Best Romantic Restaurants in Essex

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Michael's Cafe White Marsh/ Middle River restaurant

1. Michael's Cafe White Marsh/ Middle River

4.7

Exceptional(847)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • White Marsh

Booked 14 times today

Michael's Cafe White Marsh/ Middle River is a charming spot for a romantic evening. As one reviewer put it, it's a 'comfortable atmosphere to be in for a casual dining.' The 'classy and comfortable' ambiance, along with excellent food and service, makes it a top choice for a date night. The homemade menu using only the finest and freshest ingredients adds to the restaurant's appeal.

2. Costas Inn

4.4

Awesome(313)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 6 times today

We have Steamed Crabs to enjoy year round. After making your reservation, please call for Crab sizes and availability 410-477-1975. We hope that on your next afternoon or evening out, you will give us the opportunity to make your visit or event as enjoyable as possible. The entire family and staff of Costas Inn thank you for your continued support and look forward supplying the excellence and quality that you have come to expect.

3. Monarque

4.6

Exceptional(1199)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Harbor East

Booked 20 times today

Atlas Restaurant Group presents Monarque, a French brasserie located in Baltimore’s Harbor East. Monarque is inspired by the French era of prosperity when culture boomed and extravagance flourished. The cuisine is complemented by a beverage program with over 500 French wine labels and an extensive collection of Cognac and Armagnac.Transporting guests to another time and place while being rooted in the present, Monarque hosts a rotation of acts every weekend, with Baltimore's best jazz musicians, cabaret vocalists, burlesque dancers, and more. Monarque welcomes guests of all ages Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the experience is suited for guests 18 years of age and older, and only adults are permitted to dine. When making your weekend reservations, please note that parties of 1-5 guests will have two hours to enjoy our cuisine and entertainment, parties of 5-8 will dine for two hours and 30 minutes, and parties of 9 and more can enjoy seating for three hours.

4. Bygone

4.6

Exceptional(3614)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Harbor East

Booked 34 times today

A fusion of the old, the new and the best of Baltimore. We’re an American gastro bistro that represents historic, vibrant, authentic Baltimore. We blend modern energy with a classic feel, celebrating luxury, excitement & an elevated dining experience. Plus, we’ve got some unbeatable views of our beautiful city!Bygone’s warm & welcoming atmosphere is reminiscent of an old-school social club, while our open rotisserie grill, whiskey bar & craft cocktails add a flair that is contemporary.Please note: No shows and cancellations made within less than 24 hours will be subject to a $75/per person fee.

5. Magdalena

4.8

Exceptional(1218)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Mt. Vernon

Booked 5 times today

Magdalena is the celebrated restaurant of The Ivy Hotel, a Relais & Châteaux property in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood.Magdalena, a Maryland Bistro, features refined, “from-scratch” bistro fare driven by the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay region. The seasonally evolving menu celebrates the finest local ingredients, sustainable values, and culinary craftsmanship, resulting in dishes brimming with character.Executive Chef Ülfet Ralph has over a decade of experience in Relais & Châteaux properties. With this expertise, Chef Ralph will continue Magdalena’s mission of exploring innovative and artful interpretations of Maryland cuisine with a purposeful balance of bistro meets elegance. Ingredients are sourced close to home, and relationships with local farmers and purveyors are at the heart of the culinary philosophy. A cheeky cocktail program, Wine Spectator-awarded wine list, and revered whiskey collection complete a delightfully unmatched dining experience.

A photo of Rusty Scupper - Baltimore restaurant

6. Rusty Scupper - Baltimore

4.7

Exceptional(8859)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Inner Harbor

Booked 22 times today

Open, MON to THUR3:00 PM to 9:00 PMFRI and SAT 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM,SUN10:30 AM to 9:00 PM Our Jazz Sunday Brunch 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. $62 per person/tax/gratuity, parties 6 or moreIndulge in an unforgettable dining experience with that special someone, as you take in breathtaking views of the city. When in Baltimore join us & enjoy the freshest seafood along with sweeping Inner Harbor views & hands down the most hospitable service in town.We offer a tempting array of local seafood specialties from Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Lobster Tails, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Pan-Seared Chilean Sea-bass, Grilled Mahi-Mahi, Swordfish and King Crab Legs.Happy Hour: 3 - 6 Monday to Friday. Celebrate the season with us this Christmas and New Year’s Eve Fireworks Extravaganza Party 2025. Enjoy a festive ambiance, all your holiday favorites, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. View our menus online & Call us for tickets.Come back & see us!Reserve your table today : 410 727 3678

7. Sotto Sopra

4.8

Exceptional(3577)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mt. Vernon

Booked 30 times today

Sotto Sopra is an Italian restaurant housed in a beautiful 19th century building just blocks north of Baltimore’s Harborplace on Charles Street. Sotto Sopra specializes in true contemporary Italian cuisine adapting farm to table. We buy local whenever it is possible. The perfect risotto, handmade pastas, roasted meats, local seafood, and regional produce are here for your total enjoyment. Sotto Sopra invites you to dine for dinner every evening. Eat.Drink.Sleep.Dream--Italian

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pier 5 restaurant

8. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pier 5

4.5

Awesome(2459)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Inner Harbor

Booked 21 times today

Expect nothing less than an extraordinary meal and first class service from the Number One prime steak house in the world - Ruth's Chris Steak House. At Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pier 5, you'll experience our contemporary decor coupled with distinctive dining traditions that you can only expect at the Number One steak house. At Ruth's Chris Steak House, we take steak seriously, but we're also serious about making sure you have a great time. So, whether you're looking for a place to unwind after a hectic day at work, planning a romantic dinner for two or that all important business meeting, feel free to laugh out loud and stay awhile and experience our sizzle.

A photo of Ampersea Restaurant restaurant

9. Ampersea Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(1412)

Price: Expensive

• American • Harbor Point

Booked 4 times today

At the intersection of Harbor Point and Fells Point, Ampersea is redefining cuisine that's modern, Maryland, authentic. A destination innovating the way Baltimore dines on the Patapsco River. Perched on the western corner of Thames Street and located in the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum building with the Living Classrooms Foundation, Ampersea dining room, patio, and event spaces offer a stunning combination of panoramic harbor views, impeccable service, and delectable dishes. During our busy season the restaurant has policies in place that may affect your reservation. please review the following:- Entire party arrived to be sat- All parties larger than 4 people must call into the restaurant to schedule their reservation.- All tables are subject to an 18% auto-gratuity.- Outdoor dining is not guaranteed for all reservations but is first come first serve.

10. One-Eyed Mike's

4.8

Exceptional(115)

Price: Expensive

• American • Fells Point

One-Eyed Mike's is a chef/owner-operated tavern tucked away on a cozy block of Bond Street, just off the beaten path in Fell's Point. Known as a locals’ favorite, it’s a place where "you're a stranger here but once." Our staff greets every guest warmly and genuinely—don’t be surprised if they ask your name and remember it next time.Our menu highlights fresh, local ingredients with elevated twists on classic tavern fare, from local oysters and lump crab cakes to hearty burgers and creative daily specials. Behind the bar, we’re famous for our Grand Marnier collection, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails, wines, and beers.The ambiance is intimate and inviting, with candlelit tables, exposed brick, and perfectly curated music that sets a romantic, timeless mood. Whether it’s a quiet dinner for two or drinks with friends, One-Eyed Mike’s is a welcoming escape where great food, drinks, and company come together seamlessly.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
CarrieVIP
Baltimore / Maryland •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Elegant and delicious restaurant with top notch staff and food and wine. Sommelier took a lot of time with us and a perfect evening out! Amazing wine list!1 Congratulations on becoming a 2 key Relais and Chateau hotel!
More info
MagdalenaPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Mt. Vernon
•
4.8
L
Laureen
Baltimore / Maryland •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always a great time at Michael’s! Food and service are awesome!
More info
Michael's Cafe White Marsh/ Middle RiverPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• White Marsh
•
4.7
E
EmmaVIP
New Orleans / Louisiana •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This place was a 10/10! If you have a special occasion to celebrate, do not hesitate! Our server, Sammie, was delightful and the venue is gorgeous - Old school classy but not stuffy. We are foodies from New Orleans where food is a Way of life and this place was on par with some of the best in NOLA. We had the steak tartar, the Brussel sprouts, the swordfish, the Cobia, and the short ribs. Highly recommend all. We also enjoyed several inventive cocktails. All around great experience!
More info
MonarquePrice: Very Expensive• French• Harbor East
•
4.6
S
Shannon
Baltimore / Maryland •39 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Lots of extra little touches that made the dishes special: the foamy mignonette on the oysters, the crunchy bites and pickled mushrooms on the beef tartare. Pre-pandemic, table side dishes such as classic Caesar salad and duck a la presse were on the menu- we can understand not having them all the time, but hopefully they’re not gone for good.
More info
BygonePrice: Very Expensive• American• Harbor East
•
4.6
D
David
Washington, D.C. Area •51 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 13, 2024
Love the crabs! My children when in visiting want to stop in and our server Charles Snyder was awesome!
More info
Costas InnPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.4

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Essex

Best Romantic Restaurants in Essex

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18 restaurants available nearby

1. Michael's Cafe White Marsh/ Middle River

2. Costas Inn

3. Monarque

4. Bygone

5. Magdalena

6. Rusty Scupper - Baltimore

7. Sotto Sopra

8. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pier 5

9. Ampersea Restaurant

10. One-Eyed Mike's

See what locals rave about

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