Happy Valentine’s Day, HENRYs !! As Seattle natives, we have tried SO many of the city’s greatest bars + restaurants. Sure, there is always a trendy new spot popping up, especially with how quickly the city is growing, but we still have our tried + true favorites! And with the rate that restaurants fail, the fact that most of these have been around our whole lives is a true testament to their quality. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing our favorite date night spots for your next romantic outing! (We also have our favorite Seattle restaurants for any day HERE. Think of it as your master list to the city’s best eats!!)

Bottlehouse - The older sibling of Insta-famous Mr. West + its avocado toast, Bottlehouse is hands down one of our favorite spots in the whole city. Tucked away in a 100 year old home in Madrona, Bottlehouse is just a short walk from our childhood home. The neighborhood + all of its haunts will always have a special place in our hearts. Over the years, Bottlehouse has been host to many a special occasion for us - from birthday parties to, most recently, L’s engagement party. They have a great selection of wine, as well as yummy small bites (we always opt for the charcuterie board).
Ray’s Boathouse - An iconic spot for Seattle natives, Ray’s is a must-visit for any seafood lovers. We’ve always believed that a good view makes any restaurant instantly more romantic + the view at Ray’s is simply breathtaking. The menu here is a little pricier - no Canlis, but still more for a special occasion. However, they do have a great Happy Hour, as well as a smaller, less expensive spot - Ray’s Cafe - located on site.
Il Bistro - Il Bistro is an old-school Seattle staple + definitely the place to go for some serious - albeit a little cliche - romance. Located right at the entrance to Pike Place Market, Il Bistro has been a go-to for Italian dining for over 3 decades. If you call ahead when booking a reservation, the restaurant will even scatter fresh rose petals on your table + have glasses of champagne ready for you + your date.

4. Bastille - We die for French cuisine + this classic French brasserie in the heart of Ballard is one of our favorites. Lauren had dinner following her engagement here + it is has the perfect amount of romance, while still maintaining a lively + social ambiance. Because it’s located in such a central area, Bastille is the perfect starting place for a night out, with many of Ballard’s most popular bars just a stone’s throw away.

5. The Shop Agora - Just a few months ago, K was introduced to this little wine shop in Capitol Hill by a friend + it’s since become one of her faves! While it’s primarily a wine shop, tucked into the back of the store is a small bar + 2 booths. The food served here is divine traditional Greek food that you’ll absolutely love!

6. Serafina - Located in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle, Serafina has long been a favorite of ours. The restaurant was founded on the classic Italian feeling that delicious food, paired with sophisticated wines, is what brings people together. You really get this feeling from the moment you enter the restaurant + it truly feels like the food is made with love.

7. Westward - Showstopper for an afternoon date in the spring or summer, Westward has been one of our favorite spots since it opened a few years back. The decor - nautical stripes, Adirondack chairs - and location on the banks of Lake Union instantly puts you in a light-hearted, carefree mood. Grab a bottle of rose, some oysters + spend the day basking in the sunshine. If you + your date stay past sunset, Westward has romantic fire pits + blankets. What more could you ask for?

8. Pair - Lauren stumbled upon this charming restaurant with a rustic farmhouse vibe a few years ago. Located on an unassuming street in the Ravenna neighborhood, it’s a spot you’d be unlikely to encounter if not for a friend’s recommendation. Seating is limited - creating that romantic feel - so be sure to make a reservation. Also, this happy hour is INCREDIBLE! Definitely on our top 5 in the city list.

9. The Pink Door - Okay, we really tried to make this list without any of the “duh” locations. Yes, everyone + their mother has heard of The Pink Door, but, honestly, for good reason. We hate to love it because it is just so talked about, but we really couldn’t put together a credible Seattle date night list without this restaurant. The food + drinks are to die for. There are trapeze artists, tarot card readers + a cabaret show - on select nights. And on a summer day in Seattle, the patio here is one of the best places to be.

10. Canon - Canon is a must for a pre or post dinner cocktail + its location in Capitol Hill makes it easy to visit some of the city’s best restaurants + bars before or after. They have the largest selection of spirits IN THE WORLD + are consistently the top of every award winning list. To name a few, they are one of Esquire magazines best bars in America + Conde Nast’s top 30 bars on the planet. After grabbing a drink here, head across the street to Cafe Presse - one of our lifelong favorite restaurants!

Whether you spend today with your significant other, friend or family, we hope that your Valentine’s Day is filled with lots of love + happiness!! So excited to finally share with you all some of our favorite Seattle spots - as brought to you by two lifelong locals. If this post was helpful, let us know! We’d love to share more of our favorite local activities! Keep an eye out soon for a post on the best Happy Hour in every Seattle neighborhood!