Are you looking for an intimate restaurant to wine and dine with your sweetheart? From shareable appetizers to shuck-your-own oysters, here are a few local dining spots that offer delectable menus-making them a desirable pick for date night. With Valentine’s Day falling on a Tuesday this year, many local spots, especially downtown, tend to be closed. If you’re not worried about celebrating on the actual day, consider this list of spots:

  1. Abel Brown: Romantic choice for polished New American fare, a sizable wine list & private dining room.
  2. Augustino’s:  Augusta Marriott’s upscale Italian eatery is known for certified Angus steaks & pasta.
  3. Brinkley’s Chop House: Refined chop house located in the SRP Ballpark featuring premium steaks, chops, seafood and more.
  4. Cadwallader’s Cafe: Upscale, family-owned restaurant featuring local, seasonal American dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
  5. Calvert’s Restaurant: Mainstay for classic American steak & seafood dishes served in an upscale, intimate setting.
  6. Cork & Flame: Elegantly innovative Progressive American cuisine emphasizes local or regional ingredients and traditions.
  7. Craft and Vine: Choice venue serving New American fare & cocktails in warm digs with a modern speakeasy feel.
  8. French Market Grille: A broad menu of Cajun & Creole fare is served in a casual setting with an enclosed patio.
  9. Frog Hollow Tavern: A seasonally-driven menu (and 100+ wines) are served in this modern space.
  10. Malia’s Restaurant: Dedicated to the culinary excitement afforded by the finest, freshest, and most ethically produced ingredients.
  11. Noble Jones: A rustic eatery serving numerous courses of the classics and inventive dishes.
  12. Oliviana Bar Italiano and Pizzeria: A Rustic Italian-inspired and chef-driven restaurant with fresh & exquisite food.
  13. Sole Augusta: Modern dining space offering eclectic small bites, burgers & sushi in a festive vibe, plus a patio.

Want to dodge the crowds this year? You can have that intimate dining experience without going to a restaurant. Create a memorable dinner for two simply by setting the scene.  Dress the table with Valentine colors like red or pink; up the romance factor by dimming the lights, lighting a candle, and turning on soft music.

Do you have any romantic dining spots or more in-home date ideas? We’d love to hear them. Share your suggestions in the comments below.