The 11 Best Restaurants in Austin for Romance Right Now

Eastside legend Intero is Austin’s beloved Italian restaurant and casual chic date spot. The emphasis here is on whole ingredients (Intero translates to “complete”); husband and wife team Ian Thurwachter and Krystal Craig source everything from farm-to-table organically, locally, and seasonally with a zero-waste ethos. The result, when paired with traditional Italian techniques and cooking, is feel-good down to the last slurp of house-made spaghetti.

Everyone’s favorite excuse to get dressed up and hit the town, Garrison is Austin’s multi-award-winning upscale dining experience. Chef Jakub Czyszczon leads patrons on a journey of Texas post oak flame-grilled Tomahawk steak, duck breast Rossini, and crispy octopus, alongside tater tots worthy of entree status.

The low-key hangout that’s perfect for a new app date, Bar Peached cooks up Asian comfort food with a Southern twist, accompanied by a wide booze selection. Shareables include the spicy gochu pork fries (with caramelized kimchi, barbecue sauce, and sriracha), banh mi tacos (with Vietnamese braised pork and pickled carrots), and Thai chile barbeue steak (sided with jasmine rice and a 14-minute egg).

Mexican restaurants in Austin tend to fall on the casual side, but ATX Cocina introduces a welcome upscale setting to experience guac, nachos, sopes, queso, and the like. Blonde wood, soaring ceilings, velvet banquettes, and a happening bar all make for a stunning setting to bring a date. The menu appropriately follows suit, with house-made masa using heirloom corn grown by small family farms in Mexico, and as for the portions, they’re most definitely Texas-sized.

An unexpected resident of Sixth Street, Devil May Care exudes the golden age of glamor steps below street level. Here, a chamber of sinfully good times awaits in the company of seductive candlelight, live entertainment, and a menu of Mediterranean-inspired eats, fine wine, and craft cocktails.

Guyana, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico not only have the recipes to tantalize taste buds but equally to transport diners a world away to island life and leave those inhibitions behind. This recent East Austin addition serves big sharing plates of jerk chicken, pork lechon, and coconut tilefish. Y’all can’t do it without roti and fried sweet plantains to side.

Long-time wine institution Aviary Wine and Kitchen is gaining acclaim for its culinary creations as well as its wine. Local dish favorites include the ramen egg, dumplings with poached shrimp, and pork belly with fermented turnips. Portions are on the lighter side, as the spotlight here is very much on the wine; the extensive list includes bottles from natural producers and lesser-known wine regions. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you and your date.

If sushi hits the spot on date night, then make a reservation at TenTen, where you and your SO can go on a dining journey together. Sample the freshest fish with the chef’s 10- or 18-piece sashimi on ice, then experiment with creations such as the quail egg nigiri with truffle aioli and rice pearl, and the king crab with red yuzu and kosho butter.

Modern Greek restaurant Simi Estiatorio brings Mykonos glitz to Austin, serving bright Mediterranean dishes, fresh seafood (displayed proudly at the raw bar), hearty steaks, and a liquor cabinet to boot. If you’re looking to dress up and escape the desert heat, Simi is where it’s at.

Geraldine’s is Austin’s hippest hangout that has remained down-to-earth over the years despite the accolades and celebrity visits. Treat your beau to an evening of modern Southern fare presented in a shareable fashion. Standouts include the Brussels sprouts with caramel fish sauce and the grilled coconut quail. The half-roasted chicken is one of the bigger plates at the bottom of the menu that comes with incredibly crisp potatoes — the kind that a Texan grandma would make, but better.

Romance doesn’t only happen at sunset, and The Peacock is proof of it. This breezy ground-floor restaurant at Austin’s Proper Hotel is an all-day oasis for friends and lovers who gather to dine on colorful, wholesome mezze, tajine, salads, and kebabs. Don’t forget the juice-based cocktails (spiked or not).