Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s time to make those reservations! If you have a date coming up or are saving for a special night, date night is essential, and Downtown Cleveland has you covered with some of the best restaurants in town. Check out the list of some great places for dates!
Acqua Di Luca's ambiance is modern and contemporary. The restaurant not only offers a fantastic modern-Meditterean menu, but it also has a lively crowd. It would make the perfect date night for a first date. Acqua Di Luca was featured in Cleveland Magazine as the "Pearl of Downtown," run by wife-husband duo Luca and Lola Sema.
The latest hot spot for brunch in The Land is Brightside Cleveland.
The perfect date can be during brunch on the "Bright Side," and what's even more interesting about this hot spot is that it transforms into a club, playing throwbacks all night. Brightside is a fan-fave regarding atmosphere and food, as the menu offers New American meets Healthy food.
Lindey's Lakehouse sits right on the lake and has an amazing interior and exterior. Upon entering, it's as if you are boarding the deck and on an actual boat. The interior is rustic and boat-like, with seaside food from lobster rolls to fish and chips. A recommended drink is the classic margarita, which has components that taste like the ocean.
Alleycat Oyster Bar has an amazing view of the lake and splits into two floors, and the bottom floor is the busiest, with bussers and people stepping onto the deck to catch a look at the water views, while the top floor has a live DJ. The restaurant is a seafood-focused oyster bar offering the majority of seafood options.
Bar 32 is a true hidden gem at the Hilton hotel, as it's located on its rooftop. The restaurant shows the water views and city skyline. As for food, it offers contemporary American food and shareables. There isn't the best time to go since the views are nonstop during the day and lit up at night.
Lago East Bank is a sexy lounge restaurant with a dim-lit setting making for a romantic date night. The upscale Italian restaurant has the perfect backdrops for an anniversary photo with your significant other indoors and outdoors. It's also connected to the Aloft Cleveland Downtown hotel.
Blue Point Grille has nearly five stars from Google reviews and is a remarkable fancy seafood restaurant. Though you're in Cleveland, the large windows and massive chandeliers transport you to Manhattan, New York. However, the Historic Warehouse District being the main backdrop at the bar, reminds you quickly that you are in Cleveland. Cleveland Magazine rated Blue Point Grille the "Best Seafood Restaurant" in the city.
Sora is a unique modern sushi restaurant that values Gen Z's aesthetics. The bright restaurant has a party room, pop-up events, and live DJs on the weekends. Sora also offers an original Sora box that includes "rows of perfectly organized nigiri, crispy rice, sushi rolls, edamame, and corresponding sauce," according to the Instagram page. This really makes the perfect date night indoors and outdoors!
TURN Bar+ Kitchen is another restaurant located inside of a hotel; it's located in the Ritz Carlton. The restaurant is a luxurious take on a club vibe offering modern cuisine. If you're thinking of stopping by, you might as well book a room for an all-around experience!
1330 on the River offers a different dine-in experience and different specials from Taco Tuesday, Late Night, Sushi on the River, and Weekend Brunch. The extensive menu is perfect for date night, with restaurant faves like the 1330 wings and 1330 fries.