Valentine's Day Dining in Philadelphia: 10 Romantic Recommendations
Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year, which brings an extra helping of romantic deals to enhance your chances throughout the weekend. So check out the lineup below, and if Monday reservations are booked, feed your passion with one of the Saturday or Sunday options instead.
In the City
Barbuzzo: Show your affection with dinner at the hottest spot in town. Snag a table in the intimate dining room for a four-course prix fixe overflowing with small-plate Mediterranean goodness − these reservations won’t be around much longer (215-546-9300).
Le Viet: Find excitement in something new with exotic specials at this posh Vietnamese off Washington Avenue. On Saturday, Sunday or Monday night, three courses and a glass of wine are yours for $40 per person, with the regular à la carte menu also available (215-463-1570).
Meritage Philadelphia: Get all the essentials for love (those would be oyster, lobster, truffles and chocolate, of course) for a steal at this cozy New American. Chef Anne Coll’s Asian-tinged special menu offers five courses and an amuse-bouche for just $50 per person (215-985-1922).
Philadelphia Belle: Enjoy the slow serenade of a paddle wheel cruise on the Delaware River. On Saturday or Monday night, the Sound of Philadelphia provides entertainment during a four-course dinner for two (cuisine is provided by Stephen Starr Events), accompanied by champagne and a rose. Or embark on the Sunday sail for a romantic brunch (Saturday, 7 PM, $75 per person; Sunday, 10:30 AM, $43 per person; Monday, 7 PM, $70 per person; 888-868-7764).
Square 1682: The five-course meal offered at this Rittenhouse New American includes choices like smoked salmon on Belon oysters or mini meatballs. Or start the celebration early with “brunch for lovers” featuring special $10 champagne cocktails, because nothing says love like a heart-shaped pancake (Dinner: Sunday and Monday, $65 per person; Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, à la carte; 215-563-5008).
Water Works: With its spectacular views of the Schuylkill and boathouse row, it’s no surprise this Mediterranean behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a constant on our Top Romantic list. The $75 “cupid menu” is on offer Saturday−Monday, and includes the amorously decadent water-wheel dessert: a flourless triple chocolate raspberry torte with Bavarian cream (215-236-9000).
Outside the City
Blackfish: The close quarters of this seafood-centric New American in Conshohocken will help you get into the mood, and chef Chip Roman’s food will prolong your pleasure. Dig into five courses of his progressive French-influenced cuisine for just $55 before 5 PM, or $85 from 5:30 onward (610-397-0888).
Dettera: Secure a table in the intimate upstairs lounge at this chic New American in Ambler and partake in chef Jeffrey Powers’ imaginative creations during a four-course meal. You’ll want to add the optional wine pairing to take advantage of the extensive 200-plus bottle cellar (5−6 PM, $50 per person; $15 extra for wine pairing; 6−10 PM, $60 per person; $20 extra for wine pairing).
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse: Take your honey to this steakhouse outpost in Radnor to split a sharing menu starring their signature steaks paired with crab-stuffed shrimp or shrimp scampi, along with a salad. Extra V-day bonus: after your meal, you’ll receive a $25 gift card toward a future rendezvous (Friday−Monday; $89−$98 per couple; 610-688-9463).
Trax Café: Scout out a nook in this cozy BYOB in Ambler’s old train station that will be open on Monday to serve chef Stephen Waxman’s $65-per-person, four-course prix fixe (it’s also available Thursday−Saturday nights). Order in advance to score a traditional chateaubriand for two (215-591-9777).
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