12 Alabama restaurants perfect for date night

Looking to plan a night out with a special someone?

Whether you’re wanting to wine-and-dine or hoping to find something that’s more casual and cozy, Alabama has plenty of restaurants serving memorable meals and definite date night vibes.

That’s why our friends at This is Alabama recently asked its Facebook followers to weigh in on which Alabama eateries are their go-to for date nights. The answers ranged from steakhouses, new and old, to French and Italian spots and more.

You can see 12 of the restaurants readers suggested below, and you can read all of the responses on the This is Alabama Facebook page.

The Bright Star restaurant is at 304 19th St. North in Bessemer, Ala. The restaurant opened in 1907, and has been recognized by the Alabama Tourism Department as the oldest restaurant in Alabama.(Bob Carlton/[email protected])

The Bright Star

304 19th Street North in Bessemer

The Bright Star in Bessemer has been in business for more than 100 years, and in that time, it’s likely served as the perfect spot for many, many date nights. With a large menu of Greek-style seafood dishes, plenty of unique cocktails and an inviting atmosphere, the state’s oldest family-owned restaurant is a memorable spot to share a meal with a special someone.

Bistro V

521 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills

For a fine dining spot perfect for your next date night, make a reservation at Bistro V in Vestavia Hills. The menu ranges from dishes like chicken scaloppini piccata, filet mignon and handmade crab cakes to cheeseburgers and po’ boys made with New Orleans’ Gambino’s Bread — plus a large selection of wines and cocktails — all served in an environment that’s warm and welcoming.

MORE: Bistro V serving up good food in Vestavia Hills

Charles Anthony’s The Pub

10044 Chantilly Parkway in Montgomery

Charles Anthony’s The Pub has been serving hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and more to couples looking for a night out in Montgomery for more than 50 years. With an elegant dining room and menu of dishes filled with Greek flavor, from appetizers like pan-seared ahi tuna to main courses like its signature split beef tenderloin, it’ll be easy to find something you both will enjoy.

Lé Fresca

2218 2nd Avenue North in Birmingham

There’s something about Italian food that just feels right for a date night. At Lé Fresca in Birmingham, you can have your pick of freshly made pizzas, a variety of pastas and even some unexpected, but noteworthy dishes — like its pork chop served with creamy grits and braised kale. Just don’t forget to save room for dessert. Sharing a slice of tiramisu or its olive oil cake (or both!) feels like a must.

READ: Where are some of the best places to eat in Birmingham?

Jesse’s Restaurant

14770 Oak Street in Magnolia Springs

Jesse’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs came up early and often when we asked readers for their date night suggestions, and if you’ve even been there, you can understand why. From seafood to steaks, salads and more, the menu is as diverse as the setting is comfortable and charming, making it the perfect place to share a good meal and a good conversation.

MORE: Beloved Alabama steak restaurant opens second location

Classic on Noble

1024 Noble Street in Anniston

Classic on Noble in Anniston has become a fine dining destination thanks to its friendly atmosphere, elegant setting and full menu featuring decadent, gourmet dishes. Whether you go for the parmesan crusted salmon, jumbo lump Maryland crab cakes, bone-in ribeye or another of the specialty items offered on their dinner menu, you’ll likely be planning your next date night there before dessert is even served.

READ: 14 Alabama breakfast spots worth waking up early for

Big Mike’s Steakhouse

Various locations throughout the state

Big Mike’s Steakhouse, regardless of which location you go to, offers a large menu of options to make sure you and your date end the night happy and full. While the steaks are a given, there’s also seafood, pasta, made-from-scratch soups, chicken and more up for grabs, all served in a lively atmosphere. Why not start the meal off by sharing a plate of Wickles fried pickles?

Zazu

112 South 8th Street in Opelika

For a casual date night that still offers a meal you won’t forget anytime soon, head to Zazu Gastropub in Opelika. Their menu offers many of the dishes you’d find at fine dining spots, from ribeye and other steaks to chargrilled oysters and seafood as well as Southern specialties like Texas shrimp and grits or a pimento cheese burger, in a cozy, more relaxed setting.

OvenBird

2810 Third Avenue South in Birmingham

Another casual spot that offers up plenty of charm and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a date night is OvenBird in Birmingham. With a seasonal menu that serves up plenty of variety, hungry diners can choose from an array of one-of-a-kind dishes, including their popular beef fat candle, as well as unique cocktails, decadent desserts and much more.

MORE: 5 terrific restaurants in Birmingham that visitors will love

Our Place

809 Company Street in Wetumpka

Tucked away in scenic downtown Wetumpka is Our Place, a restaurant that offers Southern Creole dishes served in an intimate setting. Options include everything from steaks, salads and seafoods to plenty of specialty dishes, like its lobster bake, consisting of a trio of lobster, crab and shrimp all blended in a white cream sauce atop penne pasta. For dessert, be sure to split the sweet fingers, made of fresh Focaccia bread that’s been fried and topped with powered sugar.

READ: Things to see and do in Wetumpka, Alabama

All Steak Restaurant

323 3rd Avenue SE in Cullman

There’s a lot to love about All Steak Restaurant in Cullman — those orange rolls are just the beginning — so it makes sense that readers consider it a great place to take a date. With more than 70 years in business, All Steak Restaurant (despite its name) has a full menu of just about everything, from burgers and sandwiches to meatloaf, crab cakes, salads and, of course, plenty of steaks, that are sure to impress.

La Fête

2018 Morris Avenue in Birmingham

La Fête in Birmingham might be the closest you can get to a date night in Paris without crossing state lines (or an ocean, for that matter.) Its menu includes a range of French-inspired dishes, like steak au poivre, braised oxtail pie and even a dinner omelette, as well as small plates, charcuteries and plenty of wine to pair.