The Most Romantic Restaurants in Austin

Wu Chow brings authentic, farm-fresh, modern Chinese food to the heart of downtown Austin, offering dishes that represent all eight styles of Chinese cuisine. They partner with local farms and ranches to create fresh, regionally influenced dishes with explosive flavors that hit the mark every time. Menu favorites include Shanghai Soup Dumplings, Salt & Pepper Squid, Yu Xiang Eggplant, and Mapo Tofu. The restaurant is sleek and sexy with dim lighting and an industrial feel. Definitely a great place for a romantic first date or to take a special someone you’ve been seeing for a while for a meal that will really wow them.

If you love Southern food but want to dine in a modern atmosphere, try Olamaie. They put an elegant spin on Southern fare and you can sit inside to enjoy the sophisticated decor and multi-course dinner or opt for a more casual atmosphere out on the front porch. Menu options include a Sorghum Brined Pork Chop, a Wagyu Strip Steak, Day Boat Fish, and other succulent specialties. For dessert, try the Sweet Milk Custard or Benne Oil Cake with a digestif or cognac.

Uchiko is the “child of Uchi,” the original Japanese restaurant by this team. This outpost opened in 2010 in Austin and offers the same warm and welcoming atmosphere as the original. It takes the lead from Uchi’s menu, featuring a menu of composed dishes and sushi accented with noteworthy flavor additions for a totally unique dining experience. They have a smattering of delicious menu items, including starters like edamame and sunomono, cool tastings like hama chili and kanpachi crudo, and hot tastings like Hot Rock Wagyu Beef, Take Nabe, and Grilled Pork Jowl. The red brick walls and warm lighting make the perfect setting for an intimate evening.

Uchi is home to the talented executive chef and sushi master Tyson Cole, winner of the “best new chef in America 2005” by Food and Wine Magazine and also winner of the 2011 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Southwest. He created an exciting menu blending Japanese tradition with new flavors and influences. Uchi means “house,” and the restaurant is in an old home, like many sushi bars in Japan. They have a vibrant design and a contemporary, dark wood eating area with low lighting and a soft buzz of voices in the air. Cozy up at a table with your date and share a bottle of wine or sake.

Dai Due Butcher Shop and Supper Club opened in 2006 and serves an eclectic variety of modern American foods with a Southern tinge using only fresh foods found in the region. The atmosphere is cozy, warm, and inviting and they're a great spot for a casual date. The menu features shared plates like the Cold Meat Board, delicious first courses like a Chicken Liver Mousse, Grilled Pecan Sourdough and Lard, and an Arugula salad. There are also sides and a la carte options you can order together and share. That way both of you get a sampling of many different things on the menu.

This fine dining institution in Clarksville is a dream come true for young lovers. The space got a makeover by restaurateur Larry McGuire in 2013 and he took pains to cover every detail, from the look of the servers to the warm vibes that welcome diners in. Order a classic martini or Manhattan and waiters will make it tableside for you. The steak is the highlight of the menu, featuring a 14-oz Angus beef ribeye topped with foie gras butter or Roquefort cheese. When the dessert list comes around, don’t pass up the chocolate souffle with grand Marnier creme on top.

Juniper whips up a unique blend of Texas-influenced Italian cuisine in sophisticated digs. The architecture is dramatic, with plush cobalt seating and an impressive open kitchen. You can try one of the delicious Italian cocktails like the Self Portrait or order a bottle of wine off the extensive list. The small plates menu has lots of items for sharing, such as the gnocchi with smoked shrimp or the warm ricotta with marmalade and honey garlic. Choose a few dishes that you both agree on and then get on with the meal — it’s a lovely place to sit and have an intimate conversation.

If you want to keep your date casual but still romantic, meet up at the Salty Sow for a drink and an appetizer. They're a low-commitment spot where you can talk and feel things out while indulging in a delicious cocktail and sharing a plate or two of appetizers. The rich duck fat fries are a favorite of regulars and if you want something heartier for dinner, try the candied pork belly or the slow-cooked beef shoulder.

Nothing says romance like a French restaurant. If you want to take your date somewhere extra cool that feels like a cozy party, Justine’s is the place! The menu is full of decadent options but the ribeye is the real star here. Splurge on the juicy steak, topped with butter and served with a huge mountain of fries. The dessert menu is also rich with tempting treats, like the creme brulee and the chocolate ganache. The music is always played on actual vinyl and the crowd tends to have artists, musicians, and other locals out on a date or catching up with friends.