PicoBlog

Forget the cliché red tablecloths and flickering candles. In Tulsa, romantic restaurants are redefined by globally-inspired tasting menus, speakeasy atmospheres, sleek modernity, and an emphasis on service with that quintessential Tulsa charm.

Whether you're celebrating a milestone anniversary or simply craving a special evening with your loved one, these Tulsa restaurants will make for an idyllic date night no matter the mood. We’re going strong on atmosphere for this one…

$$$, French-Inspired

This subterranean speakeasy isn't just a restaurant – it's an escape for two. Think plush leather sofas, intimate corners, and an air of exclusivity. The host hands you a half glass of complimentary Prosecco to welcome you, and then whisks you down to your table where you can relax and sip your bubbles. The menu is short and curated, meaning less time deciding on your first course, and more time gazing into each other’s eyes. The first bite of charcuterie or bouillabaisse will remind you that you’re in excellent culinary hands.

$$$, Regional and Southern-Inspired American

Craving a taste of southern-infused New American cuisine? Look no further than Amelia's. With its vibrant energy, exquisite fare, and touch of vintage whimsy, Amelia’s offers more than just a meal, and it has a soft spot in my heart as one of my favorite date spots in the city. Yes, the dining room and the sizzling kitchen can get loud, but the noise makes the restaurant feel buzzy and welcoming all at the same time.

Dishes arrive on mismatched china from the now-closed Miss Mcgillicutty's Antiques in Jenks. Order the charred Brussels sprouts scarpetta, lemony kale salad, and pan roasted sea scallops. If you’re not stuffed silly from your meal, hop over to Valkyrie for a night cap.

$$$, French

At French Hen, owner and chef Kathy Bondy brings rustic French-inspired flavors to the Tulsa dining scene, and what’s more romantic than French cuisine? You’ll feel right at home when you step through the doors into this airy, and elegant restaurant. The wine list is more than decent, so share a bottle of Sancerre with your beloved (or soon-to-be beloved?) over succulent duck or scallops.

I recommend starting with the fried oysters in pernod, which are exquisite one-of-a-kind. The bartender told us that the oysters recipe has been the same since French Hen opened over forty years ago! Enjoy a little Tulsa history in your next date here.

$$$$, Steak & Seafood

Mahogany is Tulsa’s undisputed champion of prime cuts. Nestled near LaFortune Park, this traditional steakhouse isn't just about feeding your hunger; it's about exceeding expectations. Yes, the atmosphere might lack the hushed, romantic intimacy of other fine dining restaurants, but the steak quality stands above the rest. Crack open the commendable wine menu and let their certified sommelier guide you to the perfect pairing for your meal. You honestly can’t go wrong with anything you order, but I highly (highly) recommend the Alaskan king crab legs. Mahogany is where you go for a dining experience that leaves a lasting impression, one delicious bite at a time.

$$$, Spanish with a little French influence

Take your tastebuds on a trip to the Mediterranean with Basque’s small plates—and take your sweetheart’s tastebuds too! The menu is inspired by the owner’s travelers through Spain and southern France, and the flavors shine through the squid ink arancini, wild boar sausage, and gambas al ajillo. Join their email list to be the first to hear about the next upcoming multi-course dinner or wine pairing. This restaurant is in the heart of the Art’s District like Amelia’s.

$$$-$$$$, Farm to table

Did someone say ten course tasting menu? With a wine pairing? Say less.

Farm Bar isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience for the senses. It offers Tulsa a unique, seasonal, and ever-changing menu crafted from ingredients grown on their own farm out in Depew. Luxuriate over a five or ten course meal while watching the cooks prepare your dishes right in front of you.

A small confession: I might be the one person in Tulsa who isn’t head over heels for Farm Bar. I’ve been four times, and the flavor compositions never clicked for me, but here’s the secret: everyone else I know adores Farm Bar. And for good reason: the heart and soul of the chef shine through. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The staff? Passionate, knowledgeable, and radiating genuine love for their craft. The food? Certainly inspired, and it will take you on a culinary adventure.

The last time I went to Farm Bar, one of the chefs excitedly let a few of us try his homemade hot sauce that he had made with peppers grown in his own garden. The personal touch at Farm Bar will make any date night special, so if this is what you’re craving, go make a reservation now.

$$$$, Steak & Seafood

Ready to splurge on a truly unforgettable date night? Tucked away in a nondescript alley between The Tavern and Valkyrie lies Bull in the Alley, a speakeasy-style steakhouse where appetites are generously rewarded. Push open the olive double doors and be transported to a plush sanctuary of dim lighting, marbled surfaces, and emerald green booths—a perfect date night spot to enjoy a lavish steak dinner (I recommend the porterhouse). The portions are as opulent as the ambience, which is a good thing….because the bill will be too. If you don’t mind splurging, go for the seafood tower. The price wasn’t listed on the menu the last time I went, which said all I needed to know.

If you make it to dessert, I hope you’re ready for a pie-sized crème brûlée and a slice of turtle cake the size of a whole cake. On second thought, make Bull in the Alley your double-date night spot.

$$$$, Steak & Seafood

Tulsa might be a small city, but its speakeasy scene packs a punch. The Hemingway is the newest edition to Tulsa’s speakeasy family, and a reservation at The Hemingway will add allure to your date night. Start with the crab and lobster billi bi with saffron—a light, creamy bisque. It's the perfect prelude before the obligatory filet mignon and side of au gratin. The Hemingway has its own special dishes, including what they call a “Tater Tot Waffle.” Try it.

The one time I went to The Hemingway, my last partner and I went through the staff entrance by accident (whoops!), but that only heightened the speakeasy ambiance.

$$, Caribbean Fusion

Everyone knows about Sisserou’s, and for good reason! Sisserou’s is always a good time, and a great spot for a fun date. Owners Eben Shillingford and Ilana Velazquez, who were born to immigrant parents from the island of Dominica, pour the souls into the food, bringing traditional Dominican food like callaloo, codfish, and sorrel to the Tulsa dining scene. They serve scotch bonnet hot sauce that they make in-house alongside the bread, as well as a family recipe for rum punch.

Dig into the jerk chicken wings, beet salad, and Jamaican red snapper. End the date with the delicious rum cake, served with vanilla ice cream and a slice of grilled pineapple. If it’s warm out, go for a walk around Guthrie Green, or see if there’s any music playing around the corner at The Hunt Club.

$$, Nordic

Freya brings Scandinavian cuisine to Tulsa and a little variety to your date night. If you enjoy fish, currant-inspired cocktails, and things that have been smoked or pickled, then Freya is a wonderful date night spot to explore an often overlooked cuisine in Oklahoma. Sometimes the Swedish meatballs are inconsistent, but luckily there’s plenty of other tasty items to choose from. You won’t know how much you were dying for skagen (shrimp toast) until you try it at Freya. Last year they served a seasonal burger with jam that was one of my favorites in Tulsa.

Bodean and The Chalkboard

I would be remiss not to include seafood powerhouse Bodean ($$$) and eclectic spot The Chalkboard($$$). Both are honorable mentions, only because I haven’t dined at either (yet) and can’t give them true personal reviews, but friends and people I asked recommend both so highly that I had to include them.

Juniper

Juniper's menu shines with creative, seasonally-driven dishes like apple and fennel salad and almond-crusted trout. This Blue Dome District restaurant consistently satisfies the palate, though some of my friends have encountered overly salty dishes (once multiple times in the same meal). One quirk that rubs me the wrong way (snob hat firmly on) is the premature arrival of dessert menus mid-entrée. But I can't resist recommending the crispy Brussels sprouts and whipped goat cheese - two mouthwatering appetizers perfect for a romantic date night.

Italian Restaurants

I’ve been to woefully few Italian restaurants in Tulsa despite it being one of my favorite cuisines. I stopped exploring after a couple disappointing meals at Prossimo, but I’ve started a list of well-reviewed, promising Italian restaurants to try:

Head downtown to Vintage Wine Bar for a glass of wine and to nosh on Spanish tapas. Better yet: order the gin and tonic, which they are, ironically, well-known for. The tonic is made in-house.

Keep it casual and have a fun, tropical drink at Saturn Room, or sneak in some rooftop views of the city at Sidecar on Cherry Street or Roof 66 Bar at the Indigo Hotel.

For a sober afternoon date, sip on premium Moroccan Mint at Mi Tea Lounge.

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