Whether you're getting to know someone new or want to celebrate an occasion with your significant other, it's always good to have at least one killer romantic restaurant in your back pocket. Here are five places around town where the vibe is relaxed, the lighting is dim, and the wine is flowing—creating an intimate atmosphere for two.
Lenoir
South Austin/Bouldin Creek
You and your sweetheart can make a night of it at Lenoir, which offers two experiences in one. Start with a glass of something special in the hip backyard wine garden, under trees strewn with twinkling lights. Then head indoors to the intimate, chandelier-strewn cottage (pictured above) for a four-course prix fixe menu, featuring ultra-local fare like Texas bean salad with romesco and avocado and carrot cake with chicory ice cream.
Fabi + Rosi
West Austin
With dim lighting, candles, flowers, and luscious classic European dishes like housemade charcuterie and duck breast with creamy polenta, it's no surprise that Fabi + Rosi (which is owned by a husband-and-wife team) is a considered a must for special occasions. And if you're the type of couple who considers your pooch a third family member, it's also one of the few high-end restaurants in Austin to offer a dog-friendly patio.
El Naranjo
Rainey Street District
Its location on Rainey Street may not scream "romantic oasis," but thanks to its dark wood paneling and top-notch sound-baffling, El Naranjo is actually a great place for an intimate meal. Chef Iliana de la Vega's traditional Oaxacan cuisine offers a chance to be adventurous and try something outside of the Tex-Mex standards; we recommend the traditional mole negro, made with chiles and chocolate—a double dose of aphrodisiacs.
Wink
Downtown/Clarksville
Looking for good vibes on your special night out? Look no further than Wink, which has built a 15+ year reputation for service as delightful and engaging as its creative cuisine (think seared foie gras with apples and tandoori pork tenderloin). It's an especially great spot to drink wine—the servers can help both neophytes and oenophiles pick a terrific bottle—and if you're on a budget, the daily happy hour (5-7pm) is a great way to enjoy some upscale bites and sips on the cheap.
Justine's Brasserie
East Austin
If you're the kind of couple that's up for anything, join in on the wild, decadent scene at Justine's, known for its blasting vinyl records and free-flowing Bordeaux. (For a quieter vibe, request a table on the patio, which is covered by a green satin tent—it's heated in the winter.) Once you've enjoyed your steak tartare and moules frites, be sure to go wandering and snap some selfies in the decorated mirror room, or get your tintype made in the on-site photography studio.
