Twin Cities' Best Romantic Date Spot 2008

The Radisson’s downtown eatery dresses up Midwestern fare, but keeps prices reasonable.

Reviews:

• “A Great Restaurant for Lunch”
• “Not worth it”
• “Great service and great food”
• “Wood Smoke Aromatherapy”
• “Awkward setting, mediocre service, OK food”

Tips: Try the flaming coconut flirt, a tropical punch-like concoction made with passion fruit liqueur and served in a coconut shell with a flaming sugar cube stirrer.

FireLake Grill House
email FireLake Grill House

Romantic and serene, this historic restaurant captivates with its cozy atmosphere, Mississippi River view and creative heartland cuisine.

Reviews:

• “Great for Escaping the Buffet Brunches in Town”
• “Wonderful Brunch experience!!”
• “Everything of the best”
• “Good food, horrible waitstaff service”
• “Great Date!”

Tips: Dress to the nines, or maybe just to the fives, and you’ll be fine—leave the jeans and sneakers at home.

Nicollet Island Inn Restaurant

It’s more pretty patrons and less Lake Calhoun vista that make for a great view at this hot spot.

Reviews:

• “Not as great as I expected”
• “great food, even better deserts”
• “Avoid eating dinner in the bar.”
• “GREAT SERVICE, INVITING ATMOSPHERE”
• “wonderful experience”

Tips: Free parking tokens are available in the restaurant for the
garage at 2900 Thomas Avenue South. For only $3, you can have their
valet park it for you.

View Restaurant & Bar
email View Restaurant & Bar

A glamorous, gothic downtown Minneapolis eatery mixes glitz with some of the Twin Cities’ best contemporary Italian food.

Reviews:

• “Very snooty!”
• “Best soup EVER!”
• “You can find better Italian and better service elsewhere.”
• “Superb”
• “Zelo is NOT “Minnesota Nice”"

Tips: In summer months, the sidewalk tables are hugely popular—get there before 7pm to avoid a wait.

Zelo

Not much has changed at this St. Paul steakhouse since it opened in 1948.

Reviews:

• “Best Surf and Turf!”
• “Best Steak in Town”
• “Slip into the past – When your in the mood”
• “Too pricey for both quality and quantity of food”
• "" Get that kid a cake!!""

Tips: Early in the evening, the dining area is filled with older couples and groups celebrating special occasions, but the place comes to life after 9pm.

Mancini’s Char House

This chic Italian restaurant is always packed like an olive jar, with more hopefuls thronging the bar.

Reviews:

• “Excellent Gnocchi with Bolognese "
• “Great pasta and desserts!”
• “Great Birthday Dinner”
• “Never Valet Unless You Want Something Stolen”
• “Great Potential”

Tips: It’s a good idea to make a reservation. Events at the Ordway or Xcel have a way of suddenly filling the tables.

Pazzaluna Urban Trattoria & Bar

This neighborhood institution has been offering a popular brunch, remarkable steaks and a romantic patio since 1933.

Reviews:

• “Heaven on Earth”
• “sophomorics & weak apologies, and at the same price you’d pay at a REAL premium steak house”
• “Excellent brunch, cozy atmosphere”
• “Let’s face it, picking your own fish to cook up is still cool”
• “Jax Cafe”

Tips: When calling for reservations, spell out your name for the reservationist. When you arrive at your table, you’ll find matchbooks with your name printed on them.

Jax Cafe

This romantic Cathedral Hill institution’s primarily Mediterranean cuisine has aroused appetites for 30 years.

Reviews:

• “What a special evening”
• “Best patio in the twin cities”
• “best service, top notch flavors, cozy romantic ambiance”
• “Impressive Chef’s tasting menu and a great date night location…”
• “Great location and ambience.”

Tips: While the bar is open through all the hours listed, the restaurant has set lunch and dinner hours. Lunch hours Monday-Saturday are 11:15am-1:30pm, dinner hours Monday-Thursday are 5:30pm-10pm, dinner hours Friday-Saturday are 5pm-11pm. Sunday brunch hours are 10:30am-2pm and Sunday dinner hours are 5pm-10pm

W.A. Frost & Company
email W.A. Frost & Company

A sophisticated restaurant run by a personable, talented French chef who attracts the in crowd.

Reviews:

• “Excellent Service”
• “French comfort food”
• “Wonderful dining experience”
• “Wonderful food, service, atmosphere”
• “one of the worse frensh cuisine”

Tips: Vincent serves a weekly changing, $38 prix-fixe menu, available Sunday-Thursday at dinner.

Vincent – A Restaurant

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