DineSpin

Best Date Night in Austin

Find the best date night restaurants in Austin, TX. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Austin's date night scene skews toward occasions that matter—anniversaries, proposals, the kind of dinners you plan weeks ahead. The city has serious steakhouses that compete nationally, Italian restaurants obsessed with housemade pasta, and a few wildcard spots that prove you don't need to spend $200 to feel special. Noise matters here; so does whether you can actually get a reservation.

Recommended:

Best Date Night in Austin

1.

Intero Restaurant

92/100

Farm-to-table Italian that actually tastes like what it claims—seasonal menus rotate, housemade pasta arrives with evidence of labor, and the staff is warm in ways that feel unrehearsed. The brown butter cake alone justifies a return trip. The tradeoff is typical of this type: high prices, small portions, reservations are non-negotiable, and parking in East Austin requires creativity. For adventurous eaters on a date night, this is worth the friction.

Pro tip: Walk-ins wait 30+ minutes minimum; call ahead or plan to kill time at a nearby bar.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its excellent quality, freshness, and inventive farm-to-table Italian preparations. Dishes are often described as flavorful, perfectly cooked, and beautifully presented, with a particular highlight being the house-made sourdough focaccia.

House made sourdough focaccia was outstanding

👋Service90

Service is overwhelmingly described as outstanding, with staff noted for being friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and accommodating, often going above and beyond to make occasions special.

Our server was so knowledgeable and made great recommendations

Vibe95

The ambiance is consistently lauded as romantic, cozy, intimate, and elegant, making it a popular choice for date nights and celebrations.

The ambience was really nice - romantic and cozy

💰Value80

While some diners note the prices, the overall consensus is that the quality of food and experience justifies the cost, with some finding it surprisingly reasonable for the caliber.

Prices are surprisingly reasonable

📍 2612 E Cesar Chavez St Suite 105, Austin, TX 78702, United States
4.7$$$AustinItalian
Ideal for
Date nights and romantic occasionsCelebrating special eventsDiners seeking fresh, seasonal ingredients
2.

Swift's Attic

92/100

Swift's Attic is a highly-regarded downtown Austin establishment known for its creative New American small plates, excellent cocktails, and a unique, moody ambiance. The restaurant consistently receives recognition for its flavorful and innovative dishes, particularly under its current executive chef, making it a standout choice for a special night out.

Pro tip: Everything was amazing. Service, cocktails, and the pre fixe menu was 10/10.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its creativity, bold flavors, and high-quality ingredients, with many dishes described as outstanding and unique.

Everything was amazing

👋Service88

Service is generally described as attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with staff often going above and beyond to enhance the dining experience.

Servers were very kind, attentive

Vibe95

The restaurant boasts a unique, moody, and chic atmosphere, often described as a favorite with a sophisticated speakeasy-like ambiance.

Cool moody vibe

💰Value75

While the food quality and creativity are well-regarded, some diners note that portion sizes can be small relative to the price.

Food is not and it’s very overpriced

📍 315 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, United States
4.5$$$AustinAmerican
Ideal for
Date nights — romantic, moody atmosphereGroups sharing small plates — encourages varietyCocktail enthusiasts — creative and well-executed drinks
3.

Eddie V's Prime Seafood

92/100

Eddie V's Prime Seafood is a highly-regarded fine dining establishment in Austin, celebrated for its excellent seafood, steaks, and overall dining experience. It is particularly noted for its elegant atmosphere, live jazz music, and impeccable service, making it a prime choice for celebrations.

Pro tip: Outstanding food, service, and atmosphere make this a top choice for special occasions.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate quality, freshness, and expert preparation, particularly the seafood and steaks. Dishes are often described as delicious, perfectly cooked, and well-balanced.

The food at this place was amazing

👋Service95

Service is frequently highlighted as top-notch, with staff described as attentive, friendly, professional, and going above and beyond to make occasions special.

Top-notch service and attention

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as elegant, romantic, classy, and lively, often enhanced by live jazz music, making it ideal for special occasions.

Live music every night is a cherry on top

💰Value75

While generally considered worth the price for special occasions, some diners find the food overpriced for the portion size or overall experience.

Overpriced and underwhelming food.

📍 301 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701, United States
4.7$$$$AustinSeafood
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsRomantic dinnersBusiness entertainment
4.

Cafe Largesse

92/100

Cafe Largesse is a highly-regarded favorite in Austin, celebrated for its excellent food quality, consistently great service, and warm, inviting atmosphere. It's a versatile spot suitable for casual work, family gatherings, or date nights, with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and a welcoming management presence.

Pro tip: Cafe Largesse is a charming spot with outstanding food, great service, and a welcoming vibe.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its quality, freshness, and deliciousness, with many dishes highlighted as first-rate.

Every dish we’ve had has been top-notch!

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as top-notch, friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.

Top-notch service, and a delightful happy hour

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as warm, welcoming, cozy, stylish, and vibrant, making it suitable for various occasions.

Felt warm and welcoming, cozy enough

💰Value85

While some perceive prices as fair, one mention suggests portions might be small for the cost, though this is contradicted by another review stating portions are huge and shareable.

Small dinning room with great atmosphere.

📍 2800 Barton Creek Blvd unit 104, Austin, TX 78735
4.9$$AustinAmerican
Ideal for
Casual work or coworkingFamily gatherings and mealsDate nights
5.

1618 Asian Fusion

92/100

1618 Asian Fusion is a well-regarded restaurant in Austin known for its excellent and flavorful Asian fusion cuisine, outstanding service, and inviting atmosphere. While generally consistent and clean, some diners note small portions for the price and occasional long waits during peak times.

Pro tip: Outstanding food, attentive service, and a beautiful atmosphere make this a top Asian fusion spot.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate flavor, freshness, and quality, with many dishes highlighted as standouts, including soup dumplings, pho, and various fusion creations.

Pho wagyu beef soup dumplings were the best

👋Service93

Service is frequently described as top-notch, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with numerous staff members well-regarded for enhancing the dining experience.

Our server Brian was super attentive

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as beautiful, stylish, cozy, and inviting, often enhanced by live music, making it suitable for various occasions.

Atmosphere is relaxing

💰Value75

While the food quality is highly regarded, some diners note that portions can be small for the price, and found the overall experience to be overpriced.

Small portion but good flavor

📍 1618 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741, United States
4.8$$$AustinMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Date nights — romantic and moody atmosphereSpecial occasions — personalized touches and top-notch serviceFood enthusiasts — diverse and flavorful fusion menu
6.

Bellissima Italian Mediterranean Restaurant

92/100

Bellissima Italian Mediterranean Restaurant is a highly-regarded establishment in Austin, celebrated for its excellent, fresh, and authentic Italian cuisine, outstanding service, and warm, inviting atmosphere. It is a consistent favorite for special occasions and regular dining.

Pro tip: Incredible experience through and through! Service is 12/10, hands down.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, authentic flavors, and high-quality ingredients, with many dishes, particularly pasta and tiramisu, receiving outstanding recognition.

Food was absolutely spectacular

👋Service90

Service is overwhelmingly described as first-rate, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with several staff members frequently highlighted for their top-notch hospitality.

Service is 12/10

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as warm, cozy, authentic, and pleasant, often enhanced by live music.

Atmosphere is great

💰Value75

While most diners find the value good, a few diners mention small portion sizes relative to the price, particularly for pasta dishes.

5 ravioli was not enough

📍 8300 N FM 620 K-200, Austin, TX 78726
4.8$$$AustinItalian
Ideal for
Date nightsSpecial celebrationsAuthentic Italian dining experiences
7.

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab

92/100

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab in Austin is a highly-regarded establishment known for its excellent seafood, steaks, and upscale ambiance. It consistently delivers a top-tier dining experience, making it a popular choice for celebrations.

Pro tip: Outstanding food and service make for a magical, upscale dining experience, perfect for special occasions.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate quality, freshness, and delicious flavors, particularly the seafood and steaks. Desserts, especially the Baked Alaska, are frequently highlighted.

Food was immaculate and high-quality

👋Service90

Service is a standout feature, described as impeccable, attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, with staff often going above and beyond to make occasions special.

Service was impeccable

Vibe95

The ambiance is consistently lauded as elegant, upscale, intimate, and sophisticated, often enhanced by live piano music.

Ambiance is unbelievable

💰Value75

While considered pricey, most diners feel the high quality of food, service, and overall experience justifies the cost for special occasions.

Worth the price

📍 10225 Research Blvd Suite 4000, Austin, TX 78759, United States
4.7$$$$AustinSeafood
Ideal for
Special occasion celebrationsSeafood and steak enthusiastsUpscale dining experiences
8.

Verbena Food & Drink

88/100

Verbena Food & Drink is a highly-regarded Austin establishment celebrated for its excellent food quality, creative flavors, and outstanding service, particularly from its dedicated staff members. The restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere, especially its outdoor patio, making it a popular choice for celebrations and dining experiences.

Pro tip: Outstanding service from Toni for New Year’s Eve party of 13!

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate quality, creative flavors, and beautiful presentation, with many dishes highlighted as standouts.

Phenomenal. Loved the oysters, beef cheek

👋Service92

Service is a major strength, with numerous staff members, particularly Toni, Dawn, Michael, and Olivia, frequently cited for their attentiveness, friendliness, and top-notch knowledge.

Toni was amazing and so sweet

Vibe95

The restaurant boasts a well-regarded atmosphere, with diners frequently complimenting the decor, ambiance, and especially the outdoor patio.

Super cute ambiance in the outdoor patio!

💰Value75

While most diners find the food and experience worthwhile, a few comments suggest that some dishes may be slightly overpriced for the portion size.

A little overpriced for what you get

📍 612 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
4.7$$$AustinMexican
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDiners seeking creative and flavorful dishesThose who appreciate attentive and friendly service
9.

Tiny Boxwoods Austin

88/100

Tiny Boxwoods Austin is a highly-regarded spot known for its excellent food, charming atmosphere, and friendly service. While generally a delightful experience, diners should be aware of potential parking challenges and higher price points.

Pro tip: Amazing dining experience at Tiny Boxwoods Austin! The ambiance was cozy and inviting.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, quality ingredients, and delicious preparation, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding.

Food is always great

👋Service88

Service is frequently described as friendly, attentive, helpful, and first-rate, with staff often going above and beyond.

Service was pretty stellar

Vibe95

The atmosphere is overwhelmingly regarded as chic, charming, cozy, beautiful, and perfect for various occasions.

Very cottage core. So cute

💰Value70

While generally considered delicious, some diners note the restaurant is expensive or overpriced for the portion sizes.

More overpriced than you're used to

📍 1503 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703, United States
4.4$$$AustinAmerican
Ideal for
Girls' brunchesDate nightsCasual upscale lunches
10.

Sugar Pine

88/100

Sugar Pine is a highly-regarded Japanese-inspired eatery in Austin, celebrated for its delicious and unique dishes, particularly its homemade ice cream, onigiri, and katsu. The restaurant boasts a charming and clean atmosphere, complemented by friendly and efficient service, making it a consistent favorite for many.

Pro tip: Delicious food, cute atmosphere, and amazing ice cream make this worth trying.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness and unique Japanese-inspired flavors, with particular recognition for the ice cream, onigiri, and katsu dishes. Fresh ingredients are noted, and presentation is frequently highlighted as thoughtful and appealing.

Everything on the menu is delicious

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, kind, attentive, and helpful, with staff often noted for their graciousness and efficiency.

Staff was attentive and kind

Vibe95

The atmosphere is frequently lauded as cute, cozy, modern, hip, and well-decorated, making it a pleasant spot for dates or casual gatherings.

Super cute spot on the north side

💰Value70

While many find the food delicious, several diners mention that the restaurant can be pricey, with some questioning the value for the portion sizes, particularly for onigiri.

Definitely overpriced for what it is

📍 8578 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758, United States
4.6$$AustinJapanese
Ideal for
Dessert lovers seeking unique ice cream flavorsCasual diners looking for Japanese comfort foodThose seeking a charming date spot

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