Considered by many to be Houston’s best restaurant, Mark’s American Cuisine offers classic fine dining inside an old church. Gold ceilings and candle lights create a heavenly atmosphere for a romantic dinner. If the setting is not memorable, the cuisine chef Mark Cox prepares will take you to another universe. The selections are vast and the menu varies daily; but a sample 4 course meal might start with white lobster seafood bisque. Followed by a summer stone fruit salad. Then, a crispy soft shell crab over red pepper seafood risotto with sugar snap peas and a tomato basil sauce as the entrée. Finally, finished off with a berry delight for dessert. Whatever you order, expect it to be fresh and pricey. A romantic dinner for two could easily run over $100 at Mark’s American Cuisine.
To ensure your romantic dinner is memorable for the right reasons, not the wrong ones, plan ahead. Make your reservations several weeks in advance. Ask to be seated in the dining area they refer to as The Cloisters. Because of its popularity, you should be prepared for the possibility of a long wait at Mark’s American Cuisine even with a reservation. Making your reservations for a week night or a late romantic dinner is the best way to get seated promptly. If you are planning your romantic dinner for a special occasion, such as a wedding anniversary, do not be shy to let them know that. Sometimes they will try a little harder to ensure your night goes well for special occasions. There are no guarantees of course, but it does not hurt to mention it. With that said, do not expect to be pampered at Mark’s American Cuisine. The wait staff is very professional, but has a tendency to be somewhat too snobbish for some people’s taste.
For a similar setting, yet with a more welcoming atmosphere than Mark’s American Cuisine, make the drive out to Humble where you will find Chez Nous. This French restaurant is also located in an old Church. However, the effect of enjoying a romantic dinner in an old church is much more dramatic at Mark’s American Cuisine. You are more likely to get the vibe of a French home in the country at Chez Nous than a religious experience. A small space, soft lighting, and pastel colors add to its intimacy. While it can get crowded at Chez Nous, if good food is more important than quiet dining, a romantic dinner at Chez Nous is worth the drive.
Old churches and fancy dining not your thing? No worries. Bistro Moderne serves delicious French cuisine in a contemporary fashion. Located at the trendy Hotel Derek, Bistro Moderne is suitable for the couple seeking a comfortable romantic dinner. Decorated mostly in browns and creams with flashes of greens, the restaurant has a clean, cool feel. Comfortable booths, good food, and an inviting atmosphere make Bistro Moderne a nice spot to have a romantic dinner.
Looking for something a little more hot than cool? Dripping in red, serving thick juicy steaks, and displaying pictures of burlesque stars, the Strip House offers a sexy atmosphere for a romantic dinner. Word of warning though, (guys, are listening?), even the tamest burlesque themed restaurant has the potential to offend some. Make sure you date is not one them before you go.
In search of something exotic with no threat of getting you in trouble on your date? Café Le Jadeite has exotic Asian décor, a piano bar, and serves a mix of French and Asian cuisine. The décor may be a little too much for some, but others will find it perfect stimulation for a fun, romantic dinner.
If a visual stimulating, romantic dinner sounds desirable, then check out Baroque. As the name suggests, the restaurant is decorated in slight exaggeration from chandeliers to cherubs. Make reservations; ask to sit in the balcony area to enjoy the beauty of the restaurant and have a little more intimacy. (Although, make sure they do not put you in their private room if you are wanting to enjoy the decor). Baroque serves continental cuisine, with most menu items priced over $30.
If the views at Café Le Jadeite or Baroque do not suit everyone’s romantic mood, the views at the Spindletop should. Located at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, this American cuisine restaurant is 30 floors high and revolves giving you an amazing view of Houston.
It may not revolve, but the Skyline Bar & Grill also offers good food and an impressive view of Houston. It is located in the Hilton Americas Hotel and serves a mix of American and Mediterranean cuisine.
Want something a little more simple? Fabio’s is a cozy Italian restaurant perfect for an intimate romantic dinner. They even have a romantic dinner for 2 special consisting of two entrees, salads, desserts, and wine for $49.95. Expect fine food, great customer service, and a pleasurable romantic dinner.
And, if fine dining is not your style, head down to the historic River Oaks Movie Theater. After seeing a beautiful film, wander upstairs to their little River Oaks bar. Go wild on some concessions and a drink. And just enjoy the charm of the theater and each other’s company. Something a little different can be very romantic.
Locations:
Mark’s American Cuisine — 1658 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX
Chez Nous — 217 S. Avenue G, Humble, TX
Bistro Moderne at Hotel Derek — 2525 West Loop S. (Westheimer Rd), Houston, TX
Strip House — 1200 McKinney St., Houston, TX
Café Le Jadeite — 1952 W. Gray, Houston, TX
Baroque — 1700 Sunset Blvd., Houston, TX
Spindletop at Hyatt Regency — 1200 Louisiana St., Houston, TX
Skyline Bar & Grill at Hilton Americas — 1600 Lamar, Houston, TX
Fabio’s — 212 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX
River Oaks Movie Theater — 2009 W. Gray St., Houston, TX
