21 Best Date Night Restaurants in Austin, TX in 2025
If you’re searching for the perfect setting for your next romantic dinner, you’ll definitely want to explore this list of top date night restaurants in Austin. Combining soft lighting, appealing décor and, of course, absolutely spectacular food, there are date night restaurants in Austin to suit every couple.
But why should you plan a date night dinner? According to a recent study published via The National Library of Medicine, engaging in date night activities as a couple not only increases the health of a relationship but can also help to improve each individual’s self-confidence.
Therefore, planning even just one date night dinner a month is well worth it! So, keep reading to find the ideal place in Austin for your next dinner date.
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The 21 Best Austin Date Night Restaurants
1. Fonda San Miguel
One of the city’s oldest fine dining eateries, Fonda San Miguel offers a celebration of Mexican food and culture that makes it a perfect choice among date night restaurants in Austin.
The Vibe
This hot pick of a date night restaurant in Austin features a stunning courtyard setting with colorful walls showcasing Mexican-inspired art, gorgeous flowers and elegant light fittings.
What to Order
Iconic Fonda San Miguel is notably a top choice if you and your partner are searching for healthy restaurants in Austin, thanks to the use of high-quality ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
Healthy and delicious options range from grilled white fish in Veracruz-style tomato sauce paired with Spanish olives, capers and onions to chile rellano with a filling of lentils, plantains and pinto beans, all covered in jitomate sauce.
Fonda San Miguel | 2330 W. N. Loop Blvd., Austin, TX 78756 | $$
2. Jeffrey’s
Jeffrey's is an upmarket eatery in the Clarksville neighborhood. It’s known as one of the hottest spots in town and a certified culinary landmark. This classically romantic spot is undoubtedly one of the best date night restaurants in Austin for an elegant dinner.
The Vibe
Chic and sophisticated, Jeffrey’s features an elegant dining room furnished with plush blue velvet seating and red leather booths. Well-dressed waitstaff will help with your every need, adding to the luxurious experience. Reservations are only released every two months and get snapped up quickly, so plan ahead!
What to Order
Highlights from the menu at this popular date night restaurant in Austin include truffled devilled eggs or fried gulf oysters to start, one of many steak options for your main course and a light and fluffy chocolate soufflé to finish. Caviar service is also available if you want to really spoil your date.
Jeffrey’s | 1204 W. Lynn St., Austin, TX 78703 | $$$$
3. Olamaie
Conveniently located Downtown, Olamaie is a charming date night restaurant in Austin that puts a modern spin on classic Southern dishes.
The Vibe
Picturesque Olamaie earns a place as one of the best date night restaurants in Austin thanks to its setting in a renovated 1930s bungalow. White wood paneling outside and a sleek and modern interior, featuring a subtle monochrome palette, result in a restaurant that’s equal parts quaint and contemporary.
What to Order
The menu changes based on the seasonality of ingredients, but popular dishes when available include golden fried catfish with blue crab rice, beef tartare and gumbo with braised greens and smoked mushrooms.
Olamaie | 1610 San Antonio St., Austin, TX 78701 | $$$$
4. Perla’s
When the weather is fine, there’s no better option for date night restaurants in Austin than Perla’s, a seafood specialist with a stunning setting.
The Vibe
Cozy and inviting, Perla’s has a relaxed atmosphere and a nautical décor theme, playing into its reputation as a top seafood eatery in Austin. The terrace, shaded by oak trees that are illuminated at night, is a particular favorite with locals.
What to Order
Opt for an indulgent starter of raw oysters to share before moving on to seared Pacific Ahi tuna or traditional fish and chips.
Perla’s | 1400 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704 | $$
5. Vigilante Gastropub & Games
If you’re looking for quirky date ideas in Austin, they don’t get any better than spending an evening at Vigilante Gastropub & Games.
The Vibe
It may not be a typical choice of date night restaurants in Austin, but this is a fantastic setting for bonding over board games. The wait staff are friendly while the imposing wooden shelves, lanterns and heavy red drapes give this space the feel of a magical library.
What to Order
The menu at this unique date night restaurant in Austin includes imaginatively titled dishes such as the Vigilante Burger, a smash burger with all the classic toppings, and Love Me Tenders, battered chicken tenders fried to order and served with your choice of sauce, including green chile ranch, barbecue sauce or aioli. The cocktails and mocktails are also excellent, so be sure to order a few.
Vigilante Gastropub & Games | 7010 Easy Wind Drive, Austin, TX 78752 | $$
6. Hestia
Named after the Greek goddess of the hearth, Hestia is an open-fire cooking venue that definitely qualifies as one of the hottest date night restaurants in Austin.
The Vibe
Fine-dining, Michelin Star-holding restaurant Hestia features sophisticated interiors, beautifully grained wood tables and imaginative plating.
What to Order
Favorites from the Hestia menu include the scallops with beef tallow, a 45 dry-aged Texas wagyu ribeye and sweet potatoes with miso and pecans. If you can’t decide what to get from the à la carte menu, there is also a curated tasting menu featuring a selection of high-end dishes.
Hestia | 607 W. Third St., Austin, TX 78701 | $$$
7. Uchi
If you’re looking for date night restaurants in Austin that are ideal for a special celebration, such as an anniversary, then high-end Japanese eatery Uchi should be at the top of your list.
The Vibe
Uchi offers a stylish dining space with dim lighting for a romantic feel, warm wood tones and a mix of bar and table seating. Just note that reservations open up a month in advance and go fast.
What to Order
As one of the best Japanese restaurants in Austin, it’s unsurprising that all the dishes here are high-quality and focus on the freshest ingredients. Popular menu items include fried tofu with shiitake ragout, regular or torched bluefin otoro and sake tom kha with salmon, lime leaf, dill and coconut.
Along with an extensive à la carte menu, Uchi offers daily changing specials, allowing you to try something new each time you visit. There are also a few tasting menus, including a vegetarian tasting menu, if you want to let the chef decide for you.
Uchi | 801 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 | $$$$
8. Intero
With a focus on sustainability, seasonality and farm-to-table dining, Intero makes a terrific choice of date night restaurants in Austin for couples who enjoy dining on dishes that highlight local and seasonal ingredients. Intero also features a chocolate shop, which is worth picking up a few sweet treats from.
The Vibe
This cool pick of date night Austin restaurants has stylish fixtures and a lot of rustic Italian charm, with focal points like a stone pizza oven. Sit indoors if the weather isn’t optimal or grab a seat outside when you can soak up the Austin sunshine.
What to Order
The menu’s focus on seasonal availability means the menu changes often, but popular dishes you may get to savor include sourdough focaccia with house-made ricotta, homemade pasta and a range of freshly cooked pizzas with both classic and more unique toppings.
Intero | 2612 E. Cesar Chavez St., Ste. 105, Austin, TX 78702 | $$$
9. Justine's
Don’t be surprised to see a Hollywood A-lister at French-inspired brasserie Justine’s, where you and your date can enjoy VIP treatment.
The Vibe
Offering multiple dining options to suit the occasion, you can keep things intimate by sitting at the romantic bar or opt to dine in the red velvet-draped cabana tent complete with chandeliers. There’s also charming patio seating for when the weather is nice.
What to Order
The escargots in garlic-herb butter are popular, as are the mussels. For your main course at this French-inspired date night restaurant in Austin, go for the steak frites or a pasta dish, if available. To finish, what could be better than sharing a crème brûlée?
Justine’s | 4710 E. Fifth St., Austin, TX 78702 | $$$
10. Here Nor There
Trendy Here Nor There is a wine bar and cocktail lounge that also serves excellent sharing dishes and bar snacks. This eatery’s aim is to take you on a “winding exploration of flavors,” making it perfect for couples who like to try new and unique dishes and flavor combinations.
The Vibe
This excellent date night restaurant in Austin has a speakeasy vibe. Expect exposed brick walls, twinkling lights and a stuffed bear acting as a drinks server! Reservations have to be made using a special code, further adding to the fun experience.
What to Order
The menu differs from those at other date night restaurants in Austin as it’s focused on small plates, but it makes a fantastic start to your evening. The menu also changes frequently, but dishes include the likes of marinated eggplant with chickpea tostada, thyme-infused focaccia and Korean chile kettle corn.
Here Nor There | 612 Brazos St., Austin, TX 78701 | $$
11. Mattie’s
Perfect for special occasions, Mattie’s is a historic culinary gem among date night restaurants in Austin. The sophisticated setting and classic dishes make it appealing to almost all couples. You may even spot the restaurant’s resident peacocks wandering around the outdoor area.
The Vibe
Modern décor meets Southern style at gorgeous Mattie’s, which is located inside a 19th-century house. The use of light pastel colors creates a soothing feeling, while carefully chosen antiques remind you that the building has over 100 years of history. When it’s warm, dining outside can’t be missed.
What to Order
This date night restaurant in Austin does Southern classics with a modern twist perfectly. Top picks at this Austin food hot spot include gumbo with duck and andouille, fried chicken with buttermilk ranch and the Grassfield Farms beef burger with Tillamook cheddar and a tomato and bacon jam. End your meal with a decadent slice of hummingbird cake.
Mattie’s | 901 W. Live Oak St., Austin, TX 78704 | $$-$$$
12. Lenoir
Another much-loved date night restaurant in Austin, Lenoir focuses on “hot-weather” foods, which means foods grown and best enjoyed in warmer climates.
The Vibe
Date night restaurants in Austin don’t get much more intimate than Lenoir, which seats just 30 people. If you can, grab a table in the outdoor seating area where lanterns twinkling from the trees create a wonderfully romantic space.
What to Order
The farm-to-table philosophy at Lenoir creates imaginative dishes like grilled brassicas with wild boar pastrami and blue corn and pecan hushpuppies.
Lenoir | 1807 S. First St., Austin, TX 78704 | $$$
13. Launderette
Set in a renovated former Laundromat and gas station in East Austin’s Holly neighborhood, Launderette is a funky space serving American fare with an innovative twist. Launderette is also one of the top date night restaurants in Austin for vegetarians, with many creative meat-free dishes on offer.
The Vibe
The neon sign gives you an idea of Launderette’s personality, which is fun, vibrant and relaxed. The interior is light and airy, with a mix of table and bar seating.
What to Order
Start with a few dishes from the quirky Snacky Bits menu. The hummus, homemade potato chips with pimento cheese and burrata with pomegranate jam and blistered tomato are excellent picks.
For your main course, go for the sticky pork ribs or Texas redfish. You’ve got to save room for desserts like corn cake with goat milk gelato or a fun birthday cake ice cream sandwich.
Launderette | 2115 Holly St., Austin, TX 78702 | $$
14. Dai Due
For anniversaries or other romantic special occasions, rustic Dai Due is one of the finest date night restaurants in Austin. It features farm-to-table dining with a special emphasis on local ingredients.
The Vibe
Bustling Dai Due has a combination of bar seating (which offers a peek into the busy kitchen), table dining and cozy booths. Exposed brick and wooden elements add to the rustic vibe. There’s also a shaded terrace outside with fans and heaters, perfect for almost any weather.
What to Order
An ideal choice of date night restaurants in Austin for foodies, Dai Due’s menu showcases the best from the local area. Particular highlights are the charcuterie board and the classic pork chop with fries.
Dai Due | 2406 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78722 | $$-$$$
15. Fixe Southern House
After you’ve spent some time exploring Downtown, one of the best things to do in Austin with your other half is stopping in a local eatery for a casual yet romantic meal. One of the top places for this is Fixe Southern House, a laid-back spot that offers modern versions of classic Southern food.
The Vibe
Cozy and inviting, this eclectic date night restaurant in Austin features soft lighting and a mix of designs, including a modern bar area and a more traditional Southern dining room, complete with vintage wall décor pieces like patterned plates.
What to Order
You’ve got to try the biscuits with whipped butter and preserves to start your dining experience at Fixe. Unique main courses that come highly recommended include the lobster and crawfish pot pie and the sugar and orange-cured salmon.
Fixe Southern House | 500 W. Fifth St., Austin, TX 78701 | $$$
16. Suerte
Offering a modern twist on traditional Mexican flavors, Suerte is a small plate restaurant with dishes made for sharing — ideal for those looking for intimate date night restaurants in Austin.
The Vibe
Light, airy and open, Suerte features a mix of blond wood, concrete elements and exposed brick for an industrial feel. A focal bar, with bar seating available, and mood lighting create a modern yet romantic space.
What to Order
Opting for a dish featuring freshly made tortillas is a great idea when dining here. Top picks include the suadero tacos with A5 wagyu and the tlayuda de hongos, which features tortillas topped with a variety of fresh vegetables and white bean aligot. A few cocktails or mocktails to accompany your meal is a must as well.
Suerte | 1800 E. Sixth St., Austin, TX 78702 | $$$
17. Uchiko
An offshoot of Uchi, Uchiko is a very chic space serving up sushi and small plates. It's a good date night restaurant to head to if you and your partner want to visit all the best Japanese restaurants in the city.
The Vibe
Charming Uchiko has beautifully elegant interiors. Warm lighting combines with accent features, plush bench and booth seating and natural materials to create a calming space. This eatery is an ideal choice when searching for a relaxing date night restaurant in Austin.
What to Order
Stand-out dishes at Uchiko include the Yokai Berry with Scottish salmon, yuzu, Asian pear and dinosaur kale, as well as the shiitake nigiri with coffee mushroom glaze.
As with our other selections of leading date night restaurants in Austin, there’s a changing selection of daily specials and a wide choice of vegetarian dishes. There's also a chef's tasting menu if you can't decide what to order from the extensive à la carte menu.
Uchiko | 4200 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756 | $$$
18. Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum
Literally translating as “touch the heart” in Cantonese, dim sum at Lin Asian Bar is sure to bring you and your partner closer together when you pick the spot as your next date night in Austin restaurant.
The Vibe
This vibrant date night restaurant in Austin has an energetic personality that creates a joyful atmosphere. Various dim sum dishes are constantly delivered to your table with servers speeding past with fresh plates, adding to the buzz. The design is part modern eatery and part traditional dim sum restaurant, with lots of Asian-style décor accents like lanterns and Asian wall art.
What to Order
Even when visiting in the evening, you have to get a selection of dim sum. Popular choices at this date night restaurant in Austin include vegetable dumplings, chicken shiitake siu mai and seafood soup dumplings. Follow up with a few main dishes to share, with great choices including sautéed cilantro shrimp, sizzling pepper beef and salt and pepper lobster.
Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum | 1203 W. Sixth St., Austin, TX 78703 | $$
19. Odd Duck
Step through the lush greenery outside and enter effortlessly cool Odd Duck, an upscale eatery serving modern American cuisine. It's also one of the most fun restaurants in Austin — ideal for a relaxed yet exciting night out.
The Vibe
Gentle lighting, thoughtfully chosen aesthetic interiors and a relaxed vibe make Odd Duck one of the supreme date night restaurants in Austin. It's a versatile spot, perfect for a casual meal or something a little more special.
What to Order
Like many of the finest date night restaurants in Austin on our list, there’s an ever-changing menu at Odd Duck, which uses farm-to-table ingredients to deliver personality-filled dishes. Popular picks include Thai sweet potato salad, blackened redfish and the aged wagyu burger with pickled cabbage and fried beer cheese.
Odd Duck | 1201 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 | $$$
20. Barley Swine
A foodie hot spot, Barley Swine offers a multi-course tasting menu in elegant surroundings. It's the perfect choice of date night restaurants in Austin for those who want to do something a little different for dinner.
The Vibe
Barley Swine is a bustling spot with a cozy lodge feel that makes it warm and inviting. This spot is perfect for lingering over the exciting selection of dishes that will be served to you and your date.
What to Order
Chef Bryce Gilmore, who also owns and manages Odd Duck, focuses on seasonal ingredients to create a regularly changing tasting menu. Current sample dishes include blackened cod with fennel and 30-day dry-aged Akaushi ribeye.
Barley Swine | 6555 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78757 | $$$$
21. Equipment Room
Our final pick for the best date night restaurant in Austin will be sweet music to the ears of your music-loving partner. Found in the basement of Hotel Magdalena, Equipment Room is a vinyl listening station, bar and lounge.
The Vibe
The chic Equipment Room has a beautifully relaxed vibe. Soft lighting, exposed brick, flickering candles and plush velvet sofas make this a great space to enjoy together.
What to Order
There’s not a full menu here, but the gourmet bar snacks are more than enough to sustain you while you enjoy the vinyl collection. Don’t miss the carnitas-filled wontons, steamed lobster buns or charcuterie boards. Of course, ordering a few craft cocktails is a must as well.
Equipment Room | 1101 Music Lane, Austin, TX 78704 | $$
Other Romantic Foodie Experiences in Austin
While visiting the most popular date night restaurants in Austin makes for a top couple's activity, if you’re looking for a break from eating out, taking some couples cooking classes in Austin is a fantastically fun alternative. With various cuisines on offer, these sessions can help you and your partner spend time together and grow your confidence as you learn how to make your favorite dishes from scratch.
Or, if you’re seeking inspiration for a special anniversary meal but you’re looking beyond the many good date night restaurants in Austin, hiring a private chef in Austin is a luxurious idea. Your five-star chef will supply the ingredients and even clean up afterward so you can focus on enjoying yourselves.
Austin is a brilliant base for romance and has a vibrant culinary scene that includes an array of intimate eateries. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply relaxing in each other’s company with great food, these 21 top date night restaurants in Austin have something to offer every couple.
For even more ways to explore Austin and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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