It’s officially the season of romance, and restaurants all over town are pulling out the candlesticks and white linen tablecloths to get in the spirit. Whether you’re looking for a fancy prix-fixe, à la carte specials, or decadent desserts on Feb. 14, the local dining scene is offering an array of festive Valentine’s Day deals to fall in love with.
Precious Prix-Fixe Menus
Bondhouse: The special holiday dinner-for-two at this Fells Point kitchen is tough to beat. Grab your partner, best bud, or latest Hinge interest to savor one appetizer, two salads or soups, two entrees, and one bottle of wine or Champagne for $95.
Charleston: If you’ve been waiting for the perfect occasion to treat yourself to a decadent meal by chef Cindy Wolf—let this be your sign. Reserve a spot at the Harbor East mainstay for four courses followed by a complimentary dessert. Meal highlights will include lobster soup with curry, crispy shrimp with a lemongrass dipping sauce, goat cheese and roasted cherry tomato salad, pan-roasted sea scallops in black truffle beurre blanc, duck leg confit in a red wine reduction sauce, and grilled beef tenderloin in a bourbon sauce with fried green tomato. $189 per person.
Chuck’s Trading Post: The cozy Hampden dining den is playing up the romance with a four-course fixed menu that includes one cocktail or mocktail, plus choices like mushroom-ricotta toast on Ovenbird sourdough, a creamy Caesar salad, short ribs with roasted veggies, balsamic-glazed salmon, and house tiramisu. $55 per person.
Cosima: The Sicilian destination along the Jones Falls is highlighting a prix-fixe with dishes like roasted mushroom crostini, gorgonzola fondue, brown butter scallops, and beet-and-goat cheese ravioli. To finish off, choose from an array of heavenly desserts like passionfruit sorbet and cherry-orange cheesecake. Optional wine pairings are available. $125 per person.
Eddie’s of Roland Park: Looking to celebrate at home? Skip the reservation and pre-order a four-course, ready-to-enjoy meal from this Roland Park market. Menu items include the classics: grilled filet mignon, jumbo lump crab cakes, tarragon-grilled asparagus, chocolate-covered strawberries, and heart-shaped Chocolate Delice. Available for pickup or delivery. $99 meal for two.
Ellie’s Tavern: Complimentary bubbly will accompany the four-course menu at this Canton tavern. Start off by munching on charcuterie before moving on to options like cream of crab soup, 10-oz. ribeye, lobster ravioli, or vegan curry. Fitting desserts include a fruit tart and chocolate heart.
Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen: Snag a table to celebrate with chef John Shields and his team at the BMA stalwart. Gertrude’s aphrodisiac-themed tasting menu features dishes like three-cheese baked oysters, oysters on the half shell with Champagne-tarragon mignonette, a crab cake paired with grilled sirloin, and a vegan red lentil bolognese. With Charlottetown Farm cheesecake and pineapple upside down cake on the dessert menu, it’s in your best interest to try to save room. $60 per person.
Gunther & Co: This trendy Brewers Hill spot is whipping up a worldly four-course prix-fixe highlighting pork belly al pastor, Thai crab soup, ahi tuna ceviche, butter-poached lobster over potato gnocchi, grilled Wagyu, and roasted Branzino for two. Ask for two spoons to dig into profiteroles, burnt Basque cheesecake, and chocolate panna cotta for dessert. $150 per person with optional wine and oyster/shellfish add-ons.
Grano Pasta Bar: Looking for a cozy restaurant to enjoy a romantic repast? Located on the Avenue in the heart of Hampden, Grano is serving shrimp bisque in a butter cream sauce, Piemonte-style flank steak with house ravioli, and chocolate flan to finish it all off. $45 per person.
La Cuchara: Take your taste buds on a trip to the Basque region with the four-course menu at this Hampden hotspot. Eats on offer include lobster croquettes with saffron aioli, octopus carpaccio, wood-grilled strip steak, chestnut-filled pasta with wild mushrooms, and a Blackout Mousse Cake with vanilla malt ice cream. $129 per person.
Lib’s Catering at Rockfield Manor: With stunning views of Rockfield Park, this Bel Air catering venue invites you to spend Valentine’s Day in its elegant dining room. Overseeing the kitchen will be Lib’s Catering, whose three-course menu lists entrées like pistachio and pumpkinseed-crusted salmon, tomato risotto with basil and herb oil, and triple chocolate mousse cake for dessert. A portion of all proceeds support the venue’s nonprofit Rockfield Foundation. $70 per person.
Rec Pier Chop House: The upscale Italian chophouse inside the Sagamore Pendry will spotlight a wide variety of flavorful bites, including crab crostini, salmon piccata, filet mignon and lobster, and Sicilian pistachio cake. $95 per person.
Toki Underground x Jinji Chocolate: The Greenmount Avenue neighbors are showing their love with a savory-sweet collab this V-Day. At Toki Underground, take advantage of a specialty prix-fixe that includes seared duck breast in a chocolate-orange sauce or pan-fried shitake with smoked oyster sauce and truffle, plus noodles, a Jinji chocolate duo for dessert, and one complimentary beverage. $45 per person.
Sweet 27: Known for its gluten-free and vegan cuisine, this inclusive Remington restaurant has offerings fit for every palate. A three-course holiday prix-fixe showcases beet fritters with tamarind sauce, parsley honey shrimp, cauliflower parmesan, spicy goat curry, and grilled pork chops with maple sweet potatoes. Sweet 27’s bakery is also crafting special desserts like raspberry ganache bombs, chocolate peanut bombs, and red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. $35 per person.
Verde: The three-course prix-fixe at this Canton corner spot has all of the makings of a satisfying meal: an appetizer, wood-fired pizza, dessert, and a complimentary Valentine’s Day cocktail. Settle in at a rose-decorated table to enjoy options like homemade meatballs, roasted beets, the classic margherita or pistachio-pesto pies, and tiramisu. $55 per person.
Affectionate À La Carte Specials
BLK Swan: Embrace the upscale club vibe of this Harbor East hotspot while enjoying decadent specials by chef Saon Brice. While popping bubbly in between dinner courses (think dishes such as cheesesteak eggrolls, Korean barbecue cauliflower, braised beef short ribs, and crispy Maine lobster tails) you can also groove to the live sounds of DJ P Drama.
Costiera: The brand new Coastal Mediterranean spot near Little Italy is ringing in its first Valentine’s Day with specials from Feb. 13-15. Along with the regular menu, be sure to sample the Island Creek oysters with pink peppercorn mignonette, lobster-stuffed tortellini, roasted duck breast for two, and olive oil polenta cake.
The Food Market: The Hampden comfort food spot is serving up an array of one-night-only dishes that will leave your heart (and your stomach) full this Valentine’s Day. Among them are roasted Chincoteaque oysters, chicken au poivre, lobster bisque gnocchi, and red velvet crème brûlée.
Miss Shirley’s: This Charm City staple—with four locations scattered from Roland Park to Annapolis—is the perfect spot for an indulgent brunch. Irresistible specials include a raspberry white chocolate cheesecake-stuffed French toast garnished with raspberry puree and powdered sugar, as well as red velvet pancakes with cream cheese icing.
Of Love & Regret: This Brewers Hill gastropub has crafted a list of impressive specials inspired by the first part of its name for Feb. 14. Snag a table for you and your sweetheart to enjoy plates like pierogies for two, cream of crab soup, sous-vide pork shoulder, vegetarian vodka-sauce gnocchi, and Kentucky butter cake.
Papi’s Tacos: The Fells Point flagship is rolling out new dishes for the month of love. Sample specials like fried corn crab nachos, Buffalo cauliflower tacos, chicken tinga molotes, and Oreo churros topped with chocolate-covered strawberries.
Rusty Scupper: The OG dining den off of Key Highway is celebrating with seafood staples like crab dip, crispy calamari, PEI oysters, and jumbo shrimp cocktail. For the main event, choose from grilled salmon with herb beurre blanc, jumbo lump crab cakes, a seven-ounce filet, or grilled Chilean sea bass.
Sammy’s Trattoria: Head to this homey Mt. Vernon spot for comforting Italian dishes paired with festive February cocktails. Among them: a chocolate-covered strawberry-flavored “Lovebug” martini and a berries and cream-flavored “Cupid’s Kiss” margarita.
Silver Queen Cafe: Come hungry to this Hamilton-Lauraville gem, which will be pouring festive cocktails and non-alcoholic sips to pair with a bevy of dinner specials. Look out for fresh-shucked oysters, filet mignon au poivre, duck breast, and mushroom pasta.
Tiny Brick Oven Pizza: Stop into this Fed Hill pizza shop to partake in a “Pizza Making Class for Lovers.” Your Valentine’s Day will include an interactive cooking lesson, photo booth fun, and gelato for dessert. Classes offered at varying times throughout the day. $49 per person.
Decadent Desserts
Cake by Jason: Chef Jason Hisley’s Timonium sweets shop is going all out with macaron and cupcake six-packs, as well as teddy bear-topped fondant cakes and fluffy strawberry shortcakes. If you’re looking for a family-friendly take-home activity, check out the DIY piñata sugar cookie kit.
Charm City Cakes: Treat your loved ones to sweets from this renowned Remington bakeshop. Festive desserts on offer include love bug cupcakes, brown butter Blondies, vintage buttercream heart cakes, and pink and red Mason jar cakes.
Flavor Cupcakery: Valentine’s Day cupcake flavors at this Bel Air bakery include, but are not limited to, Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry, Raspberry Amaretto, Coconut Cream Pie, and White Chocolate Cookie Bar. You can also mix-and-match a delicious variety of macarons, cake truffles, and cookies.
Patisserie Poupon: Surprise your special someone with a vast array of decadent desserts from this precious pastry shop, which operates two locations downtown. Seasonal items include raspberry, chocolate, and pistachio mousse tarts, all topped with fresh fruit and chocolate curls. $6.95 per small tart, $45 per large tart.
Pitango: Spread the love this Valentine’s Day with a box of hand-decorated sugar cookies. The Fells Point cafe is hosting its annual cookie-decorating extravaganza on Feb. 8, featuring DIY sweet treats, as well as house-made cocktails and hot chocolates. $35 per person.
Ovenbird Bakery: Calling all “lovebirds.” Pre-orders are now open for Ovenbird’s “Eat Your Heart Out” sugar cookies, lemon-lavender heart cakes, chocolate- covered strawberries, and chocolate cherry cream puffs. Pick-ups will take place at the bakery’s new Highlandtown location.