By Kristin Cicciarelli
Why have just a date night when you can have a great date night? With an eye on ambience, unobtrusive service and decadent fare, here are twelve of the sexiest, most scrumptious spots in DFW to cozy up with your significant other.
Al Biernat’s
Whether you opt for the swanky original Oak Lawn hot spot or the dramatic new “North” location, you will find elegant, intimate dining and an award-winning wine selection second to none. Impeccable steaks include Wagyu dry-aged rib eye and Japanese a5 Kobe plus stellar seafood such as Chilean Sea Bass with Lobster Risotto and Bay of Fundy Salmon. Might we suggest you pop the cork on a bottle of your favorite bubbly and indulge in the Chateaubriand for Two. Top it off with Al’s signature coffee—a decadent combination of Kahlua, Cointreau and Brandy for a truly memorable date night.
4217 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas | 5251 Spring Valley Rd., Dallas | www.albiernats.com
CRÚ Food & Wine Bar
With over 300 wines and 80 premium wines by the glass, CRÚ is a place to love and linger. Light, gourmet fare and weeknight specials like Pizza Mondays (buy a bottle of wine and get a free pizza) and half-price Champagne Thursdays mean you don’t have to wait for the weekend to steal away for a little romance.
Multiple locations throughout DFW | www.cruawinebar.com
La Calle Doce
The emphasis here is on seafood—always fresh, muy delicioso. We’re hooked on the shrimp nachos; you can easily make a meal out of even the half order. The original location on W. 12th Street in Oak Cliff is an old house, oozing with romantic charm; the Lakewood location on Skillman is equally charming, with well-spaced tables allowing for intimate conversation.
415 W. 12th St. | Dallas | 1925 Skillman St. | Dallas | www.lacalledoce-dallas.com
Toulouse Café & Bar
Warm lighting, authentic French bistro cuisine and fabulous people watching (especially from the patio) make this a Park Cities and Plano favorite. Splurging? Share Le Grand Plateau—a gorgeous tower of oysters, shrimp, cold-water lobster tail and center-cut king crab—all of which pair nicely with one of several choices of bubbly.
3314 Knox St. | Dallas
Legacy West | 7301 Windrose Ave., Ste. C150 | Plano | www.toulousecafeandbar.com
Ruggeri’s
An intimate, relaxed spot, Ruggeri’s has been a Dallas favorite in Italian cuisine for more than twenty-five years. Live piano music is a nice touch on the weekend, and Dave Tanner entertains on Wednesday nights. The authentic homemade fare is excellent, and although Ruggeri’s is famous for the Veal Chop grilled with wild oyster mushrooms and Marsala wine, classics like Cioppino and Ravioli Fresco are equally delizioso. The tenured staff is attentive but also happy to let you savor the person you’re sitting across from.
5950-A Royal Ln. | Dallas | www.ruggerisrestaurant.com
Lucia
Warm, rustic and truly romantic, Lucia has earned a spot as one of Dallas’ most coveted spots for Italian cuisine. With just 14 tables and a few seats at the bar, it takes a bit of persistence to snag a reservation here but is so well worth it. (Visit the website and click on the Resy button.) Menu is seasonal but don’t miss the foie gras stuffed prunes.
408 W. 8th St., Ste. 101 | Dallas | www.luciadallas.com
The French Room at the Adolphus Hotel
This is Dallas fine dining at its, well, finest. The French Room has been recently renovated and the result is more beautiful than ever—both elegant and supremely romantic. Impeccable service remains a part of the tradition here. Why not book a room and make it a mini getaway?
1321 Commerce St. | Dallas | www.adolphus.com
St. Martin’s Wine Bistro
Live piano music, soft lighting and intimate dining spaces lend themselves to a let’s-pretend-we’re-in-Paris evening; it’s so easy to do at St. Martin’s. Champagne Brie soup is a must-have, and if you’re a beef lover, you’ll swoon over the decadent Les Tournedos Rossini with fois gras, black truffle and cognac demi-glace.
3020 Greenville Ave. | Dallas | www.stmartinswinebistro.com
The Grape Restaurant
The Grape will take you back in time in the best possible way—it has been a Dallas date night spot for forty-some years. Though it has been renovated to keep things modern, the original romantic charm is fully intact. The dining room is fairly small and typically quiet, allowing for intimate conversation. Food is contemporary with a French accent; we always start with the famous Mushroom Soup and let our taste buds take it from there.
2808 Greenville Ave. | Dallas | www.thegraperestaurant.com
The Mansion on Turtle Creek
Luxury dining in a five-star hotel—what could be better? Regionally sourced ingredients, thoughtful preparation and French influences make any dish at The Mansion truly spectacular. Terrace dining is available in warm weather, and stop by The Mansion Bar after dinner for a cocktail, live music and romantic memories in the making.
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd. | Dallas | www.rosewoodhotels.com
Town Hearth
Town Hearth is extravagance meets relaxed dining. Decked out with 64 glowing chandeliers and vintage décor, this splashy Design District steakhouse is quickly becoming the go-to dining destination. The menu is built for indulgence and cocktails are creative and inspired—we recommend the refreshing Sassy Mule. This is date night decadence at its finest.
1617 Market Center Blvd. | Dallas | www.townhearth.com
Ser
Located on the 27th floor of the beautiful Hilton Anatole, Ser offers the finest steaks, seafood and more with unparalleled views of the Dallas skyline. Ask for a table by the window and enjoy gazing into each other’s eyes over dinner and a glass or two of wine, recommended by Ser’s sommelier.
2201 N. Stemmons Fwy. | Dallas | www.sersteak.com