7 Of The Best Date Night Restaurants In Richmond, VA

Whether trying to impress a new date, take your long-term significant other out for a change, or enjoy an evening out with your person, Richmond has the perfect array of date night restaurants for all types of couples. There’s a lot to choose from, and certainly our list won’t cover it all. But at least it’s a start!

Amuse

Amuse is an upscale dining experience on the second floor of the VMFA, one of the East Coast’s finest art museums. But make no mistake – Amuse is operated as a true fine-dining restaurant. A farm-to-table experience, you’ll enjoy locally sourced ingredients, and the craft cocktail program is among Richmond’s best. The cherry on top? The menu is “directly inspired by the art-filled surroundings, current exhibitions, and seasonality.” So, how does a dinner date surrounded by world-class art sound?

Belmont Food Shop

If you’re looking for an intimate setting and rich food, then Belmont Food Shop should be on your list. Considered one of Carytown’s best-kept secrets, this old grocery store turned quaint restaurant never fails to please with its American fare. Consisting of roughly 20 seats and a bar area, this small restaurant gives off a cozy feel. Be sure to try the well-known, house-made ravioli.

Take A Food Tour

A food tour by Discover Richmond Tours makes a great date! The tours are a great way to explore the food and history of Richmond’s most interesting, delicious neighborhoods, and you’ll certainly leave well-fed. Discover Richmond Tours offers tours in various neighborhoods Friday through Sunday. You can learn more at discoverrichmondtours.com or reserve your spot online by clicking the image below.

Take A Food Tour

The Boathouse

Located in Rocketts Landing (and also in the West End and Midlothian), The Boathouse was built to warmly welcome all guests to a place where Richmond’s surprising waterfront views are combined with authentic, local food. And they’ve certainly accomplished just that, quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite along the way. The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing works for most any type of evening, from a beautiful wedding party to a simple night out with your friends to a romantic date; either way, you’ll be met with an amazing view of downtown Richmond from the dining room!

Best outdoor seating Richmond, VA - Boathouse — Image Credit: Boathouse

Can Can Brasserie

Can Can is the bustling French brasserie right in the middle of Carytown. From morning coffee and pastries to elegant lunch and dinner to late night bar service, Can Can does everything in the authentic brasserie style – that is, charmingly busy and noisy all day long. Your date will surely delight in the decor, from the subway tiles in the bathrooms to the vintage sound system in the dining room to the 80-foot-long zinc bar.

Can Can - Epicure and Culture — Image Credit - Epicure & Culture

Lemaire

Set inside The Jefferson, arguably Richmond’s most luxurious hotel, Lemaire is perfect for a dinner for two. And a recent menu overhaul means dishes are more accessible than ever (read: more pronounceable and affordable, yet still top-quality). From cast-iron seared duck breast to herb roasted chioggia beet salad, Lemaire has options for everyone, none of which will leave you feeling unsatisfied.

Stella’s

The original Stella’s opened in 1983 on VCU’s campus, and this near west end restaurant has continued the tradition of bringing a bit of Greece to Richmond since 2011. Stella’s menu honors both rustic and modern Greek flavors while providing an upscale atmosphere perfect for a date night. A small space and steady stream of guests make a reservation advisable, but arrive early enough, and you might find Stella herself, at 75+ years young, working the kitchen!