date nights

These are the most romantic restaurants in Austin, per OpenTable

Better plan those date night reservations early.

Jeffrey's/Facebook

Austinites looking for inspiration for where to have their next date night don't have to look far: Online reservation platform OpenTable has spotlighted several local spots on its newly updated lists of the most romantic restaurants.

For the second year in a row, the Arboretum location of Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab has charmed its way into OpenTable's 2026 list of the top 100 most romantic restaurants in America. Truluck's was one of five total Texas eateries that made this year's list, but it wasn't the only Austin entry — iconic American eatery Jeffrey's Restaurant also earned a new spot.

The list was compiled using more than nine million restaurant reviews on OpenTable from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025. Restaurants were evaluated based on six metrics, including diner ratings, the percentage of reservations made in advance, and more. Qualified restaurants were not given a score; they were instead ranked by the percentage of reviews that included the tag “romantic."

Jeffrey's might be new to the national "most romantic" list, but it certainly isn't a stranger to similar lists like OpenTable's annual top 100 restaurants in the U.S. and a regional Austin Icons list. In 2025, Jeffrey's additionally earned global recognition as one of the best steakhouses in the world by London-based company Upper Cut Media House.

For Valentine's Day, on February 14, the restaurant will be serving a four-course, $225 prix fixe menu that includes executive chef Mark McCain's signature dishes, "luxurious specials," and optional special reserve Champagnes and vintage wine pairings.

Truluck's has a special "Love of Lobster" menu available from February 11-15, offering a specialty cocktail, lobster Rockefeller, lobster and caviar risotto, lobster frites, and select cuts of filet mignon, prime New York strip and ribeye steaks. Diners can finish their meal with a decadent flourless chocolate bar dessert topped with fresh berries, berry coulis, and raspberry dust.

Truluck's "Lobster of Love" special Valentine's Day menu 2026 Can't go wrong with buttery lobster.Truluck's/Facebook

For Austin locals who want to explore other romantic dining options, especially ahead of Valentine's Day, OpenTable also curated a citywide list of the 77 "Best Romantic Restaurants." The top five are:

TenTen
Casa Bianca
Boa Steakhouse
Le Calamar
Mexta

Jeffrey's was also highlighted in OpenTable's separate "Diners' Choice" list of the most romantic restaurants in Austin, which is updated monthly based on regional diner reviews from the previous four months.

The latest edition, released January 5, includes vegan fine dining restaurant Fabrik, fancy bungalow restaurant Nightcap, speakeasy Here Nor There (which doesn't provide full meals, but does offer light bites), provincial Italian restaurant Siena Ristorante Toscana, steak staple Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and more.

Austinites who will be eschewing their hometown and embarking on a dreamy Valentine's Day getaway elsewhere in Texas can check out these three other charming restaurants that were dubbed the most romantic in America for 2026:

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille in Dallas' Park District (Perry's also has locations in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio)
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse at the Houston Galleria
Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood in San Antonio

restaurants steakhouse opentable valentine's day austin

Way of Whiskey

Whiskey festival returns to Austin with more than 150 spirits to try

Photo courtesy of Whiskey Riot

Props for the two-handed approach.

A popular whiskey tasting event is saving a glass for its fourth annual visit to Austin. Whiskey Riot will be in town Saturday, April 25, with way more whiskies than one person could hope to drink, helping whiskey-lovers stay on top of the evolving market and their tastes.

Whiskey Riot is traveling with more than 150 whiskies from all over the world, including Austin and the rest of Texas. Some of the brand partners based in or near Austin include Austin Craft Spirits Company, Balcones Distilling (Waco), Devils River (San Antonio), Garrison Brothers (Hye), Milam & Greene, and Still Austin.

The main offer is samples, which attendees may want to notate on a helpful print-at-home sheet. It includes possible tasting notes to help less seasoned tasters find their way through the nuanced flavor landscape. Plus, distillers attending on the vendor side may be available to offer some tasting tips.

Hopefully, by paying for a ticket rather than for the pour, attendees will feel more adventurous and discover a new favorite spirit. For those who prefer a gentler taste, there will also be creative cocktails to try.

Early bird tickets are available now through February 10 (or until they sell out) at tixr.com. A general admission ticket ($91.62) includes tastings and a branded glass to take home. Discounts are available for transactions with more than one ticket. Early entry tickets (113.12) include the same things plus an exclusive tasting hour before crowds arrive, premium access to bars, special access to limited edition and rare whiskies, and included cocktails.

Whiskey Riot takes place from 3-7 pm at Fair Market (1100 E 5th St.). All attendees must be at least 21 years old. Whiskey Riot will also host events in Dallas on March 14, Houston on March 28, San Antonio on May 16, and Fort Worth on May 30.

festivals tasting whiskey cocktails