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a wide shot of a cocktail round with two blue velvet tufted chairs against a dark navy wall — Southern Belle.

16 Restaurants for a Romantic Night Out in Atlanta

Table for two?

by Eater Staff Updated Jan 18, 2024, 8:58am EST

View as Map

Southern Belle.

| Andrew Thomas Lee

by Eater Staff Updated Jan 18, 2024, 8:58am EST

Whether it’s an intimate, candlelit dinner for two or simply a weekly night out on the town with someone special, Atlanta offers plenty of great date night and romantic restaurant destinations. This list contains everything from romantic restaurants with gorgeous wine lists and dimly lit cocktail lounges to intimate cafes and bistros for a casual brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Don’t see a favorite date night restaurant or bar listed? Send Eater the details via the tipline.

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The Farmhouse

Escape the hustle and bustle of Atlanta and book a room at the Inn at Serenbe for a romantic weekend getaway. Dine on Southern dishes throughout lunch and dinner paired with wine and cocktails in the quaint dining room at the Farmhouse restaurant. Think tempura okra, blue nose snapper with sunchoke puree, romanesco, turnips and bok choy, buttermilk fried chicken, and chocolate mousse cake for dessert.

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

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Also featured in:

Spring Restaurant

The tight menu of dishes at chef Brian So’s Marietta restaurant showcases each season and changes frequently. Spring’s carefully selected list of wines are meant for pairing with So’s beautifully composed food. While the grape varietals may lean toward the familiar, many wines are organic, biodynamic, or simply hard to find retail. The small dining room here is cozy, warm, and intimate, so reservations are necessary.

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36 Mill St, Marietta, GA 30060

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Also featured in:

Volare Wine & Bistro

Volare Bistro mixes elegance in an understated location overlooking the train tracks in historic Hapeville. This is also reflected in the dishes here, which lean Southern-French in nature. Think grilled shrimp with Havarti polenta, potato-crusted chicken Marsala, grilled Australian lamb chops with Calabrian honey drizzle, and pan-seared chickpea cakes.

603 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354

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Also featured in:

Parlor

This petite and inviting cocktail den in historic Castleberry Hill is named for and fashioned after the room found in most 19th-century homes, where people gather following dinner for intimate conversation over drinks and light bites. Earlier in the evening, Parlor is quieter and less crowded, offering plenty of cozy spots in which to enjoy a cocktail with that special someone before moving on to your next destination.

249-A Peters St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

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Also featured in:

Lyla Lila

The casual elegance and warm ambiance of Lyla Lila is befitting a romantic dinner for two, whether in the cozy dining room or seated at the dimly lit bar. Order everything from cold-smoked scallops to duck lasagna to wood-grilled mushrooms at Lyla Lila, all created by chef Craig Richards and his team. This is the spot for people looking for a great Italian meal in Atlanta paired with equally great wine and cocktails, especially before a show at the Fox Theatre.

693 Peachtree St NE UNIT 118, Atlanta, GA 30308

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Also featured in:

Le Bon Nosh

During the day, Le Bon Nosh in Buckhead is a lively cafe inspired by those found throughout Paris. But, in the evenings, the cafe transforms into a bistro and wine bar perfect for a romantic evening out. Prep the palate with a fresh crudite plate or dive into a bowl of Parmesan herb fries. Then, share a dish of pappardelle bolognese or the grilled red snapper served with olive gremolata and an herb salad. End the meal with a cheese and fruit platter or a slice of decadent chocolate bonet for dessert. Wine at Le Bon Nosh definitely leans French, with bottles ranging from toasty champagnes and plucky chenin blancs to beautifully balanced cabernet francs and bold Bordeaux blends.

65 Irby Ave NW Suite 103, Atlanta, GA 30305

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Also featured in:

Lucian Books and Wine

For couples who love wine (and books), Lucian Books and Wine is a must for a romantic evening out in Buckhead. Carrying over 250 wines by the bottle and 15 wines by the glass, start off a meal here with fresh oysters served with Asian pear and pink peppercorn or crispy polenta, before moving on to the ricotta gnudi or roast duck with squash, hazelnut, and black garlic. Be sure to order the fries with a glass of champagne, too. Books for sale at Lucian center around art, design, food, and culture.

3005 Peachtree Rd NE Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30305

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Also featured in:

Aria

Aria continues to be one of Buckhead’s top date night destinations. After years of serving as a white tablecloth fine dining establishment, chef Gerry Klaskala remodeled the restaurant to appeal to a younger generation of diners. There’s now a bar and lounge for drinks and snacks for an impromptu evening out. The kitchen consistently serves Aria favorites, like butter braised lobster, slow braised pork, and lump crab cakes. Aria continues to carry the city’s most comprehensive wine list, too.

490 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

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Also featured in:

BoccaLupo

Inman Park restaurant BoccaLupo quickly became a neighborhood favorite and a date night destination restaurant when it opened in 2013. Head in for the fresh, handmade pasta (the black spaghetti and the 20-yolk tagliatelle are now Atlanta classics,) stay for the wine and cocktails. Chef Bruce Logue also offers a four-course pasta tasting menu each night. Grab seats at the small bar or a table for two by the windows in the dining room.

753 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Osteria Mattone

Osteria Mattone, from brothers Ryan and Dan Pernice, brings Rome to the heart of Roswell’s historic district. An intimate restaurant inside and out (yurt dining is back for its fourth year), start the meal with a meat and cheese board or burrata. For dinner, consider ordering the cacio e pepe, tagliolini bolognese with beef ragu, or braised short rib-stuffed ravioli with butter sauce and savory jus. The restaurant also serves courses of fish like grilled branzino, as well as meat entrees, including a breaded chicken scallopini with roasted Brussels sprouts and a lemon-caper butter sauce. Cap off the night with budino caramellato (caramel bread pudding) paired with a glass of franciacorta rose or vermouth. Osteria Mattone’s sister restaurant across the street, Table & Main, is another romantic dinner option offering Southern favorites paired with whiskey cocktails.

1095 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075

Visit Website

Also featured in:

La Tavola Trattoria

This Virginia-Highland restaurant institution is a neighborhood trattoria in every sense of the word. Couples looking for a romantic Italian dinner should try and score a table for two by the front windows. Tucked inside a cozy and narrow dining room, order a bottle of red and begin the meal with a salumi board and olives with fresh bread or a Caesar salad (add anchovies). For dinner, split some spaghetti with veal meatballs, tagliolini with mushroom ragu, truffle oil and pecorino Romano, or tagliatelle bolognese with a side of fingerling potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts. Pastas come in both appetizer and entree-sized portions, making dinner easy to share. Cap off the night with some house limoncello and olive oil cake with ricotta filling and fresh satsuma or the chevre cheesecake with an amaretti crust topped with roasted morello cherries.

992 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Southern Belle

With its low-key cozy vibes, great soundtrack, and menu of “authentically Atlanta” dishes from chef Joey Ward, Southern Belle is refined without being pretentious. It’s how Atlantans like to dine. Think dishes such as roasted pork belly with sweet potato macaire, Dr. Pepper, braised prunes and savory pecan granola. Adding a little theater to date night, some cocktails are even prepared table side from a Delta beverage cart, like the Tears in the Club, made with tequila, Campari, grapefruit and sweet vermouth. While there’s definitely buzzy energy here, couples will find the din in the dining room at Southern Belle unobtrusive, allowing people to still carry on intimate conversations without feeling the need to shout across the table. A lounge area with comfortable seating in front of the bar is great for grabbing an after-dinner drink or glass of champagne.

1043 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Wisteria

Located on the edge of Inman Park, Wisteria is a great spot for couples seeking low-key, cozy dining and creative takes on Southern classics made with what’s in season right now. Owned and operated by chef Jason Hill, begin the meal with pimento cheese deviled eggs and crab cakes or cornmeal-fried Gulf oysters and a salad. Next, order entrees like iron skillet fried chicken, molasses-rubbed pork tenderloin, or shrimp and grits. Paired it all with a whiskey cocktail or a bottle of wine. During the spring and summer months, Wisteria offers outdoor seating on its side patio, complete with the warm glow of string lights.

471 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Gigi's Italian Kitchen & Restaurant

With the departure of Gato, pop-up Gigi’s Italian Kitchen took over the space permanently in August, finally becoming a full-fledged restaurant in Candler Park. But the unfussy vibe Gato first created in the cozy neighborhood spot a decade ago continues to live on at Gigi’s. With lights turned down low and red checkered linens draped on tables punctuated by candlelight and flowers, Gigi’s delivers on romance and traditional red sauce dishes using in-season produce and fresh pastas that first made the pop-up popular with regulars.

1660 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Cafe Alsace

This small cafe offers a quiet, romantic escape from Decatur’s busy dining scene. The menu offers traditional French and Alsatian dishes (northeastern France) such as quiche, spaetzle (egg noodles), choucroute garnie (sauerkraut, sausages, potatoes), and sandwiches like the mauricettes made with pretzel bread. The wine list is a lovely mix of both French and Alsatian bottles with affordable price points.

121 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Kimball House

Kick off date night with Southern and Gulf water oysters and champagne at happy hour, then stay for a meal and continue the evening by sharing local vegetable and fish dishes or a steak dinner for two. The award-winning Decatur restaurant’s wine list is equally impressive, and includes everything from Champagne to big, bold reds. Reservations required.

303 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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The Farmhouse

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Escape the hustle and bustle of Atlanta and book a room at the Inn at Serenbe for a romantic weekend getaway. Dine on Southern dishes throughout lunch and dinner paired with wine and cocktails in the quaint dining room at the Farmhouse restaurant. Think tempura okra, blue nose snapper with sunchoke puree, romanesco, turnips and bok choy, buttermilk fried chicken, and chocolate mousse cake for dessert.

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Visit Website

Spring Restaurant

36 Mill St, Marietta, GA 30060

The tight menu of dishes at chef Brian So’s Marietta restaurant showcases each season and changes frequently. Spring’s carefully selected list of wines are meant for pairing with So’s beautifully composed food. While the grape varietals may lean toward the familiar, many wines are organic, biodynamic, or simply hard to find retail. The small dining room here is cozy, warm, and intimate, so reservations are necessary.

Open in Google Maps

36 Mill St, Marietta, GA 30060

Visit Website

Volare Wine & Bistro

603 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354

Volare Bistro mixes elegance in an understated location overlooking the train tracks in historic Hapeville. This is also reflected in the dishes here, which lean Southern-French in nature. Think grilled shrimp with Havarti polenta, potato-crusted chicken Marsala, grilled Australian lamb chops with Calabrian honey drizzle, and pan-seared chickpea cakes.

603 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354

Visit Website

Parlor

249-A Peters St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

This petite and inviting cocktail den in historic Castleberry Hill is named for and fashioned after the room found in most 19th-century homes, where people gather following dinner for intimate conversation over drinks and light bites. Earlier in the evening, Parlor is quieter and less crowded, offering plenty of cozy spots in which to enjoy a cocktail with that special someone before moving on to your next destination.

249-A Peters St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Visit Website

Lyla Lila

693 Peachtree St NE UNIT 118, Atlanta, GA 30308

The casual elegance and warm ambiance of Lyla Lila is befitting a romantic dinner for two, whether in the cozy dining room or seated at the dimly lit bar. Order everything from cold-smoked scallops to duck lasagna to wood-grilled mushrooms at Lyla Lila, all created by chef Craig Richards and his team. This is the spot for people looking for a great Italian meal in Atlanta paired with equally great wine and cocktails, especially before a show at the Fox Theatre.

693 Peachtree St NE UNIT 118, Atlanta, GA 30308

Visit Website

Le Bon Nosh

65 Irby Ave NW Suite 103, Atlanta, GA 30305

During the day, Le Bon Nosh in Buckhead is a lively cafe inspired by those found throughout Paris. But, in the evenings, the cafe transforms into a bistro and wine bar perfect for a romantic evening out. Prep the palate with a fresh crudite plate or dive into a bowl of Parmesan herb fries. Then, share a dish of pappardelle bolognese or the grilled red snapper served with olive gremolata and an herb salad. End the meal with a cheese and fruit platter or a slice of decadent chocolate bonet for dessert. Wine at Le Bon Nosh definitely leans French, with bottles ranging from toasty champagnes and plucky chenin blancs to beautifully balanced cabernet francs and bold Bordeaux blends.

65 Irby Ave NW Suite 103, Atlanta, GA 30305

Visit Website

Lucian Books and Wine

3005 Peachtree Rd NE Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30305

For couples who love wine (and books), Lucian Books and Wine is a must for a romantic evening out in Buckhead. Carrying over 250 wines by the bottle and 15 wines by the glass, start off a meal here with fresh oysters served with Asian pear and pink peppercorn or crispy polenta, before moving on to the ricotta gnudi or roast duck with squash, hazelnut, and black garlic. Be sure to order the fries with a glass of champagne, too. Books for sale at Lucian center around art, design, food, and culture.

3005 Peachtree Rd NE Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30305

Visit Website

Aria

490 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Aria continues to be one of Buckhead’s top date night destinations. After years of serving as a white tablecloth fine dining establishment, chef Gerry Klaskala remodeled the restaurant to appeal to a younger generation of diners. There’s now a bar and lounge for drinks and snacks for an impromptu evening out. The kitchen consistently serves Aria favorites, like butter braised lobster, slow braised pork, and lump crab cakes. Aria continues to carry the city’s most comprehensive wine list, too.

490 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Visit Website

BoccaLupo

753 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Inman Park restaurant BoccaLupo quickly became a neighborhood favorite and a date night destination restaurant when it opened in 2013. Head in for the fresh, handmade pasta (the black spaghetti and the 20-yolk tagliatelle are now Atlanta classics,) stay for the wine and cocktails. Chef Bruce Logue also offers a four-course pasta tasting menu each night. Grab seats at the small bar or a table for two by the windows in the dining room.

753 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Visit Website

Osteria Mattone

1095 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075

Osteria Mattone, from brothers Ryan and Dan Pernice, brings Rome to the heart of Roswell’s historic district. An intimate restaurant inside and out (yurt dining is back for its fourth year), start the meal with a meat and cheese board or burrata. For dinner, consider ordering the cacio e pepe, tagliolini bolognese with beef ragu, or braised short rib-stuffed ravioli with butter sauce and savory jus. The restaurant also serves courses of fish like grilled branzino, as well as meat entrees, including a breaded chicken scallopini with roasted Brussels sprouts and a lemon-caper butter sauce. Cap off the night with budino caramellato (caramel bread pudding) paired with a glass of franciacorta rose or vermouth. Osteria Mattone’s sister restaurant across the street, Table & Main, is another romantic dinner option offering Southern favorites paired with whiskey cocktails.

1095 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075

Visit Website

La Tavola Trattoria

992 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

This Virginia-Highland restaurant institution is a neighborhood trattoria in every sense of the word. Couples looking for a romantic Italian dinner should try and score a table for two by the front windows. Tucked inside a cozy and narrow dining room, order a bottle of red and begin the meal with a salumi board and olives with fresh bread or a Caesar salad (add anchovies). For dinner, split some spaghetti with veal meatballs, tagliolini with mushroom ragu, truffle oil and pecorino Romano, or tagliatelle bolognese with a side of fingerling potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts. Pastas come in both appetizer and entree-sized portions, making dinner easy to share. Cap off the night with some house limoncello and olive oil cake with ricotta filling and fresh satsuma or the chevre cheesecake with an amaretti crust topped with roasted morello cherries.

992 Virginia Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Visit Website

Southern Belle

1043 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

With its low-key cozy vibes, great soundtrack, and menu of “authentically Atlanta” dishes from chef Joey Ward, Southern Belle is refined without being pretentious. It’s how Atlantans like to dine. Think dishes such as roasted pork belly with sweet potato macaire, Dr. Pepper, braised prunes and savory pecan granola. Adding a little theater to date night, some cocktails are even prepared table side from a Delta beverage cart, like the Tears in the Club, made with tequila, Campari, grapefruit and sweet vermouth. While there’s definitely buzzy energy here, couples will find the din in the dining room at Southern Belle unobtrusive, allowing people to still carry on intimate conversations without feeling the need to shout across the table. A lounge area with comfortable seating in front of the bar is great for grabbing an after-dinner drink or glass of champagne.

1043 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Visit Website

Wisteria

471 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307

Located on the edge of Inman Park, Wisteria is a great spot for couples seeking low-key, cozy dining and creative takes on Southern classics made with what’s in season right now. Owned and operated by chef Jason Hill, begin the meal with pimento cheese deviled eggs and crab cakes or cornmeal-fried Gulf oysters and a salad. Next, order entrees like iron skillet fried chicken, molasses-rubbed pork tenderloin, or shrimp and grits. Paired it all with a whiskey cocktail or a bottle of wine. During the spring and summer months, Wisteria offers outdoor seating on its side patio, complete with the warm glow of string lights.

471 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307

Visit Website

Gigi's Italian Kitchen & Restaurant

1660 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

With the departure of Gato, pop-up Gigi’s Italian Kitchen took over the space permanently in August, finally becoming a full-fledged restaurant in Candler Park. But the unfussy vibe Gato first created in the cozy neighborhood spot a decade ago continues to live on at Gigi’s. With lights turned down low and red checkered linens draped on tables punctuated by candlelight and flowers, Gigi’s delivers on romance and traditional red sauce dishes using in-season produce and fresh pastas that first made the pop-up popular with regulars.

1660 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Visit Website

Cafe Alsace

121 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

This small cafe offers a quiet, romantic escape from Decatur’s busy dining scene. The menu offers traditional French and Alsatian dishes (northeastern France) such as quiche, spaetzle (egg noodles), choucroute garnie (sauerkraut, sausages, potatoes), and sandwiches like the mauricettes made with pretzel bread. The wine list is a lovely mix of both French and Alsatian bottles with affordable price points.

121 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

Visit Website

Related Maps

Kimball House

303 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

Kick off date night with Southern and Gulf water oysters and champagne at happy hour, then stay for a meal and continue the evening by sharing local vegetable and fish dishes or a steak dinner for two. The award-winning Decatur restaurant’s wine list is equally impressive, and includes everything from Champagne to big, bold reds. Reservations required.

303 E Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

Visit Website

Related Maps