The Most Romantic Restaurants in Houston

Houston, Texas is one of the biggest cities in the biggest state. It is a bustling city with tons of cultural offerings, and that extends to the food. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. There’s a huge range of cuisines and price point in this culinary mecca that will appease the pickiest of eaters. Houston restaurateurs know how to get the atmosphere right, so when planning to set up date night in town, consider booking a table at one of these romantic restaurants.

The OpenTable Team

16 Restaurants

Updated December 02, 2019

Restaurants:	Sorrento Ristorante Italiano, Potente, Costa Brava Bistro…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Italian, Spanish…
Neighborhoods:	Midtown / Montrose, Downtown, Bellaire…

Sorrento Ristorante Italiano

$$$$

Italian

Midtown / Montrose

4.8

3015 reviews

There is something inherently romantic about Italy. If you plan a date night at Sorrento Ristorante Italiano, you can feel transported to the Amalfi Coast, with exquisite dishes from the region. For some of the best options Sorrento has to offer, order braised veal osso buco ravioli or pappardelle with alfredo. Sorrento is in Midtown and convenient to nearly all of the city's best attractions.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Potente

$$$$

Italian

Downtown

4.7

1569 reviews

Want something even more upscale and Italian? One of the best romantic restaurants in town is Potente, a fancy Italian eatery that touts their incredible wine list. Not only does Potente have a delicious Italian menu, they also use fresh and seasonal ingredients. Dine here for unforgettably good handmade pasta, and pair it with an Old World wine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Costa Brava Bistro

$$$$

Spanish

Bellaire

4.8

1635 reviews

Costa Brava is in Houston's Bellaire neighborhood, and they are frequently busy. That is becausethey are one of the best romantic restaurants in the area, and people from all over the region want to dine here. The menu at Costa Brava features both Spanish and French dishes, so expect a fusion menu to please your palate. Some of the dishes on the ever-changing menu include grilled rainbow trout with jumbo shrimp and beef filet over manchego mashed potatoes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Rainbow Lodge

$$$$

American

Heights / Washington

4.7

4460 reviews

The motto at Rainbow Lodge is "Sophisticated, not stuffy!" That is because the place is upscale, but they want you to know that everyone is welcome here. Consider Rainbow Lodge if you seek something cozy that makes you want to cuddle up with your sweetheart. The restaurant sits in a more than 100-year-old log cabin that makes you feel like you are in the wilderness. Rainbow Lodge features dishes with wild game, like elk, bison, venison, pheasant, antelope, duck, quail, and more. Rainbow Lodge is in the Shady Acres neighborhood in Northside Houston.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Masraff's

$$$$

Contemporary American

Westside

4.8

3508 reviews

There are some restaurants in Houston that have staying power. One is Masraff's, a restaurant in Uptown. Masraff's is set against a stunning waterfall, so if you want a scenic romantic meal, this one of the best places to have it. The menu here is contemporary American with global influences, and you can expect to find a good mix of meat- and plant-based dishes. If you want to sit alongside the waterfall (we recommend it for the most romantic night out), make sure you call and request a seat there in advance.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Brenner's Steakhouse on the Bayou

$$$$

Steakhouse

River Oaks

4.7

5114 reviews

You might not know that one of Houston's most popular nicknames is the Bayou City. This bayou-bordering town has lots of restaurants that revel in the Creole flavor of the area, including Brenner's Steakhouse. Expect a menu of steaks and seafood, with gentle influences like roasted oysters and Gulf red snapper. Brenner's is literally on the Buffalo Bayou, so their name is fitting.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - Galleria

$$$$

Steakhouse

Galleria / Uptown

4.9

7738 reviews

The Houston Galleria is a mall, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's only a place for clothes and gifts. The Galleria also has great restaurants, including Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, one of the best romantic restaurants in the whole city. The steakhouse menu here offers familiar fare. Find bone-in and boneless steaks, seafood, and a huge selection of vegetable sides. The dark candlelit atmosphere lends the restaurant a touch of romance. One other great way to boost the romance is to order dessert. The best sweets on the menu for your sweet are the gooey pecan pie and the chocolate midnight cake.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Damian's Cucina Italiana

$$$$

Italian

Midtown / Montrose

4.8

2741 reviews

For one of the best romantic restaurants in Houston that foodies recognize worldwide, check out Damian's Cucina Italiana. This restaurant has wowed diners for more than 30 years. At the restaurant, service is the focus. So, go here with your beloved, and the restaurant promises to make you feel like royalty. Some of the best dishes on the menu are the pastas, so get ready to load up on carbs. Damian's is in Midtown — eat here and then you can find yourself in a convenient spot to explore the rest of town.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Truluck's - Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - Houston

$$$$

Seafood

Galleria / Uptown

4.8

3600 reviews

Truluck's is a chain, but that doesn't mean they are not also one of the best romantic restaurants in Houston. This is a fancy restaurant in Uptown, so you will have to adhere to the business casual dress code when you go (this means no tank tops, sleeveless shirts, flip-flops, gym wear, or short shorts). You must also remove your hat when you enter. Expect a seafood-heavy steakhouse menu with lots and lots of salads and appetizers to boot.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - Downtown

$$$$

Steakhouse

Downtown

4.7

2292 reviews

It seems no matter where you eat at Pappas Bros., you are going to have a romantic meal. The downtown location of Pappas Bros. is similar to the Galleria location, but this locale sets them up to be a great starting point for an exciting night out. Start your evening with a steak dinner and a glass of wine, then go and explore the rest of downtown Houston.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Grace's

$$$$

American

Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

4.7

3660 reviews

Grace's is a romantic restaurant in Montrose, and their brick interior will make you feel more like you are dining in a warm living room than a restaurant. This is a good thing if you want to get cozy with your beloved, especially since the dining room centers on a fireplace. The menu at Grace's features American fare, so expect things like Roasted Beet Salad, a Shrimp Burger, and Cornbread Stuffed Chicken Breast.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Memorial City

$$$$

Steakhouse

Westside

4.5

5437 reviews

Located in Memorial City is Perry's Steakhouse & Grille, another of the best places for meat in Houston. There are multiple outposts of the restaurant, but Memorial City is the spot that is the best for romance. There are lots of incredible dishes on the Perry's menu, including steak, seafood, and a whole host of gluten-free meals. To really indulge on date night try at least a couple of the desserts, since diners rave about each and every one. Consider the milk chocolate peanut butter candy bar, rocky road bread pudding, or deconstructed lemon meringue pie for a well-balanced dessert course.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Mastro's Steakhouse - Houston

$$$$

Steak

Galleria / Uptown

4.8

3356 reviews

Is your idea of romantic fancy and sleek? Then there is no better restaurant than Mastros in Houston, where you can enjoy a romantic night out in a gorgeous setting. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling and white tablecloths drape the tables, so you will feel like it is a special occasion. Don your jacket or dress, then check out the menu of classic dishes like Chilean Sea Bass or Bone-In Ribeye.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Eddie V's - West Ave

$$$$

Seafood

River Oaks

4.8

3349 reviews

River Oaks is a beautiful residential area in Houston. Eddie V's is a great romantic restaurant there. Not only does Eddie V's serve great seafood dishes, but they also have live jazz nightly. Make your night about eating and entertainment in one when you book a table here. The West Ave. location of Eddie V's touts impeccable service, so be ready to get waited on hand and foot once you arrive.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Seasons 52 Houston City Centre

$$$$

American

Westside

4.7

2527 reviews

The Westheimer outpost of Seasons 52 is good. The one downtown is even better, thanks to their excellent locale. The menus are the same at each restaurant, and the atmospheres feel similar. What is different is that you can wander around the city after you eat Seasons 52 City Centre, so consider capping your meal with a well-crafted cocktail. If you want a more casual date night, you can sit in the bar and enjoy the bar menu, which is an excellent list of unique cocktails (some of which change seasonally).

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Uchi Houston

$$$$

Sushi

Midtown / Montrose

4.9

4074 reviews

Japanese food shines at Uchi - Houston, and so does romance, thanks to a stunning dining environment and a transportive experience. At Uchi, you may feel like you walked into another world, with dimly lit booths and plate after plate of artful cuisine. You'll find dishes like broccoli katsu and pork rib on the menu. To really do a romantic night right, let the sushi chef take charge and order the Omakase (chef's tasting). It comes in 10 or six courses (or six vegetarian courses). Uchi is in Montrose, close to Midtown.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Most Romantic Restaurants in Houston

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