Are you looking for fun, romantic date night restaurants in Grand Rapids? These are some of my most recommended places to eat out in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Planning a romantic date night can be so much fun! I always look forward to a date night and scheduling them in advance. If you’re anything like me, you’re here because you love to research and plan your experiences ahead of time. As a Grand Rapids native, I am giving you the best restaurants to check out for a romantic Grand Rapids date night.
This post is my 13 fancy date night restaurants | Grand Rapids post.
Casual Dining
1. Terra GR
Starting off with an Eastown staple, Terra GR is one of my favorite go-to restaurants for a date night. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. In the summer, I prefer to sit outside on their patio, enjoying the breeze and sights of Eastown. Their menu offers a variety of options like wood fired pizza, salad, pasta, burgers, and seafood. My two menu favorites are the margherita pizza and kale caesar salad.
2. Blue Water
On the north side of town, The Gilmore Collection’s Blue Water restaurant is not to be missed. They are located on Versluis lake, a small inland lake perfect for those serene, romantic views. They are self-described as “down to earth dining”. Some of my favorites on their menu are the bruschetta (A MUST), the whitefish dip, and buffalo vegan chicken sandwich. I enjoy a lot of the appetizers here, so I would suggest ordering a few and sharing with your date!
3. Rose’s
Rose’s is another Gilmore Collection restaurant but located in East Grand Rapids. Situated on Reeds lake, it provides that romantic and upscale feeling, but not too expensive. I love coming to this restaurant at all times of the year. In the summer, there is a large open patio, and in the winter months there is plenty of indoor seating and some covered and heated patio seating as well. Dishes I recommend from the menu are the farro salad and cranberry turkey sandwich. After dinner, consider taking a stroll around Reeds Lake!
4. Tokyo Grill & Sushi
A new favorite of mine is Tokyo Grill & Sushi. My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this restaurant one weekend, and it’s become a special treat for us. When you walk in you’ll immediately notice the multiple awards they’ve received for their winning excellence in customer service. They have a robust sushi, sashimi, and hibachi menu. For me, there’s something special about sharing sushi that makes for a perfect date night. Tokyo Grill & Sushi is located in Kentwood, south of Grand Rapids.
5. Lindo Mexico
One of my favorite dine in Mexican restaurants is Lindo Mexico. Located in Wyoming, just south of Grand Rapids, this restaurant is perfect anytime of year. I recommend making reservations ahead of time, as they can get pretty busy. I love Mexican food because there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And this restaurant’s menu literally has everything! Consider sharing one of their large frozen margaritas or saving room for a fried ice cream (nieve frita) dessert.
6. Monsoon
A newer Grand Rapids restaurant, Monsoon is a Vietnamese restaurant located in downtown Grand Rapids on Monroe Center. They have a small intimate interior and small outdoor patio. The chef is originally from Vietnam, moved to Grand Rapids where he attended Grand Rapids Community College culinary school before leaving the city to explore other parts of the U.S. He recently moved back to Grand Rapids and opened this beautiful restaurant. I have recommended this restaurant to many of my friends and family, and they’ve all enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a unique, romantic date night place, I highly recommend checking this one out.
7. Little Bird
If you’re looking for a cozy, intimate setting, I highly recommend Little Bird. A neighbor of Monsoon, this cute restaurant is also downtown on Monroe Center. I encourage you to make a reservation for your date night in advance. Otherwise, take a chance and hope for an open spot at their bar. Personally, it’s my favorite spot to sit! Their small menu changes frequently but they typically offer a variety of options including steak, seafood, and salads. They have a full bar perfect for that date night martini.
8. The Sovengard
A westside favorite, The Sovengard brings a taste of Scandinavia to Grand Rapids. As I write this, they are temporarily closed as they move to a new location still on Bridge street. Keep an eye on their website for an announcement of a reopen date in 2023. In the meantime, think about this restaurant as a possible future date night option! Their menu offers a variety of farm to table staples like sandwiches, salads, pastas, and more. I have always enjoyed this restaurant, and cannot wait for them to reopen soon!
Fine Dining
9. San Chez
Another classic Grand Rapids restaurant is San Chez. A tapas bistro, this is the perfect place for a romantic date night. Share several tapas with your date and be transported to magical Spain. I have been fortunate enough to have visited Spain a few times, and I love being able to enjoy the cuisine here in Grand Rapids. I highly recommend ordering patatas bravas, croquetes, tortilla, and pulpo salteado (octopus). If you want to switch it up and go on a romantic date during the day, consider coming to San Chez for brunch. Their brunch menu is just as incredible as their dinner menu.
10. Amore Trattoria
On the north side of Grand Rapids is Amore Trattoria. What’s more romantic than an Italian restaurant for a date night? And Amore Trattoria is one of the best in GR. Jenna Arcidiacono is the chef and has won many awards. The menu rotates as the seasons change, so check out their website for updates. Aside from coming here for a nice dinner, consider taking one of her cooking classes as a date!
Extra Fine Dining
11. MDRD
Moving into some of the most fancy date night restaurants Grand Rapids has to offer, MDRD is located on the top floor of the Amway Grand Plaza hotel in downtown GR. Outside of the spectacular views of the city, this restaurant offers upscale Spanish dining. I enjoy coming to this restaurant for a date night, because the menu offers a variety of foods that can be shared. I highly recommend making reservations several weeks in advance as they fill up quickly. Some of my favorite dishes here are the octopus, tortilla, and vieiras for the main entree. The desserts are not to be missed and they will make you say “wow!”. One of the most unsurpassable restaurants for that romantic date night.
12. Grove
Grove is an exquisite farm to table restaurant in Grand Rapids. If you’re looking for the ulitmate dining experience, Grove is the perfect place. Many of their ingredients are sourced within Michigan, and their menu changes depending on the time of year. They offer vegetarian options too! They are open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner only.
13. The Chop House
For an incredible date night experience, visit The Chop House. Offering “prime dining” this restaurant will treat you like a celebrity. They are known for their steak, but they offer other steakhouse staples like seafood salad, and all of the sides that pair well with steak.
Over the years, Grand Rapids has really made strides in the foodie market. There are now so many family owned and operated restaurants that offer unique cuisines and experiences. Take a look at this list and let me know which restaurants you’d like to try!
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