The Most Romantic Restaurants in St. Louis

Dark corners, white tablecloths, moody lighting, tiny tables where you simply must brush up against each other, menus full of luxe and inventive eats perfect for two to share and possibly end up in a kiss over a single long strand of spaghetti, Lady and the Tramp style — these St. Louis restaurants have it […]

Written by RFT Writers
01/26/2024
RFT Writers are a collective of independent journalists contributing original reporting to RFT. They report on a wide range of topics including music, news, gaming, cannabis, and the creator economy.

Dark corners, white tablecloths, moody lighting, tiny tables where you simply must brush up against each other, menus full of luxe and inventive eats perfect for two to share and possibly end up in a kiss over a single long strand of spaghetti, Lady and the Tramp style — these St. Louis restaurants have it going on.

Whether your ideal date night is dressing up for the swankiest of places or finding something more casual that feels cozy and ready for canoodling, one of these 39 romantic St. Louis restaurants will suit your fancy. Just don’t wait too long to make a reservation.

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Russell's on Macklind

Andy Paulissen
Russell’s on Macklind
5400 Murdoch Avenue, macklind.russellscafe.com
Dim lighting, intimate tables, favorite dishes done exceptionally well and a storied pastry case makes Russell’s swoon worthy.
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The Bellwether

The Bellwether
1419 Carroll Street, thebellwetherstl.com
“The Bellwether’s dining room is warm and downright sexy, outfitted in luxe velvet, the tapestry-appointed room feels like a Venetian café,” writes Cheryl Baehr.
Read more here

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Peppe's Apt. 2

Peppe’s Apt. 2
800 South Geyer Road, Kirkwood; peppesapt2.com
Stepping into Peppe’s Apt. 2 feels something like entering the fanciest private home, with a dining room replete with crystal chandeliers and decorative molding. It’s cozy yet intimate, and the menu, which splits the difference between Italian and the broader Mediterranean, is exquisite.
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Edera Italian Eatery

Edera Italian Eatery
48 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-7227
Edera’s outdoor courtyard is known as the most beautiful patio in St. Louis, and during the cold months the restaurant transforms that courtyard with private, heated chalets perfect for two.

Read more here.
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Hendel's

PHUONG BUI
Hendel’s
599 Rue St. Denis Street, Florissant; hendelsrestaurant.com
Hendel’s offers crowd pleasers such as shrimp scampi, steak and burgers in a charming historic space.
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Salve Osteria 3200 South Grand Boulevard, 314-771-3411 South Grand's Salve Osteria combines the fun vibes of its specialized gin bar, the Gin Room, with an upscale Mediterranean-inflected menu. Intimate tables for small groups round out the effect. Read more

Mabel Suen
Salve Osteria
3200 South Grand Boulevard, 314-771-3411
South Grand’s Salve Osteria combines the fun vibes of its specialized gin bar, the Gin Room, with an upscale Mediterranean-inflected menu. Intimate tables for small groups round out the effect.
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Brasserie

Courtesy Niche Food Group
Brasserie

4580 Laclede Avenue, brasseriebyniche.com
No St. Louis restaurant has a darker corner or sexier fare (it is French, after all) than Central West End landmark Brasserie.
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Trattoria Marcella 3600 Watson Road, trattoriamarcella.com Trattoria Marcella's traditional Italian cuisine is best enjoyed à deux, and it's rumored to serve the best tiramisu in the region. What could be more romantic than that? Read more

Patrick Hurley
Trattoria Marcella
3600 Watson Road, trattoriamarcella.com
Trattoria Marcella’s traditional Italian cuisine is best enjoyed à deux, and it’s rumored to serve the best tiramisu in the region. What could be more romantic than that?
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Bonito Bar in Frida's.

Jessica Rogen
Frida’s and Bonito Bar
622 North and South Road, University City; eatatfridas.com
The recently reopened Frida’s offers deftly executed pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan fare along with the addition of Bonito Bar. Adorned with hanging tiny bird ornaments, it’s impossibly photogenic.
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Little Fox

Liz Miller
Little Fox
2800 Shenandoah Avenue, littlefoxstl.com
The intimacy is natural over shared small plates (or big ones) in the stylish Little Fox in Fox Park, and the impeccable drinks menu (which includes formidable mocktails) only brings things up a smoking notch.
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Twisted Tree

PHOTO BY MABEL SUEN
Twisted Tree
10701 Watson Road, Sunset Hills; twistedtreesteakhouse.com
Sunset Hills’ Twisted Tree is the place in St. Louis County for excellent renditions of steakhouse classics, whether that’s 100-day steaks, Caesar salad or slice of wedding cake, all in a stylish dining room.
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Zafrani lamb chops are served with creamy saffron sauce.

Mabel Suen
Black Salt
1709 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield; blacksaltstl.smartonlineorder.com
Modern Indian restaurant Black Salt classes up Chesterfield with its date-night vibes and multidimensional dishes.
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Bistro La Floraison.

Mabel Suen
Bistro La Floraison
7637 Wydown Boulevard, Clayton; bistrolafloraison.com
The Clayton restaurant embodies Parisian luxury with a classic French menu and eclectic lux design.
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Retreat Gastropub

Lauren Milford
Retreat Gastropub
6 North Sarah Street, retreatgastropub.com
This Central West End spot has a great mix of decadent eats and drinks in a space that has a relaxed yet still upscale atmosphere.
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Bulrush

CHERYL BAEHR
Bulrush
3307 Washington Avenue, bulrushstl.com
This singular restaurant offers a tasting menu crafted from historic Ozark recipes combined with Chef Rob Conneley’s contemporary sensibilities. It’s a gustatory experience that when shared, will only bring you closer.
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The Fountain on Locust

Lauren Milford
The Fountain on Locust
3037 Locust Street, fountainonlocust.com
Head back to the glamour of the roaring ’20s at the Fountain on Locust. Aside from swanky Gatsby-esque decor, the restaurant offers intoxicating ice cream-based cocktails and sweet treats for dessert. Plus, it’s been known to go all out for special occasions.
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Level's dining room and bar

Mabel Suen
Levels
1405 Washington Avenue, levelsstl.com
There’s a joyous atmosphere at Levels, and the Nigerian dishes are powerfully flavorful, delivering just enough heat for a spicy night. Plus, the high-backed booths create instant intimacy.
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