Valentine's Day Dinners: Where to Eat Out

Ok...I'll admit it. I'm not really all that romantic. I'm a practical girl. That being said, I relish any excuse for a good meal out, and I'm always happy to assist my nearest and dearest in making their Valentine's Day plans memorable. Given the deluge of texts and calls I have received recently asking for advice on where to take wives, husbands, or girlfriends, it seemed prudent to do a little research.

Here are some of our favorite restaurants offering "special" Valentines Day dinners on February 14th. A few places like leFarm and Harvest Supper, which are normally closed Sundays, will open their doors. Napa & Co and Nicholas Roberts have prix fixe menus, while others have half price bottles of wine. We are still waiting for details from a few chefs who haven't nailed down their menus. Take a look at the list below and see what works for your budget and your palate. 

Happy Valentine's Day...Enjoy the food...and other things. 

Napa and Co

75 Broad Street, Stamford 203-353-3319

A prix fixe 4 course dinner for $75.00 per person will be served in honor of the day. Here is the menu:

1st Course Beau Filet Oysters with apple gelee

2nd Course Creamy imported Burrata cheese with caviar and shaved brussel sprouts

3rd Course choice of: Olive oil poached Halibut w/ fennel marmalade, blood orange, and black olives OR

Painted Hills fliet of beef w/ Pedro Ximenez Sherry Reduction

4th Course Orange Cheese Cake Flan w/ graham cracker crust and orange ginger syrup

Reservations strongly suggested!

Cafe Lola

57 Unquowa Road, Fairfield 203-292-8014

Cafe Lola will be offering a select menu on Saturday and Sunday night. Diners will find a few of their most popular dishes from the regular menu, as well as some festive special additions (see below for entree menu). Owner, Ivanina, says  "we are doing a few special touches with the ambiance and the menu, which will hopefully make for a very romantic and memorable experience. Nothing red or pink, for sure." They will also offer a very exciting list of bubbles BTG and by the bottle- no "trophy wines," just a lot of fun, delicious choices. Ivanina loves Rose Champagne, so there will be a few nice ones on the list. Reservations recommended.

There will be three seatings:

5:15 - For the hungry people who can't wait to get home and be alone.

6:45- For the Traditionalists

8:45- For the True Romantic Souls who don't measure time

Special Entree Selections: 

Poulet aux Cerises et a la Kriek

Risotto au homard (lobster)

Saumon Poche Hollandaise

Magret De Canard

Beef Bourguignon    

Steak Au Poivre Vert

Filets De Sole au Caviar

Strada 18

122 Washington St. Norwalk 203-853-4546

Valentine's Day specials are available a la carte or as a prix fixe dinner for $59.  The prix fixe includes a choice of 3 appetizers, 3 entrees and 3 desserts.  Each item is listed with a recommended wine pairing, available as a full or half glass.  In addition, the prix fixe dinner includes a glass of sparkling wine, granita intermezzo, and house made chocolate truffles.  Reservations are essential.

Nicholas Roberts Gourmet Bistro

75 Main St. Norwalk 203-229-0035

Nicholas Roberts is offering a prixe fixe dinner that included 3 courses, an intermezzo and dessert for $75. Who cares what he is cooking? It's all good.  BYOB and cash only. Corkage fee is $5.00 per bottle.  For this special night, reservations will be accepted. 

Da Pietro's

36 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-454-1213

Da Pietro's is the perfect spot for a romantic evening, and they are offering a Valentine's Day menu for the big night with decadent delights. Seating times are:  12pm , 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm.  Please refer to the menu below. For reservations call 203-454-1213

First Course

Lobster  Bisque 11.95

Salad of Girolles Asian Pears, Endive, Arugula, Gorgonzola Cheese, Dried Cranberries Caramelized Walnuts Drizzled with Pommery Mustard Vinaigrette 13.95

Mussels Parisian-Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels with Shallots, Pernod, White Wine and a Touch Of Cream 12.95

Bison Carpaccio -Thin Sliced Filet of Bison topped with Parmesan Cheese Drizzled with White Truffle Oil 16.95

Gnocchi Al Vesuvio- Small Potato Dumplings with Grape Tomatoes, Basil, Pignoli Nuts and Lemon Zest 13.95 

Ravioli Alla Toscana- Home Made Pasta stuffed with Shitake Mushrooms, Ricotta and Parmesan Cheese finished with Mushroom Broth and Trumpet Royal Mushrooms Drizzled with White Truffle Oil 14.95

Fegato Grasso in Padella- Pan Seared Fois Gras served over Caramelized Apples and Home Made Brioche finished with Raspberry Casis Sauce 18.95

Second Course

Costelette Di Agnello Arrosto- Roasted Rack Of Lamb with Rosemary, White Wine, Garlic MP

Filetto Di Buo Nero- Black Angus Filet Mignon with Black Truffle Sauce MP

Tornatino Di Vitello- Pan Seared Medallions of Veal with Mushroom Cognac Sauce MP

Pesce Di Giorno- Almond Crusted Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass finished with Lobster Sauce MP

Costelette Di Cervo alla Griglia (Grilled Rack Of Venison finished with Cranberry and Calvados) MP

Costelette Di Buo Brasato  (Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce) MP

Osetra

124 Washington St. Norwalk 203-354-4488

Every Sunday is called Sunday FunDAY at Osetra and Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday!  They will be offering 20% off your bill on this Sunday.  Reservations are required.

Elm Street Oyster House

11 West Elm Street, Greenwich 203-629-5795

Elm Street will be offering a few Valentine's Day specials but not a prix fixe special menu. Specials include Alaskan King Crab Legs and Nantucket Bay oysters. All sides are a la carte, as on regular days. The specials will be announced on the day but the special offer on Valentine's Day will be 1/2 price bottles of wine. Reservations required by phone or on the internet w/ open table option.

Harvest Supper

15 Elm Street, New Canaan 203-966-5595

While Harvest Supper is not generally open on Sundays, they will open their doors for this Valentine's holiday with their regular menu as well as a small tasting menu. Details TK. 

Osianna

70 Reef Rd. Fairfield 203-254-2070

Osianna is usually closed on Sundays but is open for this special Sunday.  They are offering a smaller than usual a la carte menu with restaurant favorites as well as some special dishes for the evening.  They will serve dinner from 5-10 PM and reservations are accepted. Check out the Valentine's Day menu here. 

leFarm

256 Post Road East, Westport 203-557-3701

SOLD OUT!!! Not normally open on Sundays, leFarm will open its doors with a few specials in addition to their regular menu. Reservations are required.

Tabouli Grill

59 High Ridge Road, Stamford 203-504-8888

Tabouli Grill is offering a special Valentine's Day $40 Prix Fixe Menu. This delicious menu is a four course Middle Eastern feast. Reservations necessary for prix fixe menu. A la carte menu available as well.  Reservations are highly recommended.

First Course: Roasted Eggplant Soup with Feta Cheese, Mint and Sumac OR Fattoush Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Second Course: Lamb Patties with Tahini, Pine Nuts and Mint OR Stuffed Red Pepper "Schnitzel" 

Entree: Chicken and Green Olive Tagine OR Salmon in Phyllo OR Grilled Lebanese Lemon Lamb Chops

Dessert: Let's make "whoopie" pies, Sesame Halvah Ice Cream OR Tunnel of "Fudge" cake