Spread the love: The world’s most enchanting dining experiences

Roses, champagne, candlelit ambiance, and a decadent molten chocolate cake—while these romantic staples dominate the menu for many restaurants on the busiest and most lucrative day of the year, there are those unique venues where the atmosphere, impeccable service, and culinary creativity make any occasion—Valentine's Day or otherwise—truly unforgettable.

From world-renowned chefs and stunning vistas to centuries-old dining rooms and secluded island retreats, here are 14 of the globe’s most romantic restaurants where love is always on the menu.

Crab Shack, Soneva Jani, Maldives

If you ask seasoned travelers to name the most romantic destinations, the Maldives, with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, is likely to top many lists. At the barefoot luxury resort Soneva Jani, exclusive dining options abound, but its newest addition takes romance to a whole new level.

The Crab Shack, with its unassuming name, serves some of the finest crustaceans in the world, including Sri Lankan mud crabs, Kamchatka crabs, and Alaskan crabs, all sustainably sourced and certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. These crabs are featured in a variety of dishes, including garlic and black pepper preparations, or wok-fried in vibrant styles like Vietnamese and Szechuan.

Mediterranean classics such as seafood bouillabaisse and mussels meunière are also standout choices. End your evening with a breathtaking Maldivian sunset that’s sure to capture your heart and steal your Valentine's attention.

Soneva Jani, Medhufaru Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives, +960 656-6666

Lake House, Daylesford, Australia

Lake House is a charming country retreat located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, known for its exceptional culinary program. For over thirty years, Alla Wolf-Tasker and her family have been perfecting the art of hosting, offering guests a romantic escape paired with exquisite dining experiences.

Guests dine while overlooking the serene lagoon and rolling fields that surround the property, though it's hard to ignore the culinary masterpieces coming from the kitchen. A trailblazer in Australian regional cuisine, Lake House highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, much of which are harvested from the estate’s own farm.

One standout dish, the late spring vegetable tart, combines wild garlic custard, fresh curd, green asparagus emulsion, and seasonal herbs and flowers, creating a presentation so beautiful you might hesitate to eat it.

Lake House, 4 King Street, Daylesford, 3460, Australia; +61 3 5348 3329

Sunset Monalisa, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The bay at Cabo San Lucas is already a stunning sight, but the view is taken to new heights when you dine at Sunset Monalisa, a restaurant nestled into the cliffs overlooking the water.

For those with a taste for luxury, the Champagne bar is the place to be, where select bubbles are perfectly paired with indulgent treats like Iranian beluga caviar, fresh oysters, and lobster.

Chef Paolo Della Corte's Mediterranean-inspired menu delights with dishes like tuna tartare, grilled octopus with crushed potatoes, and fettuccine topped with ricotta, anchovies, and bottarga.

Sunset Monalisa, Km 6, Misiones del Cabo, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico; +52-624-145-8160

Tate Dining Room & Bar, Hong Kong

Tate Dining Room & Bar, awarded one Michelin star, has been delighting diners since 2012 under the direction of chef Vicky Lau. Renowned for its elegance and romantic atmosphere, the restaurant sets the perfect stage for Lau's tasting menus, which blend luxurious Chinese ingredients with refined French techniques.

The menus are inspired by love poetry, particularly the works of the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, beautifully translated into seasonal dishes called Odes.

For instance, the “Ode to Pâté En Croute” reinterprets the classic French meat pastry with distinctive Chinese flavors like ginger, scallion, pork, and veal. To complete the experience, Lau’s “Ode to Red Fruit” features a delicate combination of yoghurt meringue, raspberry sorbet, and white chocolate mousse.

Tate Dining Room & Bar, 210 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 2555 2172

Aqua Shard, London, UK

At Aqua Shard in London, countless marriage proposals take place every week. With breathtaking, unobstructed views of the capital, it's no wonder the restaurant is a favorite among hopeless romantics.

Located on the 31st floor of one of London’s most iconic buildings, Aqua Shard offers not only stunning vistas but also remarkable culinary expertise and top-tier ingredients.

Seafood lovers can indulge in hand-dived scallops from the Orkney Islands or fresh Colchester rock oysters. These may be followed by a succulent fillet of Hereford beef or a delicately stuffed globe artichoke.

With the restaurant open daily from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., there's always a good chance of securing one of the coveted window-side tables.

Aqua Shard, Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY, UK; +44 0 2030111256

Le 1131, Burgundy, France

France’s Burgundy region is renowned for its exceptional wines and cuisine, and Abbaye de la Bussière stands out as one of its most romantic destinations. This 12th-century Cistercian abbey is nestled amidst beautifully manicured gardens.

The restaurant, named 1131 after the year the abbey was founded, is housed in what was once the cloister. Diners are treated to a meal beneath the abbey’s ancient vaulted arches and columns. Chef Guillaume Royer, who holds a prestigious Michelin star and the esteemed title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France,” creates exceptional dishes here.

Royer’s menu features dishes like venison fillet with rosemary and parsnips, paired with a carefully curated wine list showcasing the finest Burgundy vintages.

Abbaye De La Bussière, D 33, 21360 La Bussière-Sur-Ouche, France; +33 3 80 49 02 29

Pimms, Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla

Anguilla, a small gem in the British West Indies, is a romantic Caribbean getaway. With its luxurious, private atmosphere and undeniable charm, it’s a destination full of elegance and style.

Pimms offers refined Anguillan cuisine alongside Caribbean classics, highlighting fresh, local ingredients and the catch of the day. Begin with dishes like citrus-cured king salmon or ahi tuna tartare, followed by specialties like Anguilla lobster or roasted rack of lamb.

As expected, the restaurant’s design focuses on maximizing the views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters and the powdery white sands just steps away.

Pimms, Maundays Bay, AI-2640, Anguilla, British West Indies; +1 264 497 6666

The Kitchen at The Dunlavy, Houston

Executive Chef Jane Wild leads the culinary team at The Kitchen at The Dunlavy, a chic venue on a patio overlooking the bayou. The dining room is filled with natural light, complemented by elegant chandeliers, making it a sought-after location for wedding receptions.

The menu at The Dunlavy is influenced by Southern Californian cuisine, showcasing produce sourced directly from the property’s three lush gardens.

In celebration of Valentine’s, the menu includes heart-healthy options alongside exciting new dishes inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Middle East, India, and Vietnam.

The Dunlavy, 3422 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019; +1 713-360-6477

ICEHOTEL Restaurant, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

The world’s first hotel made entirely of snow and ice serves as the enchanting backdrop for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Unlike the rest of the hotel, the dining room is heated, allowing head chef Alexander Meier to prepare menus featuring local specialties like bramble berries, Arctic char, and moose.

The five-course menu at ICEHOTEL includes unique offerings such as salmon served with wasabi mayonnaise and soy jelly, as well as a reindeer fillet with Jägermeister sauce—one of the most memorable Valentine’s Day entrées, sure to keep you and your date warm.

For dessert, enjoy chocolate paired with Arctic brambles, the perfect end to a remarkable meal.

ICEHOTEL, Marknadsvägen 63, 981 91 Jukkasjärvi, Sweden; +46 706680263

Passerelle Bistro, Greenville SC

Passerelle Bistro in Greenville, South Carolina, offers a stunning view of Reedy River’s waterfalls, making it an idyllic setting for a romantic meal. Consistently recognized among the best al fresco dining spots in the country, Passerelle is both charming and popular.

French favorites like baked goat’s cheese, escargots, mussels, and rich cassoulet of duck make up some of the restaurant’s signature dishes. For dessert, indulge in lemon crème brûlée or velvety chocolate mousse. Naturally, a superb French wine list satisfies even the most discerning wine lovers.

After dining, couples can enjoy a romantic walk through Falls Park’s 32 acres and take in the breathtaking view of the Liberty Bridge.

Passerelle Bistro, 601 S. Main Street, Greenville, SC; +1 864-509-0142

Sentido Norte, Costa Rica

Located on the Guanacaste coast, Sentido Norte offers an intimate escape, benefiting from its relatively recent rise in popularity. Casa Chameleon, perched above the Catalinas Islands, provides a stunning setting, and its restaurant, Sentido Norte, has swiftly garnered praise.

Costa Rican chef Jose Lopez honors his nation’s culinary heritage with dishes that blend African, European, and Meso-American influences, showcasing the rich cultural identity of the region.

The menu features delicacies like tuna sashimi, hearts of palm ceviche, and tender pork ribs paired with a smooth yucca root puree. After your meal, enjoy a cocktail while soaking in the breathtaking sunset views.

Sentido Norte, Casa Chameleon Hotels at Las Catalinas, Playa Danta, Guanacaste, Costa Rica; +506 2103 1200

Imàgo, Rome

Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly were no strangers to romance, so it’s no surprise they both chose to stay at The Hassler, located next to Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps. This luxurious five-star hotel, set in one of the world’s most enchanting cities, remains a top choice for lovers today.

Dining is a major attraction at The Hassler, especially with its Michelin-starred restaurant, Imàgo, offering sweeping views of Rome that are sure to leave even the most seasoned travelers in awe.

The menu at Imàgo, featuring delicacies like smoked herring with black truffle, ravioli filled with salt cod, pecorino, and sorrel, and wagyu in anchovy sauce, makes the hotel’s tagline of ‘stairway to heaven’ feel truly believable.

Imàgo at The Hassler, Piazza Trinità dei Monti, 6, 00187, Italy; +39 06 699340

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, Singapore

Though located far from the southern United States, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in Singapore brings the flavors of the South with dishes like biscuits and gravy, sweetcorn hush puppies, crispy chicken biscuits, and mac and cheese – with the option to add a whole lobster.

For something lighter, you can enjoy oysters with horseradish and Granny Smith apple or a Brussels sprout Caesar salad. Regardless of what you choose, you’re sure to experience genuine warmth in the service. The cocktails, which are occasionally quite strong, may add a touch of romance to the evening.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, 2 Bayfront Ave B1-07, Singapore; 018972 +65 6688 9959

Catalina Rose Bay, located in Sydney, is a perfect place to enjoy exquisite dining with stunning views.

One of Sydney’s premier waterfront restaurants, Catalina Rose Bay offers breathtaking views of the harbor and sunset, set in one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods.

For a more intimate experience, a quiet terrace table is essential, while the dining room offers a lively atmosphere, attracting both locals and visitors.

The food quality perfectly complements the sophisticated, romantic ambiance, with Executive Chef Mark Axisa showcasing exceptional dishes made from the finest local ingredients. Guests can even enjoy the spectacle of seaplanes taking off and landing nearby, some of which offer a stylish arrival for diners.

Catalina Rose Bay, Lyne Park, Rose Bay, NSW 2029, Australia; +61 2 9371 0555