A plate with a berry pie and ice cream sits on a black table. Next to it are a bottle and glass of wine. — There’s nothing more romantic than dessert, including this one at Olamaie.

Best Romantic Restaurants in Austin

For cozy corners and memorable dinners, look no further than this guide

by Erin Russell Updated Jan 16, 2025, 8:13am CST

View as Map

There’s nothing more romantic than dessert, including this one at Olamaie.

| Olamaie

by Erin Russell Updated Jan 16, 2025, 8:13am CST

Though Austin is known as a casual, wear-shorts-to-a-steakhouse kind of city, its restaurants can turn up the charm when the occasion calls for it. Here are some of Austin’s most romantic restaurants for celebrating an anniversary, holiday reservations, or making a big impression on a first date.

These Austin restaurants have a combination of features that amp up date night: soft lighting, distinctive ambiance, and of course, great food. This list encompasses romantic spots with a reasonable price point, like Intero or L’oca d’Oro, and spendy spots worth the price tag, like live-fire restaurant Hestia or cozy Southern spot Olamaie, both of which received Michelin stars. Plus, there are the Austin classics — it’s hard to beat a steak at Jeffrey’s or sushi from Uchi.

For more ideas, explore Eater’s picks for date night restaurants, fine dining restaurants, and the best make-out restaurant spots.

DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya

Copy Link

For those who think a quiet dinner sounds stuffy, head to the Rosedale neighborhood Mexican restaurant. The higher-end establishment is a beacon of a good time, from the colorful, lively interior to the exquisite mole poblano. There is indoor dining service.

7301 Burnet Rd Ste 101, Austin, TX 78757

(737) 701-6767

Visit Website

A food cart with dishes in a restaurant. — The cart at DipDipDip Tatsu-ya.

Also featured in:

Fonda San Miguel

Copy Link

For those who think a quiet dinner sounds stuffy, head to the Rosedale neighborhood Mexican restaurant. From the colorful, lively interior to the exquisite mole poblano, the higher-end establishment is a beacon of a good time. There are indoor dine-in services.

2330 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756

(512) 459-4121

Visit Website

A restaurant dining room. — Fonda San Miguel.

Also featured in:

L'Oca d'Oro

Copy Link

For those whose love language is pasta, this Mueller Italian restaurant is a great pick, offering tasty dishes and reasonable prices. The menu includes exceptional fresh mozzarella, seasonal pasta, and desserts. There is a $55 three-course fixed menu for lovers on a budget. It offers indoor and outdoor dining service.

Search for reservations

OpenTable

1900 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723

(737) 212-1876

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Jeffrey's

Copy Link

The fine-dining Clarksville steakhouse offers a modern take on old-school glamour with a martini cart, a roaring fireplace, caviar service, dry-aged steaks, and valet uniforms straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. The plush, cozy booths and impeccable service complete the romantic mood. Be prepared to spend. There is indoor dining.

Search for reservations

OpenTable

1204 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703

(512) 477-5584

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Olamaie

Copy Link

This upscale restaurant offers cozy quarters in an old house, excellent seasonal Southern fare, and great cocktails. Olamaie can claim a Michelin star and James Beard-recognition, thanks to executive chef Michael Fojtasek and chef de cuisine Amanda Turner. Don’t forget to order biscuits. There is indoor and outdoor dining.

1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 474-2796

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Birdie's

Copy Link

This sweet Chestnut neighborhood bistro provides excellent food at a mid-range price point, plus a fun and cozy patio. Check out the fantastic tartare and pasta from James Beard Award finalist Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and the well-curated wine list from her husband, Arjav Ezekiel. Note that Birdie’s doesn’t take reservations, so while it’s great for a last-minute date, there will likely be a line or wait. There is indoor and outdoor dining.

2944 E 12th St Unit A, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

A plate of pasta is on a table with a glass of white wine. A woman sticks a spoon into it to eat.

Also featured in:

Prélude

Copy Link

Chef Mathew Peters, an alum of the legendary California restaurant French Laundry, among other accolades, has proven his ability to create a vibe with Prélude. It’s a luxe spot for cocktails and snacks, with artful chandeliers and cozy seating in a historic former house. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas, with the back lawn offering a romantic view of Downtown Austin.

707 West 10th Street, Austin, Texas 78701

Visit Website

People standing in front of a bar underneath a chandelier.

Also featured in:

Hestia

Copy Link

Live-fire cooking is the focus of this high-end downtown restaurant with a Michelin star, from the crab tart to the smoked mushroom entree. Even the desserts have fired elements, like the candy bar with smoked white chocolate mousse. There are a la carte menus as well as tasting menus for the decision-averse. There are indoor dine-in services.

607 W 3rd St Suite 105, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 333-0737

Visit Website

A plate with oysters on the half shell and sauces sits on the left. To the right is a plate with carpaccio. Above it is a plate with crisp breads.

Also featured in:

Uchi

Copy Link

After 20 years, the Zilker Japanese restaurant is still a leader in the Austin dining scene, with its high-end menu of fresh sushi, sashimi, and other inventive dishes and desserts. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

Search for reservations

SevenRooms

801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 916-4808

Visit Website

A wooden table holds (left to right) a blue plate with salmon on a creamy dip, a board with nigiri made with various fish, and a white plate with tuna in a dark sauce.

Also featured in:

Intero

Copy Link

This mid-range Italian spot in the Holly neighborhood serves creative, ever-changing Italian-inspired fare. Expect dishes like ricotta gnocchi with duck confit, slow-roasted porchetta, and pizzas from chef Ian Thurwachter and exceptional chocolates from co-owner and pastry chef Krystal Craig. Intero has gorgeous tables, a long wooden bar, and a cute patio with string lights, so there’s not a bad seat in the house.

2612 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

A wooden table holds multiple dishes, including pasta, hummus, crudo, and vegetables.

Also featured in:

Justine's

Copy Link

A favorite of visiting celebrities for a reason, the East Austin French restaurant is definitely a place that respects privacy — no one will mind or even notice if your table becomes a little over-amorous. The boisterous restaurant is known for cocktails, steak frites, escargot, and other French delights. Dine on the patio or inside the velvet-draped dining room.

4710 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 385-2900

Visit Website

A table holds numerous dishes. Clockwise: a bowl of mussels, a smaller bowl of olive oil with herbs, a plate of flan, a glass of red wine, a bowl of pasta.

Also featured in:

Perla's

Copy Link

Looking for a great patio and fresh seafood? As a McGuire Moorman Lambert restaurant, the Bouldin Creek restaurant exudes vibes, with smart decor, a large airy patio, and a cozy bar inside. Order cocktails, oysters, and shrimp from the cold bar, or opt for a meal of grilled seafood or plates like lobster bucatini at mid-to-high range prices. There is indoor and outdoor seating.

Search for reservations

OpenTable

1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 291-7300

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Lenoir

Copy Link

The Bouldin Creek restaurant is a strong contender for the most beautiful restaurant in Austin, inside and out. Dine under shady live oaks outdoors in the shabby-chic wine garden (the full menu is available) or cozy up inside at a table or the bar. The mid-range menu offers seasonal selections like grilled wild cobia with smoked tomato broth and an impressive wine list. There’s also a tasting menu option, and don’t miss the fluffy Pullman bread.

1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 215-9778

Visit Website