With Valentine’s Day approaching, romantic destinations are growing in popularity, with many people looking to surprise their partner on February 14. What are the most romantic restaurants in 2017? What about the most romantic cities? Elliot Hool, CMO of digital restaurant startup SimpleOrder, has his list:
Q: What do you predict to be the most romantic restaurants this year? Why?
A: Most Romantic Restaurants 2017:
Poritkali | Zakynthos, Greece
If you want to feel as if you’ve escaped into the dollhouse of your childhood dreams, filled with mystical and magical trinkets, lockets of love and an enchanting outdoor setting, visit Portokali Restaurant . Off the beaten track ,in the stunning island of Zakynthos, Portokali offers a quirky and inviting experience that is sure to warm every couple’s heart.
Saison | San Francisco California
If you are the couple who enjoys unique and unforgettable dining experiences, then SimpleOrder customer Saison Restaurant in San Francisco is a once in a lifetime experience to spoil yourselves with. The 15-20 course tasting menu is a continuous journey for the palette that gradually expands from one dish to the next. The intimate 18 seat venue is truly reserved for a special night shared with your loved one.
Old Lightning | Los Angeles, California
Old Lighting isn’t actually a restaurant, it’s a bar, but if you dig the fine cocktail, then this private and exclusive experience is a great way to spoil your lucky lover. Located in Venice Beach, the only way to get in is by making a reservation through the email on the website and only a lucky 25 will get a spot inside. Their one hundred plus cocktail menu, speciality champagnes, and stellar vintage spirit list, make this one of the best, if not the best cocktail bar in the U.S. With a rule that requires you to ditch your cellphone at the front door, Old Lightning is all about being in the moment and being taken care of with true hospitality.
Botega Di Franco | Bologna, Italy
Located at a picturesque,old manor right outside the city center, Botega Di Franco reflects the true beauty of both the location and the region’s cuisine. You can spoil yourself with dishes such as the mortadella mousse, handmade tortellini, and ravioli squacquerone cheese. The shabby-chic decor and the big bright windows looking out into luscious greenery, will most certainly pull at your heartstrings.
Vinotel | Tbilisi, Georgia
This boutique hotel opened in 2015 near the Mtkvari river and the Presidential Palace, offers guests intimate hotel rooms designed with hamams and vintage French fireplaces. Matching its quintessential charm, Vinotel’s restaurant overlooking the finely manicured garden. Local dishes such and lobio and phali are given a modern twist and the massive selection of local wines come from their impressive wine cellar- a true fine dining experience.
Q: What do you predict to be the most romantic cities this year? Why?
A: Most Romantic Cities
Asturias, Spain
Asturias is the ideal escape for couples that love nature, sports and majestic sites. The capital of the Asturias, Oviedo, is known for it’s gorgeous pre Romanesque architecture,thriving local food culture, and medieval historical sites. It’s not only one of the most clean and picturesque cities in Europe, but it’s also full of natural beauty, covered with green parks and landscapes.
Woody Allen is famous for describing Oviedo as, “…a delicious, exotic, beautiful, clean, lovely, tranquil and pedestrianized city…It’s like it doesn’t belong to this world…as if it did not exist…Oviedo is like a fairytale.”
Tbilisi, Georgia
The Balkans are making a big splash in 2017,with Tbilisi on the top of the list. Tbilisi, although a former part of the USSR, is very different than most communist era cities. The city’s history spans as far as 2,000 years back and the spectacular views of the city landscape are breathtaking. Tbilisi’s wine scene has garnered attention for its burgeoning wine scene, offering over 500 grape varieties that date back 7,000 years.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Often times Malaysia’s neighboring countries get a lot of attention, but for a true romantic escape in 2017,i s the island of Langkawi. Langkawi is an ideal getaway because it combines luxury and provinciality beautifully. The endless pristine beaches and the ancient rainforest teaming with a wondrous array of wildlife makes you feel like you’ve found a true getaway that fairytales are made of.
Bologna, Italy
When people think of romantic European cities, often Paris, Rome, and Florence come to mind, however Bologna is the gem of Italy that is often overlooked. This quaint Italian city is located in the state of Emilia Romagna, which has arguably the richest Italian gastronomic culture. The city center is lit by unassuming strings of light at night and the cobbled roads are sprinkled with sweet tratorias that create the scene for a perfect romantic experience. The Torre Prendiparte Inn in the center of the city offers a tower suite, complete with rooftop views and private dining options.
