Date night: When you want to go somewhere a little special with your someone special. With so many options in every corner of Northern Kentucky, it can be hard to narrow down the best spots for special occasions, so we did it for you.
The following are among the best restaurants in the area for a date night. Whether it’s a blind first date or you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary, these restaurants will make for an unforgettable evening.
Dressed-up: Opal
Elevated dining is taken literally at Opal. Situated six floors above Republic Bank on Madison Avenue in Covington, it’s an ideal location for a dressed-up date night. The small dining room is upscale rustic, and guests are able to watch both drinks and dinner being prepared at the well-stocked bar and open-fire grill. Those who prefer a less bustling atmosphere and stunning views of both Covington and Cincinnati can opt for the outdoor patio.
Opal’s menu is focused on grilled entrees, with steak, pork, fish and chicken all cooked on their open-fire grill. Vegetarians and vegans need not worry, though, as starters and sides like grilled cauliflower give all guests the opportunity to try the unique flavors offered by the grill.
For an even more romantic evening, time your visit for sunset and enjoy the glow of Mother of God Church in Covington or the Cincinnati skyline with your dinner and drinks. On cool nights, the space is heated, allowing three seasons of enjoyment for the outdoor patio.
Intimate atmosphere: Conserva
To step away from the world for a few hours and just spend time with your date, head to Conserva in Ludlow. This small spot is the ideal space for one-on-one conversation, shareable dishes and a comfortable atmosphere.
Decorated with mosaic tiles and art, the space invites conversation. The menu is traditional Spanish tapas, and the staff does an excellent job of describing each dish and offering recommendations.
The cream de queso de oveja con higos secos is one of Conserva’s most popular dishes, consisting of warmed baguette slices with sheep’s milk cheese, dried fig and balsamic reduction. The tortilla española is a must-order – a flakey quiche-like dish with potato, egg, onion and parsley, topped with a drizzle of aioli.
Guests longing for a Spanish vacation can simply order a sangria or the Spanish 75 cocktail (cava, Mahon gin, lemon juice and simple syrup with a lemon twist) from the extensive wine and cocktail list.
Fine dining: MRBL
MRBL in Bellevue is the place for special occasions and dressing to the nines. Anniversaries, birthdays and relationship milestones are the perfect excuse for a champagne celebration in their luxe dining room.
The steakhouse is known for its illuminated views of the Cincinnati skyline at night, but MRBL’s interior is just as impressive. Leather seating, candlelight tables and an art deco Gatsby-esque dining room check all the boxes for a romantic evening.
The menu matched the ambiance for an elevated experience, with steak and sushi as the headliners. Many of the craft cocktails are playfully named to pay homage to the area. The Gincinnati with Cincinnati gin, St. Germain, plum syrup, sage simple and elderflower tonic is a refreshing, crisp drink perfect for sipping while admiring the views.
Prix fixe: The Baker’s Table
Something about a prix fixe menu makes date night feel even more special, and the Baker’s Table in Newport does it better than anyone else in Northern Kentucky. The restaurant has been a hot commodity since its debut in 2018, and it has been recognized nationally for its food, service and ambiance.
The Baker’s Table’s seasonal menus are regularly updated to provide the freshest meals. The menu can be ordered a la carte or as a prix-fixe, three course meal. Each course offers three options and, no matter how small the menu may be, Baker’s Table offers dishes for all diets. The menu has vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and meat options that everyone will love.
Some of the summer menu items include stracciatella (no, not the gelato kind) with peach, blackberry, rye crisp and dill, and creste di gallo, a beef bolognese pasta with fried rosemary and grana. The cocktail and wine menu has selections for any taste along with nonalcoholic options. As the space is on the smaller side, reservations are always recommended. For a curated multicourse dining experience, there’s no place like the Baker’s Table.
Southern hospitality: Tousey House Tavern
For a taste of Southern cooking and hospitality, Tousey House Tavern provides timeless sophistication for your date night. This historic restaurant has an old school atmosphere and decor that gives guests the perfect excuse to dress up.
Start with the fried green tomatoes or peach burrata board for updated Southern classics. With over a dozen entree options, it can be hard to narrow down to just one, but whatever you choose – steak, fish or a Kentucky Hot Brown – there is no wrong decision.
The legendary fried chicken and fried cod are famous favorites for visitors, and the extensive drink menu has libations for every palate and price range. For special occasion date nights they have plenty of high-end wines by the bottle to toast with. Guests can dine inside for a fine dining experience or on the side patio for a more casual evening.
Laid back: Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey
Whether you’re looking to impress a first date in a comfortable environment or to escape from the kids for an evening with your spouse, Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey is a haven for all, offering good food in a laid-back atmosphere.
Boomtown reclaimed the idea of “frontier food” – what many would think of as stale bread, canned vegetables and questionably clean water. Instead, the menu takes classic frontier foods and creates contemporary, mouthwatering masterpieces.
At any restaurant with biscuits in the name, it’s a right of passage to order at least one. Boomtown’s Trail Pickins, served with either four or six biscuits and the chef’s choice of butters, jams, jellies and pickles, is a great way to sample the fare and share with your date.
Many entrees also feature biscuits, with their sandwiches served on the soft, buttery rounds and biscuit crumbs topping the Gold Fever, a buffalo mac and cheese mixed with fried chicken, bleu cheese, bacon and scallions.
There’s no shortage of libations at Boomtown, with a full bar that includes over 50 options of whiskey and a regularly-updated mimosa of the moment.
What to Know If You Go
Opal
Location: 535 Madison Ave., Floor 7, Covington
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday, 4-11 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4-11 p.m.; Sunday, 4-9 p.m.
Website: opalrooftop.com
Phone: 859-261-0629
MRBL
Location: 119 Fairfield Ave., Suite 427, Bellevue
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, closed; Wednesday-Saturday, 4:30-10 p.m.; Sunday, 4:30 p.m.9 p.m.
Website: mrblsteak.com
Phone: 859-431-6725
Conserva
Location: 225 Elm St., Ludlow
Hours: Sunday-Tuesday, closed; Wednesday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m.
Website: conservatapasbar.com
Phone: 859-261-0680
The Baker’s Table
Location: 1004 Monmouth St., Newport
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 5-9:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday brunch, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Website: bakerstablenewport.com
Phone: 859-261-1941
Tousey House Tavern
Location: 5963 North Jefferson St., Burlington
Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3p.m.
Website: touseyhouse.com
Phone: 859-586-9900
Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey
Location: 9039 U.S. 42, Suite H, Union
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, closed; Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Website: boomtownbiscuitsandwhiskey.com
Phone: 859-384-5910