Top Ten "Romantic" Restaurants in Grand Rapids
Today is Valentine’s Day and top on many couples' list is to go out to dinner either today or this weekend. Here are my top ten choices for “romantic” dining in the Greater Grand Rapids area.
9 & 10. Gill's Blue Crab Lounge & Judson's Steakhouse both inside the B.O.B. (big old building) in downtown Grand Rapids. Although the B.O.B. is known for partying/nightlife, both of these restaurants offer elegant, fine dining. Gill's specializes in seafood and offers Grand Rapids' only raw bar. Judson's is famous for it's USDA prime New York Strip and a specialty filet mignon dish. Judson's received the "Award of Excellence" twice from Wine Spectator Magazine.
7 & 8. Cygnus 27 or the 1913 Room - If you want to splurge and go all out, I'd suggest two restaurants in the Amway Grand. Cygnus 27 is on the top level of the hotel (great panoramic views), and the 1913 Room is Michigan's only five star restaurant. You probably wonder why these restaurants are #7 & #8 on my list. One simple reason - the price. Be prepared to pay $50+ or so per plate.
6. The Chop House on Monroe Avenue is my suggestion for beef lovers. Famous for it's prime beef and wide selection of wines, The Chop House is great for an intimate, romantic evening. Be prepared to pay a little more than you would at a "casual" restaurant. Probably just a little less than you would pay at the 1913 Room.
5. Pietro's Italian Restaurant on Northland Drive in Grand Rapids. Oh the bread, oh the bread - just scrumptuous. Ambience not as romantic as the others, but they are #1 in my book for taste and service, and the price is right.
4. Leo's, a fresh seafood restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids will probably be packed on Valentine's Day. This restaurant has received awards for Best Bartender, Best Chef, Best Seafood and Best Downtown Restaurant. They boast that everything is fresh and made in-house.
3. Charley's Crab Restaurant on Market Street also overlooks the Grand River. Famous for their fresh fish and seafood dishes.
2. Bay Pointe Restaurant in Shelbyville (about 20 miles south of Grand Rapids). Very romantic restaurant with views of Gun Lake. Especially beautiful at sunset. For Valentine's Day the chef has put together a special "aphrodiasiac" menu. Didn't make #1 because the food is not as good as my #1 choice.
1. Benthams in the Amway Grand Plaza - I really enjoy dining at the Amway Grand. The hotel is just so beautiful and exquisite that one can't help but appreciate the romantic ambience. My favorite is Bentham's which is located on the lobby level of the towers. The restaurant overlooks the Grand River and it is a very quiet and intimate atmosphere. The service is wonderful and the prices quite reasonable.
