There are so many lovely restaurants in the Bellingham area where you can have an intimate dinner for two! One of our favorite places to spend a cozy evening is at Black Cat Bellingham, a stalwart of the culinary options in the Northwest. With its second-story location, diners can enjoy scenic views of Bellingham Bay from many tables, adding to the overall charm. It’s an excellent spot for both dinner and late-night meals,
The Black Cat in Bellingham is a beloved neighborhood cafe in the historic Fairhaven district. It offers a cozy yet lively atmosphere, perfect for a casual yet refined dining experience. The restaurant serves a mix of American and European-inspired cuisine, focusing on hearty, flavorful dishes. Menu items often include pasta, seafood, steaks, and inventive small plates.
Before you start making reservations at the best Bellingham restaurants, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and our Mt. Baker bed and breakfast is one of the best places to stay for romantic getaways in Washington State. Our mini resort property in Everson, WA, is tucked away from the hustle and bustle, with two B&B suites, a glamping lodge, a multi-room cottage, and an indoor pool and spa area. Check out our upcoming availability and book your lodging today!
Romantic Bellingham Restaurants & Black Cat Bellingham and More
Pacific Northwest cuisine reflects the region’s rich agricultural and maritime bounty, including Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. The cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, often highlighting seafood like salmon, Dungeness crab, and shellfish, as well as wild game and produce such as berries, mushrooms, and apples. You’ll find plenty of seasonal additions to the menu at Black Cat Bellingham.
Sustainability plays a crucial role in Pacific Northwest cooking, with a focus on organic and farm-to-table practices. Dishes often feature flavors influenced by indigenous traditions, along with Asian, Scandinavian, and other global cuisines due to the region’s diverse cultural history. The cuisine also celebrates artisanal products like local wines, craft beers, and cheeses, making it a vibrant part of the area’s identity.
Here are the best restaurants in Bellingham for a romantic meal:
- Black Cat Bellingham: For a cozy night, this eclectic second-floor cafe is the perfect spot for date night. The menus represent an array of cuisines from French to new American fare. The Black Cat Bellingham is well-known for its signature cocktails, local craft beers, and a carefully selected wine list.
- Lighthouse Bar & Grill: The restaurant at Hotel Bellwether, known as the Lighthouse Bar & Grill, offers a fine dining experience with stunning views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. The cuisine focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, highlighting Pacific Northwest flavors.
- Rock and Rye Oyster House: Head to this classic oyster bar in the heart of downtown Bellingham in the historic Herald Building. Grab a spot on the large outdoor deck on a warm summer afternoon or evening for oysters on the half shell, happy hour all day Sunday, and a curated wine list.
- D’Anna’s Cafe Italiano: One of the highest-rated Bellingham restaurants on TripAdvisor, this is a solid spot for dinner out on the town. The menu features classic Italian dishes with seasonal ingredients and a modern twist.
- Black Sheep: Tacos and margaritas are always the perfect combinations for a fun date night, and this local bar is a lively spot to relax and fill up on Mexican favorites.
- The Temple Bar: This classy spot is one of the best Bellingham restaurants for an intimate date. The plush velvet wallpaper, moody lighting, delightful cocktails, and tasty small plates are the perfect formula for a memorable night.
- Fork at Agate Bay: Spend the day on the trails at Lake Whatcom Park, and plan for an early dinner at this seafood-focused eatery. The craft cocktails are bright and creative, and the wine selection is spot-on.
- Boundary Bay Brewery: Sample some of the best beer in Bellingham while enjoying a meal at this stalwart pub. The menu has classic casual fare with a bunch of modern updates.
- Colophon Cafe: Stroll along 11th Street in the heart of the historic Fairhaven District to visit charming shops and finish at this traditional cafe/bookstore, where you can enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches, and sweet and savory pies.
- Carnal: This wood-fired restaurant, which hails from past employees at New York’s famed Eleven Madison Park, focuses on smoked meats and roasting farm-fresh vegetables with bold flavors and exciting ingredients.
The Best Bellingham Bed and Breakfast & Resort
Sundara West Bed and Breakfast offers two elegant and intimate guest rooms, each designed to provide a perfect retreat for couples hoping to reconnect and relish each other’s time. The Lavender Room is a spacious and bright room featuring a king-sized bed and views of the surrounding gardens. It boasts a relaxing ambiance with a cozy sitting area and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with a soaking tub that is great for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The Sunflower Room offers breathtaking views of the nearby mountain ranges and includes a king-sized bed and a large, elegant bathroom for rest and relaxation. Both rooms are tastefully decorated to reflect a cozy yet elegant style, with thoughtful touches like high-quality linens, comfy robes, and ample natural light, ensuring a peaceful and intimate stay for guests on a romantic getaway.
As a bed and breakfast guest, you’ll be treated to a lovely morning meal with farm-fresh ingredients. Much like the chefs at the best restaurants in Bellingham, we take a sustainable and local approach to our cooking, including fresh eggs and proteins from nearby farms and supporting farmers within a 100-mile radius of our Inn. We can’t wait to host you; book your lodging today!