The most romantic restaurants in Austin for a perfect date night

5308 Balcones Dr, Austin, Texas 78731

West Central restaurant Yamas is a quaint, family-owned restaurant full of heart and homemade goodness. The dishes are distinctly Greek, for example, the chicken souvlaki, keftedakia (Greek meatballs) and fried feta, and there’s an extensive Mediterranean seafood selection that encompasses a raw bar. The goal of the husband and wife team, Roxie and Hristos Nikolakos, is to transport their diners to the Mediterranean coast. Lovers are mesmerized when they see the Aegean blue decor, let alone sample the treats in store. The Greek wines are a must.

901 W Live Oak St, Austin, Texas 78704

Located in Green Pastures in a picturesque 1800s home, Mattie's is the epitome of dreamy dining. Stroll among the peacocks (the birds roam freely throughout the property) and towering oak trees with your dinner date before stopping for a drink in the robin's-egg-blue parlor. If that doesn't leave you smitten, the Southern fare will: menu items have included fried chicken with bacon and buttermilk ranch, Texas redfish and the best buttermilk biscuits in town. No visit is complete without an after-meal toast of the boozy bourbon-based 1965 milk punch made with sweet vanilla cream, aged Kentucky bourbon, VSOP cognac, aged rum and nutmeg.

101 Red River St, Austin, Texas 78701

Garrison doesn’t feel like it’s in Austin, mainly because it’s one of the few local digs for which you can get dressed up. The swanky downtown grill, helmed by top Chef Jakub Czyszczon, can be found at the back of the Fairmont, where you and your date will tuck into oak-fired delights, such as Texas redfish and a 24-ounce prime porterhouse steak. The tater tots with aerated gruyere cheese and black truffle are seriously addictive and best enjoyed with a vintage bottle from their grand cabinet.

615 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78704

Eberly's beautiful concept space—a mixture of new and old—has become one of Austin's top spots for a night out. Dine at the mahogany bar (transported from NYC’s historic Cedar Tavern), in the study (a narrow room boasting steel flying buttresses and lined with books), on the open-air patio or in the beautiful dining room, where curved booths and shapely wood wall panels serve as a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright’s aesthetic. The New American fare and classic cocktails don’t disappoint, either. Share kampachi crudo and Japanese milk rolls with your true love and get a late-night kick on espresso martinis with vanilla, Kahlua and cold brew.

2600 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, Texas 78702

Sushi | Bar ATX is one of Austin’s premier date spots: with just two rooms and 10 seats apiece, effort must be made for a reservation, and it’s well worth it. A dapper team prepares 17 courses of creatively designed sushi in front of your eyes. The menu is rotating, but sample items include roasted bone marrow with fresh wasabi and soy sauce and a wagyu that’s so soft and buttery that it retains the texture of toro (oh, there’s that, too). Don’t say no to a sake pairing or a chance to add special savory surprises at the end—more is more. Finish with the toasted coconut shaved ice to beat the heat.

1506 S 1st St, Austin, Texas 78704

This Mexican restaurant is like a tropical getaway on South First: a verdant jungle garden dotted with candlelit tables and serving a selection of open-fire grilled goodies that celebrate the gulf coast farms of Quintana Roo and the market spices of Lebanese, Portuguese and African flavors. Think baja striped bass enriched in Caribbean coconut curry and wood-grilled wagyu bistec. Signature cocktails complement the flavors of the Yucatan region, like the La Jungla, a concoction of Condesa Clasica gin, Daytripper, jamaica, grapefruit and lime. 

111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, Texas 78701

The LINE’s lakeside restaurant by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish, is a surefire way to impress any date. Dishes reflect the bountiful ingredients of Central Texas and are fused with influences from France, Italy and the Midwest. Our must-try is the Fried Steamed Buns made with eggplant, oyster mushrooms, calabrian chili and tomato—the perfect amount of savory. Desserts aren’t run of the mill, either—with tastes and textures veering on the lighter side, such as the toasted sourdough ice cream. A full bar is also available; the best seats are at the back overlooking the bat bridge.

4710 E 5th St, Austin, Texas 78702

An artfully sexy hangout, Justine’s is where the creative crowd has taken residence. Let’s start with the wine: the venue’s list is full of picks described with flirtatious adjectives like penetrating, succulent and thirst-quenching. While basking in the crisp, warm sound of actual vinyl playing in the background, order the famous steak frites—a heavily seasoned, fatty rib-eye topped with herbed butter and served with a mountain of perfectly seasoned fries. A classic creme brûlée makes for an ideal ending—show you care by allowing your date to break the caramelized sugar.

1204 W Lynn St, Austin, Texas 78703

A meal at Jeffrey’s, a fine dining institution in historic Clarksville, is worthy of any Austin bucket list. The restaurant doesn’t overlook details, from the servers’ crisp uniforms to the warm, elegant atmosphere and unrivaled service. Treat yourself to the full Jeffrey’s experience by ordering a martini or an old-fashioned tableside. Opt for the all-natural certified Angus beef, a 14oz rib-eye topped with fancy toppings (think garlic confit butter or a single slice of funky Roquefort cheese). Mimic the sweetness of your love by splitting desserts like Jeffrey’s chocolate soufflé with pecan praline and stracciatella ice cream.

105 Tillery St, Austin, Texas 78702

Grizzelda’s is like being on a #goals Pinterest board. From the rose-colored glassware and the strategically mismatched seating to the black, floral wallpaper, every detail within the space has been thoughtfully designed by co-owners Kris Swift and Adam Jacoby. You and your date will delight in playful cocktails like the Bad Girl Ri Ri (rosaluna mezcal, grand marnier, lime and passionfruit), crave-worthy queso fundido (queso Oaxaca, Asiago, manchego and raja peppers) and fajita beef quesadillas sourced from Jacoby’s ranch. Grizzelda’s relaxed, beachy vibe guarantees your date night will be muy romantico.

1011 S Congress Ave Bldg 2 Suite 180, Austin, Texas 78704

South Congress’ Aba incorporates a light cooking style with flavors from Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece. If on a lunch date, go for the spreads with a selection of hummus and housebread alongside whipped feta, charred eggplant and muhammara. Evening diners shouldn't miss the kebabs, like the grilled halloumi and grilled salmon, served on a bed of basmati rice. The bar showcases Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits, and the whole venue is gorgeous, especially on the outside terrace if you don’t mind the Texan heat (consider it an excuse to order boozy iced cocktails).

123 W 6th St, Austin, Texas 78701

Looking to take your date on a wild (gastronomic) ride? Then Lonesome Dove might be the ticket. The lodge-chic restaurant from Chef Tim Love offers an opportunity to sample urban Western cuisine centered around game. Ever tried wild boar? Here, you can savor Lonesome Dove’s signature BBQ sauce on Texas boar ribs. How about elk? Options include elk-Foie gras sliders with sweet blueberry jam and the elk loin, where the berries are candied alongside broccolini and parsnip puree. There is also a rabbit-rattlesnake sausage, which errs more on the lean rabbit side and is seasoned to perfection.

2400 E Cesar Chavez St Unit 304, Austin, Texas 78702

Offering Texas-influenced Italian cuisine in sophisticated digs, Juniper is a great way to say: “I really like you.” The dramatic architecture, plush cobalt seating and open kitchen are impressive. Cocktails are variations on Italian classics like the Chef’s Negroni (The Botanist Gin, Barolo Chinato and Camapri), and the small plate menu means lots of room for sharing and exploring. Expect artful plating and a modern interpretation of classics, like the ricotta and mascarpone-infused ravioli or house focaccia.

605 Davis St, Austin, Texas 78701

For couples who are music fans, Geraldine’s is the cozy date night (or weekend brunch) option you need. Start out with drinks at the newly opened Brass Poppy downstairs at Hotel Van Zandt, where beloved ’90s cocktails get a refreshing glow-up. Then head upstairs for live music over a menu that’s perfect for sharing, from house-baked milk bread to Iberico ham croquettes, branzino and dry-aged duck breast. On weekends, check out jazz brunch and linger over your meal in this dreamy, golden space.

1211 W Riverside Dr, Austin, Texas 78704

If you’re looking for a beautiful setting for a special date, you can’t do much better than Nido, with a stunning rooftop view atop the Loren Hotel. Cozy into a private booth or enjoy a VIP view of the sunset over Lady Bird Lake on the outdoor patio while you sample your way through the menu, from oysters to fresh pasta dishes, roasted chicken and short rib, complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail menu, including one of the most robust alcohol-free menus in the city.

807 W 6th St, Austin, Texas 78703

There’s just something so quintessentially romantic about a red sauce and white tablecloth Italian restaurant. From the jacketed waiters to the delectable classic, bubbly-from-the-oven cuisine, Sammie’s always delivers an experience full of amore in a restaurant that feels like it’s been here forever (but in reality, it has only been open less than five years). Reservations are required.

106 E 6th St Suite #110, Austin, Texas 78701

Dramatic art and architecture set the stage for date night filled with over-the-top Mexican flavors and textures at Mexta, which opened in 2024. Canoodle over delectable bites like pacific red snapper ceviche, chipotle lobster roll, bone-in ribeye served with a trio of house-made salsas or the catch of the day served zarandeado-style, a grilling preparation originating from Nayarit. Ask for a cocktail pairing recommendation for a meal worthy of a toast for two.