5 Best Date Night Restaurants in Houston, TX

Your Guide to a Romantic Night Out

If you have a special someone in your life, it’s important to find activities that are fun and memorable. Many people prefer to establish new relationships with friends or acquaintances online, but nothing beats being face-to-face when trying to build new connections. We all know that the best romances often begin as friendships. Keeping your love interest at the top of your mind requires intentionality and regular check-ins. Dating is hard work! It’s easy to let the pressure of finding someone or getting caught up in everyday responsibilities get in the way of pursuing the kind of relationship we want with another person; one that is mutually beneficial and rewarding for both parties involved. Check out these great date night restaurants in Houston.

What is a Good Date Night Restaurant?

A date night restaurant is one that conveys romance, intimacy, and a welcoming environment. They are typically upscale, but not so expensive that you’re worried about splitting the check or ruining your credit. Date night restaurants often have a specialty menu, one that is unique and creative, with plenty of options to make dietary restrictions easy. There will be candlelight and soft music to put you at ease. You can talk and laugh without being interrupted by kids or music blasting so loudly you can’t hear yourself think. You probably want to steer clear of chain restaurants on a date. While they’re convenient and you know what to expect, they lack the charm and novelty that can help you create memories that last. Steer your date towards a unique or creative menu item that you can share. It’s a great way to get a variety of tastes without getting too full.

Italian

Italian food is often associated with romance and dates. The flavors, textures, and aromas are the perfect recipe for a great date night restaurant. There are tons of options for vegetarians, meat-eaters, and even seafood lovers have options. It is a great meal for sharing, so you can each be responsible for ordering one small appetizer or a salad and a main course. This will keep the meal affordable without skimping on flavor, portions, or quality. Italian restaurants range from casual to fancy, so you can easily find the right ambiance. There are tons of casual Italian places all over the city, and most of them have a menu that is easy to navigate. You can quickly order drinks and food while still having a nice, relaxed meal with your date. Here are some of our favorites:

• La Griglia | 2002 West Gray St, Houston, TX 77019

• Grotto Ristorante | 4715 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77027

• North Italia | 1700 Post Oak Blvd Suite 109, Blvd Plaza, Houston, TX 77056

Mexican

Mexican food is a classic and perfect for a romantic date. The flavors are bold, but they aren’t hard to eat or spicy. You can find Mexican food in many neighborhoods, so you can easily find a place to eat in your area. No matter what neighborhood you’re in, you’ll be able to find a great Mexican food option for your date. Mexican food is known for being healthy and full of vegetables and protein. While traditional Mexican food is delicious, you can also find healthier alternatives like veggie-heavy burrito bowls or salads. Mexican food is often served as an appetizer, main course, or even dessert. You’ll be able to choose from tons of drinks. You can also find lots of vegetarian options at Mexican restaurants. Here are some of our favorites:

• Xochi | 1777 Walker St Suite A, Houston, TX 77010

• Caracol | 2200 Post Oak Blvd Suite #160, Houston, TX 77056

• El Tiempo Cantina- Washington | 5602 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007

Asian

If you’re looking for a date night restaurant that is a little out of the ordinary, Asian food might be a perfect choice. You can find restaurants serving Asian food in nearly every neighborhood in the city. There are tons of Asian cuisine options, so it’s easy to find something you like and your date will enjoy, too. Asian food is often served as an appetizer, main course, or dessert. There are also plenty of vegetarian options, particularly Asian vegetarian dishes, so you can find something that satisfies your diet preferences. If you want to keep things affordable, stick with appetizers and drinks. You can also find affordable Asian meal deals where you can get a meal and a drink for one price. Here are some of our favorites:

• Uchi | 904 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

• Huynh Restaurant | 912 Saint Emanuel St., Houston, TX 77003

• Kata Robata | 3600 Kirby Dr Ste H, Houston, TX 77098

Steakhouse

Steakhouses are often associated with dates and special occasions, so you’ll be able to create a romantic atmosphere at your table. Steakhouses are a great place to go on a date if you’re trying to keep things casual or you don’t want to go out to dinner. Steakhouses are known for their large portions, so you can easily share a dish and have leftovers for lunch the next day. You can also order a variety of appetizers to share as an appetizer course. If you’re trying to keep the cost of your dinner low, look out for steakhouse deals. Many places offer cheap drinks, like soda and water, and they often have meal deals that are affordable and easy to split. Don’t forget to look for coupons and special offers, too! Here are some of our favorites:

• Tubs Poutine | 13429 Briar Forest Dr, Houston, TX 77077

• Pinkerton's Barbecue | 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009

• Jackson Street Bbq | 209 Jackson St, Houston, TX 77002

Fast Casual/BBQ

If you want a casual meal out, you can find plenty of places to grab dinner and drinks. Fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle or Raising Cane’s specialize in quick meals, so you can sit down, eat, and get out with minimal fuss. BBQ restaurants are often casual and low-key. They have moderately priced menus and are great places to go with a group of people. You can order a variety of meats and side dishes for a casual meal out with a group of friends or on a date. If you want to keep your date night inexpensive, look for deals. Many casual restaurants offer deals and specials that are great for dating. You can often find deals like two meals for the price of one or drinks for half price.

Conclusion

When you’re on a date, it’s important to relax and have fun. Don’t worry too much about being perfect or being a certain way. Dating is a time to be yourself and learn about your partner. Houston has a wide variety of date night restaurants, making it easy for you to find the right place for your date night. If you’re struggling to find a date night restaurant, try one of these five popular date night restaurants in Houston, TX.