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Coldwater Café in Tipp City.

By Mark Fisher, Staff Writer Updated 10:04 AM Tuesday, February 14, 2012

What's your criteria for a romantic restaurant? An intimate atmosphere, perhaps? High-quality food? Attentive service? Well-executed drinks?

Or all of the above?

We thought so.

Romance shouldn’t be limited to one day a year, of course, so this list of some of our favorite romantic restaurants shouldn’t begin and end on Sweetest Day, Oct. 15. We’d highly recommend — very highly recommend — calling ahead to check availability and to make reservations early.

Here's a dozen of some of the most romantic restaurants in the Miami Valley, in alphabetical order:

The Caroline

Basics: 5 S. Market St., Troy; Call (937) 552-7676
Why it rates: Great blend of an intimate atmosphere and well-crafted dishes.
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

C'est Tout

Basics: 2600 Far Hills Avenue, Oakwood; Call (937) 298-0022
Why it rates: The glass-enclosed atrium seating area that faces Far Hills Avenue can have a romantic feel to it, at least when the restaurant isn't packed. And those wonderful sauces...
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

Coco's Bistro

Basics: 515 Wayne Ave., Dayton; Call (937) 228-2626
Why it rates: This restaurant has carved a strong reputation with its eclectic menu and inviting atmosphere.
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

Coldwater Café

Basics: 19 E. Main St., Tipp City; Call (937) 667-0007
Why it rates: This restaurant in downtown Tipp City serves up perfectly executed, creative dishes in a charming atmosphere — and, it won the online voting for the 2009 ActiveDayton "Best of Dayton" award for "Most Romantic Restaurant."
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

Jay's Restaurant

Basics: 225 E. Sixth St., Dayton's Oregon Historic District; Call (937) 222-2892
Why it rates: The antique bar is breathtaking, Jay's has the best wine list in the city, and the decadently rich chocolate mousse is guaranteed to melt a woman's (or man's) heart.
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

l'Auberge

Basics: 4120 Far Hills Ave., Kettering; Call (937) 299-5536
Why it rates: You have your choice of three different themed areas in this 30-year-old restaurant: the decidedly upscale Dining Room, the more casual (but still elegant) Bistro, and the Lounge (Bar), which even has a dance floor.
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

Meadowlark

Basics: 5531 Far Hills Ave., Washington Twp.; Call (937) 434-4750
Why it rates: An eclectic but comfortable vibe, inspired cuisine and a well-chosen wine list make this an inviting destination.
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

Melting Pot

Basics: 453 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Washington Twp.; Call (937) 567-8888
Why it rates: This fondue restaurant's subdued lighting, glass-walled wine cellar and wine-themed artwork create an undeniably romantic atmosphere. And if you find chocolate an aphrodisiac, save room for dessert.
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

Mr. Lee's Fine Asian Dining

Basics: 7580 Poe Ave., Vandalia; Call (937) 898-3860
Why it rates: The soft lighting and rich woods of this restaurant's interior make it one of the most inviting atmospheres in the Miami Valley.
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

Rue Dumaine

Basics: 1061 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Washington Twp.; Call (937) 610-1061
Why it rates: Well-executed dishes in a dining room that strikes the right balance between elegant and not-too-formal, plus a great, reasonably priced wines-by-the-glass list.
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

Savona Restaurant and Wine Bar

Basics: 79 S. Main St., Centerville; Call (937) 610-9835
Why it rates: The interior of this restaurant is warm and inviting. Fine food and a strong wine list, with plenty of wines by the glass, help seal the deal.
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

Wellington Grille

Basics: 2450 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek; Call (937) 426-4600
Why it rates: The high-backed and comfortable booths offer a bit of privacy, though you shouldn't assume your neighboring diners can't hear every word you're saying. Consistent service and an elegant atmosphere.
Your take: Rate this restaurant or write a review

Other romantic restaurant options

If none of the options above struck your fancy, give one of these a whirl, or, if your favorite doesn't appear here, suggest it by leaving a comment on the taste blog, because I know I must be missing some good ones: