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Most people come to Clearwater for the super-wide, sugar-sand beaches. But there's a romantic side many of the tourists don't see, and it's full of perfect places to woo your significant other... or that someone you'd like to make more significant. When you are ready to kindle a little romance over an intimate dinner, here are some of the best places in Clearwater for a romantic night out.
Villa Bellini Restaurant & Lounge is the perfect place for a romantic dinner. The atmosphere is stunning with bespoke iron works, a lionhead fountain, Italian tile and crystal chandeliers. To amp up the romance, ask for one of four booths numbered 401 through 404. Secluded and intimate, these are perfect for a special dinner with someone you love. For dinner, my favorite is a fresh pasta dish called Saccottini Villa Bellini. Saccottini are little purse-shaped pasta filled with ricotta cheese and black truffles. It’s served in a light cream sauce with pancetta and mushrooms. This might be the best thing I’ve ever eaten and while you might not fall in love with your date, you will definitely fall in love with this dish and Villa Bellini.
Cafe Ponte is another great choice when you’re looking to get cozy. There are some quiet booths in the back near the bar, and on a cool evening the candlelit outside seating under majestic oak trees will ignite the moment. Intimacy is all about sharing and Café Ponte offers a variety of olives, cheeses, charcuterie and pates to share and start your dinner off right. The scallop, halibut, and short ribs are all wonderful entrees, but make sure you save room for dessert. Warm chocolate is a way to anyone’s heart, and Chris Ponte’s version satisfies on every level. It’s a warm chocolate soufflé served upside down with chocolate coulis and pistachio gelato. Chase it all down with one of their signature after-dinner drinks like the Thin Mint. It’s a perfect set up for that goodnight kiss!
For many people, Paris is one of the world's most romantic cities. If you want all the romance of Paris without the 11-hour plane ride, take your special someone to dinner at Chez Collette in Bellaire. This little French bistro offers traditional French fare like Duck Foie Gras and Beef Bourguignon. Crepes are also on the menu, and I recommend the La Lilloise Crepe. It filled with brie, pear chutney and toasted almonds. The drizzle of honey over the top pulls the entire dish together. I always look for things on restaurant menus that you don’t find everywhere else and for dessert I loved the L’Amandier. It’s an almond cake served with mango coulis and vanilla ice cream. The cake is sublime and the flavors work so well together. It’s a little nod to the French Caribbean. Ooh La La!
Clearwater Beach has many other nice romantic spots like Bobby's Bistro and Wine Bar on Clearwater Beach. I find the booth seating in the Gallery dining room at the Bob Heilman's Beachcomber to be quite romantic, especially when sitting side by side with your date. Romance can’t always be planned and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Some of the most romantic dinners I ever had have been over a grouper sandwich and sharing a sunset with my wife. For that, Frenchy's Rockaway Grill always delivers.
These romantic dining options may result in a little more quality time at home, but when your ready to get out again, don’t forget to connect with 727area for the best Restaurants, Nightlife and Things to Do. Subscribe to the site for updates sent directly to your mobile device. It’s free!
