my favorite date night spots in cleveland
for my hyper-local readers
I wasn’t sure if I should write a post so specific; I know this won’t resonate with anyone outside of Cleveland. The thing is, a lot of restaurants that are great for Valentine’s Day are also great overall, and most are simply my favorite spots in the city. So if you’re reading this and won’t be in Cleveland this February 14, save it for anytime you will be — it’s essentially a list of intimate Cleveland must-sees.
Barely a year after I moved to Cleveland, I was talking to someone who questioned why I hadn’t been to some of his favorite restaurants.
“How can you work in food and not go to the most popular spots?” was his reasoning.
Well, because most of my job involves cooking my own food. But hey, he had a point.
So a few years later, I’ve been to his favorite spots and many, many more — in 2023 I’d gone to over 50 restaurants just in Cleveland alone.
We all like different things and have different biases. I really love what I refer to as “fancy-casual” spots — places where you could wear a dress, but you’d be just as comfortable in nice jeans — and the food is elevated but not pretentious. I also LOVE shareable small plates, as you’ll see.
So my list below is a mixture of fancy-casual spots. I tried to narrow it down to places that are intimate, romantic, spendy but worthwhile, and just plain good. Sorry, I’m not much of a steakhouse girl, but I’m sure Google can show you where to get a decent New York strip.
the best spots in cleveland for a romantic night out:
amba
Takes reservations: No
Parking: Street
Type of food: Indian-fusion small plates
Must-get menu item: Sloppy Joe keema, Spinach dip, Clay bread, Paneer dal
Amba is actually where we are trying to spend Valentine’s Day; I say trying because they don’t take reservations and there’s a chance the wait for a table (or bar seats) is simply too long. We usually plan to grab a drink nearby (Patron Saint, Saucy, Royal Docks), so we aren’t super deterred by a short wait. “No reservations” isn’t for everyone — but if you have a free schedule, it’s worth doing.
We love Amba because we can share a few small things, have a few great cocktails, and be enveloped in a moody, cavernous atmosphere. It’s perfect for a “sexy” but lowkey evening.
zhug
Takes reservations: No
Parking: Street, or there is a metered parking lot behind it, accessible by way of Surrey Rd.
Type of food: Mediterranean small plates
Must-get menu item: Curried lamb hummus, Mejadra, Potato tostones, Saffron and date braised lamb
Zhug is the sister restaurant to Amba with a similar concept but totally different vibe. It’s light, airy, filled with pillows, and Mediterranean themed instead of Indian. The food is excellent, but again — no reservations, so plan ahead. You can stop by The Fairmount for cocktails while you wait or change plans and go to Vero for pizza if you’re starving.
I love Zhug for a more ethereal, relaxed evening.
l’albatros
Takes reservations: Yes
Parking: Lot & valet
Type of food: French
Must-get menu item: Escargot, Duck or Chicken confit, Anything with spätzle
L’albatros is a Cleveland staple that too many people haven’t visited. It’s cozy, understated, and delicious — the food is French brasserie, so think slow-cooked stews and confits, gentle pastas, and seared fish filets. It has a casual atmosphere, but people usually dress up a little when dining in — a nice dress and a collared shirt would be perfect here.
There is a bar, so if you forget to make reservations you can try your luck there. Fair warning — L’albatros fills up for special occasions, so get a reservation. And if you see something with spätzle? Get it. The spätzle is unmatched.
poppy
Takes reservations: Yes
Parking: Street (I’d recommend hunting the side streets)
Type of food: Seasonal, rotating menu - “cozy steakhouse”
Must-get menu item: Mushroom rub flat iron, Pan seared halibut, Beef tartare canapés, Calamari
I call it “cozy steakhouse” because the food doesn’t fall into one specific cuisine — there are Middle Eastern elements like toum and sumac raita, but there are also elements that remind me of French cuisine and a general focus on local, fresh, seasonal food. So think steaks, fish, duck, and lamb, but in a super-cozy setting: Stepping into Poppy feels like a warm hug.
Poppy is featuring some powerhouse specials for Valentine’s Day, like roasted oysters and lobster gnocchi. I’d wear a nice sweater and a skirt or slacks and have a cozy, comforting (but fancy and special) evening here.
il rione
Takes reservations: No
Parking: Street
Type of food: Pizza
Must-get menu item: Speck pie, Green pie
Il Rione has the benefit of having an intimate, romantic atmosphere with elevated pizza and plenty of wine. Sure, you can come in a T-shirt and jeans, but you’d feel just as comfortable in a dress and heels. Romance, to me, doesn’t have to mean a $70 steak. Sometimes it comes in the form of hot-honey drizzled pizza.
casa la luna
Takes reservations: Yes
Parking: Valet
Type of food: Italian
Must-get menu item: Calamari, Orrechiette Con Rapini, Pappardelle Alla Bolognese
Formerly known as Luca, Casa La Luna is the rebranded version of the classic Italian restaurant on the viaduct. As far as I’m aware, the menu is exactly the same as it always was, and the only thing to change was the name. If anyone stands to correct me, please do.
Casa La Luna is excellent Italian food — classic, so plan to settle down with a big salad and a heaping plate of pasta. They’re also known for having the best happy hour in the city, a menu that is all under-$10 so long as you find a bar seat at the right time.
soho chicken and whiskey
Takes reservations: Yes
Parking: Street or paid lot parking in the West Side Market lot
Type of food: Southern comfort
Must-get menu item: Hangar steak, Gumbo, Fried chicken dinner
Soho is an excellent place to have a stylish but relaxed dinner. And yes the news just broke that they’ll be moving out of their current location, but not before Valentine’s Day, so I’m keeping them on the list. Soho is a small space with earlier hours, so it can be a little challenging to get a table — but when you do, it’s fantastic. Think elevated Southern comfort — hush puppies, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes — but in a chic, intimate setting. The cocktails are a must-have, and do not skip the complimentary biscuit and butter, they’re the best you’ll ever have.
velvet tango room
Takes reservations: Yes
Parking: Street
Type of food: Snack foods & charcuterie
Must-get menu item: Tango Manhattan, Raspberry Beret
Of course, you wouldn’t go to VTR for dinner, but it’s worth mentioning because you could spend a great deal of time there — that, and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic pre-or-post dinner hang.
They do have appetizers like warm goat cheese dip and charcuterie, but you should plan to go either before or after dinner just for drinks. The drinks and the jazz are the reason to go — its swanky, dark, and intimate, with gorgeous jazz music and talented expert bartenders. They also have the fancy machines that shake the cocktail shakers, so I’d highly recommend ordering a shaken drink, like a sour or vodka martini.
batuqui on the falls / larchmere
Takes reservations: Yes
Parking: Street / Chagrin has a few lots
Type of food: Brazilian
Must-get menu item: Caipirinha, Pao De Queijo, Torresmo com Mandioca, Costela do Norte, Picanha Acebolada
Ok, now a fun one! Batuqui is, like many Cleveland spots, nestled into an old Victorian home, giving it an inherent feeling of coziness and and belonging. The food is traditional Brazilian, and because the prices are a little high, we treat it as a special-occasion spot. But the prices are worthwhile: Not only is the food amazing, but the portions are large. You won’t leave hungry.
Order a caipirinha (similar in flavor to a margarita), and start with a few appetizers: I recommend Pao de queijo, which are traditional Brazilian cheesy breads, as well as the Torresmo com Mandioca, which is sliced chorizo and yucca. I’m biased because I love yucca fries, but the chorizo and the accompanying dip will be the best part of the night.
You can’t go wron with any entrèe, but if I had to pick two to recommend, I’d say the short ribs and the picanha. Brazilian steak, specifically picanha, is cooked in a really interesting way and is well worth trying at a Brazilian restaurant. The short ribs? They’re just really damn good.
the judith
Takes reservations: Only for special occasions
Parking: Free lot
Type of food: French
Must-get menu item: Any special they have running, Royal corona beans, Brandade de Morue
I’ll admit this might be a more feminine choice, if only because the food choices are a little more “snacky” (read: girl dinner) than typical dinner fare. My recommendation is to wait for one of their specials to pop up (they have quite a lot) — oyster night, beef bourguignon, cassoulet — or go to The Judith for light apps and drinks before heading out for a big dinner. Personally, I could eat solely at The Judith and be satisfied, but I’m understanding that Evan may need more than beans and French bread.
The wine is fantastic, the food is thoughtful, and the atmosphere is cozy, demure, and intimate. I’d go here before seeing a movie, or maybe as a nightcap after dinner in Ohio City — the desserts here are also amazing.
la vielle lumiere
Takes reservations: Yes
Parking: Street
Type of food: French
Must-get menu item: Baguette et Beurre, Soupe à l’Oignon, French dip
A new restaurant to Cleveland, LVL is one I’m excited to share. With new restaurants, there’s always a little bit of caution: Will it be any good? Will it be another ship passing through the night? A restaurant being good — or even great — is a relief. And I’m glad to share that LVL is a huge relief.
It’s hard to tell from the outside, but La Vielle Lumiere has a perfect moody ambience for a romantic date night. Similar to a restaurant you’d find in NYC, it’s cozy, dimly lit, and unpretentious, with brick walls and understated decor. What I really love is the service, and the food is just a cherry on top. Better yet? They have a late-night happy hour running from 10pm to 12pm. Uh, yeah, that’s awesome.
I get it, French food isn’t for everyone, but they have plenty of options for any taste including a short rib sandwich (French dip) that is melt-in-your-mouth good. I know, it doesn’t sound fancy, but like L’albatros, the menu is expansive.
Did I miss any restaurants you love? Let me know, I’m happy to visit some more — I’ll never complain about a great date night.