Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, which provides a full weekend of opportunities to celebrate with dinner out. What makes for a romantic dining destination? Everything from an all-the-stops service to an intimate dining room with lights turned low to decadent desserts. Here are a few of the most romantic restaurants in Columbus.
Basi Italia
811 Highland Street — Victorian Village
The dining room at Basi can best be described as “cozy,” which makes this hidden Victorian Village gem ideal for special occasion dinners. Order a bottle of wine (or two) and go for a full multi-course dinner experience (with dessert!)—the staff here never makes meals feel rushed.
Figlio Wood Fired Pizza
1369 Grandview Avenue — Grandview Heights / 5xNW
The philosophy here is pairing the finest handcrafted pizzas and pastas with beautiful wines, and the intimacy of the dining room is what really sets this place apart as a great date-night spot. Date Night tip: Stop in for a drink at the bar of the adjoining Vino Vino beforehand!
G. Michael’s Bistro & Bar
595 South Third Street — German Village
Indulge in the white-tablecloth treatment at G. Michael’s, the chic German Village destination for hearty and inspired seasonal fare. Chef David Tetzloff uses Ohio ingredients to make food influenced by his time in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
21190 State Route 374 — Logan, Ohio
You can’t get much more romantic than the pampering treatment of an overnight stay at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls in the Hocking Hills. Book a spa treatment for the afternoon, take a hike in the woods if temperatures allow and then enjoy dinner for two at Kindred Spirits, the Inn’s fine dining restaurant housed in an 1840s log cabin.
Lindey’s
169 East Beck Street — German Village
This German Village staple is a longtime favorite for celebrating special occasions, and for good reason. Tucked away in residential German Village, the charming bistro offers a three-course Valentine’s Day for $53 per person, with ample choices for each course—including entrees from Salmon Wellington to center-cut Filet.
M at Miranova
2 Miranova Place — Downtown
It’s all about the spectacle at M, where an otherworldly ambiance delivers the feeling of an instant getaway. Valentine’s weekend dinner features include a butter-poached filet entrée served with lobster risotto, raspberry silk cake for dessert, and champagne punch to drink.
The Refectory
1092 Bethel Road — Northwest Columbus
The breathtaking stained glass and vaulted ceilings of this fine French restaurant housed in a former church pair nicely with Chef Richard Blondin’s exquisitely plated French fare. In fact, the ambiance is outshined only by the top-notch service at this Columbus dining icon.
The Top Steakhouse
2891 East Main Street — Eastmoor
The romance of decades past is a big part of the appeal of The Top, which has been open since 1955. After dinner, stick around for a drink or two at the lively piano bar, featuring a different live performer every night of the week—including longtime favorite Sonia Modes on Saturdays.
Worthington Inn
649 High Street — Worthington
The always elegant Inn is offering three days of Valentine’s Weekend specials this year! A Dinner Specials menu, with offerings such as a strip steak Oscar with king crab and béarnaise, will be offered in addition to the regular menu after 5 p.m. on Feb. 12, 13 and 14. Or try the Sparkling Lovers Brunch for Two on Saturday and Sunday—$49 per couple gets you a mimosa, choice of entree and dessert.
Z Cucina
1368 Grandview Avenue — Grandview Heights / 5xNW
High ceilings and dim lights lend a dramatic feel to this Grandview restaurant, which specializes in modern Italian cuisine. The owners take care to treat each table like VIP guests, which adds to the appeal for special occasions. Don’t skip dessert—the housemade creations here are some of the best in town.
Dine Originals Columbus celebrates, supports and promotes the culinary diversity that locally owned and operated member restaurants contribute to the identity and culture of our city. The nonprofit group is committed to strengthening the local economy and enriching the community through education and charitable partnerships.
On the first Wednesday of each month, each Dine Originals restaurant offers their own special dining experience, whether it’s a prix-fix dinner, a tasting menu, a retail wine night or a fun promotion. No matter which Dine Originals restaurant you visit tonight, you’ll be treated to a VIP dining experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
For more information, visit www.dineoriginalscolumbus.com.
