What makes a restaurant “romantic?” Is it the lowlit dining room, the courteous and respectful staff, the distance (or lack thereof) separating you and your date at the table? All restaurants have some kind of atmosphere: fun, hip, bland…but these are some places to consider if you’re looking for an atmosphere that says Love in the City.
Campagne- (the restaurant, not it’s casual café branch in the same area.) Maybe it’s because it’s French. Maybe it’s because the location, right in Pike’s Place Market, overlooking Puget Sound, is so incredible. Maybe it’s because the food is so delicious, you just can’t help but be in love while you’re eating it. Maybe it’s the knowledgeable, professional staff, or the amazing wine selection. But there is no other restaurant in Seattle where you will see so many couples exchange heartfelt kissing on the sidewalk after a meal. Paris is the city for lovers…(86 Pine St., Seattle, WA, 98101; (206)728-2223.)
Serafina- This place even looks romantic from the outside. The enchantment of Serafina comes from a very wise lighting technique: the lower the lights, the more intimate the mood. Thus, the dining room isn’t just dim: it’s downright dark, with candles and twinkling lights to accent. Those that aren’t interested in love will hold their menus up to their candles and gripe; those that are will learn in close and bask in their created privacy. If you are on a date, try and score one of the tables near the wall. Or, if it’s one of Seattle’s incredible summers, head for the courtyard, which is incredible private and quiet, and perfectly romantic. It is one of the best outdoor seating places in the city, and set in Seattle’s beautiful Eastlake neighborhood. (2043 Eastlake Ave. E, Seattle, WA, 98102; (206) 323-0802.)
The Pink Door- One of Post Alley’s greatest hidden treasures. The Pink Door is a fun and romantic place for a first date, or a tenth anniversary. The Italian food is innovative, and they get some of the best fish on the market. The wine list is huge, and the tables are cozy and intimate. On Saturday nights, they have trapeze night, which will definitely provide conversation to break the ice. You’ll have to hunt around to find this place: it doesn’t even try and grab your attention, nestled way into the market. But it is worth the hunt. (1919 Post Alley, Seattle, WA, 98101; (206) 443-3421.)
Racha- Who says that European food sets the tempo for romance? This Thai restaurant is the perfect place for a date. The food is delicious, and you can order something spicy and exciting, which sets a good pace for a relationship, anyway. Try Pla Tu for an appetizer, which is lightly cooked Ahi tuna with a delicious salsa. The dining room is dark, upbeat, but not overly loud. After dinner, take a stroll around the hip, lower Queen Anne neighborhood (there is a sister reataurant located in Woodinville,) or maybe get a cappucino at nearby Uptown espresso. It will be the perfect way to end a perfect date. (537 1st Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98109; (206) 281-8883.)
B&O; Espresso- Take your date here for dinner and late night drinks, or just for a rich chocolate delicacy unlike any other in the city. You don’t need a five course meal to create romance: one of the Chocolate pots will do, along with one of the tastiest mint juleps you’ll ever have. The Capitol Hill setting gives it a hip bistro feeling, and it is one of the nicest, date friendly atmospheres that you’ll find anywhere on the Hill. And you can enjoy each other’s company until the bar closes up. (401 Broadway Ave. E., Seattle, WA, 98102; (206) 328-3290.)
