Romantic Picks to Match the Mood

By Mina Williams

Lover's Lanes in Seattle can be found at a multitude of romantic restaurants around the city. The key to romantic spots is in selecting the locale to match the mood.

What makes romance? Always in the heart of the beholder, whether big or small, a grand café or a hide-a-way these mood makers are sure to stir the soul when next you want to have a connection of the hearts.

One person's idea of romance might be Canlis (2576 Aurora Ave N, 206.283.3313) with its sweeping views from the hilltop and sensuous island atmosphere. Another person's notion could be waterside tacos at Agua Verde (1303 NE Boat St., 206.545.8570) followed by renting a kayak for a tandem adventure on Portage Bay.

Top Tips:

I Love Sushi
1001 Fairview Ave N.
206.625.9604
Dinner: $11-$20

This Lake Union spot marries the freshest of fish with gorgeous views and a lakeside deck. Daytime or nighttime the ambiance delights.

Nishino
3130 E. Madison St.
206.322.5800
Dinner: $20 and under

To cement your intentions select the Chef's Choice presented with gold leaf on sushi. Otherwise, traditional options – salmon, shrimp, tuna – pair with more adventuresome delights – salty surf clam, geoduck. Multi-course offerings take the guessing out of ordering.

Shiro's
2401 Second Ave.
|206.443-9844
Dinner: $18-$23

Belltown's basic best sushi.

Wild Ginger
1401 Third Ave.
206.623.4450
Dinner: $21-$30

Pan-Asian fusion icon, the dark woods and deep colors create a lush feeling. Open for late night dining. Privacy seekers should direct their dates to the upstairs lounge and let the candlelight frame the evening.

Café Juanita
9702 NE 120th Pl., Kirkland
425.823.1505
Dinner: $40 and up

Romance is in the air at this Eastside restaurant. Local lush ingredients paired with perfect preparations take the guess work out of ordering. American cuisine with Italian and French influences.

Carmelita (closed)
7314 Greenwood Avenue North
206.706.7703
Dinner: $16 - $20

Vegetarian fare made from scratch using organic ingredients. Ask to be seated in the intimate Carmelita Salon or, in warmer weather, on the peaceful outdoor garden patio with fresh herbs scenting the scene.

Dahlia Lounge
2001 4th Ave.
206.682.4142
Dinner: $31 - $40

Lush crimson and Chinese lanterns set the sultry tone of this Seattle icon. Innovative Northwest food without being precious.

Marjorie
1412 E Union
206.441.9842
Dinner: $31 - $40

The globe-trotting menu offers something for just about everyone – Thai, American South, African. Warm colors, steel bar, and great cocktails.

Melting Pot
14 Mercer St
206.378.1208
Dinner: $21-$30

Classic fondue. The double-sided fireplace of the Lower Queen Anne location harkens memories of ski trips. The double-dipping action in the secluded booths offers interaction.

Café Flora
2901 E Madison St
206.325.9100
Dinner: $20 - $30

Glamorous surroundings, meat-free fare. Lush plantings in atrium rooms make for the perfect romance-inspired seating adjacent to a babbling fountain. Recipes are developed and dishes prepared so even carnivores won't miss the meat.

Il Terrazzo Carmine
411 First Ave. S.
206.467.7797
Dinner: $20 - $40

Here a quiet table for two is not the exception. Classic Italian in Pioneer Square served by professional-grade waiters. Tried and true favorites stand the test of time. A spot where "Northwest casual" attire is frowned upon.

Tulio
At the Vintage Park Hotel
1100 Fifth Ave
206.624.5500
Dinner: $20 - $30

Intimate, cozy, Italian. Three things combined to make romance. Rustic, authentic recipes using local ingredients. Patio on Fifth Avenue makes for fine people watching.

Café Lago
2305 24th Ave E.
206.329.8005
Dinner: $21 to $30

House-made pastas paired with a heavenly tomato sauce are the makings of the legendary lasagna. Stroll the Arboretum before or après your meal.

Pink Door
1919 Post Alley
206.443.3241
Dinner: $31 - $40

Italian fare presented in an anti-slick dining room where the tables are covered with oil cloth and water is served in plastic glasses while antique mirrors reflect the sultry colors of the space. An outdoor deck presents a cozy spot to watch ferries slip across the water.

IL Bistro
93 Pike St
206.682.3049
Dinner: $31 - $40

When you close your eyes its as if you were in Tuscany. This dimly lit dining grotto, under the Pike Place Market, serves up a rack of lamb made by Cupid himself. Ask for the table furthest from the bar that is tucked in the corner.

Serafina (see full review in "Restaurants" section)
2043 Eastlake Ave E
206.323.0807
Dinner: $20 - $30

A dim, candlelit dining room sets the tone and the rustic Italian fare seals the deal. On warm evenings, ask for a seat on the patio. Despite close-by diners, it's as if you are on your own, personal patio with just the summer night's hum and occasional kitchen sounds providing a backdrop for a kiss.

Assaggio Ristorante
2010 Fourth Ave
206.441.1399
Dinner: $15 - $20

Cheese-filled ravioli with scallops and cheese sauce. How much more romance is needed? Ambiance here is perfect for a small chat and getting-to-know-you dinner conversation over well-prepared dishes.

The Herbfarm
14590 NE 145th St., Woodinville
425.485.5300
Dinner: $150 - $190

It's a really extravagant dinner party, and you don't have to being a hostess gift! Most diners are celebrating something, an anniversary, a birthday. Romance is in the air. Snuggle into the cozy seats at The Herbfarm and delight in the nine-course dinner, paired with wine, among the opulent and whimsical surroundings with the lilt of classical guitar playing in the background for the evening. Yes, the evening down to the sweet treats served up with coffee after dessert. Dinner lasts about four and one-half hours. Reservations are highly recommended. Later, take advantage of the adjacent Willow's Lodge. The Herbfarm has two specially designed view rooms that can be booked for the night in conjunction with your dinner.

Barking Frog at Willow's Lodge
14580 NE 145^th St., Woodinville
425.424.2999
Dinner: $30 - $50

The fireplace in the center of the restaurant sets the mood, then the food seals the deal. Seafood is perfectly prepared, the wine list offers a huge number of by-the-glass selections in addition to bottles and then there are meaty dishes so that both Venus and Mars will be satisfied. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it a perfect starting or ending spot for a day of wine tasting in Woodinville. Being across the driveway from Willow's Lodge makes it easy to extend your stay to enjoy the pastoral surroundings and the Lodge's spa.

Willow's Lodge
14580 NE 145th St. Woodinville
425.424.2999

With its high-toned woodsy feel, The Willow's Lodge oozes tranquility. The rooms are appointed with high tech wonders that monitor water temperature and audio ambiance. Down the hall the spa offers full services to relax, unwind and open up for the romance to follow. A special "Do Not Disturb" package ($495 per couple) includes overnight accommodations and dinner in the Barking Frog. While you are dining, your tub is filled with bubbles and rose petals and then topped with our special  "in-tub dining tray" with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, warm chocolate, a plate for fresh oysters, champagne and candles.

The Hunt Club at the Hotel Sorrento
900 Madison St
206.343.6156
Dinner: $25 - $30

Comfy cozy is the Hunt Club with bolster pillows and feathery booths. During sunny weather the drive is transformed into an Italian piazza with all the romance of a trattoria. Extend your evening by taking dessert or after dinner dinks in the Fireside Room. Then there are always the recently renovated rooms upstairs.

The Georgian Room at the Fairmont (being reimagined 2020)
411 University St
206.621.7889
Dinner: $30 - $40

Since the 1920s The Georgian Room has been a spot where Seattle couples celebrate. While offering a menu packed with local ingredients in a more relaxed setting than in days gone by, the presentation is still refined.

Palomino
1420 Fifth Ave (or 610 Bellevue Way NE)
206.623.1300

Whether lighting or rekindling a fire you can't enter you can't enter Palomino without feeling the heat. This hip urban eatery makes the perfect before or après theatre, event or shopping date. The wood-fired menu items bring the trill of the grill to the table. For a quick snack share an order of Gorgonzola fries and two flutes of Domaine Ste Michelle sparkling wine for $14.95. A bottle with fries is $29.95.

Salish Lodge & Spa at Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie
425.831.6517
Dinner: $20 - $50

The crashing waters of Snoqualmie Falls as heard from the Salish Lodge makes the heart beat faster. Romantic private rooms are available to dine in. One presents three sides of windows, another a bird's eye view of the falls. After dinner select a simple dessert or offerings from the cheese trolley's creamy delights or choose the gourmet European hot chocolate service.

Café Campagne
86 Pine St
206.728.2800
Dinner: $20 - $25

This romantic hide-a-way tucked into the Pike Place Market by the Inn at the Market lets the Franch do best what the French do…romance. Secluded tables, casual elegance and warm tones sooth the soul at Cafe Campange's alley level. Cassoulet for two is sure to set the tone for sharing.

Maximilien in the Market
81A Pike Street
206.682.7270
Dinner: $16 - $30

Charming French bistro tucked into the nether region of Pike Place Market. The two-story restaurant offers one of the best sunset viewing spots Seattle has to offer. Time-honored French fare. Another date option is, following Market crawling on a Sunday morning, Max's for crepes.

Brasserie Margaux
401 Lenora St in the Warwick Hotel
206.777.1990
Dinner: $16 - $26

The fanciful atmosphere with chandeliers, domed dining room ceiling, open kitchen and bold-striped coverings set a festive tone, while the booths create a soothing atmosphere perfect for cuddling. Efficient staff serving Northwest foods in a French centric fashion.

Andaluca
At the Mayflower Park Hotel
407 Olive Way
206.382.6999
Dinner: $31 - $40

Dimly lit dining in a rosewood paneled room is the backdrop for this Spanish-inspired restaurant that provides privacy to let the sparks fly. Spanish wines and sherries punctuate the passion of the Mediterranean.

El Gaucho (closed - visit Bellevue or Portland; new Seattle location coming fall of 2020)
2501 1st Ave
206.728.1337
Dinner: $40 and up

A spot to impress your guest. Swanky steak house with tableside preparations. Cozy booths. The upper level booths are for love birds and have a view of the entire restaurant. Ask for a mink banquet for ultimate loving luxury. After dinner, dance the night away downstairs in the Pampas Room.

Metropolitan Grill
820 Second Ave.
206.624.3287
Dinner: $40 and up

Terrific steak. Seafood entrees present something for those seeking a lighter fare.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
727 Pine St, Grand Hyatt Hotel
206.624.8524

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565 Bellevue Sq.
425.451.1550
Dinner: $30 and up

Dark colors, dense carpet, crisp linen. A classic spot to take your date if beef makes his or her heart race. Presented at the table sizzling, steaks stay warm through the entire meal. Veal, lamb, chicken and fish options present something for everyone. Classic Southern-hospitality, as one would expect from the New Orleans-based restaurant group. In Bellevue ask for a cozy corner table. In Seattle select from booths in the restaurant's "Lover's Lane."

Daniel's Broiler
809 Fairview Pl N
206.621.8262

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200 Lake Washington Blvd
206.329.4191

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10500 NE 8th St
425.462.4662

Dinner: $25 and up

On Lake Union lush draperies, a copper-hooded fireplace and views to turn even the most jaded head. Classic steak house plus. The Lake Washington location gives floor to ceiling views of the lake and Mount Rainier. Over in Bellevue, the 21 floor loft makes you feel like you are sitting in a castle surveying your kingdom. Piano in bar at all locations for before or after fun.

Anthony's Pier 66
2201 Alaskan Way
206.448.6688
Dinner: $20

If you are looking for sunset views of Elliott Bay will sipping wine with your sweetie, this waterside eatery is a good catch.

Canlis Restaurant
2576 Aurora Ave N
206.283.3313
$40 and up

You don't know where to look! The restaurant's interior, smooth and soothing; the restaurant's view, Lake Union spilling into the dining room; into your dining partner's eyes. A traditional Seattle stunner on all counts. Simply prepared dishes served with efficient professionalism. This is one spot where you can catch the romantic spirit. Oftentimes there is at least one lad on a knee tableside. Ultimate intimacy can be had in the private dining rooms on the restaurant's upper level.

Palisade (see full review in "Restaurants" section)
2601 W Marina Pl
206.285.1000
Dinner: $25 and up

Stunning views from this Magnolia spot are just the start of your experience at Palisade. A Polynesian-inspired menu and fun cocktails transport you to the tropics. While some lovers request a waterside table, there are some "hot" spots among the lush plantings alongside the extensive indoor pond full of aquatic life. Be prepared to feel comfortable. No trendy stuff here.

Ray's Boathouse, Café & Catering
6049 Seaview Ave NW
206.789.3770
Dinner: $25

Romantic celebration central, Ray's offers the best Olympic Mountain/sunset view in town. Whether you select the Boathouse's main dining room or the more casual upstairs café the world will be your oyster. Observed once: A cuddling couple on the café's upper deck huddled beneath a restaurant-supplied blanket sipping wine and sharing a hamburger. Downstairs, diners are loving the new bar and dining areas.

Salty's on Alki
1936 Harbor Ave SW
206.937.1600
Dinner: $25

When you want the city at your feet, select Salty's on Alki and ask for a window seat. Comfortable dining experience the relies on good food rather than pretentious service. Live entertainment on weekends. Limo service from downtown hotels available.

AQUA by El Gaucho
2301 Alaskan Way
206.956.9171
Dinner: $30 and up

This gorgeous, warmly elegant restaurant takes full advantage of its waterfront location at the tip of Pier 70. The Waterfront's floor-to-ceiling windows showcase breathtaking 270 degree views of Elliott Bay, Magnolia Bluff and the Space Needle. Marvelous outdoor dining is featured during Seattle's brilliant summertime evenings. Live piano music adds a touch of glamour.