NYCGuide
NYC Restaurants Offering Valentine’s Day Specials
photo credit: Emily Schindler
Maybe you thought grabbing a little something from Duane Reade would surely suffice for Valentine's Day this year. Isn't this a made-up holiday anyway? But the person you really like (and maybe even love) is throwing not-so-subtle hints your way that a little more effort is required. Take advantage of one of the specials in this guide, and you should have a perfectly lovely evening. Romantic crisis averted.
The Spots
photo credit: Noah Devereaux
Love stinks, according to Hart’s. The Bed-Stuy restaurant is hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner anyway, for the seventh year in a row. At $105 per person, their four-course menu highlights bold flavors like stinky cheese, anchovies, and a chocolate chile mousse for dessert. Pack a breath mint and find more info here.
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Valentine’s Day tasting menus are nice and all, but what if you have one of those picky eaters for a partner? You know, the ones who’d ask for chicken tenders at an omakase. Hart’s sister restaurant, The Fly, also in Bed-Stuy, has you covered. They’re frying up some tenders for their second annual Chicken Tinder event, in addition to their regular rotisserie options. A good low-lift option, The Fly is walk-in only, the lights are always low enough for easy eye-gazing, and they have an impressive wine list.
photo credit: Teddy Wolff
Another restaurant in The Fly family, Cervo’s is holding it down for the lovers in Manhattan. The Lower East Side restaurant serves exciting Portuguese and Spanish food and feels like a Canal Street block party with neo-disco music blaring from the speakers, and everyone here looking like they were cast in a movie about Dimes Square. The Valentine’s special menu has fried shrimp, slow roasted ham, and chicken al ajillo. If that’s your thing, make your reservations now, before one of those joint-Instagram couples take your table.
photo credit: Kate Pauley
Dinner Party in Fort Greene is usually more of a communal experience—you know, like a real dinner party—but they’re scooting their tables apart for you and yours to have an intimate experience on Valentine’s Day. You can enjoy a five-course meal for $125 featuring crudo, a “comically” pink salad, pasta in brodo, duck confit, and a chocolate torte with passionfruit (you get it). There's an optional wine pairing for $50. If you want to do a group thing, or belong to a suspiciously peaceful polycule, there’s one four-top available. Tickets are live for 6:30 and 8:30 seatings.
photo credit: Kate Previte
Rolo’s is getting all ooh-la-la with a tasting menu inspired by Paris. The Ridgewood restaurant will transform into “Le Bistro de la Saint-Valentin” from February 14 to 17, until 11pm, just in case you’re not feeling very celebratory on a Wednesday. They’ll serve a tasting menu with wine pairings, as well as a full a la carte menu of bistro classics and some of Rolo’s most popular dishes. Check their Instagram for more details.
photo credit: Alex Staniloff
New York’s oldest steakhouse is doing a four-course dinner featuring some classics from their current menu, as well as some V-day exclusives. Oysters, crudo, and their signature lobster Newburg will be on deck, and of course, some fabulous cuts of meat. Some people probably met their lovers here in the early 1900s; ask your servers if they’ve heard any good stories. The special menu costs $195 per person and you can book your table here.
photo credit: Emily Schindler
Wine bars will probably experience crashing reservation systems this month with all the people trying to woo each other with small plates and big pours. But if you’re having trouble choosing between the onslaught of new places to drink funky wine, you might as well try and snag a res at the best. Place des Fêtes is one of our favorite wine bars, known for its creative seafood creations. On February 13 and 14, they’re offering a special menu of seafood snacks and bigger shareable spreads. Make your reservations here.
photo credit: Kate Previte
Brick arches and flickering candles fill Foul Witch’s tavern-like space, so if you met your special someone during a D&D campaign, this is your spot. Live scallops, spot prawn caramelle, and prime rib are on the menu for $200 per person, with an optional beverage pairing for $100. There will be no a la carte menu available that day. Make your reservations here.
photo credit: Kate Previte
Valentine’s Day is a lot more fun if you throw a drag show into the mix. One of the city’s most delightful queens, Steak Diane, will be helping Edy’s Grocer host a V-day soiree. The Greenpoint grocer is cooking up a fabulous Lebanese mezze bar with a menu prepared especially by Chef Edy himself. More info and ticket links here.
If you’re going big this year, Somewhere Nowhere’s set-up is the most impressive one on this list. The rooftop bar has a killer view, live jazz, and heated teardrop-shaped igloos with tables for two. Those eating in the igloo are served a four-course prix fixe—and the $450 per couple price tag also includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and complimentary eternal flower from Venus Et Fleur. Indoor diners get a three-course prix fixe with a gift from La Maison Du Chocolat. Expect charcuterie, lobster rolls, and wagyu sliders. Make your reservations here.
