The Top Three Most Romantic Restaurants in Westland, Michigan

Dining in Westland, Michigan can sometimes be a relatively mundane experience. With its abundance of fast food eateries, coney island restaurants, and middle class fare it can seem as though there is little of culinary significance here. However, for those who are not simply out to gormandize, there are a few places in Westland that offer somewhat refined fare, excellent service, and an atmosphere that might even be considered romantic. Here are my three favorite romantic restaurants in Westland:

3) East Ocean Chinese Restaurant, 8601 N. Wayne Road, Westland: While the food is excellent, it is the atmosphere here that always makes me think romance. This is a relatively small restaurant with a handful of booths and a few tables in the center. It is very private, the lighting is soft, and it is usually quiet. The early American paintings that adorn much of the place might seem a bit out of place in a Chinese restaurant, but they end up coming off as very quaint.

The food comes in hearty portions, and I would recommend the hot and sour soup, pan-fried dumplings, and shrimp with lobster sauce. The prices here are quite reasonable, with most meals costing between $5 and $9.

The staff is very friendly and accommodating, and you will not find a more quiet, serene, and romantic Chinese restaurant in the city. Take your special someone here for a chance to eat and enjoy each others company in relative privacy.

2) DeLuca's Restaurant, 27424 Warren Road, Westland: Excellent pasta, pizza, and steaks make this Italian landmark one of Westland's best known restaurants. You will be hard pressed to find a better Italian restaurant(or restaurant of any sort) in Westland than DeLuca's. Having eaten their pizza on many occasions, those used to chain pizzas found at places like Pizza Hut or Little Ceasar's will be astounded at these handmade marvels. You don't even really pay a premium price for them. A large one-topping pizza is only $10.45. I know that's more than the $5 deals you see at places like Little Ceasar's, but there is absolutely no comparison. They could charge $15 for this pizza and it would still be a good deal.

While their pizza is legendary, their pastas are also top notch. The lasagna and ravioli are as close to perfect as you can get this side of Italy, and their spaghetti and gnocchi are excellent as well. Most dinner items will cost between $9 and $15 and will be a perfect compliment to your favorite wine. I personally think that the Chianti they serve here goes good with just about anything they serve apart from the fish.

The atmosphere is decidedly homey, but homey in a kind of a heartwarming, mom and pop, Italian establishment way and not in a diner or pub sort of way. The restaurant is pretty big but not so big that it can't feel cozy if you get a booth away from the kitchen. With a bottle of wine and your favorite Italian dish, romantic juices are bound to flow at DeLuca's.

1) Red Lobster, 5774 N. Wayne Road, Westland: While perhaps not haute cuisine, the Westland Red Lobster serves the best seafood in town along with a nice selection of exotic drinks, such as the Sunset Passion Colada or the Lobsterita(this might sound gross, but there's no lobster in it and it's quite good).

Menu items run from around $17 to $25 for dinner items and feature mostly seafood. For those averse to all things fishy, there are also steaks and chicken. Obviously, lobster is king at this restaurant, and is excellent in all the various forms it comes in. My favorite is the rock lobster tail. I must also mention that although the premium sides of creamy langostino lobster baked potato or creamy langostino lobster mashed potato are an extra $2.50, one of the two is a must with your meal.

The atmosphere inside the restaurant is relaxed and pleasant, featuring nautical-themed paintings and soft booths. While crowded on most nights, there is not a feeling of being rushed, and the waitstaff is attentive and personable. This is a great place to enjoy a nice meal with that special someone and then linger over a mixed drink while whispering sweet nothings to each other with your eyes.

In the mood for some romance but don't feel like preparing that candlelit dinner? Plan an evening at one of these three restaurants so you can relax and let the amorous feelings flow.