Looking to spice up your date nights? Or could use a romantic weekend getaway? A great dining experience before a dynamic live show can lead to a memorable evening in the Glass City. Start planning your special date night, or much-deserved weekend away with our list of romantic recommendations.

 

Romantic Evening Downtown

GEORGIO'S CAFE INTERNATIONAL

Opened in downtown Toledo in 1986 by brother’s Chris and George Kamilaris, Georgio’s Café International offers an impeccable – and romantic – dining experience. Our recommendation to start? Try the lobster bisque and liver pate with house-baked bread. Both are menu staples since Georgio’s inception. The bisque is very light with exceptional flavor that beckons you to order a bowl. The liver pate is, quite simply, the best around. Chef George hits the market daily selecting only the freshest seafood on his ever changing daily menu that may include delicacies like salmon, swordfish, and mahi, all prepared with the perfect complementary sauces. For meat lovers, you can’t go wrong with the steak medallions – our pick  – or you may find daily specials like mouth-watering osso bucco or beef wellington. And what’s a romantic dinner without dessert? The macadamia “bomb” cake is delightful! Pair it with a glass of Moscato to set the mood.

 

VALENTINE THEATRE

The 901-seat stunning Victorian-style Valentine Theatre was originally unveiled in downtown Toledo in 1895, but sat vacant and in disrepair for many years until investors stepped in and gave it a second chance when it reopened 1999. Now, more beautiful and vibrant than ever, the Valentine has huge variety of shows this season any couple can agree upon. And right next door is Georgio’s Café International to complement your dinner and date night!

 

Dinner and a Broadway Show in Toledo

SEBASTIANO'S ITALIANO

Toledo is known for a long list of locally-owned restaurants, and Sebastiano’s Italiano is no exception. Exquisite cuisine plus an intimate atmosphere adds up to a perfect spot before a show at the Stranahan (actually, it’s right across the street)! Start with the mussels “alla Tarantina”, an unbelievably tasty dish in a smoky wine sauce with tomatoes and crostini. For dinner try the twelve-hour meat sauce with beef and veal meat balls, Seba’s very special lasagna with their own twist of adding hard-boiled egg, or their classic  chicken Marsala with its spot-on wine cream sauce. What’s more romantic than a bottle of wine with dinner? On Wine Wednesdays, enjoy $8 off any bottle of wine in house, plus special pricing for glass pours.

 

STRANAHAN THEATER

Seating nearly 2,500 guests, the Stranahan Theater is Toledo’s largest theater with the biggest variety of national acts including concerts, comedians, Broadway, dance, ballet and more. Be sure to check out all the great performances the Stranahan has lined up for the 2018/19 season. And with their prime location just minutes from the I-80/90 Turnpike and I-75, you have easy access to plenty of great dinner options to enjoy with your significant other.

 

Make It a Weekend Getaway

RENAISSANCE TOLEDO DOWNTOWN HOTEL

What better way to keep the sparks flying than to stay at the stylish new upscale Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel? With its prime waterfront location, we suggest requesting a river view room or suite for added romance. And, the Renaissance was just awarded a four-diamond rating by AAA, their highest rating, so a special experience and top service is almost guaranteed. Check out the awesome roof top bar, The Heights, to get the best views of downtown Toledo and try their wood-fired pizza with a hand-crafted cocktail while enjoying the view. Or eat at the Brim House restaurant, located on the lobby level, featuring fantastic classic American cuisine with a lively bar serving up regional craft beer, cocktails and an extensive wine list. Prefer to dine out? Hop on the complimentary shuttle and try out The Chop House, Rockwell’s Steakhouse or any one of dozens of casual options in the Warehouse District, Hensville or UpTown.

Whatever your idea of dinner and a show is, we've got some excellent choices for you to enjoy here in Toledo. Whether you're just looking for a night out on the town or a getaway with your other half, Toledo is place for you to experience a unique and memorable date night!