Temecula, California, is a wine lover’s paradise and is home to some of the most romantic dinner spots in the region. Whether you’re planning a special evening with your significant other or looking for a unique dining experience, Temecula has something to offer. Here are five of the most romantic dinner places in Temecula that you should indulge in while your here:

1. Bolero at Europa:

This elegant restaurant offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu, a tapas-style dining experience, and a wine list that features some of the best wines from Europa. The intimate setting, with cozy seating indoors and out, makes for a perfect romantic evening. The tapas-style dining allows you to try a variety of dishes and share them with your partner, making it an intimate and unique dining experience. They are known for their signature paella dish that can easily feed up to 4 guests. A few of my favorite menu items to try are the croquettes, Potatoes Bravas, Brussells, Organic Ceasar, and the fire roasted eggplant and shishito pepper dish. https://www.europavillage.com/bolero/restaurante/

2. Gourmet Italia:

Gourmet Italia is the perfect spot if you’re in the mood for some authentic Sicilian Italian cuisine. If you are looking for a place that comes to mind for romance from locals, this is it. The restaurant offers a warm, candlelit romantic atmosphere and a menu that features classic Italian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. They have a wonderful selection of wines from their own vineyard, Poggia Leno. While you wait for your table or if you want a late-night drink, they have a cozy bar with live music right next door. https://www.gourmetitaliatemecula.com/

3. Goat and Vine:

This cozy, rustic upscale spot offers a from-scratch menu that features elevated comfort food,farm-to-table cuisine, and a wine and craft beer list that focuses on local favorites. They have a full bar with some really unique cocktails too. The intimate setting makes for a perfect romantic evening. While you’re there, try a local favorite, the carnitas pizza, and the cappuccino ice cream cake. TIP- the waitlist is exceptionally long on weekends. Call ahead or get on their Yelp waiting list an hour before you head out of wine country. Join the waitlist here- https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-goat-and-vine-temecula

4. Cellar Lounge at Ponte:

This elegant underground wine lounge located in the Ponte Inn is the perfect spot for a romantic evening and craft cocktails. The cozy, dark, intimate vibes, complete with comfortable seating and soft lighting, is perfect for sipping on some of the best wines from Ponte and Bottia wineries while enjoying live music and a romantic conversation. They have a menu that’s on the smaller side, but I have tried pretty much everything on there, and I can say that nothing disappoints. https://www.pontevineyardinn.com/dining-bar/the-cellar/

5. Small Barn:

This romantic restaurant offers an upscale rustic barn vibe, with most of its seating being in outdoor dining. They have a menu featuring seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine and a wine list focusing on local Temecula wines. Small Barn is my personal favorite restaurant, and when family or friends are in town, this is definitely the place I recommend. If you love people-watching and plush comfy outdoor seating while savoring truly unique dishes, then this is the place for you. One of the things I love most about this restaurant is I can easily find a reservation with available time slots on OpenTable.

TIP- all of the restaurants I had mentioned typically have long wait times on weekends. I highly recommend making reservations ahead of time.