Best Romantic Restaurants in Essex

19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Michael's Cafe White Marsh/ Middle River restaurant

1. Michael's Cafe White Marsh/ Middle River

4.7

Exceptional(852)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • White Marsh

Booked 9 times today

Michael's Cafe White Marsh/ Middle River is a charming spot for a romantic evening. As one reviewer put it, it's a 'comfortable atmosphere to be in for a casual dining.' The 'classy and comfortable' ambiance, along with excellent food and service, makes it a top choice for a date night. The homemade menu using only the finest and freshest ingredients adds to the restaurant's appeal.

2. Costas Inn

4.2

Awesome(313)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

We have Steamed Crabs to enjoy year round. After making your reservation, please call for Crab sizes and availability 410-477-1975. We hope that on your next afternoon or evening out, you will give us the opportunity to make your visit or event as enjoyable as possible. The entire family and staff of Costas Inn thank you for your continued support and look forward supplying the excellence and quality that you have come to expect.

3. Bygone

4.6

Exceptional(3641)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Harbor East

Booked 56 times today

A fusion of the old, the new and the best of Baltimore. We’re an American gastro bistro that represents historic, vibrant, authentic Baltimore. We blend modern energy with a classic feel, celebrating luxury, excitement & an elevated dining experience. Plus, we’ve got some unbeatable views of our beautiful city!Bygone’s warm & welcoming atmosphere is reminiscent of an old-school social club, while our open rotisserie grill, whiskey bar & craft cocktails add a flair that is contemporary.Please note: No shows and cancellations made within less than 24 hours will be subject to a $75/per person fee.

4. Monarque

4.6

Exceptional(1209)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Harbor East

Booked 30 times today

Atlas Restaurant Group presents Monarque, a French brasserie located in Baltimore’s Harbor East. Monarque is inspired by the French era of prosperity when culture boomed and extravagance flourished. The cuisine is complemented by a beverage program with over 500 French wine labels and an extensive collection of Cognac and Armagnac.Transporting guests to another time and place while being rooted in the present, Monarque hosts a rotation of acts every weekend, with Baltimore's best jazz musicians, cabaret vocalists, burlesque dancers, and more. Monarque welcomes guests of all ages Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the experience is suited for guests 18 years of age and older, and only adults are permitted to dine. When making your weekend reservations, please note that parties of 1-5 guests will have two hours to enjoy our cuisine and entertainment, parties of 5-8 will dine for two hours and 30 minutes, and parties of 9 and more can enjoy seating for three hours.

5. Magdalena

4.8

Exceptional(1224)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Mt. Vernon

Booked 15 times today

Magdalena is the celebrated restaurant of The Ivy Hotel, a Relais & Châteaux property in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood.Magdalena, a Maryland Bistro, features refined, “from-scratch” bistro fare driven by the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay region. The seasonally evolving menu celebrates the finest local ingredients, sustainable values, and culinary craftsmanship, resulting in dishes brimming with character.Executive Chef Ülfet Ralph has over a decade of experience in Relais & Châteaux properties. With this expertise, Chef Ralph will continue Magdalena’s mission of exploring innovative and artful interpretations of Maryland cuisine with a purposeful balance of bistro meets elegance. Ingredients are sourced close to home, and relationships with local farmers and purveyors are at the heart of the culinary philosophy. A cheeky cocktail program, Wine Spectator-awarded wine list, and revered whiskey collection complete a delightfully unmatched dining experience.

6. Sabatino's

4.4

Awesome(2469)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 3 times today

Sabatino's, located in Baltimore's Little Italy, has been serving up delicious Italian fare for over 50 years. It's the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two or a larger gathering, offering an intimate ambiance that's perfect for a date night. As one reviewer put it, 'Great Southern Italian cuisine with a family-style ambience. The overall feeling of comfort, ease, wonderful service and food!' Another noted, 'Family run traditional Italian restaurant. Great food, lovely ambience and very friendly staff.' So, if you're looking for a charming, old-school Italian restaurant with outstanding food and a warm atmosphere, Sabatino's is the place to be.

7. Sotto Sopra

4.8

Exceptional(3599)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mt. Vernon

Booked 37 times today

Sotto Sopra is an Italian restaurant housed in a beautiful 19th century building just blocks north of Baltimore’s Harborplace on Charles Street. Sotto Sopra specializes in true contemporary Italian cuisine adapting farm to table. We buy local whenever it is possible. The perfect risotto, handmade pastas, roasted meats, local seafood, and regional produce are here for your total enjoyment. Sotto Sopra invites you to dine for dinner every evening. Eat.Drink.Sleep.Dream--Italian

A photo of Rusty Scupper - Baltimore restaurant

8. Rusty Scupper - Baltimore

4.7

Exceptional(8878)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Inner Harbor

Booked 35 times today

Open, MON to THUR3:00 PM to 9:00 PMFRI and SAT 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM,SUN10:30 AM to 9:00 PM Our Jazz Sunday Brunch 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. $62 per person/tax/gratuity, parties 6 or moreIndulge in an unforgettable dining experience with that special someone, as you take in breathtaking views of the city. When in Baltimore join us & enjoy the freshest seafood along with sweeping Inner Harbor views & hands down the most hospitable service in town.We offer a tempting array of local seafood specialties from Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Lobster Tails, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Pan-Seared Chilean Sea-bass, Grilled Mahi-Mahi, Swordfish and King Crab Legs.Happy Hour: 3 - 6 Monday to Friday. Celebrate the season with us this Christmas and New Year’s Eve Fireworks Extravaganza Party 2025. Enjoy a festive ambiance, all your holiday favorites, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. View our menus online & Call us for tickets.Come back & see us!Reserve your table today : 410 727 3678

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pier 5 restaurant

9. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pier 5

4.6

Exceptional(2475)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Inner Harbor

Booked 17 times today

Expect nothing less than an extraordinary meal and first class service from the Number One prime steak house in the world - Ruth's Chris Steak House. At Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pier 5, you'll experience our contemporary decor coupled with distinctive dining traditions that you can only expect at the Number One steak house. At Ruth's Chris Steak House, we take steak seriously, but we're also serious about making sure you have a great time. So, whether you're looking for a place to unwind after a hectic day at work, planning a romantic dinner for two or that all important business meeting, feel free to laugh out loud and stay awhile and experience our sizzle.

10. One-Eyed Mike's

4.8

Exceptional(115)

Price: Expensive

• American • Fells Point

One-Eyed Mike's is a chef/owner-operated tavern tucked away on a cozy block of Bond Street, just off the beaten path in Fell's Point. Known as a locals’ favorite, it’s a place where "you're a stranger here but once." Our staff greets every guest warmly and genuinely—don’t be surprised if they ask your name and remember it next time.Our menu highlights fresh, local ingredients with elevated twists on classic tavern fare, from local oysters and lump crab cakes to hearty burgers and creative daily specials. Behind the bar, we’re famous for our Grand Marnier collection, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails, wines, and beers.The ambiance is intimate and inviting, with candlelit tables, exposed brick, and perfectly curated music that sets a romantic, timeless mood. Whether it’s a quiet dinner for two or drinks with friends, One-Eyed Mike’s is a welcoming escape where great food, drinks, and company come together seamlessly.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Sheila
Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Everytime I visit Michael’s I have always received good service, good food and the ambience is always great. I will be visiting again!
More info
Michael's Cafe White Marsh/ Middle RiverPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• White Marsh
•
4.7
N
Nani
Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The vibes are fantastic. Everything we ate was delicious. Entertainment was phenomenal and really fun. We had everything we needed and our server was great, and support staff was very attentive as well. The pacing is really nice because you get to enjoy the vibes and finish each course without feeling rushed. This is a great place to go on a double date! We loved it and will 100% be back to try what we didn’t get to last night. 10/10.
More info
MonarquePrice: Very Expensive• French• Harbor East
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4.6
C
Cynthia
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
I typically don't leave restaurant reviews, but I want to commend Nora and Cannon. I was served by Nora, who was extremely knowledgeable and in tune with what I wanted and needed. She impressed me with her ability to meet me at my level of knowledge with wine without talking down to me. I also had the opportunity to meet Cannon, who was very engaging and checked in on me to ensure that I had everything I needed. In their own styles, they both made me feel special, and they deserve recognition.
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BygonePrice: Very Expensive• American• Harbor East
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4.6
E
Elfreda
Washington, D.C. Area •55 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 28, 2024
Had a wonderful culinary experience and service was impeccable. The wine recommendations were great and cocktail’s were “special” and unique. I will definitely return.
More info
MagdalenaPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Mt. Vernon
•
4.8
D
David
Washington, D.C. Area •51 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 13, 2024
Love the crabs! My children when in visiting want to stop in and our server Charles Snyder was awesome!
More info
Costas InnPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.2

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Essex

Best Romantic Restaurants in Essex

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19 restaurants available nearby

1. Michael's Cafe White Marsh/ Middle River

2. Costas Inn

3. Bygone

4. Monarque

5. Magdalena

6. Sabatino's

7. Sotto Sopra

8. Rusty Scupper - Baltimore

9. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pier 5

10. One-Eyed Mike's

See what locals rave about

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