Take your partner somewhere special anytime of the year!
Whether you’re going for your first date or clocking in another delightful anniversary, there are a number of places in Philadelphia that can be romantic if you’re with the right person. When your neighborhood watering hole doesn’t feel quite special anymore, or you both want to try something new- there are plenty of options in Philly that offer a vibrant atmosphere that’s not too loud, friendly customer service, and lots of food options to dig into with the ability to linger a little longer if you guys are enjoying your time there after the plates been taken away.
From restaurants with live music, to tapas spots with a spacious garden and intimate lighting, here are some of the best romantic restaurants in Philadelphia to make your next date night a special one.
But before we delve into the list, if you have been planning a date night for your partner or even a special event for a friend, why not treat them to a meal with a GiftYa virtual gift card. GiftYa is a website/app that sells digital gift cards to restaurants, retail stores, online shops, spas, hotels, and more. Surprise them throughout the work day with a GiftYa gift card by text or email. It’s simple! Just have the GiftYa card texted to your friend or partner, and the balance will connect directly to your debit card. Go and enjoy your date night with ease knowing that all the meals are covered!
Learn more about GiftYa and send one to your favorite person here!
614 S 7th St | Philadelphia | thegoodkingtavern.com
Having a great conversation in a place with a “romantic ambience” is a great bonding experience, whether this is a first date or tenth anniversary. And there is no better place to have deep conversation and laughs than at The Good King Tavern. It’s definitely a more casual date night spot than some of the other places on the list today but its overall atmosphere makes this place something special.
The Good King Tavern has a “Duck of the Day” that’s so good and so juicy you’ll find yourself wishing for seconds almost as soon as you finish your plate. They have a relatively small dinner menu but their dishes are worth their weight, and a wine list with wine that will pair perfectly with any meal.
“We always have the best time at The Good King. Kicked my birthday celebrations off here last night. Love the space, the people, the food, the drinks, the service, the vibe, and the playlist!!! Always worth the drive from Radnor.” -Yelp Review
120 S 13th St | Philadelphia | doubleknotphilly.com
Do you love live entertainment while enjoying some good food? Then you should go to Double Knot. Showcasing two beautifully designed floors – a sushi bar and a robatayaki downstairs as well as a cocktail lounge upstairs. The intimate izakaya in the basement serves great sushi and robatayaki meats, making for a great date night.
Upstairs it’ll be bustling and full of energy where people meet, laugh, and talk about their days all while slipping on delicious craft cocktails from the experts behind the bar. While the underground izakaya is for those looking for a more closely-knit candlelit experience with their partner.
If you’re here during happy hour, enjoy plenty of hand rolls served with wasabi and shrimp tempura, crispy spring rolls, dumplings, and a variety of sides to accompany your main meal. End your date on a high note with one of the signature wines.
“Double Knot has always been a favorite of mine! They have a crazy delicious and affordable happy hour - the staff is alway friendly. They've got super chill vibes, and the downstairs is really cool. I highly recommend Double Knot - and frequently tell people to go there!” -Yelp Review
217-219 Chestnut St | Philadelphia | amadarestaurant.com
For over 15 years, Amada has been the go-to tapas restaurant in Philly. The gorgeous rustic-chic eatery has embraced the rich traditions of Spanish cuisine. It also doubles up as a romantic classic thanks to the dark wood, luxe curtains, wine barrel décor, and many ways to select and share incredible plates with your partner.
The portions here are small, so you can order lots of different dishes to sample with your date. Let the fanatics of sangria enjoy the modern interpretation of the Spanish tradition while you try the fresh-fried peppers with sea salt popularly known as Pimientos De Padron, the lamb meatballs (Albondigas), and the platters of cured meat and cheese.
“I went here for a pre-dinner dinner. Got a couple of tapas and drinks. Every item was a winner, and as it was happy hour when I was there, very inexpensive too. Next time I'm in Philly, I want to try eating a full dinner here.” -Yelp Review
723 Chestnut St | Philadelphia | morimotorestaurant.com
Eat, drink, and enjoy the night for your next date. Morimoto’s eatery is known for serving popular chefs’ exhilarating native cuisine. Inspired by both Western culinary methods and ancient Japanese traditions, Morimoto unlocks the hidden layers of unique flavors on each plate.
The restaurants accommodate all styles of dining from opulent Omakase to the inventive mix-and-match á la carte meal, or even the tasting menu, tailored specifically for you! Enjoy dinner favorites such as Omakase Sake Pairing that features hand-selected and signature sakes for each course of the chef’s tasting menu, cold and hot appetizers, rice and noodles, and delicious wagyu steaks. Throw in a side of Hoku Hoku Potatoes to complete your dish.
“This place is amazing! The raw fish is second to none and the A5 Waygu is the best steak I have ever had. Great service and a great ambiance. Quite pricey but a very special treat for a special occasion.” -Yelp Review
210 W Washington Square | Philadelphia | talulasgarden.com
For a romantic evening of endless dining and drinking, go to Talula’s Garden. Enjoy seasonal dishes featuring fresh, farm-to-table ingredients in a lush garden-like outdoor seating area.
After cheese and jam, eat your way through the farm-to-table menu with Roasted Chicken & Gnocchi and Lamb Bolgnese. If you’re here with your date in the mid morning to afternoon, enjoy the Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffle for brunch or the Farm Fresh Egg Omelette. Make sure you grab one of their signature cocktails, wine list, and craft beer to enjoy with your main meal. It will be a memorable night!
“Great ambiance, good quality food. Got the Brussels sprout appetizer, side of marinated cucumbers, scallop and polenta and steak. Good portions for a nicer restaurant. Our server was friendly and attentive. Tip: make a reservation if you plan to go in the evening.” -Yelp Review
116 S 13th St | Philadelphia | alpenrosephl.com
If you’re looking for a classic steakhouse for your night out, then you’ll want to go to Alpen Rose. Their dimly-lit dining room offers an intimate dining experience perfect for a date night.
At this cozy steakhouse, you’ll be able to enjoy mouth-watering steaks, baked Alaska, and lobster in a dim and sultry setting. Enjoy the Grass-Fed Filet, Tomahawk, Beef Wellington, or the Oysters Rockefeller. When perusing the menu, make sure you keep an eye on the fish and shellfish varieties. They’re also some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
“Three years later and Alpen Rose remains my go to special occasion spot! I have even booked a buyout of the space for a private event and the food and quality of service is worth every penny.” -Yelp Review
1617 E Passyunk Ave | Philadelphia | restaurantlaurel.com
If you ever want to go to a more modern spot and enjoy some French-influenced American fare, then go to Laurel restaurant. Here, Chef Nicholas Elmi prepares refined, seasonal, and local dishes with a focus on creativity and sustainability.
Take your date to the outdoor or indoor dining and order from their menu with dishes like the Tuna, Mussels, Fluke Crudo, Parisian Gnocchi, or the Wagyu Beef Coulotte. This French bistro is worth checking out with your date!
“Terrific! Every dish was delicious. Highly recommend. Designed for sharing and served family style. Kitchen was also willing to revise as needed for one diner in our group who had food allergies.” -Yelp Review
52 S 2nd St | Philadelphia | royalboucherie.com
Amongst the Old City’s historical buildings lies Royal Boucherie, a french restaurant focused on serving delicious bites to eat along with getting drinks from their wine cellar that pair perfectly with each meal. There’s a bar and “tavern” area that’s normally very busy and lively, then there’s dining rooms with intimate lighting, and an upstairs garden where you can sit when it’s warm.
Royal Boucherie has a number of great menu picks like the Oysters on the Half Shell, Charcuterie Board, Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart, Duck Confit, and many more. Get a Chocolate Mousse Tart for dessert before you go to end the meal in a sweet way.
“My boyfriend and I came here while visiting Philly. We had a great experience. Food was delicious and the service was great. Great ambiance and perfect for a date night. We'll definitely be back.” -Yelp Review
300 S Broad St | Philadelphia | volverrestaurant.com
Chef Jose Garces of Iron Chef fame helms Volvér, a restaurant in Philly that explores flavors with perfectly cooked foods using the best ingredients possible. Creativity is a forward focus at Volvér and it’s expressed in every meal which is made to make you go “wow” as the plate arrives at your table. This restaurant is perfect for a fancy date night out and you can enjoy foods like Chicken & Dumplings, Toasted Zucchini Bread, Scallop Risotto, and Lemon Cake for dessert.
“We enjoyed the gourmet food: developed eggs topped with tuna, duck fried rice with pepperoni and a delicious seasonal salad with fried goat cheese! I also loved the stone fruit cocktail, delicious!” -Yelp Review
124 S 15th St | Philadelphia | ocean-prime.com
Ocean Prime is a series of upscale chain restaurants that specialize in seafood and steak. Their dining rooms are always decked out to the nines and their ambience is made for a date night. There’s a main dining room, private areas, and a lounge where guests can enjoy drinks along with a wide range of foods like the Chilled Whole Maine Lobster, Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, soups, salads, and more!
“The dine in experience is great . Check it out and enjoy! Good food, drinks and service as I stated before except it's even better in house!
Beautiful and serene ambiance.” -Yelp Review
You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card to Ocean Prime here!
14 N Front St | Philadelphia | pennsviewhotel.com
In Penn’s View Hotel you’ll find Panorama, an Italian restaurant bringing authentic flavors to you. They have created a carefully crafted menu with elevated cuisine perfect for a special night out. House made foods and over 120 wines on tap make this restaurant one to come back to. Dine on foods like the Lobster Bisque, Cavatelli pasta, N.Y. Strip, and Whipped Potatoes with olive oil on the side.
“the waiter was sooo nice and funny! Made us feel very welcomed and comfortable. Came for wine tasting and it was a great experience! I loved the aesthetics of the restaurant and of the wine flight and I loved the variety of wines to try!” -Yelp Review
261 S 21st St | Philadelphia | fridaysaturdaysunday.com
An ever changing menu awaits you at Friday Saturday Sunday. In their intimate upstairs dining room you will be treated to an eight course meal which is apart of their seasonal menu, and as of writing this on the tasting menu are these dishes:
“The portions were perfect. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Every dish was exquisite. Steep price tag but worth it -- would recommend to anyone and would definitely come back.” -Yelp Review
All of these romantic restaurants in Philadelphia will definitely make a date night one to look back on. Change up your regular routine and go somewhere special whether it be for an anniversary, birthday, or just because you feel like doing something a little different.
