If you're visiting Bloomington with your significant other and are looking for the perfect restaurant for a romantic dinner date, look no further. From upscale cuisine, authentic international fare, and rotating menus, the following restaurants offer an inviting atmosphere, and delicious food — all of the makings of a dreamy dinner date. Make it the perfect romantic evening by tying in your dinner with one of these date ideas, or plan an overnight getaway for the ultimate couples experience in Bloomington.
C3
C3 is one of Bloomington's few fine dining establishments. Focusing on chef-driven cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, it's a fantastic option for a romantic date night. Their menu changes on a seasonal basis, so there's always something new to try. C3 is known to offer everything from elevated tacos to gourmet steak dinners, and their cocktails are some of the very best in Bloomington. Enjoy your meal at their inviting bar, in their cozy lounge, on their patio — where live musical performances frequently occur — or at a private, candlelit table.
Che Bello
For a delicious, authentic Italian meal, head over to Che Bello. Divulge into your favorite Italian dishes, like Caprese Filet, Mushroom Fettucine, and Spaghetti & House Meatballs, and enjoy the restaurants great location. Located on the Square, head to local shops, like skullznbunniez or EllieMae's Boutique before dinner, or take a stroll to Kirkwood Avenue and grab some ice cream at Hartzell's Ice Cream or enjoy the nightlife in Bloomington.
Cardinal Spirits
Cardinal Spirits is Bloomington's sole distillery, offering some of the best craft cocktails in town, all produced with their own vodkas, gins, rums, liqueurs, and canned cocktails. They also serve up seasonally-inspired gourmet dishes for dinner, all scratch-made and locally sourced. Although their seating follows an open-concept layout, the restaurant still manages to feel warm, inviting, and intimate. If craft cocktails are something you and/or your partner are passionate about, Cardinal is the perfect spot for your romantic evening.
DeAngelo's
DeAngelo's is an Italian Creole restaurant that serves up scratch-made classics with Louisiana flair. Listen to 1940s jazz music as you sip a glass of wine and munch on their house bread ahead of your meal, which could be a classic pasta plate, an authentic Creole dish, or a New York-style pizza. Their atmosphere is just as comforting and cozy as their food — if you're looking for a casual restaurant with a homey feel, DeAngelo's is a great choice for date night.
FARMbloomington
Photo by Eventective
If you and your partner consider yourself foodies, FARMbloomington is a must. Another of B-Town's fine dining establishments, the restaurant operates by the mission of creating seasonally-inspired plates with locally-grown, fresh foods and exciting global flavors. Their atmosphere is quirky yet inviting, as is their menu, offering patrons a unique experience all around — perfect for a playful dinner date.
Janko's Little Zagreb
Janko's Little Zagreb is a local-favorite steakhouse, offering daily hand-cut selections grilled to perfection in a casual, IU-themed atmosphere. Aside from their incredible steaks, Janko's is also known for their famous spicy meatballs and robust wine selection. It's always a good idea to make a reservation when you want to dine at the Little Zagreb — the steakhouse is usually booked on the weekends and special occasions, especially when parents of IU students are in town.
Lennie's
Photo by Lennie's
Lennie's cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes it feel a bit like Bloomington's very own Cheers. Specializing in elevated pizza, pasta, stromboli, and frequent holiday features, it's one of the best places to go for a casual yet still romantic dinner date. Their partnership with Bloomington Brewing Company, one of B-Town's five breweries, makes it a must for any and all beer enthusiasts as well. For those who prefer wine to beer, no worries — Lennie's also offers a well-rounded wine selection. If you're looking for a laid-back local favorite, Lennie's is the spot to pick.
Malibu Grill
Focusing on upscale California-style plates, Malibu Grill is one of Bloomington's most popular restaurants for special occasions. The entire restaurant has an intimate, friendly ambiance, but the bar area — complete with a piano for live music acts — boasts an even cozier atmosphere, making it the perfect place to sit during a romantic dinner date. Enjoy one of the restaurant's craft cocktails, a glass of wine from their extensive selection, and one of their unique & delicious specialty entrees. For dessert, split a slice of their legendary Malibu Mud Pie for an especially sweet ending to your evening.
Osteria Rago
Photo by @jp_eats_ on Instagram
This rustic restaurant is a must for a romantic date night. Located in a cozy cottage-esque building in an alley off of Kirkwood Avenue, Osteria Rago is an authentic Italian restaurant & deli that strives to mimic the best eateries in Italy, often found off-the-beaten-path in narrow alleys & ancient passageways. Their plates, from their pizzas to their pastas and even their gelato, are scratch-made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their food is as inviting as their atmosphere, making for one of the best romantic Italian dinner dates in the area.
Samira
Photo by @foodgoalzzz on Instagram
Samira is one of Bloomington's most unique restaurants — they specialize in Middle Eastern cuisine, with a focus specifically on Afghan dishes. Their atmosphere is warm and inviting with an elevated flair, their tables donned with linens and full dinner plate settings. For those who love Middle Eastern food or trying new cuisines, Samira is one of the best restaurants to choose for a romantic date night. Request a table near their large picture windows so you and your partner can watch the sun set over downtown Bloomington as you enjoy each other's company and Samira's delicious food.
55 Southern Stone
55 Southern Stone is a casual yet elevated dining experience — specializing in sustainable seafood, locally sourced steaks, and incredible cocktails. For intimate dining with that favorite someone choose a booth and enjoy a meal that blends classic southern flavors with modern twists. From the mouth watering fried green tomatoes to fresh seafood you will find a menu with twists and turns that will please. You can also enjoy the outdoor patio as the sun sets over Bloomington.
The Elm
The Elm is a culinary delight — serving seasonal menus, with locally sourced, unexpected ingredients. This upscale restaurant is perfect place to go on a date, the lighting is subtle, so choose an out of the way table and enjoy a one of a kind adventure. In warmer months pick a spot on the patio and get cozy.
Truffles
Photo by Truffles
Another of Bloomington's fine dining establishments, Truffles prides itself on creating symphonies of sensory stimulation through their upscale cuisine and wine pairings. Another must for any foodie couples, the restaurant offers everything from American classics to international fare, all with a modern, fine dining twist. Their atmosphere is intimate and elegant, with warm lighting, linen-clad tables, and beautiful artwork lining their walls. If you're looking for an evening of romance without having to venture into downtown, Truffles is the perfect dinner destination for you.
Turkuaz Cafe
Photo by Laura Seib
Offering another unique dining experience, Turkuaz Cafe is one of Bloomington's two authentic Turkish restaurants. Their restaurant offers traditional table seating as well as Turkish-style floor seating, complete with an abundance of pillows upon beautiful rugs for one of the coziest, most intimate dining experiences in town. Turkuaz is warm and inviting, and there's something for everyone to try on their huge menu. Embrace a romantic evening of adventure as you step off of the Bloomington streets into the Middle East — or a convincing replication of it — during this date night experience.
Uptown Cafe
Photo by Uptown Cafe
Uptown Cafe is one of Bloomington's most beloved restaurants, known for their upscale New Orleans-style cuisine and warm, soulful atmosphere. Specializing in elevated renditions of Cajun-Creole classics, Uptown is a bit of Louisiana right here in B-Town. Be sure to pair one of their signature cocktails with your meal for the full experience — it'll be a night of cozy, southern, upscale comfort the two of you will keep coming back for.
