Rana Good is the founder of Naïra NYC. A writer for publications such as Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Coveteur, Mens Journal and others, she created her own platform celebrating women of color.
Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply looking for an excellent meal in a romantic setting, these eateries offer a memorable journey for your senses. From the capital city of Australia to national parks in Portugal and cliff-side eateries in Bali and Mexico, these options are a varied bunch. Bookmark these romantic restaurants for your next memorable date night!
1. Cocina del Mar at Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection, Mexico (pictured above)
This Cabo San Lucas restaurant is nestled on the cliffs of Punta Ballena, offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience encompassed by panoramic vistas of the Sea of Cortés. Considered to be one of the most romantic restaurants in the world, the eatery’s tiered design ensures every lantern-lit table gets a spectacular ocean view, crafting a charming ambiance. The restaurant’s open-air kitchen adds to the vibe, enabling guests to watch the chefs craft fresh, locally sourced seafood. Menu highlights include the charred cctopus, grilled grouper in a raw-ripe tomato sauce, and lobster fettuccine.
2. Terrace Restaurant at Amanbagh, India
Located at the foot of the majestic Aravalli hills, Amanbagh is a regal boutique hotel near Jaipur, Rajasthan. The former home of the Maharaja of Alwar, the retreat showcases the magnificence of Mughal architecture. Guests can dine at the palatial Terrace Restaurant overlooking the property’s lush garden and scenic outdoor pool. During the evening, the eatery is lit up with oil lamps and hosts performances by local singers and musicians. Moreover, you can also have a private dining experience on the rooftop of the restaurant or a nearby ancient dome-shaped pavilion. The menu includes Ayurvedic and Rajasthani dishes crafted using ingredients from the resort’s organic garden.
3. Kasbah by Members, United States
This new dining destination in the heart of Hollywood, Los Angeles, transports guests to North Africa. Situated within Members, a celebrity-favorite lounge and nightclub, Kasbah is a celebration of the rich culture of Morocco. Think traditional food, live musical and dance performances, and candlelit interiors that pay homage to regal Moroccan tents. Order the roasted eggplant, lamb couscous, small pastilla, harissa soup, and lemon tagine, and you will not be disappointed! After your lip-smacking meal at Kasbah, let your hair down at Members.
4. LAB By Sergi Arola at Penha Longa Resort, Portugal
Nestled in the Penha Longa Resort, amidst the stunning Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, lies LAB by Sergi Arola, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Offering unobstructed views of a verdant golf course and the surrounding national park, it boasts a picturesque setting for a romantic meal. The restaurant is helmed by Spanish chef Sergi Arola, known for his inventive approach to food. At LAB, he has created a menu that is a mix of international influences and Portuguese flavors, using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The LAB menu comprises different tasting menus, each offering a one-of-a-kind culinary journey. The dishes are beautifully plated and packed with flavor, and the service is top-notch. The eatery also houses a glass-walled wine cellar, with over 550 references from around the world.
5. Harry’s on Green Lane Bowral, Australia
This quaint restaurant and bar is located in Bowral in the Southern Highlands, about an hour and a half drive from Sydney. Harry’s is named after a well-known English nurseryman and horticulturist — Sir Harry Veitch. While it features book-lined rooms, split cane lampshades, and vintage botanicals that provide an intimate and sophisticated ambiance, the bar area boasts exotic plants and travel memorabilia. The bistro’s menu offers instinctive rustic provincial cuisine. The results can be seen in vibrant dishes such as ravioli Napoletana, spring risotto, seared barramundi, crab linguine, roast spring vegetables, and Harry’s Bread Pudding with crème anglaise. Dining here feels like dining at an art connoisseur and book lover’s bungalow.
6. Gitz-Gädi at Hotel Silvana Zermatt, Switzerland
Gitz-Gädi, situated in Zermatt’s Hotel Silvana, offers a romantic alpine escape. This rustic restaurant, with its cozy ‘goat stable’ theme, serves delicious lamb and goat plates alongside classic Swiss dishes like fondue and rösti, all with creative seasonal touches. Imagine indulging in delicious food by the crackling fireplace, or on the sun-drenched terrace, with beautiful mountain views as your backdrop. Gitz-Gädi is the perfect setting for a memorable mountain-themed cozy meal in one of the most romantic restaurants in the alps.
7. Seta at Mandarin Oriental, Italy
Nestled within the Mandarin Oriental, Milan, this two Michelin-starred restaurant serves innovative Italian cuisine in an elegant ambiance. Created by Chef Antonio Guida, the menu features classic Italian dishes with a twist. Their fine-dining culinary team has whipped a variety of mouthwatering dishes that combine seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer glimpses of the vibrant city outside, while the open kitchen allows guests to witness the culinary magic unfold. Grab a table in the restaurant’s tree-lined courtyard for a leisurely dinner immersed in nature!
8. KISIK and Rock Bar at Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali
KISIK and Rock Bar, both part of the Ayana Resort and Spa, are two romantic restaurants/bars offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, Kubu Beach, and a lively ambiance. Start your evening with a fresh Balinese seafood dinner at KISIK, then ascend to Rock Bar, where you can toast to the beauty of Bali while refreshing craft cocktails and live music. A crowd-favorite, Rock Bar is a cliffside lounge set atop dramatic rock formations along the southwest coast of the island.
9. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Giraffe Manor is a historic boutique hotel surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forests of Nairobi. The manor is home to a herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. At the hotel’s restaurant, diners can feed the giraffes from their lunch table or while indulging in a relaxed afternoon tea. Big windows and balconies allow giraffes to visit guests without being confined or forced into contact with humans. This spot is perfect for couples that are looking for a romantic dining experience amidst untouched nature.
10. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
Picture dining five meters below the surface of the Indian Ocean, encompassed by a colorful coral reef packed with marine life. This can be reality at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, located within the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. Launched in 2005, Ithaa is the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant. Its transparent acrylic dome offers guests a 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean’s depths. The menu consists of modern European dishes with Asian influences. This one-of-a-kind setting, with a capacity of just 14 guests, ensures an exclusive experience at one of the most dramatic romantic restaurants in the world.