Notorious for the large Gateway Arch rising along the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Louis is a city complete with both an urban side and a more subdued, Midwestern feel. For those seeking romantic dining options in and around St. Louis, the various neighborhoods of the city afford diners the opportunity to find restaurants that suit any mood, taste or culinary endeavor.
Throughout the midtown section of St. Louis, a variety of romantic restaurants can be found that suit all budgets and tastes. Ranging from the eclectic Brandt's Cafe, which features both an extensive wine and martini menu along with fusion food and live musical entertainment, to the chain-owned Morton's: The Steakhouse, featuring a wide assortment of fine steaks and accompaniments. Romantic restaurants located in the Loop section have the added advantage of bringing diners in to the heart of the city, which is full of additional entertainment options to further extend a romantic evening.
Right in the heart of St. Louis lies the downtown section of the city. Known primarily for being the hub of activity in terms of business, cultural and governmental operations and activities, the area also is filled with dining establishments suitable for a romantic meal out on the town. The restaurant options range from the Zagat-rated Al's Restaurant, which highlights steaks, seafood and pasta dishes in an elegant environment, to the Italian-focused J.F. Sanfilippo's. The downtown area is filled with romantic dining choices for those seeking Italian, American or even fusion food options.
For couples traveling to and from St. Louis close to the airport section of the city, some romantic dining options also exist for those seeking to stay close to the airport. The location is less hectic compared to the hustle and bustle of downtown St. Louis, however, plenty of dining options still exist. For example, Lombardo's Restaurant offers guests both American and Italian dishes in a romantic and inviting setting. Close by, within the same airport area, is The Pasta House. Though less formal than Lombardo's, The Pasta House can serve as the backdrop to a romantic meal for two when guests dine during nonbusy times and opt for a small, intimate table for two to feast on traditional Italian fare.
The West and Westport sections of St. Louis are best known for being the areas where Hickey College and Lindenwood University call home. This more suburban area of St. Louis, in comparison to the downtown area, contains establishments ideal for diners looking for a good meal in a setting that lends itself to romance. Dining options range from the upscale-casual Pujols 5 Westport Grill that features American dishes and live entertainment to the more formal Ruth's Chris Steak House or the Vintage Restaurant at Stone Hill Winery. Diners can create a romantic evening at any of these restaurants by choosing a small table, enjoying cocktails or a bottle of wine and indulging in the live music oftentimes found at restaurants in this area.
The South and Southwest portion of St. Louis provides diners with romantic options for dinner that can range from unusual to refined. The 1904 Steak House at the River City Casino features an extensive wine collection that can serve as the perfect compliment to any romantic meal. For who want to make a full evening out on the town, heading into the casino area for gaming action after dinner can make the night last even longer. Additional dining choices for couples include Dominic's for Italian fare, the Feasting Fox Restaurant and Pub for both American and German cuisine or even Charlie Gitto's on The Hill that comes complete with in-house sommeliers.
One additional option for a thematic dining experience in St. Louis is dinner theater. Locations exist throughout the area. With the proper entertainment venue chosen properly, the experience can qualify as a romantic dining experience. One dinner theater option is the Bissell Mansion Restaurant and Dinner Theatre. Though the theme is murder-mystery, guests can make a romantic evening by playing along with the cast, getting into character and relishing in the entertainment provided along with a meal that includes wine service along with a four-course meal. The alternate dinner theater option is the Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn, which provides guests with entertainment via a production that chronicles the lives and times of the brewery's original owners. Though not romantic based on the production, the grounds and facility afford guests plenty of places to sneak away for a few stolen moments of solitude and alone time.
