1. Bûcheron

4257 Nicollet Ave. – open Monday–Saturday

Bûcheron (French for “lumberjack”) has been raking in the accolades, including 2025’s James Beard Award for “Best New Restaurant in America.” And one of the things to love about it is how perfectly romantic it is.

The dining room at Bûcheron is intimate and cozy, naturally drawing you closer to your date. Which is perfect, since the thoughtfully proportioned plates at Bûcheron are ideal for sharing. In fact, plan to order between six to eight plates between you, and enjoy the gamut of what Bûcheron has come to be known for. Venison tartare and celery root tortellini are two to be sure to catch. In addition, if you mention your special occasion, they’ll surprise your special someone with a decadent treat.

2. Bar La Grassa

800 N. Washington Ave. – open Monday–Saturday

In the Northloop neighborhood on Minneapolis, you’ll find some of the best Italian dining this side of the Atlantic. James Beard Award-Winning Chef Isaac Becker elevates pasta in a way that would make any nonna proud. Both flavor and texture are at play here, so every dish is dreamy, but try the rabbit sugo, a gorgeous ragu featuring braised rabbit—an unexpected delight. The Bar La Grassa vibes are lively and electric, but with the wide planked wooden floor, and urban-chic exposed beam ceiling, you can lean into the energy and still feel grounded.

Make reservations in advance, and note that parking is limited, so cushion your arrival to allow time to find a space.

3. All Saints

222 E. Hennepin Ave. – open Monday–Saturday

A pleasantly modern space with soft edges, romantically dim lighting, and petite tables to bring you closer to your date, All Saints in the Northeast neighborhood is an extra special sweet spot. The restaurant’s mantra is “veggie forward, and meat friendly,” so while meat-centric plates like duck confit and New York strip are on the menu, the veggies here get equal billing and spotlighting. Perfectly roasted carrots, grilled broccolini with an avocado tahini, and Yukon gold potatoes like you’ve never tasted before will have you rethinking produce. Oh! And don’t sleep on their charred scallion butter, served with focaccia.

4. Diane's Place

117 14th Ave. NE – dinner served Thursday–Sunday

Chef Diane Moua is a five-time James Beard nominated pastry chef, so it might not surprise you to see her restaurant among this list. Dinner at Diane’s Place is romantic destination worth seeking. Bringing heritage Hmong dishes to a spectrum of palates, Chef Diane’s dinner menu is both delicious and accessible. The vibe here is open, airy, and cheerful, but at dinnertime, the candles come out, the lights go down, and romance is in the air. Sidle over a little closer to your sweetie and delight together over savory dishes of steamed pork rolls, Hmong sausage, and beef laab. And it’s not required, but you may as well grab a pastry to go on your way out.

5. Khâluna

4000 Lyndale Ave. S. – open daily

For a local experience that’ll make you feel as though you’ve travelled across the ocean blue, bring your special someone to Khâluna. This bright and calming space is appointed with teak wood tables and braided fiber chairs that nod to island life, and honestly? It feels like a breath of fresh air. Chef Ann Ahmed’s Southeast Asian cuisine is a feast for the eyes as much as the palate, with a rainbow of colors featured on each plate. Meals are both inspired and inspiring. Khâluna’s ever-popular basil wings stay on the menu, but seasonal choices abound. Think duck in the wintertime, and quail in the summer. We suggest cozying up and ordering a handful of dishes to share.

6. Stock & Bond

88 S. Sixth St. – open daily

Set within the stately Farmers and Mechanics Bank building, the city’s newest steakhouse brings art deco to life, making it an unforgettable setting for a special night. Cozy up alongside your date in a luxurious leather booth beneath sky-high ceilings hung with crystal chandeliers. Lean into the Gatsby aesthetic, and order a classic cocktail or mocktail—might we suggest their house Manhattan, or the Not So Dirty Martini? Then talk to your server for their best recommendation for a heritage steak, and might as well go ahead with that 16-layer chocolate cake (don’t worry—we’ll wait while you count).

7. Vinai

1300 NE 2nd St. – open Tuesday–Saturday

Chef Yia Vang is a celebrity chef who lives up the hype, so when he calls Vinai his love letter to his parents, you know it’s going to be good. To celebrate your special occasion at this Hmong eatery, you’ll want to secure a reservation in advance. Then, when your date is sufficiently impressed (and it won’t take long), put in your order. We recommend the wildly popular crabby fried rice (featuring blue crab and topped with a duck egg), double cut pork chop with tamarind glaze, and, of course, the delicious Hmong standard, laab carpaccio.

8. Porzana

200 N. 1st St. – open daily

The first thing you’ll be enamored with at Porzana is the aesthetic. Yes, this Argentine woodfire steakhouse keeps an outlandishly gorgeous patio, but the interior is swoon-worthy, too. Dimly lit and in the “utilitarian chic” vein of style, it’s the perfect ambiance for a romantic date. The second thing you’ll be enamored with is the food. We’d love to recommend starting off with the oysters or empanadas (can’t go wrong either way), but it’s up to you how far you’ll go into steak territory. Porzana has perfected everything from hanger to wagyu, and has a rich list of sauces to top off your bite.