When it comes to finding the perfect spot for a romantic night out in Winnipeg, the options are endless.

The city is home to a diverse range of exceptional restaurants that offer everything from intimate, cozy settings to modern, chic vibes, all coupled with delicious cuisine to satisfy every taste bud.

From classic steak houses to contemporary Canadian-Italian fusion and everything in between, Winnipeg has something special to offer every couple looking for a memorable dining experience.

In this post, we’ll take a look at five of the top restaurants in Winnipeg that are perfect for a romantic date night. So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a night out with your loved one, these restaurants are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

 

529 Wellington Steakhouse (529 Wellington Crescent)

Located in a historic mansion on the banks of the Assiniboine River, 529 Wellington Steakhouse is one of the most iconic and upscale dining experiences in Winnipeg.

The moment my partner and I stepped through the door, we were greeted with the warm, rich ambience of a classic steakhouse. The dark wood, elegant lighting, and plush seating set the tone for a romantic and memorable evening.

The service at 529 Wellington is impeccable, with the staff being attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. We started our meal with the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and the Prime Beef Carpaccio, which were both fresh and delicious.

For our main course, we ordered the Prime Rib and the Beef Tenderloin. The steaks were cooked to perfection, and the accompanying sides, like the Garlic Mashed Potatoes and the Sautéed Mushrooms, were excellent.

Dessert was an exquisite experience as well. We couldn’t resist the Chocolate Lava Cake, and it did not disappoint! Paired with a glass of wine from their extensive list, the evening was an unforgettable culinary journey and a wonderful (yet rather pricey) date night.

 

Harth Mozza & Wine Bar (980 St Anne’s Rd #1)

Located in St. Vital, Harth Mozza & Wine Bar is an elegant and contemporary spot perfect for a romantic date night. The stylish interior, featuring a cozy fireplace and warm lighting, creates a welcoming and intimate atmosphere.

The menu showcases wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and an extensive wine list, offering a truly delightful Italian-inspired dining experience.

We began our meal with the Meatballs, a flavorful combination of beef and pork, complemented by ricotta, basil, and parmesan. We also tried the Beef Tartar, which was a unique and delicious dish that included bagna cauda (a traditional Italian sauce), crispy potato, and bottarga, adding a burst of flavors and textures to the dish.

For our main course, we opted for one of Harth’s signature wood-fired pizzas, the Spicy Pepperoni Pizza. This pizza featured a perfect balance of spicy pepperoni and creamy mozzarella cheese and pecorino, all atop a thin, crispy crust. We also tried the Spaghetti Bolognese, a classic Italian dish made with house-made pasta, a rich and hearty meat sauce, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Harth’s wine list is truly impressive, featuring a carefully curated selection of both Italian and international wines. Our server helped us choose a lovely bottle of red that paired beautifully with our meal. To end the evening on a sweet note, we shared the Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake, a creamy and tangy dessert served with a blueberry compote and almond crumble.

Harth Mozza & Wine Bar offers a sophisticated and cozy atmosphere, exceptional service, and delicious Italian cuisine, making it a perfect choice for a memorable date night in Winnipeg.

 

Oxbow – Natural Wine Bar & Restaurant (557 Osborne St.)

Nestled in the heart of Osborne Village, Oxbow is a trendy and modern restaurant that offers a fantastic atmosphere for a romantic date night. With its warm lighting, stylish decor, and open kitchen concept, Oxbow provides an inviting and intimate setting. The menu focuses on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, featuring a variety of small plates that are perfect for sharing.

For starters, we shared the Burrata, which was topped with hot honey, orange, basil, and served with housemade focaccia. The creamy and rich flavors of the cheese were perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy notes from the hot honey and orange. We also enjoyed the Arancini, risotto and mozzarella stuffed arancini served on San Marzano red sauce and topped with Parmigiano Reggiano. Additionally, we tried the Patatas Bravas, triple cooked potatoes topped with mojo rojo and roasted garlic aioli, which provided a delightful combination of crispy and creamy textures.

For our main course, we shared the Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe, featuring handmade potato gnocchi served with Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and cracked black pepper. The gnocchi were light and pillowy, while the blend of cheeses created a rich and indulgent sauce. We also savored the Rotolo, a handmade pasta roll filled with pork and beef bolognese, polenta, whipped ricotta, and mozzarella. It was served on San Marzano red sauce and topped with Parmigiano Reggiano, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish.

For dessert, we shared the Crème Brûlée, a rich custard made with Galliano and orange zest, topped with caramelized sugar. The luscious custard and its sweet, crunchy caramelized top created the perfect end to our dining experience.

Oxbow offers an exceptional culinary experience, with its modern and innovative dishes, warm atmosphere, and attentive service, making it a top choice for a memorable date night in Winnipeg.

 

Sous Sol (22-222 Osborne St)

Tucked away beneath the streets of Osborne Village, Sous Sol is a hidden gem that offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for a romantic date night.

With its dimly lit interior, vintage-inspired decor, and elegant artwork, Sous Sol transports you to another era, providing an unforgettable dining experience. The menu features a blend of classic and modern French-inspired dishes, crafted with a focus on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.

For our appetizers, we shared the Foie Gras Torchon, a luxurious dish of duck foie gras from Rougié Québec, served with house jam, garlic confit, and crostini. We also enjoyed the Sherry Marinated Beet Salad, featuring kale, tomato vierge, hummus, dill, spiced sunflower seeds, and tangy chèvre.

For our main courses, we decided on the Manitoba Beef Striploin, accompanied by a rich porcini and green peppercorn jus, dill pesto, and caraway onions. The beef was cooked to perfection, tender and full of flavor. We also indulged in the Baked Atlantic Salmon, served with a coconut paprika crème, garlic butter bay scallops, and pickled zucchini. The salmon was moist and flaky, while the coconut paprika crème added a delightful depth to the dish.

To complement our meal, we chose a bottle from Sous Sol’s carefully curated wine list, which offers a diverse selection of both French and international wines. Our server helped us pick a full-bodied red that paired wonderfully with our dishes.

For dessert, we shared a Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlée, featuring a creamy custard base, a caramelized sugar crust, and a sprinkling of pistachio crumble. This unique and delectable dessert was the perfect way to end our unforgettable dining experience at Sous Sol.

With its enchanting atmosphere, exceptional service, and exquisite French-inspired cuisine, Sous Sol is an ideal choice for a truly memorable date night in Winnipeg.

 

Passero (125 Fort Gibraltar Trail, the Forks Market)

Situated at The Forks, a historic site at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, Passero offers an ideal setting for a romantic date night in Winnipeg.

With its modern, industrial-chic decor and open kitchen, Passero creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu showcases contemporary Canadian-Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and creative flavor combinations.

For our starters, we chose the warm marinated olives and the Arancini, featuring wild mushrooms and served with a black truffle aioli. The Arancini was full of flavor, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the truffle aioli added an exquisite touch. We also enjoyed the Prosciutto di Parma, served with parmesan and arugula, which provided a delicious, salty contrast to our other selections.

For our main courses, we opted for the Campanelle, a pasta dish with short rib ragu, chèvre, and gremolata. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the short rib ragu was tender and packed with flavor. We also indulged in the Canadian Lobster Carbonara, featuring spaghetti, pancetta, and egg. The dish was rich and satisfying, with the lobster adding a touch of luxury and decadence.

To complement our meal, we chose a bottle of wine from Passero’s carefully curated wine list, which boasts a diverse selection of both Italian and international options. Our server recommended a crisp white wine that perfectly paired with the flavors of our dishes.

For dessert, we shared the Lemon Mascarpone Cheesecake, served with warm lavender butterscotch. This delightful dessert offered a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, with the lavender butterscotch adding a unique and fragrant twist.

With its impressive menu of contemporary Canadian-Italian dishes, stylish ambiance, and attentive service, Passero is a top choice for a memorable date night in Winnipeg.