Honey Baked Ham

While Dallas’ pizza scene may not be mentioned in the same breath as New York slices or Chicago deep dish anytime soon, the area has nonetheless made great strides over the past decade to churn out fantastic pies. Whether you’re into authentic Neapolitan style or you like your pies topped with newfangled ingredients like chicken and ranch dressing, there’s a Dallas pizzeria out there for you. For slices with a wafer-thin, crackery crust and a robust, spicy tomato sauce, beloved dive bar Louie’s on Henderson Avenue in East Dallas is the place to go. The nondescript white building may look unassuming, but the pies have a loyal cult following that keeps the parking lot packed on a nightly basis, thanks in part to a coveted appearance on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Pitchers of beer and slightly surly service are a charming part of the Louie’s experience, as is the zippy Italian sausage that seems to top nearly every pizza that emerges from the pint-sized kitchen. If authentic pies from the motherland are what you seek, look no further than Olivella’s, a tiny but charming hole-in-the-wall located near Southern Methodist University. Owner Charlie Green brought in a Naples native to train the staff when he opened his pizzeria back in 2007, and it shows. The pies are about as real-deal Neapolitan as you can get, cooked quickly in a rocket-hot, wood-burning oven that gives the crust an irresistible char. There’s also a thin, crisp-crusted Roman-style pizza that’s served up in long rectangles. Customers can keep things traditional with the Margherita pizza, or order the fan favorite The Dream, made with housemade mozzarella, tangy gorgonzola, pancetta, chicken and jalapeños. Plenty of pizzerias in the city claim to be New York-style, but Zoli’s New York Pizza Tavern owner Jay Jerrier went the extra mile and brought in a consultant from a popular Brooklyn slice joint to help perfect the pies at his casual, counter-service Oak Cliff spot. Three different pizza categories are offered by the slice: the typical chewy-crusted New York-style, the thicker-crusted, slightly fluffy Grandma with sweet pomodoro sauce, and the extra-thick Sicilian with a robust, anchovy-laced finish. No need to feel bashful about asking for a side of ranch dressing here – Zoli’s makes its own jalapeño ranch in-house.

Rooftop views, salsa lessons, and enough leftovers to feed the in-laws—whatever your idea of romance, you don’t have to look far to find it in Atlanta. But “romance” is perhaps too general of a term. Every relationship plays out in chapters, from the nervous first date to the big question. But before getting down on one knee and asking “What’s your name?”, take a look at this list of Atlanta restaurants for every stage of your relationship: JCT. Kitchen & Bar Great for: Meeting for the first time Romantic perk: Rooftop bar Located in the hip West Midtown neighborhood, JCT. Kitchen & Bar is equal parts classy and casual, with all-white decor that serves as the perfect setting for an elegant evening. The menu of upscale Southern cuisine provides plenty of topics for conversation, from homestyle deviled eggs to JCT.’s famous fried chicken. After the meal, head upstairs to the rooftop bar for a handcrafted cocktail. If things go well, you can even stay late to catch live music in the bar area. One Midtown Kitchen Great for: Taking things to the next level Romantic perk: Skyline views No backdrop is more romantic than the Atlanta skyline at night. One Midtown Kitchen is located in the warehouse district that borders Piedmont Park, and the restaurant offers diners a glimpse of the city from their table. If you can peel your eyes away from the view, you’ll see that the interior is just as romantic, thanks to the cozy booths, exposed brick walls, and modern floating candle arrangements throughout the restaurant. Working in a circular open kitchen, the chefs here use seasonal ingredients to craft American classics such as fried calamari, crispy brussels sprouts, and pork tenderloin. Briza Great for: Dinner and a sleepover Romantic perk: The hotel’s just upstairs Located in the Renaissance Hotel in the heart of Midtown, Briza is the perfect setting for a date night. Chef Janine Falvo, who competed on TV’s Top Chef, has created an excellent menu headlined by a short rib that slow-cooks for 48 hours. Vegetarians will fall hard for the roasted maitake mushrooms served over grits with a wild mushroom-thyme jus. Before heading upstairs for the night, impress your date by ordering a flight of wines selected to pair perfectly with whichever dish you decide on. Antico Pizza Great for: Couples who share everything Romantic perk: Enough leftovers for breakfast the next morning If you’re willing to wait in line, this might be your perfect date-night spot. Antico Pizza is known worldwide for its handcrafted Italian pizzas. Everything here is made from scratch, and the pizzas are large enough to serve a family of four (or one very hungry couple). Even better, it has a BYOB policy, so you can choose your own wine from the cupboard at home. To really make things hot, order the Diavola, a pie topped with pepperonata and a spicy sopressata. Eclipse di Luna Great for: Spicing up the relationship Romantic perk: Salsa lessons on Thursday nights Dance the night away on Thursdays at Eclipse di Luna, a Spanish tapas restaurant that offers free salsa lessons once a week. Either of the two locations (one in Buckhead, the other in Dunwoody) are perfect for a date night, as the eclectic food and interactive lessons invite stimulating conversation throughout the evening. The housemade sangria doesn’t hurt, of course. Looking for more ways to spend a romantic night out? Check Groupon for things to do in Atlanta.

Nothing brings people together like sharing food, and tapas restaurants provide common ground for your whole party, as you compare your impressions of several selections from smaller plates. This Spanish tradition is a great way to get to know your friends, and it allows you to try several different flavors in an evening without feeling overly stuffed. It’s also a fun date idea, as you immediately have something to discuss as you are effectively sharing a meal. Thankfully, Atlanta has no shortage of tapas spots that are perfect for snacking away the evenings with someone special. Noche, with a few locations throughout the city, is one of the more laidback tapas restaurants in town. Expect friendly service, drink specials and a comfortable environment swathed in red and brown tones. It’s a great place to meet up with friends for a relaxed evening, catch up over a cocktail or two and then dive into some fried goat cheese fritters. There are plenty of seafood options as well, like the ever-present shrimp and grits, or you can go healthy with the fresh grilled asparagus. Just be sure to share the diminutive delights with everyone at the table. If you want a more upscale experience, consider The Iberian Pig on Decatur Square. You’ll need reservations for busier summer evenings, as this popular spot tends to fill up fast, and the patrons like to linger over several rounds of tapas. The dark interior makes it a romantic spot as well; it can be a bit pricey for anyone with a gaggle of small children, which means it’s perfect for date night, when mom and dad can find a babysitter and sneak away. The Iberian Pig is also a strong contender for best spot to take an out-of-towner, though you don’t need an excuse to snack on their delicate meat selections. Charcuterie is of course the main draw, but you don’t have to leave your vegetarian friends at home here, thanks to a separate menu full of meat-free options. While both Noche and The Iberian Pig offer small-meal options that are perfect for sharing, Atlanta has many more hidden gems throughout the city. With dim lighting, lingering courses and the perfect excuse to make conversation, local tapas restaurants offer some of the most romantic casual dining options around.