Wondering what to do on Valentine's Day? Whether you're interested in an evening out at a romantic restaurant or something a little more unique, here are some great options to help you make the day special.
Romantic Restaurants
When you want to enjoy a quiet evening with your Valentine, I recommend any of the following restaurants.
Trattoria Marcella
Trattoria Marcella is always at the top of local "best restaurant" lists. This South City favorite features fine Italian food and wine. Try the Chicken and Spinach Cannelloni or Osso Buco for a truly memorable meal.
3600 Watson Road
(314) 352-7706
Monarch
Impress your Valentine with an evening at Monarch in Maplewood. The restaurant aspires to be among St. Louis' finest, and the food and service certainly make its case. The main Monarch dining room is a fairly open and big space, but fabric on the ceiling and other design elements help give it a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The menu offers haute cuisine dishes inspired by French chefs, with the roasted beef tenderloin and grilled yellowfin tuna among the most popular. There is also a hip but warm Bistro & Wine Bar for more casual dining.
7401 Manchester
(314) 644-3995
Pueblo Solis
Mexican restaurants are seldom described as romantic. But the atmosphere at Pueblo Solis is among the most romantic in town. The small dining room, candlelit tables and personal service all combine to make you feel you've discovered an intimate cantina in a Mexican beach town. And the food will go beyond your expectations too. Of course, you can get many of your favorite Mexican dishes, but Pueblo Solis also has great steak and seafood specials. Whatever you decide, don't skip the guacamole and margaritas. They are simply the best in town.
5127 Hampton Avenue
(314) 351-9000
Simply Fondue
Simply Fondue in downtown St. Louis knows how to make guests feel special. The restaurant is offering a special four-course meal for you and your Valentine on February 14, 15 or 16. It includes a cheese fondue appetizer, salad, main course fondue with beef tenderloin and lobster and a chocolate dessert fondue. You also get a complementary champagne toast, a box of chocolates and a $15 gift certificate for your next visit.
$65 per person
1629 Locust Street
(314) 335-7377
Cyrano's
If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth, Cyrano’s is the perfect place. Sure you can get a meal at this Webster Groves cafe, but the real reason to come is for the desserts. Cyrano’s desserts are so big, they are great for sharing. Order the flaming Cherries Jubilee or Bananas Foster for a tableside show that will literally flame your desires.
603 E. Lockwood
(314) 963-3232
Visit my forum to get more ideas about Romantic Restaurants in St. Louis, or share your opinion about your favorite restaurants.
Other Valentine's Day Events
If you're looking to start a new kind of Valentine's Day tradition, here are some other great ways to enjoy the holiday with the one you love.
Valentine’s Hike at Shaw Nature Reserve
Enjoy the beautiful outdoors with your Valentine at the Shaw Nature Reserve in St. Louis County. The reserve is hosting a special evening hike for couples the weekend before Valentine’s Day.
Saturday, February 9
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
(636) 451-3512
An Evening at the Symphony
The St. Louis Symphony welcomes pianist Orli Shaham for a Valentine's Day concert. She will perform the works of Chopin in the beautiful setting of Powell Symphony Hall.
Thursday, February 14
Concert begins at 8 p.m.
Untamed Hearts at the St. Louis Zoo
The zoo may not be the first place you think of for romance, but that could soon change. The zoo is offering a gourmet, three-course meal at the River Center.
$125 per couple (tax and gratuity included)
Thursday, February 14
6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. seatings
Adopt a Warthog for Your Valentine
If you can’t make it to dinner at the St. Louis Zoo on Valentine’s Day, you have another option. Show your Valentine how much you care by adopting a warthog in their honor. For $40 dollars, the zoo will send your sweetie a cuddly warthog stuffed animal, an adoption certificate and a one year membership as a Zoo Parent. Talk about true love!
Walk-in orders available through February 14.
(314) 646-4771
Pizza and a Drive-In Movie
For younger couples, or just the young at heart, the recently opened America's Incredible Pizza Company is hosting "Cupid’s Night at the Starlite." America's Incredible Pizza Company is a restaurant and family entertainment center, complete with bumper cars, go carts, mini golf and plenty of games. On Valentine's Day, reserve a candlelit table in its Starlite drive-in theater, where you and your date can enjoy a heart-shaped pizza while watching the romantic classic An Affair to Remember.
$24.99 per couple
5254 S. Lindbergh
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
(314) 842-0700
Give the Gift of Chocolate
There's nothing wrong with a little chocolate on Valentine's Day. It's a classic for a reason! Whether you're buying for someone else or getting a treat for yourself, here are the best places to go for St. Louis' best chocolates.
Bissinger's Chocolates
Handmade, gourmet chocolates and candies.
Locations: Plaza Frontenac, St. Louis Galleria and 32 Maryland Plaza
(314) 367-9750
Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate Company
Signature chocolates include heavenly hash and molasses puffs.
12 Locations in the St. Louis Area
(314) 83-CANDY
Crown Candy Kitchen
Handmade, solid chocolate hearts.
1401 St. Louis Avenue
(314) 621-9650
