This is an intimate and romantic spot to enjoy dishes with a Mediterranean and Northwest flair. Try one of the celebrated classic martinis to start, either here or at the sister bar, Oliver's.

Assaggio Ristorante provides authentic northern and central Italian cuisine in a romantic atmosphere. Reproductions of famous Italian frescoes cover the ceilings, and the classy elegance of the dining room is nicely offset by the casual friendliness of the staff.

Barolo Ristorante in downtown Seattle is all about lighting in a dining room where housemade pastas, grilled meats and seafood prove consistent in their inconsistency.

The moody, old-school Post Alley location and classic cuisine make Cafe Campagne a fabulous locale for a fancy, romantic date. Want something even more upscale? Try its nearby sibling, Campagne.

Need a glamorous, upscale French restaurant with reliably exquisite food for an anniversary dinner -- or maybe a proposal? Campagne's your place.

Canlis is the place to go when you want to plan a really, truly special experience (marriage proposals, big anniversaries, etc.). The food, service and setting are all spectacular.

This arty charmer has one agenda: serving great food to vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike. Excitement comes from the world-ranging palette of flavorings.

At Pike Place Market's tiny, romantic Chez Shea, prix-fixe menus highlight local, seasonal ingredients. Shea's Lounge, a casual bistro and bar wedded to the finer-dining room, offers a broad range of menu choices, from "small plates" seafood specialties to globally inspired dishes.

This sweet little neighborhood restaurant has excellent food and a quiet, cozy atmosphere.

Come here when you want to get really fancy schmancy; ornate table settings and attentive service. It ain't cheap, but hey, cheap ain't romantic.

Pretend you're in Barcelona sharing sumptuous tapas or paella for two. Be prepared to wait for a table or a perch at the bar in this tiny little corner spot on Madison.

Dinner at the Herbfarm is not merely dinner: It is an unparalleled dining event. This five-hour, nine-course production stars an incomparable chef/genius, five Northwest wines and an audience of culinary enthusiasts willing to spend a small fortune for a meal they won't soon forget.

This two-room trattoria, just off the central courtyard of a gracious old apartment complex in Belltown, is a breath of fresh garlic in a neighborhood enamored with wasabi. You'll sample such Sicilian classics as escarola alla Siciliana and chicken or lamb liberally laced with marsala.

There's something in the air at this rustic-romantic bistro. Lark has an inventive menu of small plates that include glistening oysters, ripened cheeses, carefully crafted charcuterie, foraged mushrooms and slow-braised meats.

You get what you pay for at Ballard's incongruous and excellent Le Gourmand, a pricey, romantic little place where food really is an art form. The place is best of breed.

If you're looking for atmosphere that leans a little more to the hip and lively, Marco's is the place.

The most romantic feature about this cozy closet of a restaurant in the Pike Place Market is its size. It might also make it tough to get into without a wait.

Furnished with cozy booths that make almost every table feel like a private dining room, this branch of a national chain is staffed with well-trained servers who make uncomplicated fun of fondue.

With luck, you might happen upon a sultry jazz band while you romance your partner with a few cocktails.

A perennial favorite for a classy Market experience.

This charming, romantic bistro offers seasonal selections and daily seafood specials. Don't skip such classics as the bacon- and balsamic-laced Mussels Pigalle and the rich, dark chocolate pot de creme.

The menu at this romantic Eastlake hideaway features a dozen-plus tapas and two-dozen pastas and mains (including, always, fresh fish). It's a nice blend, the tapas lending the exotic allure that only anchovy-stuffed olives and sherry-sautéed mushrooms and paprika-sprinkled octopus can impart.

You won't find a nicer spot for a first date. Machiavelli's lasagna and gnocchi are semilegendary among local Italian-food fanatics, and the atmosphere -- friendly but not too casual, classy but never snooty -- complements the chow beautifully.

If you got the money, honey (at least a couple hundred dollars for dinner for two), they've got the time to serve up a six- or nine-course meal that'll make your head spin.

We think sushi is supremely sexy. Fresh-fish fans take note: Saito's might be your lucky spot.

Panoramic Seattle skyline view, renowned Sunday seafood brunch, great service, live music, fun drinks and food that's consistently good. Picks: oysters, tuna, mussels, chowder, crab, halibut, smoked salmon and fish 'n' chips.

Serafina's delicious Tuscany-inspired menu is served with an appetizer of cool jazz.

The walls of this quiet, unassuming Phinney Ridge eatery are a luscious deep red. Order a bottle of wine to match.