The temperatures have risen, which can inspire cooler clothes, making for hotter romance. One of the best ways to kick off an evening of love is by going out to one of our many romantic restaurants in Kentucky. You can enjoy the ambiance that the establishment offers, be it the view or the accommodations, dine on an out of this world meal as well. Afterwards, throw in a nightcap and a stroll along one of our many scenic areas. That kind of winning combination is what can really make a date night special.

These 12 romantic restaurants in Kentucky can be the perfect start to an evening of love:

12. Hanger’s Steakhouse, Richmond

If you are looking for the best steak in town, this is the place to go. This authentic steak house at 2187 Lexington Road sticks to their speciality and does it right. You can get mouthwatering chicken, seafood, and other dishes, but you shouldn’t pass up one of their perfectly seasoned and "melt in your mouth" tender cuts of meat. The ambiance is that of a traditional, higher end, "real" steak house.

11. Chart House, Newport. Chart House

This restaurant at 405 Riverboat Row comes with a phenomenal view of the Cincinnati skyline from the Kentucky side of the river. The evening view is the most breathtaking for a romantic rendezvous. When it comes to food, you can’t go wrong with the lobster, calamari with Kimchee sauce or the delightfully tender panko crusted chicken.

10. The Miller House, Owensboro

This Victorian era restaurant at 301 E 5th Street keeps up traditions, offering amniotic music at various times. The cuisine is fantastic with dishes like seared trout, golden mashed potatoes, or grilled rack of lamb with blue cheese risotto.

9. Shakey’s Pub and Grub, Florence

This romantic pub/restaurant is located at 7718 US HWY 42. One of the best things about this restaurant is the ambiance, dimly lit as with live acoustic music every Friday. The Weber Burger is a great buy, packed full of flavor. If you are not in the mood for a burger, the grouper, fried chicken, and cod are all equally delicious and flavorful. The Shakeover off the breakfast menu is THE local favorite, if you happen to be starting your day with breakfast.

8. Buck’s Restaurant, Louisville

This romantic restaurant at 425 W. Ormsby Avenue offers all the perks. You get a dimly lit environment, a piano player, and first class cuisine. Not to mention, live flowers grace the tables and bar, creating an environment that assails the senses with sweet thoughts of romance. The food is amazing no matter what you order. The chefs prepare everything with fresh ingredients and seasoned to perfection.

7. Stone Hearth Restaurant, Elizabethtown

This restaurant at 1001 N Mulberry Street offers up some delicious American cuisine. The steak and lobster is a local favorite, as are the fresh made soups. The sea bass is also a winner on the menu. The ambiance includes a fireplace and dimmer lighting.

6. Boutique, Covington

This restaurant at 519 Main Street could be considered dressy, but not formal. It serves up a variety of American cuisines featuring Vegan, Vegetarian and meat dishes. They offer something for everyone, fresh and homemade. The environment is cozy and makes you feel right at home, perfect for a romantic evening.

5. Capronis Restaurant and Bar, Maysville

This quiet spot on 320 Rosemary Clooney Street offers first class cuisine and a romantic river view. You can dine on a fine steak, a variety of signature pastas and some other favorites. The view, combined with the food at sunset… total ambiance.

4. Melini Cuzina Italian, Morehead

This Italian place is at 608 E Main Street and has been deemed the best in Morehead. Don’t judge this book by its cover, as it doesn’t look that great from the outside. Once you come in, you will find the food to be absolutely delicious. The Chicken Ravioli, lasagna, spinach pizza, linguini and alfredo are all absolutely mouthwatering.

3. The Parkview Country Inn, Augusta

This restaurant at 103 W 2nd Street is also an Inn, which makes it quite convenient for an all out romantic evening. The food is always buffet style, but homemade and quite good. You and your sweetie can book a room and enjoy the ambiance of the view.

2. Cunningham’s Creekside, Prospect

This local favorite 6301 River Road doesn’t look like much driving by, but it packs up pretty quick on a summer evening. It offers a perfect scenic view while you dine from the 2 tiered deck and dockside area. The ambiance is the riverside view, where you see fish swimming around and deer running on the opposite bank. The food is great, especially the fish sandwich, baked or fried. The fish fingers and fried cheese are great for appetizers.

1. Belle Notte, Lexington

This restaurant at 371 Nicholasville Road is a perfect romantic evening meal. The ambiance at night is familiar and professional. A nice Italian restaurant just seems to have all the right ingredients for romance, from wine, to food, to atmosphere. The Fritto Misto is a great appetizer to try for variety and the Saltimbocca with chicken and any Alfredo both make tasty entrees.

These are just a few suggestions, as there are an abundance of romantic restaurants in Kentucky. Finding a romantic spot to hang out is relatively easy to do too, as we are known for scenic beauty and Mother Nature’s ambiance. You will find some enchanting spots here that might provide the perfect end to an evening.