Summer nights in Richmond beg for romantic outings - cool breezes, twinkling lights, and swoon-worthy meals shared over glasses of fine wine. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply savoring quality time together, Richmond has an array of ambiance-filled restaurants to sweep you off your feet. From cozy cafes to swanky wine bars, here are 7 romantic spots to woo your date night in style this summer.
La Grotta Ristorante offers an authentic taste of Northern Italy tucked into a cozy "cave" setting in Richmond's historic Shockoe Slip. Since 1994, owner-chef Antonio Capece has delighted guests with his artfully crafted, flavor-packed dishes that showcase his mastery of traditional Italian cuisine. The charming interior, resembling an intimate wine cellar, sets the mood for romantic dinners or special celebrations in the actual wine cellar room. With Chef Antonio's Old World recipes passed down through generations and his wife Andrea's warm hospitality, La Grotta provides a transporting Italian experience.
529 E Broad St | lagrottarva.com
The Tobacco Company Restaurant is a Richmond dining institution, inhabiting a wonderfully restored 19th-century warehouse in Shockoe Slip. From the magnificent three-story atrium and antique elevator to the rescued architectural details, it evokes the grandeur of the Victorian era when tobacconists were kings. Across four atmospheric floors you'll find a cozy cocktail lounge with live music, elegant dining rooms, and a lively nightclub - making it a choose-your-own-adventure for special evenings out. The enduring vision of Dr. Jearald Cable brought this landmark back to glory.
1201 East Cary St | thetobaccocompany.com
Fall Line Kitchen & Bar pays homage to Richmond's riverfront history with its name and Southern-continental cuisine. This upscale-casual downtown spot offers a taste of the region, from pimento cheese fritters and shrimp & grits to decadent belly-on pork chops and hearty burgers. In winter, cozy igloo dining on the patio creates a magical experience. Chef Peyton Powell's seasonally-inspired menus strike the perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and refined creativity, accompanied by locally-influenced cocktails.
500 East Broad St | falllinerestaurant.com
Echelon Urban Wine Bar transports you to a rustic yet modern winery experience in the heart of historic Shockoe Slip. Owned by the Henkle family behind the acclaimed Vineyards and Winery at Lost Creek, this intimate gem specializes in Virginia wines alongside domestic and international varieties. The farm-to-table small plates menu lets you construct a customized tasting tour, with dishes lovingly prepared from scratch using locally-sourced ingredients. With weekly wine classes, monthly winemaker dinners, and a warm ambiance, it's a transporting urban vineyard oasis.
1209 East Cary St | echelonwinebarrva.com
The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing has served as a beloved neighborhood landmark for over 30 years. What began as Sunday's Restaurant in 1988 laid the foundation for their signature lump crab cakes and commitment to authentic, locally-sourced fare. Today, the waterfront setting hosts a family of dining experiences devoted to exceptional hospitality and the finest ingredients - from Southern-inspired shrimp & grits to Neapolitan-style pizzas. The Boathouse epitomizes a classic Richmond dining tradition fused with contemporary culinary passion.
4708 E. Old Main St | theboathouse.com
Bookbinder's weaves a rich culinary legacy stretching back to post-Civil War Philadelphia, where founders Samuel and Sarah Bookbinder introduced the city's finest seafood catches from the nearby Chesapeake Bay. Carrying on that 150-year tradition, the Taxin family has relocated the beloved institution to Richmond's Tobacco Row, inhabiting the stunning 1901 American Cigar Building. Guests can expect the signature dedication to premium steaks, pristine seafood, and exceptional hospitality that has made Bookbinder's a celebrated dining destination for generations.
2306 E Cary St | bookbindersrichmond.com
Tucked away in the gardens of the historic Linden Row Inn, Parterre delights with its charming, laid-back atmosphere and seasonal Southern fare. This neighborhood gem crafts dishes highlighting fresh local produce and regional flavors, with a menu that changes daily to capture what's best from the harvest. Sip cocktails or Virginia wines on the patio said to be the childhood playground of Edgar Allan Poe, and bask in Parterre's warm hospitality and unhurried pace.
100 E. Franklin St | trolleyhouseva.com/parterre
