These Georgia restaurants rank among the most romantic in the US. Why people love them
Romantic dinners are top of mind for many ahead of Valentine’s Day, and the Peach State is home to a few top-notch restaurants, rankings show.
Four Georgia restaurants wowed lovers and friends alike to rank among the most romantic places to eat in the U.S., according to a recent report from Yelp. They are:
- Casi Cielo in Atlanta — No. 60
- Marcel in Atlanta — No. 63
- Chive Sea Bar & Lounge in Savannah — No. 72
- Fudo in Chamblee — No. 79
The national rankings were published Jan. 25.
For its “Top 100 Romantic Restaurants for 2024” list, Yelp said it looked for eateries with a large number of reviews mentioning “romantic,” “date night” and “Valentine.” The review website then ranked the restaurants on multiple factors “including the total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning those keywords.”
No more than five restaurants per city made it on the list to ensure geographic diversity, according to Yelp. All the featured eateries were open as of Dec. 7, 2023.
So what makes these Georgia restaurants so romantic?
Here’s what Yelp reviewers had to say:
What makes the restaurants romantic?
Casi Cielo is the highest-ranking Georgia restaurant on the list, according to the Yelp report. Restaurant Guru also voted it as Atlanta’s “Best Mexican Restaurant” in 2020.
Nestled near Sandy Springs, Casi Cielo serves “traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern take on food” and boasts “the biggest Mezcal collection in Atlanta,” its Yelp page says.
The tacos de pescado (fish tacos) and croquetas de platanos (plantain croquettes) are a hit among customers, as is the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere, online reviews show.
“Came here for drinks Friday night with my date & we had a great time,” one customer wrote on Yelp. “The atmosphere is romantic enough for a first date, yet casual enough for a mixer with friends.”
Another gushed about the ambient lighting, writing: “As it got darker, the lights gleam in a way that was so romantic and intimate yet busy and fun.”
Customers also left rave reviews for Atlanta steakhouse Marcel. The restaurant gleans its name from Marcel Cerdan, “the iconic French fighter-romantic who endured ring rumbles, war, marriage” and a love affair with French singer Edith Piaf, according to its website.
The menu includes mainstays such as beef Wellington and porterhouse steaks.
“Talk about a swanky date night!” one Yelp user wrote, adding: “The atmosphere is dark and romantic with award worthy meals. Definitely more of a splurge.”
Also on the Yelp list, Chive Sea Bar & Lounge earned high marks from customers for popular dishes including the crab cakes, Chilean sea bass and pan-seared snapper risotto, according to Yelp.
The restaurant, in Savannah’s Historic District, said it serves those “seeking an intimate experience like no other, for special occasions or a weekday wind down.” Seafood lovers agree.
“The ambiance is very romantic and classy. Will definitely be back!” one person wrote.
Fudo, an Asian-fusion sushi bar less than 15 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, also offers the perfect ambiance for those looking for a romantic night out, according to Yelp reviews. Customers said they were equally wowed by the food and dark, cozy setting.
“Food, drinks and the vibe,” one reviewer said. “Nice place to get dinner with friends or a date night or even the bar is good for a good lunch place!”
Popular dishes include the Star is Born roll, rice cake and dynamite shrimp.
So which restaurant was voted the most romantic in the U.S.? Penumbra in Chicago took the No. 1 spot for 2024, Yelp rankings show.
This story was originally published February 8, 2024 at 1:05 PM.