro’s, Dovey’s, and Mercy Wine Bar. These restaurants may no longer be options for date night, but their continued presence in the conversation says something about the role restaurants play in people’s personal histories.
While the recommendations covered nearly every style of dining, a few themes emerged. Atmosphere mattered. Readers repeatedly praised restaurants with dim lighting, live music, intimate seating, and attentive service. A beautiful view also carried weight, helping Monarch and Crown Block earn spots among the favorites. But just as important was the ability to have a conversation.
Several commenters complained about noisy dining rooms, suggesting that even the most beautifully designed restaurant can lose its romantic appeal when guests have to raise their voices to be heard. And while classic restaurants dominated the results, newer dining destinations weren’t entirely overlooked. Restaurants such as Mister Charles, Sister, Uchi, Quarter Acre, and Nuri Steakhouse also received mentions, showing that Dallas diners are still discovering new places to celebrate love.
As always, not everyone took the question seriously. Waffle House, Chuck E. Cheese, Hooters, and even home kitchens made appearances in the comments, proving that Dallas diners have a sense of humor about romance. Ultimately, the results suggest that romance has less to do with how much a dinner costs and more to do with how a restaurant makes people feel.
St. Martin’s Wine Bistro may have won this particular popularity contest, but the variety of responses makes one thing clear: Dallas has no shortage of places to fall in love, celebrate an anniversary, or simply enjoy a memorable night out.
