Best Valentine’s Date Nights in Philly

Friday Saturday Sunday

If you’re looking for an outstanding meal, head to Friday Saturday Sunday, which was just ranked number two on Philly Mag’s 50 Best Restaurants in Philly. While they’re not usually open on Tuesdays, they will be for Valentine’s Day. You can enjoy a special tasting menu that evening, as well as on the Friday and Saturday prior. It’s the epitome of a special occasion, fine-dining meal in Philly. If you don’t do dinner there, grabbing a cocktail at the bar downstairs is a great way to begin or end the night.

Alpen Rose

I’m usually a little skeptical of restaurants that are associated with Philly’s most notorious restaurant groups. While some aren’t worth the hype, Alpen Rose, a modern take on the classic steakhouse by The Schulson Collective definitely is. Some consider it the best steakhouse in the city, and whether you agree or not, it’s sure to impress. From the buttery leather banquets to the dark wood paneled walls, the ambiance screams special occasion meal.

Don’t worry if your Valentine’s date doesn’t eat meat, they have some great pescatarian friendly options, like king salmon and grilled branzino marinated in chives, parsley and lemon. If you’re looking for a truly instagrammable experience, order the “Refined No. 1” cocktail, with Bonded rye, amaro, black walnut and applewood smoke. It’s giving dinner and a show.

Vernick Fish

Vernick Fish is one of the finest restaurants in the city, serving up some of Philly’s freshest seafood. Only on Tuesday, February 14th can you experience a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. They’ll be offering a five course, prix-fixe menu featuring seven family-style dishes, including a dessert course for $160 per person, with the option to add a beverage pairing curated by the Vernick Fish’s beverage director. If you’re unable to grab a table reservation, the regular menu at their bar and lounge can be enjoyed on a first come first serve basis.

The Good King Tavern

The Good King Tavern in Queen Village is like many of its neighboring restaurants – serving up wonderful food without the pretension. Making it the perfect spot for a cozy, but low key V-Day date. Their menu is centered around “French tavern fare”, with classics like escargot and steak frites, coupled with daily specials and an extensive wine selection. For a night cap, head upstairs to their wine bar, Le Cavaeu, a 2023 James Beard Nominee for Outstanding Wine Program.

Bistro Romano

Bistro Romano is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. From the exposed brick to the red velvet accents, you feel like you’ve entered old world Italy. This Valentine’s Day they have two separate tasting menus depending on which evening you’re celebrating. On Valentine’s Eve, a four-course tasting menu for $65 per person will be available, while a five-course tasting menu for $99 per person is available on Valentine’s Day. The most notable difference is the addition of a primi course, with dishes like beet campanelle in a mushroom ragu and prawn risotto with lobster cream.

Bar Bombon

Thanks to places like Bar Bombon, Philly is one of those cities where it’s easy to find great vegan food. This Valentine’s Day they’re celebrating with some fun menu additions, available from February 10th – 14th. For cocktails you’ll find the “Passion After Midnight” made with Bacardi Rum, passion fruit puree, pink peppercorn, strawberry foam, and my favorite, the “Smoky Romance” with Casamigos mezcal, pama, amaro, lime. For bites they’ve added “Oysters and Pearls”, with the most perfectly cooked crispy
oyster mushrooms, veggie pearls, garlic chips, cilantro, lemon-saffron mojo isleño, and the “Grilled Eggplant a la huancaina” with purple eggplant and a peruvian salada over huancaina salsa. The regular menu will also be available during this time. Whatever you do not leave without trying the tres leches cake!

Taqueria Amor

Manayunk’s popping and trendy taqueria is ready for Valentine’s Day, as they just launched their insane Barbie-themed makeover! Feel pretty in pink and sip on sassy Barbie-themed drinks for V-Day, along with all their usual amazing Mexican eats. Perfect for Valentine’s and Galentine’s alike, you’ll be ready to party like Barbie at Taqueria Amor this holiday!