Houston
1. Ciel
River Oaks
$$$$

Inspired by hotspots along the French Riviera, Ciel (French for “sky”) was built for over-the-top decadence. The hotly popular smokeshow puts out a high-energy, glam, and totally sexy vibe, with a Michelin-trained executive chef (Joseph Geiskopf) who favors fresh, sustainable seafood and live-fire cooking; a world-class list of craft cocktails, wine, and bubbly; and pop-up performances to keep things exciting. Get all googly eyed over plates of Toro Carpaccio, Oak Grilled Octopus, Truffle Bucatini, and Wagyu Nigiri, and if you’re bored with each other, simply enjoy the people-watching.

2. Trattoria Sofia
The Heights
$$$$

Dining on the tree-lit veranda at this Berg Hospitality trattoria is a guaranteed date night win. Plus, if Lady and the Tramp taught us anything, it’s that Italian food is just plain sexy. Feel the romance and share small plates of Wood-Roasted Beets with Smokey Labneh and Toasted Sicilian Pistachios, Fritto Misto and Crudo di Pesce, Margherita Pizza, Torta Di Cioccolato (gooey chocolate cake), and Cacio e Pepe that, yes, you should split like that famous spaghetti scene.

3. Karne Korean Steakhouse
The Heights
$$$$

If it’s an experience you're after, this bespoke Korean steakhouse is your spot. There’s something alluring about a tableside, cooked-to-order meal, which is exactly what you’ll get here. Snag a table inside the stylish space and get spellbound by an alluring mosaic of steakhouse riffs—Jumbo Tiger Shrimp with Wasabi Cho-Gochujang, Milk Bread Toast with Osetra Caviar, “Kured” Korean Pork Belly, and Japanese A5 Wagyu that gets cooked right before your eyes.

4. Flora Mexican Kitchen
Buffalo Bayou
$$$$

A chandelier-lit glass treehouse in the sky sounds like a pretty good date idea if you ask us (and since you’re reading this, we’re pretty sure you did), especially when it also entails fancy queso. Bring your sweetie to this Big Vibes Group Mexican kitchen to enjoy just that, plus oh-so tender Barbacoa de Borrego, zippy Red Snapper Ceviche, and Shrimp Mojo de Ajo so good you won’t mind the garlic breath.

5. Gratify
Rice Village
$$$$

Why, yes, you can slurp oysters and caviar while cozied up under an illuminated disco ball. You just have to score rezzies at this decadent bistro from The Big Vibe Group (Coppa Osteria, Graffiti Raw, Flora). The space truly brings the sexy vibe with rich, bold colors, and European countryside villa feel. It offers a decadent menu to match. Start with those oysters and caviar, then move on to Lobster Risotto, Filet & Frites, and Croissant Bread Pudding.

6. Indianola
EaDo
$$$$

This Agricole Hospitality stunner is a triple threat when combined with its hip sibling establishments. One space is a groovy cocktail joint and the other, a rebellious slice shop perfect for those late-night hankerings. The best part? You can hit all three if your date is going really, really well. Start your love affair at Indianola, where polished modern Texas eats like Blue Corn & Gulf Shrimp Hushpuppies, Wood Grilled Chicken with Duck Fat Potatoes, and a juicy Angus Burger will get the juices flowing.

More City Guides

Discover the best things to eat, drink, and do
with our expertly curated city guides.