Romantic Restaurants in Philadelphia

Celebrate your love at one of Philadelphia's many romantic restaurants. The city is home to plenty of small corner bistros and tiny family-owned restaurants ideal for an intimate meal for two. Consider these three romantic restaurants in Philadelphia for your next date.

Nola New Orleans Cafe
414 South 2^nd St.

Nola New Orleans Cafe is one of many hidden gems in the city - tiny enough to miss if you happen to blink while walking by. Located on 2^nd St. only a block from busy South St. shopping and nightlife, Nola is an oasis of good food, candlelight and quiet. It's also a gorgeous little jewel box of a place - every table is its own little nook, and the restaurant features high ceilings, draped fabrics and a general sense of drama. This romantic restaurant hideaway also seems to be something of a well-kept secret: every time I've eaten here it's been nearly empty, but the food and service have been uniformly excellent.

"Nola" is short for New Orleans, Louisiana, and their menu is a fusion of Creole and Italian cuisines. Try the jambalaya or their famous drunken shrimp, and sip on potent hurricanes if you dare. I've heard Nola is famous for their bananas Foster - what better way to impress your date than ordering a dessert that gets set on fire?

Friday Saturday Sunday

261 South 21^st St.

Given the honor of "best tiny romantic restaurant" by Philadelphia Magazine, Friday Saturday Sunday may be just the place to go for your next intimate evening. This restaurant manages to be cozy and romantic in a space that could easily be cold and cramped - track lighting and brushed-metal chairs are not necessarily associated with romance. Yet FSS pulls off romance in modern style, with candles in hurricanes on every table and a gorgeous wall mural.

Dinner choices range from eggplant to fish to pork chops, in satisfying portions. If you and your date have small appetites, why not split an entree? For just $4 extra, you'll get a portion to share. FSS offers designer martinis and specialty drinks in their 2^nd floor tank bar, and all wines are served at $10 above the restaurant's cost. Reservations are recommended, as space is limited and FSS is among the hottest eateries in Rittenhouse Square.

Bistro Romano

120 Lombard St.

Bistro Romano takes romance to the next level. The atmosphere is rustic elegance, featuring brick/stone walls and flooring, and handsome dark wood everywhere. Booths here are wooden benches, reminiscent of Quaker church pews. Their food follows the theme of rustic elegance - hearty Italian cuisine worth digging into. Try the Gnocchi Firenze, cheese-stuffed gnocchi served with peppers and shrimp.

Bistro Romano hosts a mystery dinner theater on Friday and Saturday nights, letting you participate in a show throughout dinner. This is an ideal romantic restaurant for those special occasions, such as an anniversary. Bistro Romano even has a piano bar, complete with floor space to dance with your main squeeze. Best to set reservations here too, rather than risk missing out on a special evening here.

Enjoy one or all of these romantic restaurants in Philadelphia with the one you love - I have a feeling you won't be disappointed.

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Bistro Romano

Friday Saturday Sunday