Our Favorite Romantic Restaurants in Columbus

Nicola Restaurant & Bar for romance

Address: 4740 Reed Road, Columbus OH

Nicola Restaurant & Bar offers a taste of Italy right here in Columbus! They are open every night except Sunday which is reserved for their families.  Considered a 4-star eatery with a happy hour and dinner menu.  Entrees range from $16 to $32.

Little Palace Restaurant or Dirty Frank’s Hotdog Palace for a Fun & Affordable date

Little Palace is located between East Rich and East Cherry streets in an historic downtown Columbus neighborhood. Enjoy your dinner with a casual 60’s flair. The menu consists of pizza, Stromboli, subs, burgers, and more.  Entrees are under $20 and they offer Happy Hour on Monday to Friday, 4pm – 7pm.

Dirty Frank’s Hotdog Palace is located at 248 S. 4th Street and is open 6 days a week (Tue-Thu and Sun 11am – 10pm; Fri-Sat 11am – 12am).  You will find hotdog combinations that have never occurred to you!  Offering all beef, veggie, brats or polish sausage, you can choose from too many toppings to list.  Take a peek at their menu on their website.  It’s not unreasonable to get dinner for two for under $20.

Mary Allen Recommends:

Lindey’s at 169 East Beck Street in German Village.

The restaurant is located down a brick road and offers valet parking for the convenience of guests.   Mary enjoys Chef Brett’s unique American Bistro fare with its mouthwatering presentation. The setting is refined and chic.  Entrees start at $15 but don’t exceed $30 and they have a sophisticated wine list if you choose to partake.

Patrick Florence Recommends:

Mc Donald’s. Patrick suggests, “Get the Quarter Pounder, if extra special night and you really want to impress, splurge and get it with Cheese.”

Erin Oxender Recommends:

White Castle. There’s no better way to feel like royalty than to spend time in a castle.

Jeanne O’Keefe Recommends:

Gallos Kitchen and Bar is one of Jeanne & Angelo’s favorite restaurants in the 614! This beloved eatery at 2820 Nottingham Rd, Columbus OH 43221, offers authentic Creole & Italian food with an amazing selection of expertly prepared food. The service is exceptional and the food is consistently outstanding.  The favorite meal often includes fried oysters, gumbo, or Pasta Russo with a dirty martini. Hot tip, the homemade tater tots are worth the calories! Don’t skimp on bread and desserts here. Every part of the menu is fantastic.

Lisa Viertel Recommends:

Avenue Steak Tavern in Grandview for Romance
Located at 1307 Grandview Avenue is this steak house with a 1920’s tavern ambiance. As a result, they have a variety of food choices ranging from sandwiches at $12 to steaks around $48. They also offer fresh fish daily.  Select from their extensive wine list or approximately 30 by-the-glass options. This is a Cameron Mitchell Restaurant.

Forno Kitchen + Bar in the Short North for fun. Referred to as Forno Pizza as well, Lisa recommends Happy Hour as a great time to visit 721 North High Street. It’s an innovative, hip eatery offering brunch to late night menus.  With a diverse wine list and a wide assortment of delicious dinner items starting at $21, reservations are recommended.

Short North Tavern for a cocktail. If you don’t want to eat out or want to switch up the locations, check out the Short North Tavern for a cocktail before or after your meal.  It is the longest standing watering hole in the area but also offers a wide variety of options for all palates should you choose to eat there as well.  It’s located at 674 North High Street.

Courtney Weber Recommends:

‘plas is located in the Short North and owned by the former chef of Z Cucina, Jamie George.  This restaurant has a cozy upscale atmosphere that displays artwork from local artists. The ever-changing menu is described as modern rustic with Italian and French influences.  Every dish is bold, yet approachable and each visit leaves me excited for my next. 

Chapman’s Eat Market is located in the original Max and Erma’s building. Walking in, you would not recognize the space that is now filled with soft pink and green hues and vintage decor. The cocktail list is rooted in classics, with unique and innovative twists.  Similarly, the food menu takes inspiration from cuisine around the world and adds a modern flare. They strive to make everything in house from their pasta to desserts and the outcome is truly phenomenal. After making the New York Times “The Restaurant List” some advanced planning is required for a reservation, but it is well worth the wait and you will not leave disappointed!