There’s something about the dark and chilly weather in the winter that makes date night feel all the more cozy and intimate. Around the QC, there are plenty of places worth bundling up and visiting with your partner during the colder months for a romantic evening. Whether you’re looking for something fancy, a place to grab cocktails, or even a Valentine’s Day recommendation, we’ve got you covered for your next date night.
Cozy Winter Date Night Spots
Barcelona Wine Bar
101 W Worthington Ave Ste 110
With its soft lighting and inviting interior, Barcelona Wine Bar is the perfect place for a cozy winter date. Warm up with a bottle of wine from the extensive list, then share tapas such as charcuterie boards, olives, calamari, strip steak and more with your date.
Orosoko
130 W Bland St
Orosoko boasts signature cocktails, Asian and Latin inspired small plates, and a warm comfortable lounge setting to enjoy during your next date night. Not only are the food and drinks delicious, but the restaurant is also a sound bar, meaning it has state-of-the-art acoustics for listening to curated sounds or DJs.
Ever Andalo
3116 N Davidson St
Nothing says cozy date night quite like an intimate Italian restaurant. This NoDa spot serves up classics such as homemade burrata, fresh focaccia bread with pure olive oil, and pastas and desserts made in house. Pro Tip: Ever Andalo will be running a special menu throughout the week of Valentine’s Day that you won’t want to miss, so be sure to book your table early!
O-Ku Charlotte
2000 South Blvd
If you’re looking for a sushi date night this winter, O-Ku Charlotte is your spot. The dimly lit interior cultivates romance, and the signature sushi rolls such as the salmon and lemon roll, potato roll, truffle toro roll and more are the perfect bites to share with a date.
The Fig Tree Restaurant
1601 E 7th St
Located in an old historic home, The Fig Tree Restaurant makes you feel like you’re enjoying fine dining right in someone’s cozy living room. Start your meal off with a bottle of wine from the restaurant’s extensive list, then choose main courses such as scallops, sea bass, bison ribeye, lamb, pasta and more.
Fancy Winter Date Night Spots
Coquette
400 S Tryon St #101
Coquette’s elevated interior and classic Fresh dishes make it the perfect place to visit if you want to get dressed up for a romantic evening. Make a night of it by going to show or museum Uptown, then enjoying a meal at Coquette dining on dishes such as ribeye steak frites, coq a vin, poached rose shrimp, crème brûlée and more.
Supperland
1212 The Plaza
Consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Charlotte and the United States, Supperland is must-visit for a splurge date night. It’s housed inside of an old church, making the interior intimate and inviting, especially with the charming dish and glassware in use. The wagyu pot roast is the perfect warm dish for winter, and we recommend pairing it with their signature miso mac and cheese and wood-fired creamed spinach.
The Cellar at Duckworth’s
330 N Tryon St
The Cellar at Duckworth’s is a dimly lit, moody speakeasy-style restaurant you have to visit on your next date night. Enjoy a romantic candle-lit dinner of charcuterie, steak and sides with your significant other, then share a Nutella cheesecake for dessert.
Steak 48
4425 Sharon Rd
Steak 48 is a classic Charlotte date night spot. From the prime cuts of meat to the attentive wait staff to the elegant, modern venue, Steak 48 makes every guest feel like royalty. Some of our favorite bites on the menu include the filet mignon, Boursin cheese whipped potatoes, torched scallops and the famous warm vanilla caramel cake.
L’Ostrica
4701 Park Rd D
Relatively new to the Charlotte dining scene, L’Ostrica is a place you might not have been for date night yet, but should definitely check out. Wednesday through Sunday the dining room serves seasonal tasting menus. You and your partner are all but guaranteed to try something delicious you’ve never had before, and you’ll be talking about dinner long after it’s over, too.
Restaurant Constance
2200 Thrift Rd
Restaurant Constance has just ten tables, ensuring you and your date will have a private night in an intimate environment. Menus change based on what’s in season, so you can always expect something new and fresh to keep date night interesting.
Peppervine
4620 Piedmont Row Dr, Suite 170B
Peppervine is a SouthPark staple perfect for date night. The yeast rolls are an absolute must-order as your appetizer. Then, choose among small and large plates from the menu that are perfect for sharing with a date so you can get a little taste of just about everything.
Cocktail Winter Date Night Spots
Folia
1440 S Tryon St # 102
You’ll forget all about the winter weather when you step inside Folia for a date night. It’s bright and modern interior brings you into a tropical oasis right in the heart of South End. The menu includes year round cocktails, as well as a rotating list of seasonal cocktails, and even some mocktails for those who don’t drink.
Lorem Ipsum
1101 Central Ave Unit B
Lorem Ipsum is a listening bar that gives visitors a full sensory experience. Enjoy the meticulously curated music as you chat with your date over your favorite cocktail, beer, glass of wine or spirit-free drink.
Idlewild
424 E 36th St Unit
Idlewild is a great date night year round because it’s unlike anything else in the Charlotte area, as this cocktail bar has no menu. Instead, you tell your server the flavors and spirits you enjoy, then the bartender will make you a drink completely custom to your liking. Not only are the drinks delicious, the atmosphere and vibe are intimate, elegant, and sophisticated.
VINYL
1440 S Tryon St #105
For a date night filled with great vibes, great music and great cocktails head to VINYL. This South End spot is always full of people munching on snacks and sipping drinks (go early and on weekdays to avoid the SE crush). We especially love the espresso martini on the menu, but both you and your date are sure to find something you love.
Valentine’s Day 2025 Special Menus & Events
BackStage Lounge
2433 South Blvd
This speakeasy style cocktail bar is located behind SouthBound restaurant and will be transforming into a cupid pop-up bar from Jan. 29 through Feb. 23. The bar will be decorated with all things Valentine’s Day all month long, and serve themed cocktails and food. Plan a visit during February to enjoy the romantic ambiance and drinks, or book a Valentine’s Day dinner Feb. 11 through Feb 15. Don’t forget to check social media for the password to enter before you visit. Check the website and social media for reservations to open up.
Napa Restaurants [scoop sponsor]
110 Perrin Pl
7708 Rea Rd
1310 Broadcloth St, Suite 101
All three of the Napa Restaurants are offering a romantic and delicious prix-fixe menus that are the perfect way to celebrate with your other half. For $75 each, choose among oysters, salad or lobster bisque for the first course, then select salmon, scallops, lamb, steak or risotto for your main. Finish your meal with raspberries and chocolate or passion fruit cheesecake, and don’t forget the wine. Plus, if you’re looking to celebrate with your girlfriends, Napa at Kingsley is offering a Galentine’s Day menu on February 12th for $125 per person that is not to be missed! Reserve here.
La Belle Helene
300 S Tryon St #100
La Belle Helene is truly one of the most romantic and breathtaking restaurants in Charlotte. The elegant restaurant serves up French fare all year round, and this year they’re offering a special three course prix-fixe menu for $100 per person with an optional wine pairing add on, on Valentine’s Day. The special menu, in addition to the regular menu, will also be available on the 13th, 15th and 16th of February. Reserve here.
Caroline’s Oyster Bar
600 S College St
On February 14th only, Caroline’s Oyster Bar will be offering a Seafood and Romance experience. At Caroline’s, enjoy a romantic start to your evening with a caviar amuse and complimentary rose for all couples. Then, upgrade your experience by ordering a bottle of champagne to go with your seafood entrees. Reserve here.
Sea Grill
210 E Trade St B120
This recently opened upscale seafood spot will be offering a special three course meal available on Valentine’s Day for $150 per person. Not only will you get to indulge in fan-favorite appetizers, entrees, and desserts from the menu, but each guest will also receive a complimentary welcome toast to celebrate the special day. Reserve here.
Church and Union
127 N Tryon St #8
If you spend Valentine’s Day at Church and Union this year, you’ll get to experience a delicious prix-fixe three course menu. Available for $100 per person, the menu includes an appetizer, entree and dessert, with the option to add on a wine pairing for an additional $35 per person. If you visit on the 13th, 15th, or 16th to celebrate, you can still order the Valentine’s Day menu, or select something off the regular menu instead. Reserve here.
Author’s Note: This article was written by Alex Maloney. You can find more of her Charlotte-related content on Instagram, @slicesandsushi.
