Playing it safe is fine… until every romantic dinner starts to feel the same.
Same steakhouse. Same low lighting. Same menu you could order with your eyes closed. You sit down, you eat, you leave, and the only memorable part is how much the bill hurts.
Romantic doesn’t have to mean predictable.
If you’re a couple that wants a dinner that sparks conversation, surprise, and maybe even a little excited/nervous energy, this list is for you. These romantic dinners in Central Ohio aren’t about checking boxes or sticking to tradition. They’re about trying something different together and actually having fun while you do it.
Here are five romantic dinner experiences for couples who are officially done playing it safe.
Unique Romantic Dinners in Columbus Ohio
Agni | $200+ for two people
📍 716 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
If you want a dinner that feels like an experience instead of just a meal, Agni is in a league of its own.
Yes, it’s a tasting menu. No, it’s not stiff or snobby. This is “fine dining” that somehow feels relaxed, playful, and deeply personal all at once.
Led by Top Chef alum and Beat Bobby Flay winner Chef Avishar Barua, Agni pulls inspiration from all over the world while staying rooted in Midwest nostalgia. One course might feel global. The next might remind you of something you grew up eating… just done in a way your brain didn’t know was possible.
Where else are you eating dumplings, biryani, and a dish inspired by a Wendy’s Frosty in the same night?
That shared holy s*&# moment between courses is what makes this romantic. You’re discovering things together. You’re reacting in real time. You’re laughing. You’re surprised. You’re absolutely not bored.
It’s expensive, yes. But if you want a once-in-a-lifetime dinner that you’ll talk about for years, this is it.
Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus | $50+ for two people
📍 161 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Elevator Brewery might be one of the most quietly romantic restaurants in Columbus, and most people don’t even realize it.
The building dates back to the 1800s and has lived many lives, including its era as a brothel and billiards hall. It’s now on the National Register of Historic Places, and honestly, the whole place feels like stepping into another time.
The front bar is stunning. The woodwork, the stained glass, the history. Even sitting there feels special.
But the real magic is upstairs.
Tucked away is the infamous “owner’s table.” It sits on its own little balcony and looks out over the entire restaurant while still feeling totally private. It only seats four. It’s usually reserved for anniversaries, proposals, and big moments.
If you’re looking for a romantic dinner in Columbus that feels intimate, historic, and quietly dramatic in the best way, this might be the move.
HARU Omakase | $150+ for two people
📍 2027 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240
Haru Omakase is romance through intention.
This is an intimate sushi experience where you sit at the counter and watch every piece come together, one course at a time. It’s quiet in a good way. Focused. Thoughtful. Every bite feels deliberate.
Omakase literally means “I leave it up to you,” and that trust is kind of the whole point. You’re handing the night over to the chef and just being present together.
There’s something incredibly romantic about slowing down like that. No menu debates. No rushing. Just great conversation, beautiful food, and a shared moment that feels rare in a world that moves way too fast.
Perfect for anniversaries, milestone dates, or when you want a dinner that feels meaningful without being flashy.
Bonifacio | $30+ for two people
📍 1577 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Bonifacio might not scream “romantic” at first glance, and that’s exactly why it works.
This cozy Filipino spot is warm, fun, and full of bold flavors that are meant to be shared. The menu encourages passing plates, trying new things, and talking about what you’re eating as you go.
That’s the romance here. It’s playful. It’s interactive. It feels like a date instead of a performance.
If you’re someone who connects through food and conversation, Bonifacio is a perfect low-pressure romantic dinner in Columbus. No dress code stress. No awkward silence. Just really good food and a really good time with your person.
Extra points if you do your romantic evening on a Boodle Night (hint: you eat your meal with your HANDS!)
Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge | $20+ for two people
📍 17 Buttles Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
This might be one of the most underrated romantic nights in the city.
Ginger Rabbit pairs live jazz with a cozy, intimate space and excellent cocktails. It’s dimly lit, vibey, and feels like a secret you’re happy you discovered.
Jazz is already one of the most romantic music styles out there, and hearing it live in a space this small makes the whole night feel personal. You’re close. You’re relaxed. You’re present.
For the price, this is one of the best pound-for-pound (or dollar-for-dollar) date nights in Columbus. It’s memorable without being complicated. Perfect for a midweek date, a low-key celebration, or just because you want to do something a little different together.
Final Thoughts
Romantic dinners don’t have to be boring. They don’t have to be quiet. And they definitely don’t have to look the same every time.
Whether you’re splurging on a once-in-a-lifetime tasting menu or sipping cocktails while jazz plays in the background, the best romantic dinners in Central Ohio are the ones that give you something to share.
And ideally… something to talk about long after the plates are cleared.
Date Ideas
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