Find Love in all the Right Places at Seattle’s 12 Most Romantic Restaurants

The Emerald City's local restaurants show people that - with the right Côtes du Rhône, a few briny bivalves, and a little mood lighting - nobody needs to go loveless in Seattle. Swoop a date off on a whirlwind night in not-quite Greece, set the stage for a monumental moment with seafood, or share a plate of noodles to celebrate a special occasion.

Even though most people in town consider "the fancy flannel" dressing up, these spots will serve you a splash of something sexy whether you sparkle in sequins or come in for passion in your pajamas. From underground caverns with live music to spicy Korean-inspired steakhouses, Seattle's most romantic restaurants bring something for every type of suitor or spouse.

Il Bistro (Pike Place Market)

This dim, candle-lit space nestled beneath the iconic Pike Place Market embraces diners in an aura of intrigue. Buzzing with more than 45 years of stolen moments over sexy amaro cocktails, the ambience seems designed for love, while the menu combines Tuscan classics with local ingredients to make diners swoon - over the food and their date - with just the hushed environment needed for a meaningful moment.

Dining at the restaurant: Il Bistro opens the doors to its semi-underground lair Thursday through Monday, with live music most Thursday nights and a late-night happy hour that starts at 10pm and 10:30pm on weekends.

Takeout: Il Bistro offers takeout service; call the restaurant to place an order.

wa'z (Belltown)

Japanese kaiseki is all about aesthetics, meaning not just a beautiful and delicious meal, but also a balanced one so you feel really great even at the end of many courses of watching the chefs work their magic right in front of you. Every bite of local seafood, meat, and produce looks like a piece of art, but fits together into the puzzle of a seasonal meal adhering to the traditional Japanese menu structure. The finesse and finery set the ultimate stage for impressing a certain someone.

Dining at the restaurant: Eat at the chef's counter or at one of the tables; everyone gets the same food (barring dietary restrictions and allergies): a nine-course progression of kaiseki dishes that capture the exact moment in time in the Seattle food calendar, interpreted through Japanese kaiseki techniques.

Takeout: Order takeout through the restaurant's website to get a toned-down version of the kaiseki menu, beautifully presented and easily transported in a box. wa'z also offers a few additional menu items, including a tray of temaki (hand rolls), a hot pot meal for two, and rice bowls with fish or meat.

Single Shot (Capitol Hill)

This breathtaking restaurant, dominated by a big marble bar, keeps the intimate space beautifully lit and, by nature of being adults-only, peacefully mature. The je-ne-sais-quoi that makes it such a comfortable place to sip Champagne and nibble on snacks comes as much from the stunning design as the service, which offers drink suggestions like they're letting a friend in on an exciting secret. The menu of vegetable-driven starters and meatier mains makes Single Shot work for a light meal or a longer date - and the perfect place for when you don't know where the night might take you, but you hope it never ends.

Dining at the restaurant: The small space has limited seating at the single row of tables and the long bar that mirrors it, along with some sidewalk tables when weather permits.

Takeout: The food menu and some cocktails are available as takeout, and wines with to-go orders get a 30 percent discount. Order through the restaurant's website.

Joule (Wallingford)

This spicy take on the classic steakhouse, infused with Korean flavors and modern, chef-driven techniques, makes a fun way to add some sizzle to a celebratory evening. Chef Rachel Yang serves high-quality cuts of meat paired with her innovative takes on side dishes, such as the grilled kimchi with short ribs or the yellow curry and cornbread panzanella served with grass-fed rib eye. The broad menu keeps plenty of options open for pescatarians and vegetarians, too.

Dining at the restaurant: Joule's current home in the Fremont Collective boasts bold colors and updates the traditional wood-heavy look of the standard steakhouse. The large, leafy patio offers plenty of outdoor seating.

Takeout: Joule's full menu is available for takeout by calling the restaurant or through the website.

Sushi Kappo Tamura (Eastlake)

Sit side-by-side with your special someone and sip some sake at this sustainability focused spot, all while the passionate chef hands over slices of salmon sashimi. The lively space and open kitchen make it all the more fun to watch Taichi Kitamura use seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients and Japanese techniques to put together impressive sushi-centered meals.

Dining at the restaurant: The blonde wood and calm atmosphere give the restaurant a timelessly cool ambience, and there are a few sidewalk tables out front.

Takeout: Sushi Kappo Tamura offers the full menu for takeout or delivery.

Spinasse (Capitol Hill)

Casual but precise, this cozy Piedmont-inspired trattoria exchanges showiness for perfection. Simple dishes such as the signature hand-cut noodles with butter and sage or roasted carrots in barolo vinegar make it an easy delight while the extensive wine list and excellent cocktails lift Spinasse from any occasion to special status. The tasting menu offers a chance to eat through the whole menu without breaking the bank, plus takes the pressure of choice off the table.

Dining at the restaurant: While the warm lighting and lace curtains give a homey feel, the professional service keeps everything a bit more formal.

Takeout: Spinasse offers the full menu for takeout or delivery.

Electric Cello (Georgetown)

When a gin company opens a small-plates spot, the cocktails are good and the atmosphere is - as the name implies - electric. Kick off dinner with the ultimate in romantic apps, an oyster and vodka pairing flight, and continue the romp with a second set of little bites paired with mini-cocktails. Rife with local ingredients, particularly seafood, the small plates section of the menu also brings in Nordic flavors that work well with gin - sharp, floral, and herbal, such as lingonberry, beet, and tarragon. Pick from the acoustic or electric selections of cocktails and prepare to make music with the person you like the most.

Dining at the restaurant: A big front window onto the street gives it the feeling of a fun party, with the diners as part of the cool crowd inside.

Takeout:Electric Cello does not offer takeout at this time.

Pizzeria 22 (Alki)

The appetizers take the meal at this thin-crust Neapolitan specialist up a notch from a typical pizza place, with dishes such as veal meatballs and a prosciutto platter. A true locals' spot, Pizzeria 22 feels warm, inviting, and casual in the kind of way that feels like eating at home - but with someone else to make your pancetta pizza, pour your Italian wine, and do the dishes. Pizzeria 22 proves that a romantic restaurant doesn't have to be fancy, ideal for a low-key date night with a touch of excitement.

Dining at the restaurant: The long hallway of a dining space makes this spot feel alternately like crashing an Italian dinner party and an intimate gathering of just you and your date at a neighborhood spot in Rome.

Takeout: The full menu is available for takeout by calling the restaurant or delivery via third-party apps.

Omega Ouzeri (Pike/Pine)

"Let's pretend we're in Greece," invites the menu in this gorgeous white-walled, multi-level restaurant, which feels far from Seattle's damp and dark days. Dishes such as grilled octopus and whole sea bass make Omega Ouzeri great for sharing a moment gazing out at the colors, sounds, and smells of elsewhere and imagining that you are eating a romantic rooftop dinner in the Cyclades.

Dining at the restaurant: Transport yourselves to an island in the airy blue and white space, which makes up for what it lacks in intimacy with verve.

Takeout: Omega Ouzeri offers the full menu as delivery or takeout.

Cafe Campagne (Pike Place Market)

Vibrant colors and soft lighting match the rich food and gentle service at this classic French bistro tucked into the heart of Seattle's famous Pike Place Market. Cassoulet, escargot, and steak frites transport diners to the Parisian sidewalk table of their dreams in the evenings, and the wine list completes the journey with simple, intriguing offerings from lesser-known wine regions of France, such as rosé from Ardèche or pet nat from Bergerac. Order two glasses, share a bottle, and toast to a momentous occasion, like an anniversary, third date, or Friday.

Dining at the restaurant: Sit down in the restaurant's wooden banquettes or the chairs that face them in the dining room full of wine-inspired decor, or take your meal on the slim patio that runs in front of the restaurant, separated from Post Alley by a low wrought-iron fence.

Takeout: Cafe Campagne offers a limited menu for takeout that includes many of its classics. Find the abbreviated options on the restaurant's website.

Bateau (Pike/Pine)

Sustainability is sexy, and this stunning French-inspired steakhouse from local star chef Renee Erickson shows how to use the full animal in swoonworthy and simple prepreperations. The centerpiece beef board hanging on the wall lists that day's unique cuts of grass-fed, dry-aged meat and where it came from. The sides include steakhouse standards, but approached in a slightly French, mostly seasonal way - kale gratin with aged cheddar - and fresh, creative appetizers such as chickpea salad or chicories with apple.

Dining at the restaurant: The bright white walls and narrow spaces give Bateau a friendly, secretive feel any time, but aim for early in the night for the widest selection from the chalkboard of beef.

Takeout: Bateau offers cook-at-home options for its impressive burger, renowned steaks, and some sides; order through the website.

Plum Bistro (Pike/Pine)

This spot from the one-time personal chef for Stevie Wonder makes sure dietary restrictions never get in the way of enjoyment. Makini Howell, a life-long vegan and chef, opened this place more than ten years ago, giving the city an upscale comfort food option that doesn't rely on animal products for its rich sauces and deep flavors, in dishes such lemon-ricotta ravioli or black truffle sweet potato gnocchi.

Dining at the restaurant: The bright, modern space bustles with people, creating a festive atmosphere for any type of celebration. Call for a reservation.

Takeout: Plum offers its full menu for takeout, with delivery available through the restaurant's website.

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