There’s a reason pasta and romance go hand in hand. Between the candlelight, the swirl of perfectly cooked noodles, and a shared bottle of red, an Italian dinner sets the scene for connection. Whether it’s a first date or a night out with a long-time love, the right setting can turn an ordinary evening into something unforgettable.

Here are romantic Italian restaurants across the U.S. that pair pasta with ambiance, perfect for your next pasta-powered date night.

Lilia – Brooklyn, NY
Chef Missy Robbins’ Lilia is elegant but approachable, with high ceilings, warm lighting, and an open kitchen that fills the room with the aroma of handmade pasta. Favorites include the sheep’s milk agnolotti and mafaldini with pink peppercorns.
Reserve via OpenTable

Osteria Mozza – Los Angeles, CA
The candlelit marble bar, refined service, and fresh mozzarella bar make Osteria Mozza an L.A. go-to for upscale romance. Try the orecchiette with sausage and Swiss chard or the ricotta gnocchi.
Book a table on OpenTable

RPM Italian – Chicago, IL & Washington, D.C.
Sleek, sexy, and built for special occasions, RPM Italian delivers on both ambiance and flavor. Their signature spicy king crab pasta and truffle-stuffed pasta are ideal for sharing.

Francie – Brooklyn, NY
Set in a former bank, Francie combines European flair with contemporary dining. The duck ragu paccheri is rich and flavorful, and the space feels like a dream for stylish couples looking for a quieter corner.
Learn more via Francie’s official site

Roscioli – Miami, FL
This Rome-imported dining room in the heart of Miami mixes moody lighting with Italian sophistication. House-made carbonara and cacio e pepe, plus a serious wine list, create the perfect setting for an intimate evening.

Cotogna – San Francisco, CA
Cotogna is cozy, warm, and endlessly romantic with its wood-fired kitchen and rustic charm. The seasonal pasta menu changes often, but the agnolotti del plin and tagliatelle are consistent favorites.
Reserve via OpenTable

Le Virtù – Philadelphia, PA
This South Philly gem offers a romantic, transportive experience with a focus on Abruzzese cuisine. Outdoor garden seating adds a fairy-tale feel, while the pasta alla chitarra is house-made and deeply satisfying.
Learn more on Le Virtù’s site

Osteria La Spiga – Seattle, WA
A Capitol Hill staple known for its Emilia-Romagna menu, La Spiga sets the tone with dim lighting, exposed beams, and fresh pasta like pappardelle with wild boar ragu.
Book on OpenTable

Trattoria Dell’Arte – New York, NY
For couples who like a bit of old-world glamor, this spot near Central Park delivers with oversized artwork, plush booths, and a menu full of Italian classics. Try the spaghetti pomodoro and the roasted beet salad for a balanced meal.
Reserve your date via OpenTable

Final Bite

Romance is about more than just roses—it’s about shared experiences, delicious food, and the spaces that make you linger a little longer. Whether you’re sipping Chianti over tagliatelle in San Francisco or twirling spaghetti under candlelight in Chicago, these pasta-perfect restaurants offer just the right mood for a memorable evening.