Romantic Restaurants

Philadelphia has a cornucopia of romantic restaurants that combine world-class cuisine with an intimate atmosphere. Many of the restaurants also have lovely views of one of the two rivers that hug Center City Philadelphia. Overlooking the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row, Water Works Restaurant boasts unparalleled views and fine cuisine; it's easy to see why AOL named Water Works one of the city's most romantic restaurants. Close to Penn's Landing and the Delaware, Swanky Bubbles Restaurant & Champagne Bar offers late night dining at Philadelphia's only champagne bar. The menu, which features Pan-Asian cuisine and sushi, is designed to encourage sharing and socializing. Moshulu, meanwhile, is quite literally in the Delaware - a four-masted tall ship, transformed into a classy AAA Approved Four-Diamond riverside dining venue with stunning views. The restaurant specializes in contemporary American cuisine and has a warm, romantic atmosphere.

For some of Philadelphia's best Italian dishes, La Famiglia, a long-time local favorite, is a family-owned restaurant serving old-world inspired cuisine. It has an award-winning wine list and one of the largest wine cellars in the country. D'Angelo's Ristorante Italiano and Lounge is a romantic spot offering classic Italian cuisine and a large selection of Italian wines. After dinner, stay for dancing to disco, salsa, merengue, and hip hop in the lounge.

For fine dining, Le Bec Fin, considered one of the best French restaurants in the country, is a must for special occasions. Elegance and intimacy are combined with unmatched cuisine and service, and classical guitar music on Saturdays adds to the ambience. LaCroix is a refined, yet relaxed, restaurant serving innovative international cuisine combining Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Japanese, and American flavors. It is located in the Five-Diamond Rittenhouse Hotel and has lovely views of Rittenhouse Square.  The Melting Pot Restaurant lets couples have fun with an interactive dining experience set in cozy, darkened nooks to facilitate sharing cheese, meat, seafood, and chicken fondues. Chocolate fondues are the icing on the cake. You can get cozy at Rouge, a tiny jewel-box or at the sidewalk café overlooking Rittenhouse Square. Outside tables under the black and white awning or by the space heaters, depending upon the weather, are THE place to see and be seen, together.

Speaking of desserts, Philadelphia lets lovers indulge in sweets and drinks. Naked Chocolate Café (recently ranked in USA Today's "10 Great Places to Milk Chocolate for All its Worth") is a cozy place for the ultimate chocolate experience. Share hand-crafted artisanal chocolates and delicious desserts from oversized cupcakes to truffles to steaming cups of hot cocoa.  At Beau Monde, enjoy the time-honored art of French crêpe-making in Philadelphia at this authentic French crêperie. The warm setting, with tin ceilings and deep mahogany woodwork, is perfect for a romantic evening. And Caribou Café is a Parisian café and wine bar with an antique Belgian art deco bar and a creative beer list and wines. Couples can enjoy the marble tables and bistro chairs in the outdoor dining area with live jazz on weekends.