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.

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. Credit: Andiamo / 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. Credit: Baker's Keyboard Lounge / 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. Credit: Bella Piatti / 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. Credit: Candy Bar / Facebook
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. Credit: D'Amato's
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. Credit: Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe / 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. Credit: Giovanni's / Facebook
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. Credit: Google Maps
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. Credit: Highlands / Facebook
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. Credit: ImaginATE / Instagram
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. Credit: Joe Muer Seafood / Facebook
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. Credit: La Dolce Vita / Google Maps
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. Credit: Parc / 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. Credit: Pearl's Deep Dive / 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. Credit: The Rattlesnake Club / Facebook
SheWolf 438 Selden St., Detroit ;313-315-3992; shewolfdetroit.com This stylish spot serves contemporary Italian inspired by Rome. Credit: Facebook, SheWolf
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. Credit: The Apparatus Room / Facebook
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. Credit: 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. Credit: Google Maps
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. Credit: Wright & Co. / Facebook

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