Coldwater Café in Tipp City was voted most romantic dining location in 2009.

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 Valentine's Day.

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 [Map]
  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 [Map]
  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 [Map]
  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 [Map]
  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 [Map]
  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 [Map]
  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: 2094 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Miami Twp. [Map]
  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. [Map]
  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 [Map]
  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. [Map]
  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 [Map]
  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 [Map]
  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 at www.activedayton.com/taste, because I know I must be missing some good ones:

• Amelia's Bistro, Bellbrook
• The Barnsider, Harrison Twp.
• Bonefish Grille, Miami Twp.
• Brio, Beavercreek
• Caffe Anticoli, Harrison Twp.
• Carvers, Washington Twp.
• Chin's Ginger Grill, Tipp City
• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Beavercreek
• J. Alexanders, Washington Twp.
• La Piazza, Troy
• Mamma DiSalvo's, Kettering
• McCormick & Schmick's, Beavercreek
• Michael Anthony's at the Inn, Versailles
• Pasha Grill, Beavercreek
• P.F. Chang's, Miami Twp.
• Stars Restaurant and Lounge in the Crowne Plaza hotel, Dayton
• Thai 9, Dayton
• The Winds, Yellow Springs

Compiled by Mark Fisher, staff writer — Updated February 2010