5 Greater New Bedford Romantic Restaurants
Whether you’re on a first date or are in a seasoned relationship, finding a romantic setting can pose a challenge. Too often you may find every date night ends in front of the TV with take-out or at the same old bar down the street. Whether you’re looking to impress someone with a memorable first date or in need of someplace spectacular to celebrate your anniversary, there are a number of places in Greater New Bedford that are sure to do the trick.
Each of the restaurants you’ll read about in this article feature a sort of atmosphere that make them stand out from your average eatery. Keep in mind that ambiance often comes with a price tag, and these restaurants can be categorized in the high priced to fine dining category. It also never hurts to make a reservation beforehand, as some of these spots get quite packed. Therefore, plan accordingly but know that both the food and atmosphere you pay for won’t soon be forgotten!
1. Cork Wine and Tapas
90 Front Street, New Bedford, MA
Cork’s innovative menu features both tapas (a variety of appetizers) and full entrees that are unlike any other food selection around. The menu is often changed to reflect exciting new options and always focused on fine cuisine. While Cork may be quite artistic with its culinary splendors, their menu has plenty of suitable options for a variety of pallets. For example, they offer a dressed up bacon cheddar burger and other traditional favorites like fried calamari or Caesar salad. If it’s exotic you’re looking for however, they also cater to that with items like their coconut curry lobster.
Aside from a menu selection that will appease both you and your date, Cork has a great atmosphere. Along with an impressive selection of wine and aesthetic presentation of food, the restaurant is located in downtown NB in the Joseph Tabor building, a structure which has been a fixture of the area for over 175 years. The heavy stonework and classic New England craftsmanship make for a spacy interior and a beautiful setting for your special night out.
2. Airport Grille
1569 Airport Road, New Bedford, MA
Located at the New Bedford Airport, the Airport Grille is quite secluded from the rest of the city and offers an upscale atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re in Boston or NYC for the night. The interior of this restaurant combines sleek and sophisticated architecture with cool dim lighting in a cozy and intimate sized package to make for the ultimate romantic dinner spot. This restaurant also has a variety of wine options to assure you can find a great pairing with whatever you order, and the bar is a focal point of the design.
The Airport Grille specializes in American and European fare and prides itself on having the best in fresh and local food. As with Cork, there are both exquisite fine dining specialties and regular everyday fare to be found on the menu. For example, there are salads, a burger option, several mouth-watering steaks and even a delicious take on the classic comfort food, Mac & Cheese. For the gourmet adventurer, they have some very intriguing dishes such as duck carbonara.
3. Waterfront Grille
36 Homers Wharf, New Bedford, MA
Waterfront Grille is the only waterside restaurant in the downtown area. This alone gives it a one-of-a-kind feel, with a seasonal deck for dining and a charming atmosphere that would fit right in as an upscale Cape Cod eatery. This restaurant offers great views of the wharf and many of the boats that dock in the New Bedford Harbor.
True to the waterfront theme, this grille specializes in seafood ranging from a lobster dinner to sushi and even featuring a raw bar. If you and your date are seafood lovers Waterfront Grille is a great place to get exceedingly fresh fish of all sorts.
4. The Candleworks Reastaurant
72 North Water Street, New Bedford, MA
Located in historic downtown NB, Candleworks is one of the most intimate restaurants in the area. As with Cork, Candleworks is located in a historical building that still possesses all the charm of old New England architecture. The interior is cozy and quaint with stonewalls, fine dining place settings and a full bar. There is also outdoor dining available seasonally and several tables with fire grates that provide a romantic ambiance you won’t find anywhere else.
Candleworks has a large menu that is best described by their Facebook “a casual affair with upscale flair”. The menu is host to many of classic favorites such as filet mignon and baked scrod. Along with great surf and turf options there are delicious options for pasta lovers, and even some basic sandwich options. One thing is for sure; neither you nor your date will go hungry at Candleworks!
5. The Back Eddy
1 Bridge Road, Westport, MA
This is the only restaurant that I deemed simply had to make the list even though it is not located in New Bedford. The Back Eddy has become famous for its delicious seafood, beautiful waterfront views, and funky interior design. The Back Eddy is very close to Horseneck Beach, which makes it a short drive from anywhere in Greater NB. Since it is open seasonally anyways, the location of this restaurant makes it ideal for a taking a romantic stroll on the beach before or after dinner.
The Back Eddy defines itself as “a seafood restaurant that does things a little bit differently” and I couldn’t possibly put it better. With an indoor and outdoor bar and seating, the place can get jam packed but you won’t mind sacrificing a little elbow room when you see the beautiful views of the Westport river.
The food at Back Eddy will also make it worth the short drive. The Back Eddy is dedicated to using fresh and local ingredients, which makes it a truly unique to the region dining experience. The produce is supplied from South Coast and Coastal Rhode Island farms, the seafood is caught by New England fisherman, and even wine, beer and cheese options are artisan made. The menu is a mixture of both surf and turf, with recipes ranging from the standard lobster and butter to a few very unique options such as their lobster casserole.