Best Restaurants in Redlands for Date Night
Planning a BK in Redlands? This charming Southern California city offers an impressive array of dining experiences perfect for couples looking to connect over exceptional food and ambiance. From intimate Italian trattorias to sophisticated wine bars, Redlands delivers memorable date night experiences that rival any big city destination.
Why Redlands is a Hidden Gem for Date Nights
Nestled in the Inland Empire with stunning views of the San Bernardino Mountains, Redlands combines small-town charm with culinary sophistication. The historic downtown area, with its Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets, creates an inherently romantic atmosphere. Unlike the hustle of nearby Los Angeles or Orange County, Redlands offers couples a more relaxed, intimate setting where conversation flows as smoothly as the wine.
Setting the Mood: What Makes a Great Date Night Restaurant
Before we explore specific venues, let’s consider what transforms a meal into a memorable date night. Ambiance matters tremendously—think soft lighting, comfortable seating arrangements that encourage conversation, and background music at just the right volume. The service should be attentive without being intrusive, allowing you both to sink into your own world. And of course, the food needs to be exceptional enough to become part of the evening’s story.
Romantic Italian: Where Passion Meets Pasta
Caprice Café
Tucked along State Street, Caprice Café embodies European charm with its intimate dining room and bistro-style atmosphere. The menu showcases classic Italian preparations with French influences, making it ideal for couples who appreciate traditional techniques. Order the osso buco if you’re feeling adventurous, or share a perfectly executed risotto. The wine list features carefully selected Italian and French bottles that pair beautifully with every dish. Tuesday through Saturday evenings, the soft lighting and closely set tables create an unmistakably romantic vibe.
Giuseppe’s Pizzeria & Sicilian Roastisserie
Don’t let the word “pizzeria” fool you—Giuseppe’s offers far more than casual dining. Their Sicilian-inspired menu brings authentic flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. The roasted meats are spectacular, and sharing a whole roasted chicken or lamb can be surprisingly romantic when accompanied by their housemade pasta. The family-run atmosphere adds warmth to the experience, making you feel like honored guests in someone’s home.
Elevated American Cuisine with a View
The State
Located in the heart of downtown Redlands, The State occupies a beautifully restored historic building that exudes sophistication. The menu changes seasonally, showcasing the best of California’s agricultural bounty with creative preparations that never feel overwrought. The cocktail program deserves special mention—mixologists here craft drinks that are both visually stunning and delicious. Request a table near the windows for people-watching along State Street, or choose a quieter corner for more privacy. The State strikes that perfect balance between upscale and approachable.
Ivy Kitchen
For farm-to-table excellence in an unexpected setting, Ivy Kitchen delivers. This newer addition to Redlands’ dining scene emphasizes local ingredients and seasonal menus that change regularly. The outdoor patio, strung with lights and surrounded by greenery, becomes magical as evening falls. The sharing plates concept encourages couples to try multiple dishes together—always a fun, interactive date night approach. Their craft cocktails incorporate house-made syrups and fresh herbs that demonstrate real attention to detail.
Wine and Small Plates: The Art of Lingering
Augie’s Coffee House
While primarily known as a coffee destination during the day, Augie’s transforms into something special during evening hours when they offer wine service. The relaxed atmosphere encourages long conversations, and you can easily spend hours here without feeling rushed. It’s perfect for couples who prefer a low-key date night or want to extend their evening after dinner elsewhere. The historic building adds character that chain coffee shops simply can’t match.
Eureka!
Though technically a gastropub chain, the Redlands location offers a solid date night option for couples who prefer a livelier atmosphere. The extensive craft beer and whiskey selection appeals to enthusiasts, while the elevated pub food—featuring local ingredients and creative preparations—rises above typical bar fare. The communal energy here works well for early-relationship dates or couples who enjoy a bit of buzz around them.
International Flavors for Adventurous Couples
Thai Dishes Restaurant
Sometimes the most romantic gesture is sharing exotic flavors you’ve never tried before. Thai Dishes brings authentic Thai cuisine to Redlands with dishes that range from familiar pad thai to more adventurous regional specialties. The curry selection is extensive, allowing you to customize spice levels and explore different flavor profiles together. The intimate space and reasonable prices make this an excellent choice for couples who’d rather spend money on post-dinner activities than just the meal itself.
Gourmet Pizza Shoppe
Before you skip past this one, consider that great pizza in a cozy setting can be incredibly romantic. The Gourmet Pizza Shoppe isn’t your typical chain restaurant—they focus on quality ingredients, creative topping combinations, and proper technique. Sharing a pizza encourages conversation and removes some of the pressure of more formal dining. Their craft beer selection complements the menu perfectly, and the casual atmosphere works well for comfortable, established couples.
Sweet Endings: Dessert Destinations
No date night is complete without something sweet.After your meal, take a relaxed walk over to Lilac Patisserie, where elegant, French-style sweets are crafted with as much artistry as flavor. Their macarons change regularly, offering new tastes to discover, while the seasonal tarts highlight fresh, locally sourced fruits at their peak. Alternatively, Sweet Jill’s Bakery offers American classics with a gourmet twist—think elevated versions of chocolate chip cookies and brownies that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Planning Your Perfect Redlands Date Night
Timing matters: Most of these restaurants get busy on Friday and Saturday evenings, so reservations are strongly recommended. Weeknight dates tend to feel calmer and more intimate, with restaurants less crowded and staff able to offer more attentive service.
Park once, walk more: Downtown Redlands is highly walkable. Try parking around State Street and Orange Street, then enjoy a leisurely walk to your dinner spot while taking time to explore the neighborhood. The historic buildings and inviting shopfronts create a warm, romantic setting both before and after your meal.
Extend the evening: Redlands offers several options for post-dinner activities. Take in a performance at the historic State Theatre, enjoy a sunset stroll through Smiley Park, or stop by a nearby wine bar for a nightcap. Keep the time of year in mind as well—summer nights in Redlands tend to be warm, so dining spots with outdoor patios can be especially inviting.
Winter brings cooler temperatures and holiday lights downtown that create a magical atmosphere for evening strolls between courses.
Budget Considerations
Date nights don’t need to break the bank. Redlands offers options across price ranges:
Budget-friendly ($20-40 per person): Thai Dishes Restaurant, Gourmet Pizza Shoppe, Giuseppe’s Mid-range ($40-70 per person): The State, Ivy Kitchen, Eureka! Splurge-worthy ($70+ per person): Caprice Café with wine pairings, multi-course tasting menus at seasonal pop-ups
Keep in mind that romance isn’t defined by how much you spend, but by the thought and care you put into making the experience special for both of you.
Making It Memorable
The best date nights involve more than just good food. Put your phones away during dinner. Ask questions you’ve never asked before. Share bites of each other’s dishes. Notice the small details—the way candlelight catches their face, the laugh they reserve for moments of genuine delight.
Redlands sets the scene and supplies the flavors, but the memories come from what you make of the night. Whether you’re honoring an anniversary, celebrating something special, or just making space to reconnect, these restaurants provide the perfect starting point for an evening you’ll want to remember.
Final Thoughts
Redlands delivers far more than you might expect when it comes to standout spots for a memorable date night. Its blend of historic character, diverse dining options, and cozy, inviting settings makes it a great choice for couples who want something special without the stuffiness of a big-city scene.
The secret to a great evening out in Redlands is choosing a restaurant that fits your relationship’s vibe. For newer couples, places like Eureka! offer a more energetic atmosphere that keeps things fun and easygoing or the casual approachability of Giuseppe’s. Long-term partners might gravitate toward the quiet sophistication of Caprice Café or the adventurous menu at Ivy Kitchen.
No matter where you decide to dine, Redlands eateries offer moments that highlight why breaking bread together is such a deeply personal experience. It’s the conversation, the shared laughter, and the joy of enjoying great food side by side that turn an ordinary meal into a date night you’ll want to revisit.
Go ahead and book the table, wear something that makes you feel your best, and allow Redlands’ dining scene to provide the backdrop for your next romantic night out. Your taste buds—and your relationship—will thank you.
About the Restaurant
Tartan of Redlands is a longtime local favorite and classic steakhouse that has been part of the community for generations. Known for its popular Saturday night prime rib, wide variety of premium steaks, the famous Redlands Tartan Burger, and a well-appointed full bar, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of locals the city’s dining scene.
The restaurant’s roots trace back to April 15, 1964, when brothers Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau opened its doors in downtown Redlands. United by a passion for quality cooking and heartfelt hospitality, they laid the foundation for what would grow into a true local institution.
As the years passed, Larry Westin became a partner, joining forces with the Ctoteau family. Alongside his wife, he guided the restaurant through decades of success and growth. Following his death in 2003, stewardship of the Tartan passed to Larry Westin Jr., who carried the tradition forward until 2015. At that time, ownership was taken over by Jeff and Lisa Salamon. Jeff, originally from Boston and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has remained devoted to preserving the spirit, history, and time-honored values that make the Tartan unique.
Today, despite its long history, Tartan of Redlands still offers the same inviting, old-school charm. Often called the “Cheers of Redlands,” it’s a welcoming gathering place where regulars and newcomers alike are greeted with warmth, familiarity, and a genuine sense of belonging.
