The 10 most romantic restaurants in Northeast Ohio

CLEVELAND (WJW) — In the mood for a little romance?

With Valentine’s Day swiftly approaching (it’s on a Wednesday this year), we at FOX 8 decided to compile a list of romantic restaurants to consider for the holiday ahead, and any other day for that matter.

Polling our viewers on various social media platforms about their favorite food spots to woo someone, there were five most-mentioned restaurants that rose above the pack. On top of the viewer selections, we also added five other suggestions as picked by our staff.

You’ll notice most of these places on this list are what one might refer to as “expensive and dark.” And while throwing down to show your admiration for your significant other can be lovely, as multiple viewers told us, the most romantic restaurant is actually where the two of you are together sharing space and talking … and that can include at your own home.

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So are these really the most romantic spots in all of Northeast Ohio? Of course it’s all subjective, but it is a place to start.

VIEWER CHOICES

Pier W
12700 Lake Avenue, Lakewood, 216-228-2250
You’re coming here for the view, because it truly is one of the best places to look out across Lake Erie and see the sparkling downtown Cleveland skyline. But you’re also coming here for the serious seafood and prime meats selection along with the top-notch service. A destination since 1965, guests are truly taken care of here and yes, the mood lighting is on point.

Marble Room
623 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-523-7000
Just stepping inside the dining room of this bank-turned-restaurant is enough to make your eyes bulge from the stunning view of the vaulted ceiling, marble columns and Phantom of the Opera-esque chandeliers. Then perusing the menu, you can get extra bougie with high-end steak cuts or traditional caviar service (which includes ice cold vodka), or chose from any other fine selections from their raw bar or perfectly-cooked meats. Either way, your date is going to be dazzled.

Chez Francois
555 Main Street, Vermilion, 440-967-0630
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the main restaurant is closed for the season until March 7. The bar called Touché, is open Thursday-Saturday in February, but not on actual Valentine’s Day.
Known as the “French restaurant in Vermilion,” this fine dining spot really is worth the long drive out west. Celebrating their 38th anniversary this year, the locale continues to perfectly serve up the French classics. Things to note: There is a discount for those who pay with cash, and a dining room dress code is enforced. See the Touché, February menu right here.

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LockKeepers
8001 Rockside Road, Valley View, 216-524-9404
Carb lovers, rejoice! The pasta is all hand-made at LockKeepers in Valley View, and there are so many options to choose from like ricotta gnocchi, duck Bolognese, lasagna and butternut squash ravioli. The space itself is wonderful for those looking for a spectacular view of the Cuyahoga River. Lockkeepers is the flagship restaurant of Savour Hospitality, the people behind Marble Room. It opened in 1992.

White Oaks Restaurant
777 Cahoon Rd, Westlake, 440-835-3090
Known for its less-than-legal history during the Prohibition era, White Oaks Restaurant has been serving up exactly what the people want since 1928. And that includes a romantic atmosphere, especially when you’re seated close to the fireplace. Food selections, too, can get old school with options like escargots, beef wellington and venison.

FOX 8 CHOICES

Swensons Drive-in
Multiple Northeast Ohio locations, including in Seven Hills, Brooklyn and University Heights
To be clear, multiple viewers voted for this local drive-in burger chain as one of the most romantic around. And we can see why. Not only are the deliciously juicy burgers some of the best on the planet, but you get to park in a car with the one you like/love/hope to maybe marry while waiting for your meal. Plus, they’re open late. Remember: LeBron James isn’t wrong: it’s always right to want a Swenson’s burger.

Cloak and Dagger
2399 West 11th Street, Cleveland, 216-795-5657
Talk about mood lighting. It’s dark, very dark in this Tremont neighborhood cocktail bar (for those trying to get close to one another). But it’s not just the plush ambiance and the creative beverages people come wide and far for, it’s also the vegan kitchen. The winter menu includes dishes such as Moroccan chickpea stew, mushroom stroganoff and, of course, house popcorn. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

Ginko Restaurant
2247 Professor Ave B, Cleveland, 216-274-1202
It is another Tremont neighborhood restaurant on the list, but hear us out. Sure, you’re not getting a view of a body of water or a historic location, it’s in a basement after all, but you are getting an intimate, up-close-and-personal experience watching the sushi chefs craft dishes for you. Brought to you by chef Dante Boccuzzi (whose upstairs Dante restaurant is also to be considered for this list), this is truly some of the best sushi in town.

Batuqui
12706 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, 216-801-0227 AND 17 East Orange Street, Chagrin Falls, 440-600-2122
This Brazilian restaurant first opened on the east side of Cleveland in 2015, but has since opened a Chagrin Falls locale. Both are housed inside stunning, old buildings and offer that mix of charm and warmth you’re looking for when trying to impress a date. Entrees include high-end meats and seafood along with traditional rice, beans and fried plantains. Don’t forget to order a Caiprinha, a traditional Brazilian cocktail, to wash it all down.

Mia Bella Restaurant
12200 Mayfield Road, 216-795-2355
Does anything say romance as much as Cleveland’s Little Italy? While you really can’t go wrong anywhere in the neighborhood, we wanted to shine a spotlight on Mia Bella Restaurant, which continues to serve up tasty Italian fare with a dash of Albanian inspiration. The menu has something for all bank account sizes, with options ranging from pizza to whole branzino. Want to really go wild? Get the seafood tower.

LAST THING

Remember to always make a reservation when applicable and note that a 20% tip should be baseline at these restaurants. If you have no problem spending upwards of a $100 on a wonderful meal, you’ll have no problem taking care of the people who made it all possible.

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