4 Phoenix restaurants named among the best date night spots in the country

Review site Yelp set out to help users impress their dates this Valentine's Day with a new list of the 100 best date night spots around the country. Arizona got four mentions, with all of the romantic restaurants located in metro Phoenix.

To create the list, Yelp's data team analyzed business ratings and review volume. The results showed that many people associate Italian food with romance. Half of the top 10 spots went to Italian eateries.

The researchers also found that people procrastinate on Valentine's Day plans, with 61% of Yelp users making reservations the same week, and 21% risking it on same-day reservations. Also, Yelp found that the Saturdays around Valentine's Day are more popular for dining out than the actual holiday.

So, whether you're getting ahead for Feb. 14 or planning a regular date night, here's a look at Yelp's top spots for a romantic dinner in Phoenix.

Cibo Urban Pizzeria

603 N. Fifth Ave.

Downtown Phoenix pizzeria Cibo is undoubtedly romantic, whether you sit inside the cozy bungalow or outside on the patio strung with twinkle lights. Share a pizza and salad with your date, or go "Lady and the Tramp" style with a big bowl of pasta. The wine list pairs perfectly with the dishes and desserts such as Nutella-filled crepes and classic tiramisu.

This Chandler steakhouse finds its home in a historic theater.

Elliott's Steakhouse

Elliott's Steakhouse

81 W. Boston St., Chandler

For a standout take on the traditional steak dinner, head to Elliott's Steakhouse in Chandler. The restaurant is housed inside the historic Rowena Theatre and features plenty of historic charm. Get a little dressed up for this date night spot, as there's a business casual dress code. Start your evening with a cocktail playfully named to reflect the building's past such as the Director's Cut or the Curtain Call. Next, sample appetizers such as beef tartare or prosciutto-wrapped lobster before digging into the main event. Steaks are served a la carte and can be paired with add-ons such as shrimp or scallops, plus sauces and sides. Seafood, pastas, pork, lamb and chicken options are also available. For those who really want to go all out, two seafood tower options are available for $220 or $240. If you've got any room left, end the meal with a slice of carrot cake or creme brulee.

click to enlarge

The tapas menu at Dahlia is tight but filled with creative dishes. Make sure to order the Potato Croquettes.

Tirion Boan

Dahlia Tapas, Tequila & Wine

2221 N. Seventh St.

Deep purple walls, warm lighting and fresh flowers on every table help make Dahlia one of the most romantic restaurants in town. Exceptional cocktails and delicious, shareable food solidify this spot as a winner for date night. Located on Seventh Street near downtown Phoenix, this petite restaurant opened in Sept. 2023 and quickly became a staple in the Valley. The entire menu is perfect for sharing and is split into small tapas, large tapas and charcuterie sections. Potato croquettes are a crowd-pleasing winner. Add a little excitement with the octopus carpaccio and make sure to ask if the kitchen has any specials on offer. End the evening with a Beso de Noche, a decadent cross between a cocktail and a dessert made with cookie dough whiskey, vanilla whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.

click to enlarge

First & Last's deliciously complex Bacon Sourdough Bolognese is fortified with bread crumbs, house smoked pork belly and barrel-aged fish sauce.

Sara Crocker

First & Last

1001 N. Third Ave., #1

First & Last recently went viral for its lunchtime sandwiches. But in the evening, this restaurant transforms into the perfect date night destination. The menu is driven by seasonal ingredients and leans Italian, with a modern, cheffed-up twist. Start with a half dozen oysters or creamy burrata with butternut squash. Next, try one of the unusual dishes such as seared pork belly served with a potato pancake or the salty, super satisfying Bacon Sourdough Bolognese. Split some creme caramel or tiramisu to finish.