Though it may be frigid outside, restaurants all around Baltimore are heating up in anticipation of one of the biggest dining-out holidays of the year. Whether you’re planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner, BFF, family members, or a group (be sure to check out our Galentine’s guide, here) there are plenty of places to make a ravishing reservation that will fill both your stomach and your soul. Here are a few suggestions:
Bunny’s Buckets & Bubbles: The a la carte specials on deck for Valentine’s weekend at this Fells Point favorite scream comfort. We’re talking chicken fried lobster mac and cheese, sous-vide bone-in short rib with mashed potatoes, and a hearty plate of mozzarella and tomato-stuffed gnocchi. Find that second stomach for a dessert of chocolate trifle topped with whipped cream.
Charleston: If a four-course meal complete with complementary dessert and optional wine pairings sounds like your ideal February 14th, look no further than Charleston in Harbor East. Executive Chef Cindy Wolf is offering a decadent menu with highlights including grilled duck breast with celeriac salad and toasted walnuts, escargot with slow roasted cherry tomatoes and brioche toast, and a roasted lamb chop with potato gratin and a fresh black winter truffle reduction sauce. $189 per person.
Cindy Lou’s Fish House: Beautiful waterfront views are the highlight of a meal at Cindy Lou’s in Harbor Point. Pick the perfect tarot-themed cocktail to accompany local oysters, a special chocolate tasting, and the “Land & Sea for Two” special, which includes slow-roasted ribeye and grilled tiger shrimp.
Eddie’s of Roland Park: For some, fine flatware and linen tablecloths just aren’t the vibe. That’s where Eddie’s comes in. If you’re hoping to stay in this year, the local grocer is offering a special heat-and-eat dinner for two complete with appetizers, entrees, sides, and a shareable dessert. Sumptuous options include baby lamb lollipops with raspberry agrodolce and filet mignon with your choice of herb compound butter or mushroom demi-glace. The meal can be upsized further to include a broiled lobster tail or jumbo lump crab cake. $119 for two.
Gunther & Co.: Seafood is the star of the holiday menu at this Brewers Hill favorite. The four-course menu, with optional oyster and shellfish pairings for those looking to really go all in, highlights offerings like lobster rangoons, grilled jerk spiced octopus, and seared Honolulu Fish Co. tuna loin. Don’t miss out on the toasted miso butter cake for dessert. $150 per person.
HEX Superette x Tom Cat’s Kitchen: On Feb. 16, this special kitchen takeover by Chef Anna Kent of local vegan restaurant Tom Cat’s Kitchen will bring kimchi cream gnocchi with crispy seared mushrooms and wilted bok choy, ginger curry carrot soup, cherry jam blondies, and more to HEX Superette in Govans. If you and your special someone are plant-based, make plans to celebrate with Kent’s creations that incorporate HEX’s fermented favorites. Of course, the collaborative menu will be paired with HEX’s variety of farm sodas, kombuchas, or cocktails.
Limoncello: Take a trip to Southern Italy by way of South Baltimore with Limoncello’s special “La Fiesta Di St. Valentino” menu, in addition to the restaurant’s classic dinner options. Sip on complementary Champagne while deciding between options like Oysters Rockefeller, lobster pappardelle, and a profiterole trio for dessert. If Champagne isn’t your style, opt for one of Limoncello’s famous martinis to accompany crispy polenta cakes or cacio e pepe.
Monarque: Enjoy dinner and a show with the musical (and on certain days, burlesque) acts at this Harbor East venue, which boasts a secluded speakeasy vibe with warm lighting. Romantic recipes on offer include a half roasted truffle chicken or mushroom vol-au-vent. Finish off the night with a s’mores créme brûlée topped with Italian merengue.
One Eyed Mike’s: The Fells Point fixture boasts a cozy dining room, hand-carved wooden bar, and iconic walls lined top-to-bottom with bottles of Grand Marnier—making it a gem of a spot for V-Day. Chef and owner Akbar Vaiya has created a special menu for the Hallmark holiday, featuring staples such as a wedge salad, French onion soup, and Black Angus steaks.
Rec Pier Chop House: Do it up with a classic steak dinner at the Sagamore Pendry’s restaurant in Fells Point. A three-course menu starts off with an amuse bouche before the main event—an espresso-cured prime filet with creamy escarole and a cippolini onion tart. There are also many fish and pasta options, including Gnocchi alla Romana and a black risotto with confit octopus and marinated mussels. $125 per person.
Sweet27: For gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diners, Sweet27 has something special planned. With a combination of meat and vegan options for any kind of eater, the Remington restaurant’s Valentine’s Day prix-fixe offers a classic crab dip and butter chicken, plus a vegetable korma, classic eggplant parmesan, and enchilada mole.
Twist Fells Point: Expect complimentary bubbly if you snag a res at Twist on Broadway Square, but don’t forget the Mediterranean mainstay is also BYOB. Diners can go a classic route with the shrimp cocktail and blue cheese-crusted barrel cut filet of beef, or lean adventurous with the famous Lebanese mezze and Amish grilled chicken. Finish out the night with some Peruvian dark chocolate-dipped strawberries. $120 for two.