OpenTable Names Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the US

Several Northeast and mid-Atlantic spots make the list, including restaurants in Glastonbury, Simsbury, and more

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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OpenTable has released its 2026 list of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the US, with 23 restaurants selected from Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The list includes upscale steakhouses, farm-to-table destinations, and historic eateries with scenic views and cozy atmospheres.

Why it matters

In an era when many restaurants have struggled, the inclusion of these Northeast and mid-Atlantic establishments on OpenTable's prestigious list highlights the resilience and appeal of romantic dining destinations that have managed to thrive by offering unique experiences, high-quality cuisine, and memorable ambiance.

The details

The list includes restaurants like J. Gilbert's - Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood in Glastonbury, Connecticut, which is known for its upscale steaks, fireside dining, and rich wood tones. Millwright's Restaurant in Simsbury, Connecticut, set inside a 17th-century mill above a waterfall, also made the cut for its farm-to-table fare and historic charm. Other notable inclusions are Osteria 177 in Annapolis, Maryland, Pellana Prime Steakhouse & Bar in Peabody, Massachusetts, and Sorellina in Boston's Back Bay.

  • OpenTable released its 2026 list of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the US on February 12, 2026.

The players

OpenTable

An online restaurant reservation service and review platform that has released an annual list of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the US since 2000.

J. Gilbert's - Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood

An upscale steakhouse located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, known for its mesquite wood-fired grill, fireside dining, and rich wood tones.

Millwright's Restaurant

A farm-to-table restaurant located in a 17th-century mill above a waterfall in Simsbury, Connecticut, led by James Beard-nominated Chef Tyler Anderson.

Osteria 177

A coastal Italian restaurant in Annapolis, Maryland, that focuses on specialty cheeses, fish, meats, and wine.

Pellana Prime Steakhouse & Bar

A steakhouse located in Peabody, Massachusetts, that serves Prime Grade steaks and fresh seafood with an extensive wine list.

Sorellina

A contemporary Italian-Mediterranean restaurant led by Chef Jamie Mammano in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The inclusion of these Northeast and mid-Atlantic restaurants on OpenTable's prestigious list of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the US demonstrates the enduring appeal of unique dining experiences that combine high-quality cuisine, historic charm, and memorable ambiance - even in the face of industry challenges.