Here are our top 10 picks for a romantic night out…

1. Frankie's Intimate by design, with cozy nooks tucked into different dining areas that make the space feel like a series of discoveries. The menu shifts constantly, but the vibe stays consistent: creative cocktails, shareable plates, and a wine list focused on low-intervention bottles. Good for couples who like their romance with a little personality.

2. E.B. Strong's Classic steakhouse experience on Church Street…dim lights, martinis, mouth-watering steaks and seafood, and a wine list built for celebration. The dining room is polished and beautiful, but dinner for two at the bar has its own kind of romance. Timeless in all the right ways.

3. Waterworks Food + Drink The historic setting and water views set the stage, but the food, service, and decor pull it all together. The wine list is exceptional, cocktails are creative, and the whole experience feels special while you still feel right at home (the staff sees to that). Great choice if you want romance with a real sense of place.

4. Hen of the Wood The fireplace lounge by the bar sets a cozy tone, and if you're the kind of couple who enjoys the theater of an open kitchen, get seats at the kitchen bar and watch the action. A farm-to-table pioneer with locations in both Burlington and Waterbury, Hen of the Wood continues to deliver seasonal, ingredient-driven food in a space that’s warm and welcoming.

5. Bistro de Margot White tablecloths, candlelight, and a bright, elegant dining room that feels special from the moment you walk in. The traditional French chef delivers classic haute cuisine with real skill and precision. It's refined, it's romantic, and it's the kind of place where you remember the meal as much as the moment..

6. Trattoria Delia It all spells romance…a cozy, fireplaced setting tucked below street level, an amazing wine list, and traditional, well-executed regional Italian dishes. The space feels intimate and inviting, built for lingering over pasta and wine. The kind of warmth that makes you want to stay all night.

7. Juniper Bar & Restaurant With a location at Hotel Vermont, you can make a whole weekend of your date night…dinner, drinks, and time exploring downtown or strolling the waterfront (even in winter). The outdoor terrace has fire pits for cold-weather coziness, and the cocktail program is creative and impressive. Romantic without being stuffy.

8. La Reprise Wine-centric, intimate, and quietly cool…perfect for couples who want a great bottle and a conversation. The space feels personal and unhurried, and the cuisine is consistently flawless. Ideal for wine lovers who appreciate when the food rises to meet the glass.

9. Leunig's Bistro & Cafe A Church Street classic with intimate tables and true bistro atmosphere…warm lighting, French-inspired food, and a space that invites people watching and long, unhurried conversations. Timeless and comfortable in a way that never goes out of style.

10. Philo Ridge Farm Set on a working farm in Charlotte, Philo Ridge is as farm-to-table as it gets…but with an elegance that makes it feel special. The dining room is warm and inviting, somehow both rustic and refined. In warmer months, the outdoor patio offers mountain and pasture views that are absolutely worth the drive. There's nothing else quite like it near Burlington.

Planning to hit one of these spots? Make your reservations early…Valentine's weekend is approaching quickly, but honestly, any of these restaurants will make you feel like you picked the right night to go out.

And if you end up at one of these places, tag us on Instagram (@btvwinefood)…we'd love to see where date night takes you!