Written By Malcolm Lawson
The saying might be “Virginia is for lovers”, but Annapolis Maryland takes the cake when it comes to romantic restaurants. If you are in the city looking to have a special evening out with your significant other, or even a first date, your options seam endless. The city is great for foodies, but if you are looking for a romantic dinner out, here are the top 11 romantic restaurants in Annapolis MD to consider.
1.Federal House Bar & Grille
No list of romantic restaurants in Annapolis MD would be complete without the Federal House Bar & Grille. The Federal House was established in the 1830’s and is located in the heart of historic down town Annapolis. While the food is great, the atmosphere is what includes the restaurant on our list. There is live music during the week and a DJ every Friday and Saturday night.
2. Osteria 177
Italian cuisine often comes to mind when people think of romantic dinners. When you are looking for an Italian restaurants in Annapolis MD you will not find a more authentic place than Osteria 177. The chef and owner, Arturo Ottaviano, was raised in Verona, Italy. He offers a coastal Italian cuisine unlike any other. Choose from entrees like Cheese encrusted Swordfish Filet with Cherry Tomatoes Relish or Fresh Pasta Spinach & Ricotta Cheese Pasta in Special Cream Sauce.
3. Sin Fronteras Café
Are you looking for romantic restaurants in Annapolis with a little Mexican or Latin flare? Sin Fronteras Café offers Mexican and Latin dishes with a Miami twist. They are known for having the best margaritas in town. Choose from dishes such as Margarita Salmon, El maestro seared ahi tuna, or Camarones Michuacanos (sautéed shrimp) Add a little sizzle to your night at Sin Fronteras Cafe.
4. Cafe Normandie
Cafe Normandie has been a popular romantic restaurant in Annapolis for over 30 years. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is known for serving dishes made with local ingredients. The restaurant has earned its Sustainability Stewardship with the city of Annapolis. The head chef has trained with some of the top chefs in the country, and began his love for cooking as a teenager in France. Dine with peace of mind knowing the restaurant is at the top of the industry for sustainability, often using items from local farmers. They serve dishes like Salmon and Blueberries with Beurre Blanc Sauce, Steak Au Poivre, and a crabcake platter. Cafe Normandie is considered by many to be one of the top restaurants in Annapolis Maryland.
5. O’Learys Seafood Restaurant
When it comes to seafood restaurants in Annapolis MD, O’Learys Seafood is at the top of the list. In fact, many reviews rate this as “the best seafood in town”. The restaurant offers an intimate environment with outstanding menu selections. A few entrees they serve include O’Learys Crab Cakes, Crispy Rockfish, and Seafood Caprese. Spend the evening feasting on a fabulous seafood menu with your special someone.
6. Carrol’s Creek Café
What could be more romantic than enjoying a bottle of wine while enjoying the view of the marina as dusk falls over the water? Carrol’s Creek Café, is one of the popular waterfront restaurants in Annapolis located directly on Spa Creek, which was formerly known as Carrol’s Creek back in the late 1700’s. The restaurant encompasses the history of the city while offering a menu of innovative American cuisine. They have a wide variety of seafood, along with steak, chicken, and salad options. Their list of wine and craft beer offerings are sure to please as well. If you are looking for an Annapolis waterfront restaurant, it will be hard to beat Carrol’s Creek Caf’e.
7. Red Red Wine Bar
Does the idea of a stuffy wine bar turn you off for your romantic date night out? Red Red Wine Bar has you covered. This is a wine bar built around the idea that everyone should feel comfortable at a wine bar, not just the “wine snobs”. If you are a wine snob, don’t be offended, they will welcome you too. They describe themselves as , “Maryland coastal meets California gourmet with a touch of New Orleans gluttony.” The food is delicious and they make trying wine fun. This is a night you and your date will not forget.
8. McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster Bar
Promising the best night in town, McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster Bar is located near the Annapolis City Dock. This is one of the downtown Annapolis restaurants that you are going to want to hit on a date night out. You and your date can enjoy live music on Friday and Saturdays while getting cozy in the brick walled pub atmosphere. Besides the fresh oyster bar diners can choose from Maryland crab cakes, burgers, and fresh salmon salad to name a few. McGarvey’s has been the recipient of many local awards including The Capital Readers’ Choice and What’s Up? Annapolis — Best of Annapolis. Enjoy dinner and music and then take an evening walk down to the dock.
9. Baroak Cookhouse & Taproom
If you are looking for a romantic restaurants in Annapolis stop by the Lowes Annapolis Hotel near the Naval Academy. Located inside the hotel is Baroak, serving up a twist on classic American fare. Dine in or outside on the patio to take in the view of historic Annapolis. Choose from entrees like Rockfish tacos, steak frites, or a Greek chicken wrap. They also specialize in one-of-a-kind craft beer.
10. Vin 909
The romance of Vin 909 is found in it’s eclectic charm and comfort. Located in the eclectic Eastport neighborhood of Annapolis. They strive to offer organic and locally grown ingredients whenever possible. In fact, they care so much about sustainability that they even recycle their oyster shells. Get cozy with your date while sipping wine near the fireplace or when the weather is nice dine under the lights on the patio. Some of their entrees include brick oven pizza selections, Smoked Rainbow Trout Pappardelle, and Shrimp Cassoulet.
Your date night out will be complete with one of these romantic restaurants in Annapolis MD. From local seafood to wine bars to Latin spice the city has a little of everything. End your romantic night out with a stroll through historic downtown Annapolis.
