Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, but no matter the time of year, it’s not a bad idea to have a few fabulous date night restaurants and bars up your sleeve!
Grabbing drinks and a bite to eat out on the town are a couple of our fave things to do, so of course we have a ton of Seattle restaurants and bars to recommend. And these hot spots are *perfect* for romancing that special someone!
Set the Mood with Our Fave Bars
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Esquire named Roquette as one of the Best Bars in America, and we are not at all surprised. This French-inspired lounge in Belltown serves up an impressive craft cocktail menu with vibes to match and it’s one of our absolute faves. Be sure to try Ian & Amber’s favorite cocktail, the Panic Button!
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If you’re looking for another epic spot, Can Can Culinary Cabaret in Pike Place Market was literally voted as the Best Date Night Spot by The Seattle Times. The Dressing Room Bistro & Bar at the Can Can is a fun swanky stop for just a drink, but honestly your night can both begin and end here if you stay for dinner and a burlesque show! Be sure to hit up their February show all about LOVE to keep in the theme of things!
Head to higher ground and get ready for a totally different vibe at Donna’s in Capitol Hill. If you were a fan of Vito’s (a Seattle icon, RIP) in First Hill, you’ll find Vito’s former sous chef Peaches and a few other former Vito’s folks running things. But we digress—for our purposes here, we are recommending Donna’s cocktail selection, which includes several delicious-sounding non-alcoholic beverages. Ian’s favorite thing is their music selection which iincludes ‘90s R&B, and he also adores the cute little cutouts where you can hide away and have an intimate drink.
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Finally, we all know that Reckless Noodles in the Central District has amazing food, but did you know they have a lovely menu of libations as well? Take a look! You can also play a round of darts or get a tiki drink at the lounge next door while you’re waiting for your table. Ian says you can’t miss the beef cheeks with noodles for dinner!
Ian’s Favorite Date Night Restaurants in Seattle
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Madrona is one of our most beloved Seattle neighborhoods, so anytime we have an ~excuse~ to go, we are there in a heartbeat! Red Cow in Madrona offers a classic French brasserie experience brought to us by Ethan Stowell Restaurants. Steak, seafood, housemade charcuterie, and a full bar are the name of the game here. Another must-visit Madrona standout is Vendemmia , a rustic Italian-inspired restaurant with plates featuring locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Ian says you MUST do the tasting menu if you go to Vendemia! You will not leave disappointed or hungry!
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If you haven’t already guessed, Seattle is a foodie haven, and the Capitol Hill neighborhood is especially teeming with extra-special dining experiences. Single Shot Kitchen & Saloon in North Capitol Hill welcomes you with ambiance and intimacy, but if you end up somewhere else for dinner… Well, you can head to Single Shot for brunch the next morning. 😉 Another dining destination in Capitol Hill is Spinasse serving up award-winning Northern Italian fare. In fact, Spinasse recently made the “OpenTable’s Top 100 restaurants in the US for 2023” list! Two words pretty much sum up Spinasse: Handmade pasta. Make a ressie ASAP, this small spot can be tricky to get into!
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Ok, one more for now: Betty Restaurant & Bar in Queen Anne. Come hungry for bistro-style food with seasonal ingredients, and leave room for dessert. Dine in and enjoy the modern vibes, or grab a take & bake lasagne (they’re known for their lasagne, btw!) dinner for two and to-go cocktails for a chill evening in. Ian’s favorite is the pan roasted chicken with garlic au jus over fingerling potatoes and a tasty vegetable!
Amber’s Favorite Date Night Restaurants in Seattle
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We told you we will find any reason to get over to Madrona and we weren’t joking! Bottle House in Madrona is aptly named—you can stop in and find an expertly curated wine selection perfect for pairing, and in addition to the bottle shop you’ll find delicious in-house dining set in a 1905-built Craftsman. Their in house cheesemonger is top notch and they pick some seriously fresh and delicious cheeses. Lots of cozy corners and a stellar menu await.
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Samara in the Sunset Hill neighborhood of Ballard fills a hyper-specific foodie niche in Seattle, and that is wood-fired New American plates and biodynamic wine. (Who knew?!) If you really want to impress your date, make a reservation here pronto. Dramatic vibes + local/sustainable ingredients aplenty!
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For even more dramatic interiors, head to Pink Door at Pike Place Market and Momiji in Capitol Hill. Both are Seattle staples you need to visit at least once. Visiting Pink Door is like being transported to another world; along with Italian fare, breathtaking sunsets, and water views, enjoy cabaret and trapeze entertainment. If you want to be a pro, there’s an off menu dessert called the Carmelo and you will not be disappointed. As for Momiji, the setting and inner courtyard are inspired by Japanese design, and of course high-quality sushi and traditional Japanese dishes are on the menu.
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A truly unique experience awaits at Archipelago in Hillman City (for the unfamiliar, it’s where Columbia City and Seward Park neighborhoods meet). With only 8 people per seating and 9-12 courses, this Filipino restaurant is not easy to secure a spot at, but it is oh-so worth the wait. Their chef, Aaron Verzosa, was recently nominated for a James Beard Award so don’t wait to book a reservation if you manage to find one.
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