5 Romantic Restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI for a Date
Updated 29 September 2026 · 5 restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists five restaurants around Downtown Appleton that Google tags as romantic, useful for planning a date night, an anniversary or a quiet dinner for two. The order is already fixed: places carrying the Romantic label were ranked by Google rating, weighted by the number of reviews behind each score. Every entry sticks to listed details such as hours, address, category and attributes, plus what reviewers mention, so you can check opening days before you reserve.
#1
Draft Gastropub
★ 4.7 (1,845 Google reviews)Gastropub$20–50 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Draft Gastropub on West Ridgeview Drive serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sunday. Google lists a fireplace, outdoor seating and a strong beer, cocktail and wine selection. Reviewers mention the Moody Blue Tenderloin, a charcuterie tower, French dip with lobster bisque and grouper tacos, along with a bourbon list and specials read out at the table. It identifies as women-owned.
Best for: Fireside dinner with craft drinks
- Address
- 664 W Ridgeview Dr, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9 pm; Mon 11 am–9 pm; Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–9 pm; Tue 11 am–9 pm; Wed 11 am–9 pm
#2
Carmella's an Italian Bistro
★ 4.7 (1,124 Google reviews)Restaurant$20–50 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Carmella's an Italian Bistro on North Casaloma Drive opens for dinner from 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. One reviewer says it is their standing choice for date night. Others mention a roasted beet salad, chicken marsala and creme brulee, and some describe dining at the bar. A few note that service can feel stretched when busy. Google lists a private dining room, outdoor seating and a great wine list.
Best for: Classic Italian date night
- Address
- 716 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54913, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue 4–9 pm; Wed 4–9 pm
#3
Ellinor
★ 4.8 (293 Google reviews)New American restaurant$30–70 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Ellinor is a New American restaurant on East Pacific Street, open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Reviewers describe a small, charming room, a rotating menu and plates with careful presentation, plus a wine menu with options by the glass or bottle. One reviewer notes a short wait even with a reservation. Google lists small plates, vegetarian options and great cocktails and dessert.
Best for: Special-occasion dinner for two
- Address
- 1016 E Pacific St, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–9:30 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 4–9:30 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 4–9 pm
#4
Mondo! on the River
★ 4.7 (208 Google reviews)Restaurant$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Mondo! on the River is on West Water Street and opens from 3 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Reviewers describe an upscale wine bar feel, a periodic table of wines, custom charcuterie boards to share and local brews. Some mention gnocchi and linguine with good flavour but small portions. Google lists outdoor seating, a private dining room and small plates, and it identifies as women-owned.
Best for: Wine and charcuterie to share
- Address
- 425 W Water St, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 3–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 3–9 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 3–9 pm; Tue 3–8 pm; Wed 3–8 pm
#5
Victoria's Italian Cuisine
★ 4.4 (1,757 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Victoria's Italian Cuisine on West College Avenue is open daily from 11 am into the evening. Reviewers repeatedly mention very large portions that often leave leftovers, reasonable prices and quick service, and one points to gluten-free pasta. Google lists great beer, cocktails, dessert and wine list, along with happy-hour drinks, delivery and kerbside pickup. It is a relaxed choice for an evening out downtown.
Best for: Generous Italian plates downtown
- Address
- 503 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9 pm; Mon 11 am–8:30 pm; Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun 11 am–8:30 pm; Thu 11 am–8:30 pm; Tue 11 am–8:30 pm; Wed 11 am–8:30 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 5 restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then listed on Google as “Romantic”, then by rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Book ahead at Ellinor: Google lists reservations as required.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
Draft Gastropub ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.7 from 1,845 reviews. Carmella's an Italian Bistro is second at 4.7 from 1,124 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Appleton WI are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Ellinor, at 9:30 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Draft Gastropub $20–50; Carmella's an Italian Bistro $20–50; Ellinor $30–70; Mondo! on the River $20–30; Victoria's Italian Cuisine $20–30.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Draft Gastropub, Carmella's an Italian Bistro, Ellinor, Mondo! on the River and Victoria's Italian Cuisine.
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