My Top Picks for a Romantic Dinner Out in Cincinnati, Ohio

I enjoy good restaurants, but when it comes to spending time with someone special and creating that mood the environment is so important. Whether it's for Valentine's Day, an Anniversary or a proposal I feel that these are all great choices. You won't just find great food here; you will find a great view of the city, dinner by candlelight, and great ambiance all together.

The first restaurant that spells romance for me is The Celestial. In fact, in 2006 The Celestial Steakhouse was noted as the nation's third most romantic restaurant by City Search, and most romantic restaurant by the The New York Times. This incredible restaurant is located in Mt. Adams in Cincinnati, one of the most eclectic neighborhoods you will find. I can tell you from personal experience that this place is nothing short of romantic. The Celestial isn't just a name, it gets it's name from it's elevated locale high about the city where you feel like you can almost reach out and touch the stars on a clear night. This is the only four star steakhouse in Cincinnati, and the service is impeccable. Their menu consists not only of steaks, but they have great appetizers, soups and salads, seafood and an alternative menu. This place is a favorite among the locals when it comes to seeing the fireworks along the Ohio River. You can make special reservations for Labor Day and the Fourth of July to catch this amazing sparkling air show from your window seat while enjoying a glass of wine. Does it get anymore romantic than this? From start to finish you will fall in love all over again with the help of The Celestial. The Celestial also offers a lounge where you can go dancing on Friday and Saturday night between 8:30 p.m until 12:30 a.m. As for prices, plan on about $50 per person or more, and reservations are highly recommended.

My second favorite that spells romance for me is the Prima Vista, located among Price Hill on Matson Place. The Celestial is not the only place that has rooms with a view. The Prima Vista is Cincinnati's premier Italian restaurant, as named by the Cincinnati Enquirer for seven years. This place screams romance as well, as it too will capture the Cincinnati skyline as well as the view of Northern Kentucky across the river. It was named the "best date spot", and "most romantic" by City Beat and Cin Weekly, two local publications. They have Italian dishes ranging from many regions, but one of my favorites here is the Pollo Gorgonzola. They have great Italian seafood and some interesting side dishes, all while adding quite a wine list. What I feel creates the romance here is the rustic Italian ambiance along with the view. As far prices, you can find $3.99 and up starting with the side dishes. The deserts here are definitely worth checking out. My personal favorite is the Latte all Portoghese, made with a vanilla custard, caramel sauce and Italian cookies. Don't get too romantic though, you will want this dish all to yourself!

The third romantic restaurant on my list is the Grand Finale, located in historic Glendale outside of Cincinnati. I used to live just a few blocks from the Grand Finale, and it's always busy on the weekends, so be sure to make reservations. My husband and I have frequented this place for years, and this is where we chose to have our rehearsal dinner back in November of 2009. The decor is Victorian, and the restaurant itself has so much character from being an older building. If you haven't been there before you might miss it. It sits on the corner of Sharon Road, and Congress Avenue, and it looks like an old Victorian home. They have several dining areas with wrought iron chairs and wood or glass table tops. This place produces dinner time romance with candle light and small vase with flowers. I absolutely loved it when we were there for Valentine's Day a few years back because we were seated by a window just watching it rain by candle light. They have a small courtyard in spring and summer that can be very romantic if the weather is right, and they even have a small dining area just outside of the courtyard with gorgeous oil paintings hanging on the brick walls. The food is great, and you can enjoy a Raspberry Martini or a glass of wine while you wait for your meal to arrive. The desserts here are nothing short of decadent. I just love the Creme Brulee and the Puff Pastry, but nothing is bad. If you aren't too sure and you love cheesecake, just ask what they are featuring. The chef offers a special cheesecake everyday. If you plan to dine here, just tell them that the Hana family sent you!