Ever since our childhood days of giving cards to every classmate and friend, Valentine’s Day has been an occasion to express our feelings for one another. And very often, something edible is involved – chocolates in heart-shaped boxes are perennial favorites. The holiday also inspires thoughts of dining in a beautiful restaurant with a special person.
A classic February 14 celebration involves sharing an intimate meal, sitting close or across from each other over sparkling glasses of bubbly or elegant cocktails. Here are a few suggestions to start your thinking about Valentine’s Day dinner, or maybe even a surprise trip together. Don’t wait much longer, though. Lots of others are already planning their own special celebrations.
Christian Horan/Courtesy Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Noe at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, Kapolei, Hawaii
A trip to Hawaii would make any valentine happy, with dinner at Noe as the “icing on the cake,” as they say. An outdoor table, at sunset or under the stars, fresh local seafood, top quality meats, or homemade pasta create the perfect romantic dinner. fourseasons.com
Courtesy Grace White Barn Inn & Spa
White Barn Inn Restaurant at Grace White Barn Inn & Spa, Kennebunk, Maine
Live piano music, candlelight, a single long-stemmed rose—the perfect recipe for a romantic dinner, along with the special chef-curated three-course dinner, ending with chocolate soufflé and homemade vanilla bean ice cream. gracehotels.com
Courtesy The Chanler at Cliff Walk
The Spiced Pear at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island
Gaze at the sea together from an intimate table at one of America’s most romantic hotels. After dinner, enjoy a bit of winter chill while you snuggle at the fire pit roasting marshmallows and sipping a glass of wine or a warming cocktail from the seasonal hot cocktail menu. thechanler.com
Courtesy The Barrymore
The Barrymore at the Royal Resort Hotel, Las Vegas
With its old-school Las Vegas ambiance and swanky style—leather booths, dark woods, warm tones, classic menu—The Barrymore is a perfect Valentine’s Day destination. Or dine on the outdoor patio with stunning views while enjoying wine or cocktails from their extensive selection. barrymorelv.com
Courtesy of InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
La Boucherie at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, Los Angeles
Panoramic views of Los Angeles from the 71st floor create a dazzling setting for your special dinner. The restaurant’s Valentine’s Day menu includes oysters, Ossetra caviar, diver scallops, Spinalis steak, and cremeux au chocolat for dessert. dtla.intercontinental.com
Eric Laignel/Courtesy Le Colonial
Le Colonial, Chicago
The atmosphere of French Colonial Southeast Asia is captured in this charming two-story vintage rowhouse in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, with the bar, lounge, and all-season terrace overlooking Rush Street. Traditional Vietnamese favorites are served in the gracious atmosphere. lecolonialchicago.com
Courtesy Hospitality Holdings
The House, Gramercy Park, New York
Set in a magnificently restored 1854 carriage house, this cozy restaurant offers a special Valentine’s Day menu with choices that include oysters, wild mushrooms, scallops, lobster, and several desserts including chocolate mousse cake. hospitalityholdings.com
Courtesy St Martin's Wine Bistro
St. Martin’s Wine Bistro, Dallas
An extensive menu featuring French cuisine and an impressive portfolio of wines make this an outstanding Valentine’s Day choice. Stylish décor, attentive service, and nightly piano music add to the romantic atmosphere. stmartinswinebistro.com
Courtesy The Planters Inn
The Olde Pink House at The Planters Inn, Savannah
Dine indoors or outdoors in the romantic setting of a restored 18th-century mansion in this charming historic city. Enjoy their new Southern cuisine in the intimate downstairs private wine cellar and for after dinner entertainment, find a comfortable sofa and listen to the singer at the piano bar. plantersinnsavannah.com
Courtesy Biltmore Estate
The Dining Room at the Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina
Voted one of America’s most romantic restaurants by Open Table diners, this elegant destination showcases estate-grown vegetables, berries, and farm-raised beef, lamb, and pork. Views of the estate from the well-appointed dining room encourage a stroll through the gardens and grounds. biltmore.com
Courtesy The Broadmoor
Penrose at the Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
The elegant ambiance and mountain views create a romantic setting for dining on this classic restaurant’s contemporary European cuisine and wines. Live entertainment and dancing after dinner will complete the picture. It’s a fancy dinner event, so gentlemen, remember your jackets. broadmoor.com
Courtesy Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée
Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athenee, Paris
A trip to romantic Paris to dine at this Michelin-starred restaurant would be unforgettable, beginning with your arrival and a greeting of champagne, chocolates, and flowers. Next, a tasting menu at the restaurant’s iconic Cabane Table accompanied by exquisite French champagne and wines would create the ultimate Valentine’s Day celebration. alainducasse-plazaathenee.com
