Romantic date nights seem to come few and far between; although, we think these special nights should become more of a regular occurrence. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy a romantic date night with that special someone, but romance certainly shouldn’t be relegated to just one day a year. Luckily, Nashville is full of intimate restaurants, and new ones are always popping up. Here, we listed our favorite date night spots that are worth getting all dolled up for. Hurry and make your reservations, you know we all need a special night out!
The 404 Kitchen
The 404 Kitchen combines Southern dishes and Italian flavors to elevate the menu. The restaurant offers unique cocktails, rare wines and one of the largest whiskey selections in Nashville. The 404 Kitchen accommodates only 56 guests, allowing for an intimate atmosphere. It is the perfect spot for an ultra-romantic night out! Before or after dinner, head to the Thompson Hotel’s rooftop bar for a cocktail and stunning views of the city.
Barcelona
This Spanish tapas restaurant is Edgehill’s newest eatery. Start with their incredibly delicious and well-portioned charcuterie + cheese options before sharing a selection of tapas. With a bar, booths, tables and a patio, there are plenty of seating options. After dinner, head next door to Old Glory for a craft cocktail.
Bastion
Bastion’s bar and restaurant are equally good — although different — options for date night. Personally, we love sipping cocktails and snacking on nachos at the bar with our someone special. Located in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood, the place is hip yet cozy and inviting with good tunes and great drinks. Max Goldberg might be biased, but we are inclined to believe him when he calls Bastion’s nachos the best in town.
The Catbird Seat
A date night at The Catbird Seat is guaranteed to be special. The menu is creative and has no boundaries. The restaurant only has 22 seats available, and they are in high demand! The limited seating creates an intimate atmosphere. Plan your night now and get ready for a tasting experience like no other. The chef’s tasting menu rings in at $115 per person (this does not include beverage options). SB Tip: Reservations can be made 30 days ahead of time, so book accordingly.
City Winery
Desano Pizza Bakery
While Desano Pizza Bakery might not be fitting for a one-on-one date, it is one of our go-to spots for group dates. The picnic-style seating and shareable pies make it ideal for a flock of friends. They extended their space last year, making even more room for diners. With a full bar and TVs, the new section is always lively and fun. You can even bring your own wine to pair with your pizza.
Fin & Pearl
The recently opened Fin & Pearl is at the top of everyone’s must-try list. Snag a spot for Valentine’s Day and be among the first to try their seafood offerings — served both cold and hot. Located in The Gulch, Fin & Pearl’s 20-seat bar and 144-seat dining room provide an atmosphere and dining experience ideal for a date night.
The Grilled Cheeserie
The Grilled Cheeserie stands out as it does not fall into the upscale dining category, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good spot to take a date. Check out their new brick-and-mortar location and dig into a few melts with a side of tots before catching a show at The Belcourt Theatre. Alcohol isn’t served at The Grilled Cheeserie, but you can order a cold beer or crisp glass of wine at The Belcourt, if you’d like.
Husk Restaurant
Sean Brock knows how to set the mood with his innovative country dishes. Husk only serves authentic Southern products, and the menu is constantly evolving with the season. The dishes include fried fish, braised meats and dumplings all served on rustic dinnerware. With the elegant country kitchen feel, Husk is meant for a special occasion. Although you might leave more in love with Sean’s culinary talents than your date, it is still a spot worth trying.
Margot
With its warm atmosphere and exposed brick walls, Margot feels intimate as soon as you walk inside. The menu evolves throughout the seasons, and thanks to the inclusion of seasonal ingredients, the dishes are very colorful. The creations are full of French and Tuscan flavors that make them perfect for a special occasion. Be sure to check out the wine list full of choices that pair perfectly with every course!
Miel
Perhaps you can’t revel in romance in Paris, the City of Love, but you can enjoy tastes of the region at Miel. This French-inspired restaurant is elegant and rustic, and Miel’s menu is simple and full of artisanal cheeses, greens and local meats. The dining room make this is a wonderful date night spot. Make the night longer by stopping in early for their happy hour specials. By the end of the evening you will be cooing je t’aime to your date for treating you to such fine food.
Merchants Restaurant
Merchants Restaurant is iconic for its history as well as its unique wood accents and tiling. The second floor offers a formal dining area and elegant Southern menu, perfect for a date night.  The quiet atmosphere and quality cocktails are sure to make for a special evening. If you get a wild hair after dinner, check out some of the bars on Broadway. The experience will be drastically different than dinner, but it will make for a fun night out!
Nicky’s Coal Fired
Tony Galzin and Caroline Galzin, formerly of Fifty First Kitchen and Bar, are the forces behind Nicky’s Coal Fired. Located in the Stocking 51 development in The Nations, the restaurant’s menu features some of the best pizzas in town. The house-made pizzas are coal-fired and topped with artisanal ingredients. We can attest to the fact that the pepperoni pizza and clam pizza are better than great.
The Patterson House
The Patterson House is full of sophistication and style. The cocktails are handcrafted to perfection, and the food does not disappoint. Start your evening with cool cocktails and small bites before heading elsewhere, or snuggle up in one of the dimly lit corners for an extended stay. The sophisticated surroundings offer an intimate experience — better shared with a loved one. Nestled in Midtown, this modern-day speakeasy makes for the perfect spot to sip something strong with someone special.
Tempered Café and Chocolate
Your romantic evening deserves a sweet finish. Tempered Café and Chocolate specializes in confections made by hand with French and Belgium techniques making it the ideal spot for a nightcap. Pair fine wine with gourmet chocolates at this cozy bistro-style café. During the week, this Germantown shop closes at 7 p.m. but stays open past midnight Thursday through Saturday night for Green Hour, a traditional absinthe ritual called La Louche.
Two Ten Jack
Since Two Ten Jack doesn’t accept reservations, snagging a table can be a bit challenging with larger groups. With a two-person party, your chances for finding a seat in the dining room or at the bar are greater. Explore the restaurant’s Japanese small plates and ramen. And we think they have one of the best cocktail menus in town, so let yourself indulge in something alcoholic!
Enjoy your date night!
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