Beverly's
With unparalleled, panoramic views of the lake from its seventh floor spot at the Coeur d'Alene Resort — combined with cosmopolitan décor, attentive service and a wine cellar boasting more than 14,000 bottles — Beverly's makes for an elegant dining experience worthy of any special celebration. The half-dozen fresh shucked oysters are an amazing prelude to dinner or companion to drinks. The restaurant also is known for regularly hosting special wine dinners and tasting events. 115 S. Second St., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho • 208-765-2300
The Black Cypress
The Black Cypress in downtown Pullman is dream-like, filled with mirrors and Edison lights, funky recycled metal fixtures against 100-year-old exposed brick. The menu strikes a balance between Old World and new, reflecting the agricultural bounty of the Palouse while maintaining decidedly Mediterranean roots. With Greek-style meat sauce and mizithra cheese, the Kima pasta is divinely aromatic. The pomodoro pasta is lighter than most, with fresh tomatoes and basil, olive oil and Parmesan. 215 E. Main St., Pullman, Wash. • 334-5800
Churchill's Steakhouse
This longtime downtown Spokane establishment is the perfect place to take family, a date or just yourself to enjoy an incredible steak. Churchill's Chicago-inspired dining experience combines in-house carves of USDA Prime beef with seamless service, making it easy to keep Churchill's — which was in 2017 awarded the prestigious Distinguished Restaurants of North America Achievement of Distinction — at the top of your list for any celebratory dinner. We also love sneaking away to their cozy basement bar for a drink in one of the tucked-away booths. 165 S. Post St., Spokane • 474-9888
Grille from Ipanema
Although Grille from Ipanema in Coeur d'Alene has a buffet-like format, the atmosphere is high-end, emphasizing good service in an upscale environment. Roomy seating areas are designed to encourage a long, leisurely meal, whether indoors or outside on the patio. In the first half of 2017, the restaurant relocated from downtown to the Riverstone complex, allowing the restaurant to double its space with a larger bar area. It also enjoys more visibility from the busy shopping center's foot traffic. Come here for traditional Brazilian grilled meats — beef, pulled pork and poultry — served on a skewer in what the Brazilians call "churrasco" style. 2380 N. Old Mill Loop, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho • 208-676-1122
Hay J's Bistro
While the exterior of Hay J's may not inspire romantic fantasies, once you're inside, you'll see why we suggest that it makes it into your rotation of date-night restaurants. This intimate bistro with low lights and flickering candles has a wine list that boasts approximately 100 choices and a menu that features steaks, lamb, pasta and risottos, though its seafood remains a popular genre. 21706 E. Mission, Liberty Lake, Wash. • 926-2310
Italia Trattoria
With a focus on natural and sustainable ingredients, chef-owner Anna Vogel's menu features handmade pastas (try the eye-catching and tasty squid ink fettuccine), pork prime rib chop and seasonal vegetables spiced and grilled to perfection. Since opening in 2010, Italia has established itself as a go-to for both residents of Browne's Addition neighborhood, and as a destination for diners across the region to enjoy an excellent meal, whether for a special occasion or just because. 144 S. Cannon St., Spokane • 459-6000
Luna
Up on the far southern edge of Spokane's South Hill, Luna hides in a mostly residential pocket off 57th Avenue, but don't let its lower visibility keep you from finding this gem. Filled with natural light, the restaurant offers a seasonal, scratch-made and locally focused menu. Though it offers favorites like wood-fired pizza made in an oven imported from Naples, Italy, Luna also caters to those with gluten sensitivities. In the summer, don't miss the chance to sit on the beautifully shaded patio, filled with lush greenery. 5620 S. Perry St., Spokane • 448-2383
Masselow's Steakhouse
A destination dining spot at Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Masselow's is named after a Kalispel Tribe chief who led his people more than a century ago. The restaurant was rebranded in 2015 with a focus on prime steaks and a more accessible feel, which still might surprise some who know Masselow's as one of the region's most high-end, respected restaurants; it's earned a four-diamond rating from the AAA. While the white linens are gone, about half of the former Masselow's menu remains, and there are still seafood and other options to be found from the kitchen of Executive Chef Tanya Broesder. 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • 481-6020
Max at Mirabeau
Date night in Spokane Valley often means a trip to Max at Mirabeau, one of the Valley's answers to fine dining. The culinary team at Max prides itself on creating innovative cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from purveyors around the region. For that, Max at Mirabeau has been awarded with numerous awards at Epicurean Delight, and has earned a faithful following that extends well beyond the Valley. 1100 N. Sullivan Rd., Spokane Valley, Wash. • 922-6252
Palm Court Grill
Bask in the palatial grandeur of the historic Davenport Hotel and enjoy a table by the fireplace in the lobby, or enjoy the intimacy of a tall, private booth inside the Palm Court Grill. The restaurant's signature Crab Louis was created and made famous more than a century ago for hotelier Louis Davenport. Beyond this signature dish and others, expect a traditional fine-dining menu of steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. We also recommend saving room for dessert. 10 S. Post St., Spokane • 455-8888
Scratch
Dining out at Scratch in the heart of downtown is a delightfully metropolitan experience. The long, narrow restaurant is flanked by exposed brick walls adorned with abstract art; white linen tablecloths and low light add to its romantic, urban ambiance. The cuisine is contemporary Northwest with a splash of Asian fusion. On a cold winter night, you can never go wrong with the popular Hot Pot: scallops, prawns, clams, fresh fish, andouille sausage, red peppers, onions and fingerling potatoes in a savory, spicy tomato broth. 1005 W. First Ave., Spokane • 456-5656
Spencer's for Steaks & Chops
Tucked off the street inside the DoubleTree Hotel, Spencer's has served up prime views of Riverfront Park and the Spokane River for more than 15 years, along with its menu that runs the gamut when it comes to steakhouse food. Spencer's meat entrées — rib-eyes, filets, pork chops and more — are all prepared in the restaurant's 1,600-degree infrared broiler, ensuring that the prime-cut meats stay juicy and tender. 322 N. Spokane Falls Ct., Spokane • 744-2372
Wild Sage
At Wild Sage, Executive Chef Charlie Connor wants everyone to be able to enjoy the restaurant's delicious dishes, and for diners to feel good about their choices from a health perspective, too. Connor is gluten-intolerant himself, so anyone with sensitivities can trust they'll be taken care of on that front. Aside from that, the creative, diverse and always-local menu ranges from coconut curry pasta to steaks and burgers. One item at Wild Sage that you really must try at least once: The incredibly savory and creamy Yukon gold potato taquitos from its appetizer list. 916 W. Second Ave., Spokane • 456-7575
