Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your significant other how much you care, and what better way to do that than with a romantic dinner?
Lexington, Kentucky, is home to a variety of restaurants that offer the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening out. From cozy bistros to upscale eateries, there’s something for every couple’s taste and budget.
Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to share a pizza or a fancy place to indulge in a multi-course meal, Lexington has it all. Let’s take a look at some of the most romantic restaurants in Lexington to help you plan the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner:
The Grey Goose
Well-known in the area for its romantic ambiance, The Grey Goose features a cozy, intimate atmosphere with dim lighting and soft music – which is exactly the type of place you want if you are hoping for romance.
The decor here is both elegant and sophisticated, with a mix of classic and modern elements that give the restaurant a timeless feel. That may make it perfect if you hope to propose on Valentine’s Day and create a bond with your significant other that will last forever. The food ranges from fried pickles and toasted ravioli to bruschetta and burgers.
Coles 735 Main
Coles 735 Main serves a modern American cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, and the menu changes seasonally to reflect the best ingredients available. The restaurant also has an amazing selection of wine and craft cocktails.
Here, you and your significant other will find a mix of classic and contemporary decor – along with a stunning fireplace that lends romance and warmth to any special occasion. You can also find plenty of “sexy” foodstuffs here, from truffle-infused lobster bisque and duck confit, which are bound to impress your date.
Zen Sushi Sake @ The 90
The name just about says it all about this hidden jewel, but Zen Sushi Sake @ The 90 will delight your palate if you love fresh, healthy ingredients and fine Japanese sake or wine.
The atmosphere in this restaurant is casual and low-key, but the food is anything but. It arrives at your table beautifully plated and designed as much for looks as taste. Give their handmade dumplings and egg-drop soup a try, before you move onto a menu that is stuffed with specialty sushi rolls, heavenly katsu and premier noodle dishes.
Tony’s of Lexington
A Tony Ricci Steakhouse, Tony’s of Lexington is an owner-operated upscale dining place, which specializes in luxury with the pretense. Planning to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage? Want to surprise your spouse with an expensive watch or bracelet? Talk to the staff about what they can do to make the moment memorable.
You will (naturally) find all the bourbon and beer your heart desires, and the food is amazing. Try Blue Points on the half shell or Alaskan King Crab at the raw bar, and move from there to the main course – but don’t forget the sides! The bourbon-whipped sweet potatoes make quite an impression, as do the truffle wedges.
Goodfella’s Pizzeria
Italian food seems to have always had an edge when it comes to evoking romantic feelings, whether you’re sharing an elegant pasta dish or a hand-tossed pizza. Lucky for you, you don’t have to go far if you want to find a great selection of Italian food (along with a bottle or two of excellent wine). Just head to Goodfella’s Pizzeria.
If you are looking for a place with simple, rustic decor but a deeply comfortable atmosphere that lends itself easily to quiet, intimate conversations over the cannoli. When you’re done with dinner, don’t forget to head over to the Wiseguy Lounge, where you and your date can experience unique seasonal cocktails and all the beer and bourbon you might desire.
Bourbon n’Toulouse
Maybe you can’t get to New Orleans for a romantic getaway, but you can find that Louisiana charm at Bourbon n’Toulouse. (In fact, once you’ve been to this spot, you may want to go back a bit later in the month for the annual Fat Tuesday celebration.)
The atmosphere here is lively and casual, but it’s perfect if you and your significant other enjoy local music and Cajun-Creole food and sensibilities. The family-run business offers classics like black beans with Cajun sausage and jambalaya to white chili with chicken. If you and your Valentine’s day crave energy and excitement, this is the place to go.
Bella Notte
The tone at Bella Notte is “refined elegance” more than anything else, with low lights and gorgeous interior design, which is perfect if you want an intimate meal with the person you love the most. They have everything you might expect from a high-end Italian eatery, with seasonal selections and traditional pasta dishes, but can we talk more about the desserts?
Even if you eat dinner somewhere else and wind up the evening with dessert and coffee at Bella Notte, you won’t be disappointed. They have a banana foster martini with flamed caramel sugar on the rim, which is bound to be memorable, or you can stick with a classic romantic dessert like tiramisu or their dark chocolate espresso cake.
Ultimately, you know your relationship better than anybody, so what screams “romance” to you and your date might fall flat for someone else. It’s just nice to know that – whatever your preferences and style – there’s bound to be someplace to go in Lexington!
