4 Candlelit Restaurants in Washington Perfect for a Cozy Night Out

As the classic holiday song goes, "Baby, it's cold outside." When the rain is coming down in sheets, there's never been a better reason to book a romantic evening out with someone special — even if that someone special is you! The weather might be chilly, but the ambiance at these four Washington restaurants is oh-so warm. Make your reservations and discover your new favorite spot for a well-deserved date night!

1. Cascina Spinasse, Seattle

A stressful week is the great equalizer of looks, no matter who you are. Rest assured, even if you begin your evening out feeling totally run over by your schedule, the flattering, candlelit lighting of Capitol Hill's Spinasse (pronounced “Spee-NAH-say”) will make you look as sumptuous and — dare I say, delectable — as a fresh ball of pasta dough. If the creamy and tastefully upscale ambiance isn't enough to sweep you off your feet, the mouth-watering menu courtesy of Executive Chef Stuart Lane, surely will. Just don't rest on your laurels. Dates nights at this acclaimed spot are booked weeks in advance.

2. Surrell, Seattle

With a resume star-studded by names like Lark and Canlis, uber-talented Executive Chef Aaron Tekulve conjured up Surrell as a way to celebrate Washington's flavors. There's no doubt that everything on Surrell's menu is made with love, but if you love something you taste, there's every reason to savor it. That's because seasonality is central to Surrell's ethos of Pacific Northwest cuisine. A standout dish might never reappear again, giving every evening at this Seattle favorite the ephemerality of a treasured memory. Make your own memories here, whether you're celebrating an occasion or the chance to relish in the moment with someone special. Bonus points if you get a seat at the chef's table.

3. Brasserie Four, Walla Walla

If you live in or plan to visit Walla Walla, you'll know this Eastern Washington city punches far above its weight when it comes to dining. No doubt, Brasserie Four is a jewel in this thriving gastronomic culture. Its location in downtown Walla Walla boasts the ineffable coziness of a Parisian bistro while serving French classics so scrumptious, they'd make a francophile weep. Buffing this menu to an even brighter shine are the wines, which take diners on a dazzling tour of local vineyards and far-flung wine regions of France. If you're in the mood for a restaurant that will rise to the occasion without sacrificing comfort, Brasserie Four is the spot for you!

4. Hattaway's on Alder, Walla Walla

As a lover of hole-in-the-wall spots and cheap eats, I know firsthand that romantic evenings don't wholly belong to fine-dining establishments. Meet Hattaway's on Alder, a gem of a restaurant that reimagines Pacific Northwest ingredients into delicious Southern dishes. Inside, airy ceilings, burnished brick walls, and twinkling votives cast an unmistakable spell. Spots like Hattaway's specialize in a sort of soul work: shoulders loosen, laughter lifts, and worries feel smaller than they did before. It's the magic of Southern hospitality and nostalgic flavors, pulled together with the kind of deftness that earns a restaurant years of patronage. No doubt, Hattaway's will be around for a long time, either the background of special memories or the maker of them.

If you're looking for an escape from the dreary Washington weather, book reservations at any of these four restaurants. What are some of your favorite romantic spots to beat the cold outside? Let me know!