Last month, Yelp published its annual list of the Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S. — a list which did not include a single Alabama eatery.

Now, with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, Yelp has published its 2024 list of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants. And this time, Alabama didn’t get shut out, although it was close.

Yelp says it compiled the rankings by searching through reviews in the restaurant and food categories, looking for large numbers of reviews that contained the words or phrases “romantic,” “date night” and “valentine.”

Those spots were then ranked using factors including total volume and ratings of reviews which mentioned those keywords. They also capped the number of restaurants per city which could be included at five to promote geographic diversity.

Good thing, too, else Alabama might’ve been shut out again.

But the Yellowhammer State is represented thanks to Amore Ristorante Italiano, a Birmingham establishment which ranked #38 in Yelp’s Top 100 romantic dining spots.

The 240 reviews Amore has received pale in comparison with, say, the XO Restaurant in Hawaii, which has over 2,100, but Amore’s reviews average 4.5 stars (out of 5.0).

The restaurant, located on Highway 280 in Birmingham, describes itself as “authentic Italian cuisine in an old European atmosphere. It features Italian and seafood dishes such as lobster ravioli, crab cakes, pasta alla vodka, veal marsala and Italian cream cake, among other delectables. Amore also offers an extensive selection of wines and a full-service bar.

Yelp reviewer Marvin C. of Birmingham wrote in December that he and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Amore.

“It has the perfect ambiance: though it is located off of Hwy 280, the moment you enter it immediately feels like an intimate NYC bistro,” Marvin wrote. “A place where you would expect to bump into Frank Sinatra! The staff is amazing. Having made reservations weeks ago, we were seated in a very comfortable setting within two minutes.”

Other than the terrifying idea of running into Frank Sinatra, who died in 1998 (there is a painting of Ol’ Blue Eyes above the bar), Marvin’s review of Amore was glowing, as he went on to describe their meal as “superb” and added, “If you’ve never been here, you should. You will be glad you did.”

Another Yelp reviewer, Bailey H. of Homewood, spent a birthday at Amore last October.

“The food here was amazing,” she wrote. “The portions are very large, and the calamari is a must-try. I had the Pollo alla Vodka while my mother had the lobster pasta (both VERY delicious). The servers are meticulous and offer wonderful suggestions. The restaurant is very peaceful, somewhat candle-lit. A definite must-try!”

A number of reviewers noted Amore’s location along Highway 280 doesn’t seem like it would lend itself to a romantic atmosphere, but once inside that thinking changed.

“Absolutely delicious!,” wrote Kelsey D. of Birmingham. “While the location may seem skeptical on the outside, the inside far exceeds expectations! Ambient lighting serves as the perfect spot for a date night with your spouse. Service is great. Wine selection is stellar and the food is AMAZING.”

She also strongly recommended the amaretto cheesecake. “It’s to die for!”

While Alabama had just the one selection to Yelp’s Top 100 romantic restaurants, neighboring Florida (of course) had a dozen establishments chosen, including two in the Panhandle.

Firefly in Panama City Beach came in at #16 on the list. Firefly, specializing in sushi and steak, has an overall Yelp rating of 4.3, based on 1,330 reviews.

Closer to Alabama, George Bistro & Bar in Pensacola was ranked #28, with an overall rating of 4.6 from 1,478 reviews. Unlike many of the entries on the Top 100 romantic restaurants, George’s serves brunch and lunch in addition to dinner.