By Elizabeth Stamp for Architectural Digest.
Photo: Carol Sachs
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, AD surveys the most romantic restaurants from England to India.
Clos Maggiore, London (above)
A truly romantic evening should pull out all the stops--from sumptuous cuisine and exquisite flowers to beautiful surroundings and, of course, amazing company. With the most romantic day of the year approaching, Architectural Digest found the top restaurants from London to Austin to find spots that are ideal for a passionate evening out. Whether you're looking for an elegant place to spend Valentine's Day or an unforgettable locale to pop the question, these romantic restaurants are sure to fit the bill. All you need is the perfect dinner partner!
Clos Maggiore, located in London's Covent Garden neighborhood, sets an amorous scene year-round, particularly in the apple blossom-filled conservatory, which features a retractable glass roof for lovely summer meals. During the winter months diners can enjoy chef Marcellin Marc's French-inflected and locally sourced cuisine beside a roaring fire. The restaurant's extensive wine cellar includes over 2,500 selections. 33 King Street, London; closmaggiore.com.
Photo: Buff Strickland
laV, Austin, Texas
With rustic French decor and cuisine, laV brings the allure of Provence to the Lone Star State. The warm yet sophisticated interiors were designed by AD100 firm McAlpine and range from a contemporary wine bar to an elegant dining room enhanced with tufted banquettes and bucolic landscape paintings, an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the award-winning wine list and decadent dishes such as Strube Ranch Wagyu rib eye and white sturgeon caviar. 1501 East 7th Street, Austin, Texas; lavaustin.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Ristorante Aroma
Ristorante Aroma, Rome
Located on the top level of a 17th-century palace, which is now home to the Palazzo Manfredi hotel, Aroma combines Michelin-starred cuisine with incredible views of the Eternal City. Patrons can gaze out at the Colosseum and Emperor Nero's gardens as they feast on seasonally inspired Italian fare by chef Giuseppe di Iorio. 125 Via Labicana, Rome; aromarestaurant.it.
Photo: Pierre Monetta
Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse, Paris
One of the crown jewels in the chef's dining empire, Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse boasts three Michelin stars and a decadent atmosphere. The spectacular decor--inspired by the Salon de la Paix at the Château de Versailles--features crystal chandeliers, frescoes, and marble. The simple yet exquisite cuisine includes dishes such as lobster with Jerusalem artichokes and venison with poivrade sauce. 228 rue de Rivoli, Paris; alainducasse-meurice.com.
Photo: Courtesy of One if by Land, Two if by Sea
One If by Land, Two If by Sea, New York
This popular West Village eatery, set in a landmarked carriage house that once belonged to Aaron Burr, is a favorite spot for marriage proposals and anniversary dinners. The intimate atmosphere is enhanced by chef Gary Volkov's classic menu, which includes romance-inspiring plates such as oysters, beef Wellington, and chocolate soufflé. 17 Barrow Street, New York; oneifbyland.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Leela Palace
Sheesh Mahal, Udaipur, India
Open from the beginning of October to the end of March, the Sheesh Mahal restaurant at the Leela Palace Udaipur allows guests to dine under the stars on a stunning terrace beside Lake Pichola. Traditional Rajasthani cuisine is served by candlelight, while ceremonial touches add to the experience. Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India; theleela.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Ristorante Quadri
Ristorante Quadri, Venice
A historic palazzo on Piazza San Marco is home to Ristorante Quadri, an elegant establishment run by noted Italian restaurateurs the Alajmo family and the recipient of a Michelin star in 2012. The romantic dining room, which is beautifully appointed with Murano-glass chandeliers and damask-lined walls, provides an intimate setting for Max Alajmo and executive chef Silvio Giavedoni's contemporary takes on classic Venetian and Italian cuisine. Piazza San Marco 121, Venice; alajmo.it.
Photo: Courtesy of Metis
Metis, Bali
It's hard to find a setting in Bali that isn't romantic, but Metis takes paradise to another level. The sprawling restaurant, which features interiors inspired by traditional Indonesian batiks, overlooks rice paddies and includes a bar, a lounge, a pastry shop, a private wine cellar dining area, an art gallery, and a boutique. Chef Nicolas "Doudou" Tourneville serves French Mediterranean cuisine, including an entire menu dedicated to foie gras. Jl. Petitenget No. 6, Bali; metisbali.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Da Bouttau
Da Bouttau, Cannes, France
Founded in 1860 and located along a winding cobblestone street in Le Suquet, the old quarter of Cannes, Da Bouttau is known for its charm and frequent celebrity guests. Chef Benoit Romain serves classic French dishes, including coq au vin and crêpes suzette prepared tableside. 10 rue Saint-Antoine, Cannes, France; dabouttau.com.
Photo: Courtesy of Nautika Restaurant
Nautika Restaurant, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Guests dine on chef Mario Bunda's Mediterranean cuisine while enjoying views of the Adriatic and historic fortresses. The restaurant's romantic atmosphere has drawn celebrity couples including Hollywood royalty (Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell) and actual royalty (Prince and Princess Akishino of Japan and the king and queen of Norway). Brsalje no. 3, Dubrovnik, Croatia; nautikarestaurant.com.
Photo: Jessica Sample
The Little Door, Los Angeles
The West Hollywood eatery is a popular spot for everything from A-list nights out to weddings, thanks to its cozy Mediterranean-inspired dining areas and lush courtyard. Chef T. Nicolas Peter's eclectic menu features a worldly assortment of dishes, from mezze to oysters to filet mignon. 8164 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles; thelittledoor.com.
Photo: Claudia Uribe
Cecconi's, Miami Beach
Set in the courtyard of Soho Beach House, Cecconi's brings the romance (and cuisine) of Venice to Miami. Illuminated trees, hanging lights, and cozy sofas create a charming and breezy atmosphere in the evening as chef Sergio Sigala serves fresh pasta, seafood, and other Italian dishes. 4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; cecconismiamibeach.com.
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