The most romantic date night restaurants in Detroit

By Metro Times editorial staff on Thu, Feb 2, 2023 at 10:32 am

Depending on who you ask, they might say “love” and “romance” are not words used to properly describe Detroit’s dating scene.

While that may be true for some, it doesn’t mean you can’t live out your wildest rom-com date night dreams right here in the city.

From swanky Italian restaurants to low-key hotel cocktail bars, here are a few of Detroit’s most romantic date night bars and restaurants.

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Andiamo / Facebook

Andiamo - Riverfront

400 Renaissance Center A-03, Detroit; 313-567-6700; andiamoitalia.com

This local Italian chain has an amazing wine selection ranging from fruity and bubbly to rosé and foreign imports.

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Baker's Keyboard Lounge / Facebook

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge

20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-345-6300; bakerskeyboardloungedet.com

Founded in 1933, Baker’s is one of the oldest continuously operating jazz clubs in the U.S. It’s hosted legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughn, Cab Calloway, and Nat “King” Cole, to name a few.

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Bella Piatti / Facebook

Bella Piatti

167 Townsend St., Birmingham; 248-494-7110; bellapiattirestaurant.com

Bella Piatti is a contemporary Italian restaurant that isn’t just a favorite for locals. They’ve had celebrity diners including Mark Wahlberg, Adam Levine, Pharrell Williams, and more.

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Candy Bar / Facebook

Candy Bar

1509 Broadway St., Detroit;

If you want to take your date somewhere with great drinks, and even better decor for cute photo opps, this bar inside the Siren Hotel is perfect.

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D'Amato's

D’Amato’s

222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak; 248-584-7400; damatos.com

This upscale, rustic restaurant serves authentic, eclectic, and “from scratch” Italian fare, along with martinis and an extensive wine list.

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Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe / Facebook

Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe

97 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe; 313-882-5299; dirtydogjazz.com

Now you might think it’s just a pub, but the live jazz in the intimate setting makes for a great date night.

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Giovanni's / Facebook

Giovanni’s Ristorante

330 S. Oakwood, Detroit; 313-841-0122; giovannisristorante.com

This Italian gem borders Downriver, and serves all of our Italian favorites like alfredo, mansala, fried calamari, and bolognese.

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Google Maps

Grey Ghost

47 Watson St., Detroit; 313-262-6534; greyghostdetroit.com

While you can find a burger and fries on Grey Ghost’s menu, the food selection doesn’t just stop at typical American bar food. There’s also dishes like tuna tartare, lamb chops, duck, and tagliatelle.

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Highlands / Facebook

Highlands

400 Renaissance Center, Floor 71, Detroit; 313-877-9090; highlandsdetroit.com

Located on the 71st floor of the Renaissance Center, Highlands offers the most breathtaking view of Detroit, its river, and Canada.

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ImaginATE / Instagram

ImaginATE

401 S. Lafayette St., Royal Oak; 248-633-8899; imaginaterestaurant.com

Owned by Chef Omar Mitchell, ImaginATE uses technology and creativity to elevate the fine dining experience. ImaginATE makes dining entertaining with the addition of Le Petit, a digital dining experience that shows animated chefs and characters preparing your order digitally before the server presents your real plated meal.

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Joe Muer Seafood / Facebook

Joe Muer Seafood

400 Renaissance Center #1404, Detroit; 313-567-6837; joemuer.com

One of Detroit’s premier seafood restaurants, Joe Muer’s Detroit location offers beautiful views of the Detroit river.

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La Dolce Vita / Google Maps

La Dolce Vita

17546 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-865-0331; ldvrestaurant.net

Located in Detroit’s Palmer Park neighborhood, La Dolce Vita offers a taste of Italy right in the heart of Detroit.

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Parc / Facebook

Parc

800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-922-7272parcdetroit.com

Located in the heart of downtown in Campus Martius, Parc offers good food, drinks, and a great view of the city.

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Pearl's Deep Dive / Facebook

Pearl’s Deep Dive

100 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-268-2875; pearlsdeepdive.com

Pearl’s Deep Dive is described as having an eclectic, 1920s dinner party vibe. The menu predominantly features seafood dishes, like Oysters Rockefeller, New England Lobster Roll, Crispy Potatoes & Caviar, and Lobster Dumplings.

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The Rattlesnake Club / Facebook

The Rattlesnake Club

300 River Place Dr., Detroit; 313-567-4400; rattlesnakedetroit.com

This classic Detroit spot has a breathtaking view of the Detroit River and Canadian skyline. For more than 30 years, the Rattlesnake Club has been serving up locally-grown, seasonally-sourced food with an atmosphere that just screams exclusive.

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SheWolf / Facebook

SheWolf

438 Selden St., Detroit ;313-315-3992; shewolfdetroit.com

This stylish spot serves contemporary Italian inspired by Rome.

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The Apparatus Room / Facebook

The Apparatus Room

250 W. Larned St., Detroit; 313-800-5600; detroitfoundationhotel.com

The former headquarters for the Detroit Fire Department has been reimagined as the Apparatus Room at the Foundation Hotel.

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Google Maps

The Whitney

4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com

When you’re talking about fine dining in Detroit, it’s hard not to mention The Whitney. The mansion is not only a restaurant, but also holds The Ghostbar and The Katherine Mcgregor Dessert Parlor.

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Google Maps

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine

1250 Library St., Detroit; 313-962-8800; vicentesdetroit.com

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine brings the flavors of Havana to Detroit, where you can enjoy a meal or even salsa dance the night away.

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Wright & Co. / Facebook

Wright & Co.

1500 Woodward Ave., Floor 2, Detroit; 313-962-7711; wrightdetroit.com

While you’re enjoying Wright & Co.’s bustling city views of Woodward Avenue, you can also enjoy a delicious meal from a menu curated by James Beard-nominated chef Marc Djozlija.

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