The Resy Guide to Date Night in Atlanta

What better way to spend a romantic night out than at one of Atlanta’s most celebrated and iconic restaurants? Sophisticated interiors, dim mood lighting and hanging lights set a romantic scene, accompanied by exceptional service and a seasonal and ever-changing four-course menu comprised of fresh and organic ingredients. Even if you’ve been before, you won’t have the same experience twice. The decadent, yet approachable contemporary American cuisine offers everything from yellow fin tuna to dry aged New York strip. Recently earning itself a star in the first-ever Michelin Guide to Atlanta, Bacchanalia is Atlanta’s crown jewel of fine dining, always the perfect choice for a date night or special occasion.

If you want to take your date on a culinary journey—and you’ve got the time—head to Lazy Betty to enjoy one of two reservation-only tasting menus of seven courses with optional wine pairings. This relaxed, yet sophisticated, tasting menu is the perfect way to spend a night with a date. The gratuity is included, so you can focus on the food, which reflects chef Ron Hsu’s Chinese roots, Southern upbringing, and French culinary techniques. Kick off your date in style with caviar service, served with steamed milk buns and scallion pancakes, before diving into the sumptuous seasonal tasting menu. And if the date’s going well, you can add on courses, wine, and mocktail pairings to linger even longer.

This infinitely romantic Atlanta institution is a well-known date night destination for good reason. Aria allows you to choose your own date adventure, of sorts, offering both tasting menus or a la carte options. From crisped duck confit or pan-seared scallops and ratatouille, to even the fan-favorite burger (Aria’s burger is lavish and delicious), there’s something for everyone here, especially if you’re feeling a little fancy. Explore the ever-changing wine list, save room for the s’mores tart, warm chocolate cheesecake or lemon pound cake — two spoons or maybe even just one — and who knows … you might create the perfect pairing. 

We’ve called it “the palace of pasta,” yet BoccaLupo is also much more — an intimate, comfortable and downright delicious place for any date night. With only 20 tables, including outdoor seating, the Italian American neighborhood fave has kept a glowing buzz of exclusivity and fresh excitement, despite opening in 2015. The small tables and dim lighting set a perfect scene to — dare we say — snuggle next to your date and share the decadent coursed pasta tasting menu, which rotates daily. We say start off with an appetizer like the marsala-glazed octopus, or the little gem Caesar salad with capers, and definitely don’t miss the ultra-sexy black spaghetti.  

Is there anything happier than a happy hour date? Equal parts romantic and fun, oyster and Champagne happy hour at KH is the perfect place to start an evening that could romantically go anywhere. Snag a seat at the bar and choose from a robust selection of wines, cocktails and beers to pair with a dozen fresh bivalves and caviar. The smart move is to book a table for around 7pm-ish, so that when those booze and oyster vibes start vibing (as they do), you’ll be able to easily switch over to share an intimate meal at the award-winning restaurant. From fresh local vegetables to fish or steak dinner for two, you’re sure to have an impressive evening.

Friday night vibes at Vin25 are almost unbeatable as you cozy up by the fire with your date, sipping wine and listening to acoustic live music on the patio. The intimate bistro, located in the heart of downtown Roswell, is a perfect fall date spot for all-season romance, but has special appeal when the weather cools down for fall and winter. An impressive selection of wines, many of which are by the glass or half bottle, complement elevated date night dishes like coq au vin and crisp lamb breast. Do yourself a favor and let the sommelier select the perfect pairing to go with your dish as you enjoy the relaxed-yet-upscale atmosphere, and be sure call the restaurant for live music dates.  

If you’re taking your date to the Braves game, booking a reservation at Garden & Gun Club is a perfect way to romantically swing things in a positive direction. Located in the Battery across from Truist Park’s gates this is a great place to hang before the first pitch, and their special game day menu is full of southern favorites so you can root for the home team for all nine innings. The kitchen, led by executive chef Sam Davis (whose experience includes Atlas, Gunshow, and Lazy Betty), knocks elevated game-day food out of the park, starting with pimento cheese and steak tartare, continuing with bratwurst served with sauerkraut, mustard, pickled jalapeño and crispy potatoes as a ballpark frank, and including a shrimp po’boy or fried chicken sandwich, both served with coleslaw and fries. If those don’t sound romantic to you, they will once you’ve had them, plus a quite-proper Old Fashioned or paloma. Word to the wise: make your reservation early, and get there early, as parking is first-come, first-served on game days.  

Rooftops = romance. Just ask Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in Sleepless in Seattle, or of course, your date, after you’ve headed up, up and away to the top of Alpharetta’s lovely new rooftop restaurant and bar. Here you’ll  both sip signature bottled cocktails or glasses of bubbly on a wraparound terrace, enjoying 360-degree views overlooking Alpharetta’s Town Green at City Center. Grab a table and enjoy small plates like deviled eggs, charcuterie block or lettuce wraps. And if you’re looking for a lunch date spot, Up has you covered Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 11 a.m., and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday.  

Is there anything more timeless than a dinner and a show date? Enter City Winery, taking the combo to a new level where dining meets fantastic live music — your one-stop-shop date night venue. Check the website in advance to see upcoming acts (music, comedy, etc.) and once you’ve booked your reservation, get an early look at the menu. It’s layered with love and luxury, and has perfect meals for two, including the charcuterie pizza, comprised of béchamel, brie, genoa salami, caramelized onion, candied pecan and honey. Every dish is meant to be paired with wine, so make sure to get a recommendation on a glass, then sit back, sip back and enjoy the show.  

People often recommend Gunshow for larger parties but hear me out: If you and your date are up for sharing everything, do yourselves a favor and get everything. Considered the most creative of chef Kevin Gillespie’s restaurants, Gunshow’s grab-and-get style of dining is a fun and unique experience that’s certain to make for a memorable date.  Whether you’re seated at a community table or separate, you’ll have the opportunity to chat up the talented kitchen team as they bring and describe their dishes (menus vary daily), and as you and yours (should you be so lucky) sip on a black walnut and lavender negroni, or some other exceptional and seasonal tonic.  

As you descend into darkness (in the best way), and head down the stairs of this timeless Virginia-Highland steak tavern, you feel like you’re stepping into a secret. For 33 years, this dimly-lit, stone-walled subterranean restaurant has been serving burgers, beers, steak, snacks and the best martinis in the city, always served with a carafe on ice (which makes it feel like a bonus drink!) and blue cheese-stuffed olives. Both classy and casual, HT consistently delivers comfortable food in a cozy setting, making it an ideal destination for a first date or a fiftieth for any couple looking for a place that hits the classic notes of one-on-one dining romance, whether you’re just getting your date started or wrapping up the night.