Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
McKinney's best

Italian date spots

You want an Italian dinner that feels like a date, not just another meal.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Centro On The Square image 1
Centro On The Square image 2
Centro On The Square image 3
View all
Italian restaurant

Renovated 100-year-old building blends historic charm with elegant, cozy decor and exposed brick. Live jazz band and dim lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere ideal for date nights or special dinners. Frequent bread service and visible pasta preparation add to the authentic Italian dining experience.

Fresh, homemade pasta stands out with top-notch ingredients in sauces. Dishes like short rib ravioli and shrimp in butter sauce highlight the menu.

Offers a nice atmosphere for couples celebrating special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Serves well for a date night with a focus on a pleasant dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, full of flavor, and well prepared."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

"The food here is amazing, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Oktoberfest events can lead to busy nights, so plan accordingly.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak times to avoid long waits.

02
Pie Tap Pizza + Rotisserie + Bar image 1

Dark interior contrasts with a beautiful outdoor patio and shared courtyard where kids play and adults relax. Atmosphere suits both dates and meetings, with live music adding to the vibe on the porch. Bar features include TVs for games and a variety of cocktails served all day.

Salami pie comes with a hot honey drizzle on the side. Spicy rigatoni vodka pasta stands out as a delicious choice. Pies, pasta, and drinks all meet expectations without complaints.

People are saying

"Our server James was fantastic and attentive."

"The staff here makes you feel so welcome and curious about the menu."

"The Italian food, especially the pizzas, is so good it's my favorite."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 11am to 6pm, but kitchen closes at 3pm for half pizzas.

2

On Tuesdays, all pizzas are priced at $15.

3

Expect the restaurant to be crowded during happy hour.

03
Sali's Italian image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant with cozy booths and fresh carnations on every table creates a warm, homey atmosphere. Quiet and family-friendly, it welcomes dogs and offers interactive amenities like pizza dough for kids. Kitchen area stays spotless, supporting a vibe of care and authenticity.

Freshly made Alfredo sauce stands out alongside crispy calamari and rich, flavorful lasagna. Pasta and pizza come with bold, authentic flavors, including perfectly cooked Chicken Marsala and Chicken Piccata, all at reasonable prices.

Service here makes couples feel extremely important. The menu offers great pizza and fettucini that pairs well for a night out.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta and chicken parm, is amazing."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and made with care."

"The staff here makes it a great spot for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has new ownership, improving food quality and service.

2

Sali's Italian is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

3

Portions are generous and prices are very reasonable.

04
Hideaway Pizza image 1
Restaurant

Two-story restaurant with rooftop patio and open-air seating offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere filled with lively energy and background noise. The space features fans and misters to keep outdoor areas comfortable, attracting groups looking for casual dining and socializing.

Fresh pasta and made-from-scratch lasagna stand out here. The menu includes fried ravioli and pizzas like the jalapeรฑo sausage with Alfredo and 'The Capone', all with solid flavors.

Soft openings and attentive service create a relaxed atmosphere for couples. Sharing a meal here fits well for a casual date or a first date experience.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was always good and fresh."

"The Italian food, especially the pizza, is delicious with great flavor."

"The pizza here is delicious, a perfect spot for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday-Friday from 5-7 pm with discounted drinks.

2

Parking can be very challenging, especially on weekend nights.

3

Arrive early to secure parking, as it fills up quickly.

05
Cajun Fish Grill image 1
Cajun restaurant

Strip mall setting with modest decor and clean, spacious interior featuring high ceilings and outdoor patio seating. Atmosphere feels family-owned and welcoming, with a calm and friendly vibe during quieter times. TVs for game watching add a casual touch to the dining experience.

Pasta dishes stand out with Cajun Pasta Alfredo seasoned well and loaded with shrimp, chicken, and sausage. Other Italian options like jambalaya and pasta are cooked well and flavorful.

Seafood dishes like snapper, shrimp poboy, and fried catfish stand out with fresh, flavorful seasoning. Plates such as gumbo, jambalaya, and cod offer tasty options for sharing on a date.

People are saying

"The fried catfish and oysters here are seasoned perfectly."

"The Cajun food here is divine; you'll want to lick your plates clean."

"The Cajun Alfredo pasta here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Cajun Fish Grill brings in fresh fish twice a week, ensuring quality.

2

The restaurant offers a walk-up ordering system with no table service.

3

Seafood boils can be messy, so prepare accordingly.

06
Piada Italian Street Food image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating and subtle music that creates a relaxing vibe. Staff provide friendly and fast service, enhancing the casual dining experience. A drive-thru window adds convenience for quick meals.

Carbonara pasta stands out with its rich, creamy, and well-seasoned profile. The basil pesto pasta bowl and Diavolo pasta also deliver strong, flavorful options with extra sauce available on request.

Staff greet couples with a warm smile every visit. Regulars return often, creating a friendly atmosphere for dates.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The Italian food here is amazing, Romantica made us feel like royalty."

"The staff here makes every visit feel special and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Piada Italian Street Food offers a student discount.

2

The drive-thru is only for pick-up orders.

3

The portion sizes are generous for the price.

07
Uncork'd Bar & Grill image 1

Small bar and grill with live jazz music and outdoor patio seating creates a lively atmosphere that can get quite noisy. Regulars enjoy games and entertainment like music bingo and karaoke during the week. The space feels welcoming with plenty of table seating and a beautifully decorated bar.

Pasta dishes like Linguine Alfredo and mushroom risotto with blackened chicken stand out. Alfredo sauce used to be incredible but has become dry and flavorless recently.

The venue suits a casual date with a relaxed vibe. Food includes pasta and stuffed chicken, enjoyed by couples, though service may require asking for extra silverware.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have delicious food like lobster rolls and fish and chips."

"The food here is amazing, especially the stuffed chicken."

"Emily's great service made our Italian food experience amazing."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night is every Thursday with a fun singing bartender.

2

Live music is available from Wednesday to Saturday.

3

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

08
The Common Table image 1

Courtyard with beautiful patio and live DJ music creates a lively atmosphere. Energy peaks during weekends with Hip Hop brunch and dancing. Noise level rises, making conversation difficult but enhancing the party vibe.

Dishes like the Redfish Scampi with Risotto and chicken Parmesan garlic knot sliders stand out for their fresh, flavorful taste. The pasta with vodka sauce and blackened chicken Cajun pasta also deliver solid, tasty Italian flavors.

Indoor seating offers a cozy spot for a mini date night. The Texas Philly stands out as a delicious choice to share.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and tasted amazing."

"The pasta dishes here are delicious, especially the blackened chicken pasta."

"The food here is incredible, especially the garlic knot chicken parm sliders."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all night on Tuesdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Trivia night is every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

3

All-you-can-eat wings are available on Mondays and Thursdays.

Discover more

McKinney, Texas

Area guide
Loading Map...