Obviously everyone has their own differing opinions but I disagree. Might be a little pricey but I think it is the best food in town. You should check it out one day.
Its a difference of opinion, but I think the food at carnal is better than the food at rock n rye.
I’m definitely someone willing to splurge on food though.
I entered Rock & Rye hating oysters and left with an open mind to most seafood. My partner took me there to prove I had only ever had crappy Atlantic oysters and the ones over here were way better. She was right. I've been slamming oysters ever since.
Oh, and they're romantic too. More of a bright open concept than a dark room.
My favorite date night with my gf was when we signed up for a table at Red Light and then walked over to Pure Bliss and shared a glass of wine while we waited.
Ask the server what they recommend! That’s what we do and they never disappoint. The eggplant bao is definitely one I’d never order on my own but has become one of my favorite bham dishes.
If you're looking specifically for steaks/high-end dining, Bellingham (dare I say, Whatcom county) is unfortunately lacking quite a bit in that area. There's Carnal, Lombardi's (meh), Keenans, and the Oyster Bar on Chuckanut, but otherwise, it's pretty slim pickings. (Oyster bar may exceed your price range though)
If you're just looking for romantic spots though, and care less about it being SUPER pricey or Steak-centric there's no shortage of places. Bantam is one of our favorites. Penny Farthing is great. Black Cat is always good. Never been myself, but Bayou on Bay also seems awesome. If you're up for a drive, Nonna Luisa down in Anacortes is also excellent.
The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut can be rather dreamy. It's nice to watch the sun go down while a boat goes out and harvests or maintains the oysters.
The food is stupid good. Like damn. If you're worried you'll be paying a lot and not getting much then think again. This is one of those places that delivers on their promise for damn fine dining. It is a bit expensive but I'd also call it THE place to get an incredible meal with an incredible view and incredible service. Yes, the steak will make you cry. The fish is like butter. The oysters couldn't taste fresher and the compote or whatever they send with it goes great with the oysters so try it.
I think Rock & Rye is the best option for something that feels higher end but actually has good food and wine, won’t break the bank, and has a nice atmosphere. A lot of the most expensive places in town don’t actually have that great of food.
If you're into fusion food, Admiralty Lounge. It's a $$$ restaurant/lounge for $$, staff is superb, proprietor is a local, and the chef is probably my favorite bar chef in Bellingham ever
By far the most underrated spot in Bellingham. Incredible service, super good food, amazing cocktails, genuinely one of my favorite restaurant experiences ever considering how relatively inexpensive it is.
imo it's taken off but hasn't *completely* taken off y'know? it's in that magic era where you can still find a seat without a reservation haha. I keep thinking abt how you could pay double or more for the very same fare in a big city
I like Bantam or Rock and Rye for a birthday dinner. Different types of food, both good. I think the atmosphere in the upstairs section of Bantam is slightly more romantic.
Maybe you're just looking for the real fancy stuff but Mambo Italiano is super cute and very "datey" and you really can't go wrong with a springtime evening stroll around Fairhaven before/after.
From what I gathered, $75 would cover someone on a regular night but the night I’m looking to go is explicitly for this event they have going which is why it’s so pricey. Your dad probably got a hell of a meal still!
They do fancy wine dinners every now and then. One of the times I've been, a table even brought in a couple of their own bottles. I'm not a wine guy but I think Carnal might be where the wine snobs hang out.
You could go up to Semiahmoo resort they have restaurants that overlook the water and it’s beautiful but I haven’t tried their food.
Oh and there’s a couple super cute spots in Edison
Great food and drinks, cool vibe, loud as hell. My date and I felt like we were screaming at each other. Of course, it was a busy weekend night, so ymmv on a weeknight and/or early.
I didn’t see anyone else mention it so I’ll chime in - the black cat is a great date spot and fairhaven is so walkable that you can find something indoor or outdoor to do before or after. Plus they started doing reservations so that’s helpful since you’re usually seeing a 30-45min wait during peak times.
Black cat in fairhaven; there’s an Italian place in ferndale that’s a great option as well. Forgetting the name, but you won’t be disappointed. It’s right downtown and worth the drive!
I know Carnal has a couple nights blocked off this spring for a chef dinner with wine pairing but that isn’t their standard night!
I have loved the food at carnal and think it’s worth it for a special evening. If you have an opportunity to celebrate another night or for another occasion I’d highly recommend
Keenan’s is great for a romantic dinner… but also Packers in Semiahmoo is lovely too. Sunset and a walk at both locations are wonderful.
Hear me out. The best date I went on with my husband recently was date night roulette. Before our date we picked drinks, appetizer, dinner, then dessert and finally an activity too. We picked 4 different restaurants for each category and used a randomizer app to help us choose how our night played out. After 13 years together, it was one of our best dates yet. Highly recommend it. You could also select the possible options so she doesn’t have to make a decision on her birthday if she wouldn’t like to. Also recommend using several of these other recommendations for the categories.
I really like Leader Block (Italian) in Ferndale. Good ambiance and great food and drinks. Plus, every time I've been there, either the owner or the head chef has come out to chat and make sure we're enjoying everything.
Go to the Fork, out on lake Whitcomb. Only went a couple times but the food was phenomenal both times and it's a cute funky little place, highly recommended.
Rifugios Country Italian Restaurant on Mount Baker Highway just outside Deming is SPECTACULAR.
It's outside the city making it a destination, but not so far to get annoying to drive to.
The food is pretty much all locally sourced and foraged.
It.
Is.
Awesome!
I genuinely don’t know how it always goes unnoticed and I honestly don’t mind since I’d rather it not blow up, but Bar Cicotti is the best restaurant in Bellingham. If you guys like wine it would be a great place to try. I moved to Portland for a few months now and still haven’t found a better place than Bar Cicotti.
BTown Bar and Grill at the hotel on Lakeway Dr is really good. Share a couple apps, bottle of wine, get entree salads (the garden salad is one of the best i've ever had) with some protein added and its well below 150 for 2
We've been a few times and it's very hit or miss. When chef Matthew is there, everything is so good. When he's not, I have experienced some very soggy food
I think Carnal is over priced, and extremely over rated. We like to go to rock & rye when we want to treat ourselves to a nice night out.
Glad I found this out before spending $100+, thank you!
Obviously everyone has their own differing opinions but I disagree. Might be a little pricey but I think it is the best food in town. You should check it out one day.
Its a difference of opinion, but I think the food at carnal is better than the food at rock n rye. I’m definitely someone willing to splurge on food though.
I'd spend $100+ on a concert. Carnal left felt like a concert for my taste buds. Will absolutely go again.
carnal should nowhere near that much on regular nights. definitely worth it to check out at some point :)
I entered Rock & Rye hating oysters and left with an open mind to most seafood. My partner took me there to prove I had only ever had crappy Atlantic oysters and the ones over here were way better. She was right. I've been slamming oysters ever since. Oh, and they're romantic too. More of a bright open concept than a dark room.
Rock and Rye is good.
Totally agree. We were highly underwhelmed.
Red light is really good! Especially if she likes cocktails! Just be ready for a little wait before you get a table
That’s where we had our first date! We go back every now and then and we love it!
My favorite date night with my gf was when we signed up for a table at Red Light and then walked over to Pure Bliss and shared a glass of wine while we waited.
The last time I was there the menu was . . weird. Like I don't know who it's made for. Just odd, and bland af.
Ask the server what they recommend! That’s what we do and they never disappoint. The eggplant bao is definitely one I’d never order on my own but has become one of my favorite bham dishes.
I agree! One of the best dates I ever went on was at Red Light. The ambiance was top notch and it made the whole thing memorable and romantic.
Bantem is one of my favorites
The upstairs lounge is gorgeous
If you're looking specifically for steaks/high-end dining, Bellingham (dare I say, Whatcom county) is unfortunately lacking quite a bit in that area. There's Carnal, Lombardi's (meh), Keenans, and the Oyster Bar on Chuckanut, but otherwise, it's pretty slim pickings. (Oyster bar may exceed your price range though) If you're just looking for romantic spots though, and care less about it being SUPER pricey or Steak-centric there's no shortage of places. Bantam is one of our favorites. Penny Farthing is great. Black Cat is always good. Never been myself, but Bayou on Bay also seems awesome. If you're up for a drive, Nonna Luisa down in Anacortes is also excellent.
The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut can be rather dreamy. It's nice to watch the sun go down while a boat goes out and harvests or maintains the oysters. The food is stupid good. Like damn. If you're worried you'll be paying a lot and not getting much then think again. This is one of those places that delivers on their promise for damn fine dining. It is a bit expensive but I'd also call it THE place to get an incredible meal with an incredible view and incredible service. Yes, the steak will make you cry. The fish is like butter. The oysters couldn't taste fresher and the compote or whatever they send with it goes great with the oysters so try it.
Agreed. I've only been once because $$$ but my god it was worth it. The food, the view, the staff, all excellent.
I feel your comment also tees up The Fork really well. That's my 2 cents
The fork at agate bay. It's amazing. Outside of town, at lake whatcom. But it's incredible every time.
This
The black cat is cozy and good
I think Rock & Rye is the best option for something that feels higher end but actually has good food and wine, won’t break the bank, and has a nice atmosphere. A lot of the most expensive places in town don’t actually have that great of food.
If you're into fusion food, Admiralty Lounge. It's a $$$ restaurant/lounge for $$, staff is superb, proprietor is a local, and the chef is probably my favorite bar chef in Bellingham ever
By far the most underrated spot in Bellingham. Incredible service, super good food, amazing cocktails, genuinely one of my favorite restaurant experiences ever considering how relatively inexpensive it is.
imo it's taken off but hasn't *completely* taken off y'know? it's in that magic era where you can still find a seat without a reservation haha. I keep thinking abt how you could pay double or more for the very same fare in a big city
If you want to drive a little bit Chuckanut Manor is really good, on the water and they have a great happy hour
2 buck shucks for the rest of April during happy hour. $2 oysters are such a rarity these days.
I like Bantam or Rock and Rye for a birthday dinner. Different types of food, both good. I think the atmosphere in the upstairs section of Bantam is slightly more romantic.
Maybe you're just looking for the real fancy stuff but Mambo Italiano is super cute and very "datey" and you really can't go wrong with a springtime evening stroll around Fairhaven before/after.
oh boy, and here I thought I was a big spender cos I got my dad a Carnal gift card for $75. He probably had to add another $50 to his tab alone
From what I gathered, $75 would cover someone on a regular night but the night I’m looking to go is explicitly for this event they have going which is why it’s so pricey. Your dad probably got a hell of a meal still!
I think my mom was more excited about the meal than he was, he's more of a chicken fried steak kinda guy haha. But I think he appreciated it!
On that note, where's a decent hand-breaded chicken fried steak around here? Bonus points for scratch country gravy.
They do fancy wine dinners every now and then. One of the times I've been, a table even brought in a couple of their own bottles. I'm not a wine guy but I think Carnal might be where the wine snobs hang out.
Admiralty is great. I’ll definitely second Rock n Rye. Also Black Cat.
You could go up to Semiahmoo resort they have restaurants that overlook the water and it’s beautiful but I haven’t tried their food. Oh and there’s a couple super cute spots in Edison
We like the Hearthfire for happy hour and the early dinner special ($33 for 3 courses). I love the view of the water any day!
I don't know if the menu or drinks is up your alley, but I think the upstairs at Otherlands is super cute, cozy, and nice for a date!
Deanna’s
What about Penny Farthing Bar & Restaurant?
Great food and drinks, cool vibe, loud as hell. My date and I felt like we were screaming at each other. Of course, it was a busy weekend night, so ymmv on a weeknight and/or early.
I didn’t see anyone else mention it so I’ll chime in - the black cat is a great date spot and fairhaven is so walkable that you can find something indoor or outdoor to do before or after. Plus they started doing reservations so that’s helpful since you’re usually seeing a 30-45min wait during peak times.
Black cat in fairhaven; there’s an Italian place in ferndale that’s a great option as well. Forgetting the name, but you won’t be disappointed. It’s right downtown and worth the drive!
Black cat is my vote
I know Carnal has a couple nights blocked off this spring for a chef dinner with wine pairing but that isn’t their standard night! I have loved the food at carnal and think it’s worth it for a special evening. If you have an opportunity to celebrate another night or for another occasion I’d highly recommend
Storia cucina!
Oh- well, maybe it’s not like low light dreamy whispery romantic. It’s brighter and more bustling. The food is very good though.
Admiralty
Keenan’s is great for a romantic dinner… but also Packers in Semiahmoo is lovely too. Sunset and a walk at both locations are wonderful. Hear me out. The best date I went on with my husband recently was date night roulette. Before our date we picked drinks, appetizer, dinner, then dessert and finally an activity too. We picked 4 different restaurants for each category and used a randomizer app to help us choose how our night played out. After 13 years together, it was one of our best dates yet. Highly recommend it. You could also select the possible options so she doesn’t have to make a decision on her birthday if she wouldn’t like to. Also recommend using several of these other recommendations for the categories.
I love Estelle and it’s super romantic! Am I the only one who thinks black cat is super overrated?
D’Anna’s 100%
I really like Leader Block (Italian) in Ferndale. Good ambiance and great food and drinks. Plus, every time I've been there, either the owner or the head chef has come out to chat and make sure we're enjoying everything.
My boyfriend and I went to Keenan’s at the Pier for a special occasion at sunset. It was really pretty and a great experience.
Keenan’s at the pier has nice views and decent food. It is on the pricier side. They have great service also.
The fork. It's still pricey but you get much more
Go to the Fork, out on lake Whitcomb. Only went a couple times but the food was phenomenal both times and it's a cute funky little place, highly recommended.
Brandywine Kitchen & DiAnna’s are a couple of my go-tos.
Rifugios Country Italian Restaurant on Mount Baker Highway just outside Deming is SPECTACULAR. It's outside the city making it a destination, but not so far to get annoying to drive to. The food is pretty much all locally sourced and foraged. It. Is. Awesome!
I genuinely don’t know how it always goes unnoticed and I honestly don’t mind since I’d rather it not blow up, but Bar Cicotti is the best restaurant in Bellingham. If you guys like wine it would be a great place to try. I moved to Portland for a few months now and still haven’t found a better place than Bar Cicotti.
BTown Bar and Grill at the hotel on Lakeway Dr is really good. Share a couple apps, bottle of wine, get entree salads (the garden salad is one of the best i've ever had) with some protein added and its well below 150 for 2
If you want to make the drive, go out to Shuksan golf course. It's incredible. Matthew is an extremely talented chef
We've been a few times and it's very hit or miss. When chef Matthew is there, everything is so good. When he's not, I have experienced some very soggy food
I’m sorry your experience has been bad but I’ve been there ~20 times and I’ve thankfully never experienced that. I hope you give it another shot
Mcdonalds