Add Extra Spark to Date Night With the Top 9 Restaurants for a Candle Light Dinner in Houston
Nothing makes a night feel more special than a dinner by candlelight. The soft glow, the good food, and the quiet setting can turn any meal into an unforgettable memory.
If you’re planning a date, celebrating something big, or just want a cozy evening out, Houston has plenty of places to choose from! Here are the best spots for a candle light dinner in Houston to make your night shine a little brighter.
1. Rainbow Lodge
Website: http://rainbow-lodge.com/
Address: 2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-861-8666
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 5 to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Monday – Closed
Price Range: $$$$
Set in a historic 100-year-old log cabin with fireplaces and garden views, Rainbow Lodge is one of the best places for a candle light dinner in the city.
Thanks to its lodge-style design, it has a romantic vibe that feels private and special — perfect for anniversaries or date nights.
The menu highlights wild game, seafood, and steaks. The “Taste of the Wild” platter offers a little of everything, while the Lodge’s Warm Croissant Bread Pudding is a sweet way to end the meal.
For those planning a proposal, anniversary, or private celebration, the restaurant also offers elegant private dining rooms that add extra intimacy to the experience.
Pro Tip:
For a proposal, wedding, or anniversary, call the event team ahead of time. They can set up a private dining room or a garden ceremony to make your night extra special.
2. Brenner’s on the Bayou
Media Credit: brennersonthebayou
Website: https://www.brennerssteakhouse.com/location/brenners-on-the-bayou/
Address: 1 Birdsall St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-868-4444
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 5 to 9 PM
- Thursday – 5 to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 5 to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Price Range: $$$$
Brenner’s on the Bayou is one of the most romantic restaurants and one of the most enchanting spots for a candle light dinner in Houston. Set along Buffalo Bayou, it’s a quiet escape with soft lighting, garden views, and elegant indoor and outdoor spaces.
The menu is every bit as impressive. Steaks are cooked to perfection, and seafood dishes like scallops, red snapper, and the Bayou Pontchartrain are favorites.
Desserts like the Grand Marnier Soufflé or apple strudel are the sweet finish to a memorable night.
For an extra touch of romance, stay after dinner with a cocktail by the fire pits or explore the garden paths overlooking the bayou.
And if you’re planning a larger celebration, Brenner’s offers elegant private dining spaces, from cozy rooms for intimate dinners to larger venues for weddings and receptions.
Pro Tip:
Parking can be hard to find, so valet is the easiest choice. It’s not free, so include it in your budget for the night.
3. State of Grace
Media Credit: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgracetx/
Website: https://stateofgracetx.com/
Address: 3258 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 832-942-5080
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday – 5 to 10 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Price Range: $$$$
With soft lighting, Texas-inspired dishes, and polished service, State of Grace is a beautiful spot for a romantic candle light dinner in Houston. It’s an elegant New American restaurant that feels both upscale and inviting.
The menu highlights Texas flavors. You can enjoy oysters at the raw bar or the popular crab cake beignets. The steak tartare and the blackened redfish are also favorites. Desserts like pecan ice cream or chocolate soufflé are a sweet ending to the meal.
The service at State of Grace is thoughtful and professional. They often add personal touches that make birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations feel extra special.
The restaurant also offers private dining rooms, so it’s a great choice for intimate dinners, family gatherings, or business occasions that require privacy and a touch of elegance.
Pro Tip:
Make a reservation in advance, especially for dinner or weekends, since the restaurant is very popular and tables fill quickly.
4. CIEL Restaurant & Lounge
Media Credit: cielhtx
Website: https://cielhtx.com/
Address: 4411 San Felipe St Suite 101, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-936-5097
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 6:30 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Monday, Tuesday – Closed
Price Range: $$$$
The experience over CIEL Restaurant & Lounge is enough to make anyone who enjoys a romantic dinner fall head over heels. Located on San Felipe near the Galleria, it’s not your typical fine dining restaurant.
You can enjoy champagne, sparklers, dancers, and live music from a DJ while you dine.
The menu combines Japanese and French flavors, with many dishes cooked over aged Japanese charcoal for a rich and smoky taste. You can look forward to plates featuring fresh sushi and wild mushroom risotto.
To go with your meal, you’ll find creative cocktails, champagne, and a carefully curated wine list.
Candle light, music, and an elegant but fun vibe create a romantic mood for fun-loving couples. The live shows are on from Thursdays to Saturdays. But for a more relaxed mood, you can check out their Sunday brunch.
Pro Tip:
Arrive around 9:00 PM on show nights to enjoy the music and performances. This should give you enough time to settle in before the show starts!
5. Potente
Website: https://www.potentehouston.com/
Address: 1515 Texas Ave, Houston, TX (in 500 Crawford Downtown Apartments)
Contact Details: +1 713-237-1515
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 to 10 PM
- Friday, Saturday – 5 to 11 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Price Range: $$$$
Potente is a romantic Italian restaurant in downtown Houston, located across from Minute Maid Park. This elegant and upscale Italian restaurant offers fine dining and a welcoming atmosphere that make it perfect for special occasions.
The interior looks like a modern Italian villa, with a spacious bar and softly lit dining areas that create a romantic mood.
Meanwhile, the menu includes daily seafood selections, USDA steaks, and fresh homemade pasta. The truffle pasta has been featured by the Food Network as one of the best pastas in the country.
The wine list is extensive, with Italian and California vintages that pair beautifully with the dishes. Private dining rooms are also available, so it’s a great spot for anniversaries, proposals, or business events that require privacy.
Pro Tip:
The restaurant is very busy before or after an Astros game. For a quieter and more romantic dinner, visit on a night without a game.
6. Laurenzo’s Prime Rib
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Website: https://www.laurenzos.com/
Address: 4412 Washington Ave, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-880-5111
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
Laurenzo’s Prime Rib is a classic Houston steakhouse where great food, welcoming service, and a warm atmosphere come together for a memorable candle light dinner.
Located on Washington Street, this family-run restaurant carries on the Laurenzo tradition of delicious food and friendly service. The dark-wood interior adds a rustic charm that makes the place feel romantic and inviting.
Every meal begins with warm bread and butter. When it comes to the mains, the prime rib is the star of the show. There’s also seafood options like crab cakes and seafood gumbo, whereas desserts like the Italian cream cake are a must-try!
What makes Laurenzo’s even better is the service. Servers are attentive, welcoming, and happy to guide you through the menu. There’s plenty of sports memorabilia on the walls, but they don’t take away from the cozy feel of the place for date nights.
Pro Tip:
Portions are big, so it’s a good idea to share dishes. Splitting an entrée or dessert will let you taste more of the menu without getting too full.
7. Toro Toro
Media Credit: torotorohouston
Website: https://www.torotorohouston.com/
Address: 1300 Lamar St, Houston, TX (in Four Seasons Hotel Houston)
Contact Details: +1 713-650-1300
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 7 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 7 AM to 11 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
Toro Toro at the Four Seasons Hotel is a Pan-Latin steakhouse that offers bold flavors in an intimate, romantic setting that’s perfect for a candle light dinner in Houston.
The restaurant mixed the grilling styles of Argentina and Brazil with the spicy flavors of Mexico and Peru. You can try the odízio-style churrasco steaks and the SuViche bar for fresh ceviches.
For dessert, the churros and chocolate tart are rich, delicious, and must-try.
Private events are also welcome here, and it works well for corporate gatherings or intimate celebrations. The modern yet cozy space is accented by playful patterns, artworks of Texan artists, and other Latin-inspired details.
Pro Tip:
Toro Toro has seating for all group sizes, including private dining rooms, bar seats, and indoor tables. You can choose the space that works best for your event.
8. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Media Credit: eddievs_
Website: https://web.facebook.com/EddieVsWestAve/
Address: 2800 Kirby Dr A100, Houston, TX (in Shops at Arrive River Oaks)
Contact Details: +1 713-874-1800
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 4 to 9 PM; Friday to Saturday – 4 to 10 PM
Price Range: $$$$
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is a top choice for a candlelight dinner in Houston. Located in the Shops at Arrive River Oaks, it serves fresh seafood and hand-carved steaks in a stylish, comfortable spot.
The restaurant has soft lighting, elegant decor, and live jazz for a relaxing atmosphere. There are floor-to-ceiling windows, a glass-encased wine cellar, and indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
A private dining room with AV accessibility can be divided into smaller spaces for intimate gatherings.
The menu features fresh, right-off-the-docks seafood and USDA prime, center-cut steaks. Popular dishes include Maryland-style all lump crab cakes with spicy remoulade and lobster bisque.
Service is friendly and professional, so every visit feels smooth and enjoyable. Just make sure to dress smart, make a reservation, and use the free parking!
Pro Tip:
Wear smart casual clothes like dresses, blouses, or sports coats to match the restaurant’s elegant style. Avoid athletic wear.
9. Mastrantos
Media Credit: mastrantos
Website: http://www.mastrantosintheheights.com/
Address: 927 Studewood St #100, Houston, TX (in Heights Central)
Contact Details: +1 346-227-8458
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 5 to 10 PM
- Sunday – 5 to 9 PM
- Monday – Closed
Price Range: $$-$$$
Mastrantos in The Heights is a warm and inviting restaurant serving house-made pastas and dishes inspired by Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Everything is made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
The restaurant has a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Meanwhile, the staff is attentive and helpful, and the dimmed lighting creates a perfect candlelight setting.
You can enjoy appetizers like scallops crudo and mains like their braised beef tagliatelle. Desserts like their chocolate ravioli with Nutella and ice cream are absolute crowd-favorites!
The restaurant also offers private and semi-private dining for special events. The space can host weddings, birthdays, corporate events, or other celebrations for up to 60 guests inside and 20 on the patio.
Pro Tip:
For groups of 10 or more, there’s a pre-selected family-style menu that will make service easier and ensure everyone enjoys the experience.
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