What makes a great date-night spot? First, lighting and aesthetics are key for creating a romantic ambiance. A quiet space is also essential — after all, who wants to scream across the table to their date? Intimate, cozy spots are ideal for getting to know someone new or reconnecting with your sweetheart, and lastly, the food and wine should be as memorable as the date itself. With those criteria in mind, we’ve rounded up nine of the best candlelit, romantic spots (with that Birmingham charm we all know and love) perfect for your next date night out!
9 Romantic Date Night Restaurants in Birmingham
Bottega
2240 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35205 • (205) 939-1000
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday
As one of Birmingham’s most iconic restaurants, Frank and Pardis Stitt’s Bottega is an easy choice for date night. The exterior of the building feels as though it was plucked right out of the Italian countryside. Upon stepping inside, you’re greeted with warm lighting and a cozy yet upscale vibe. The experience only elevates from there, with delicious wine, cocktails, and Italian fare that locals can’t get enough of. And don’t forget the can’t-miss desserts! For a more formal setting, make a reservation in the dining room; for something slightly more casual, opt for the cafe.
Birmingham’s Bottega is the ultimate spot for a romantic date night. Image: Stitt Restaurant Group
Bettola
2930 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 731-6499
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Bettola is another foolproof date-night destination. It has everything you need for a charming evening — a welcoming, intimate atmosphere, a patio lit by soft twinkling lights, an extensive wine list, and to-die-for food. We highly suggest the burrata appetizer and prosciutto e mascarpone pizza, but you really can’t go wrong here.
Hot & Hot Fish Club
2901 2nd Avenue South Suite 110, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 933-5474
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Sunday through Tuesday
If you’re looking for a seafood-friendly menu in a classically Birmingham spot, Hot & Hot Fish Club is for you. Chris and Idie Hastings lead this James Beard Award-Winning restaurant, and their sophisticated menu features favorites like a grilled halibut and pan-seared red snapper. You’d be remiss not to order the Elton’s chocolate soufflé, which is perfect for sharing. The space features exposed brick, an open kitchen concept, and a spacious dining area drenched in natural light.
Hot and Hot Fish Club’s seven-layer carrot cake is topped with buttercream icing and candied pecans, then served alongside pecan ice cream. Image: Hot and Hot Fish Club
Café Dupont
113 20th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 322-1282
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
If you live in (or are traveling to) Birmingham, Chef Chris Dupont’s Café Dupont is simply a must. Located in Downtown Birmingham, the space dates back to the 1870s, and its exposed brick, original floors, and ambient lighting will make your experience magical. We suggest the farm-to-table vegetable tasting and cast iron-seared scallops.
Chez Fonfon
2007 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 • (205) 939-3221
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Frank and Pardis Stitt’s Chez Fonfon is a Birmingham favorite for a reason. This cozy bistro in Five Points pays homage to France in its decor and menu. Plan a lunch date for escargot in a sweet, light-filled atmosphere, or snag a table for dinner instead. Don’t hesitate to order the Hamburger Fonfon — most locals will tell you it’s the best burger in the city.
Chez Fonfon’s escargot is a must-try dish. Image: Cary Norton
Helen
2013 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203 • (205) 438-7000
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Helen is one of the city’s newer restaurants, and it’s quickly become a favorite. The upscale Southern menu — inspired by Chef Rob McDaniel’s grandmother’s recipes — is complemented by an engaging space peppered with pieces by local artists, ironworkers, and woodworkers. Be sure to start with the warm angel biscuits, and don’t miss out on the braised collard greens.
Don’t miss out on Helen’s warm angel biscuits! Image: Helen Image: Elise Ferrer Photography
OvenBird
2810 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 • (205) 957-6686
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Sunday through Tuesday
If you can snag a reservation at Chris and Idie Hastings’ OvenBird, take it. This is the kind of meal you’ll tell your friends about. Seasonal Southern ingredients are prepared by live fire for the ultimate farm-to-table experience. The patio is unparalleled when the weather is nice, but the interior decor is equally unique and inviting.
OvenBird’s exposed brick, natural elements, and unique decor are flooded with light in the late afternoon. Image: Bailey Torkelson
Gianmarco’s
721 Broadway Street, Birmingham, AL 35209 • (205) 871-9622
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Sunday
Gianmarco’s has been a local favorite since 2003. Head there early and enjoy a glass of wine in the wine bar, then venture into the dining room for delicious oysters, pizzas, pasta, and more. We suggest the eggplant parmesan and, for a sweet end to the night, the flourless chocolate torte.
Bar La Fête
2212 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Monday
Kristen Hall and Victor King’s Bar La Fête is one of the newest additions to Birmingham’s booming food scene. Since opening in September 2022, it has already been named one of the Top 25 Most Beautiful New Restaurants in America by Robb Report. The seasonally-driven menu only amplifies the elegance of its space. A charcuterie plate, a glass of wine, and a lemon meringue tart for dessert … what more could you ask for?
Bar La Fête is equally beautiful and delicious. Image: Caleb Chancey
Enjoy your romantic evening, Birmingham!
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