The Procrastinator’s Guide to Valentine’s Day Reservations
These tasting menus are so romantic your special someone will never know you waited until the last minute to make a reservation.
Valentine’s Dinner at Mamajuana Cafe / Photograph courtesy of Mamajuana Cafe
If you plan on strolling into a restaurant on Valentine’s Day, expecting a table, forget it. This is not the night to be a walk-in. Restaurants may say reservations are recommended, but we all know that, if you want to eat that night, they’re required.
We’re less than two weeks away from Valentine’s Day, and if you haven’t made reservations yet (like some of us), you’re in luck. There are still a few tables left at restaurants around the region offering highly anticipated tasting menus, wine pairings, and more to celebrate your love. So whether you’re six months into a new relationship with someone who makes you feel like hearts are shooting out of your eyes, celebrating a milestone year in a long-term relationship, or you’re just looking for a reason to get dressed up, sip some sparkling wine, and look at your beloved across a tiny table in the candlelight, here are the reservations we recommend.
Enswell, Rittenhouse
The only downside to this gorgeous, Best of Philly-winning restaurant had been that it didn’t take reservations, making the decision to get dinner here a gamble. Well, they’ve changed their stance on that, and just in time for Valentine’s! From February 13th through 15th (though the 14th is already booked, sorry!), they’re transforming into “Valentine’s Diner,” which they describe as “a nostalgic take on the classics, but with an elevated twist.” So, what does that mean? The five-course prix-fixe meal includes a cheese course from Perrystead, Crab Louie, and a dry-aged burger with bone marrow butter, plus wine pairings from Pray Tell Wine (for an additional cost). They’re dressing it up even more with tablescapes by Citrine. $90-$150 per person.
Mamajuana Cafe, Fishtown
Valentine’s Weekend starts with three-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day Dinner — including surf and turf (beef tenderloin paired with Spanish octopus), a Red Love sushi roll, and and Beso de Angel dessert — with live DJ music and photo ops. On February 15th, they’ve got an à la carte Valentine’s dinner and a show — live saxophone music and “rose model” performers. To round out the weekend, the Galentine’s and Gents Brunch on Sunday includes music and an “interactive conga lounge.” $90 per person for Friday prix-fixe; pay-as-you-go for Saturday and Sunday.
River Twice, East Passyunk
Randy Rucker always rolls out the red carpet for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. This year is no exception. He’s doing a seven-course menu including squid ink dumplings, coffee-rubbed venison loin, and more deliciously complex dishes. They’re preparing this special menu all Valentine’s weekend (Friday through Sunday), but at this point, you’ll have to go for a late V-Day dinner because Sunday is the only day with a table for two left. Worth it — all the drugstore candy will be half-price by then, anyway. $125 per person.
Bloomsday, Society Hill
The charming wine bar/all-day cafe in Society Hill is offering a three-course prix-fixe on Valentine’s Day itself, with selections like seared salmon, short rib, and polenta. You can add on oysters and caviar, too. And be sure to stop at their Fancy Wine Shop to grab a bottle or two to take home and continue the evening. $80 per person.
Forsythia, Old City
Christopher Kearse’s romantic French restaurant is serving a special five-course prix-fixe menu for Valentine’s Day including mackerel escabeche, cauliflower velouté, escargot, and the dry-aged duck breast that was just immortalized our 50 Best Restaurants issue. If you want to get even fancier, each course has add-ons, like black truffles, caviar, and foie gras. Starting at $120 per person.
Little Walter’s, Kensington
If nothing says “love” to you like pierogies, this is the place for you. Little Walter’s has a five-course prix-fixe Valentine’s meal that includes butter-poached lobster pierogi (topped with caviar, of course), plus more unique courses that explain why the Polish restaurant landed on our 50 Best Restaurant list, too. It’s priced per couple at $200, excluding drinks, which you should definitely add — pickle martini, anyone? $100 per person.
A candlelit dinner for Valentine’s Day / Photograph courtesy of Positano Coast
Positano Coast, Old City
For Valentine’s Day (and the Saturday after), Positano Coast is shutting off all the lights and lighting hundreds of candles for some immaculate mood-setting. Along with the vibes, their à la carte V-Day menu has everything from seafood to pastas — may I suggest the beet ravioli? Pay as you go.
Stella, New Hope
If you want to turn your Valentine’s Day into a weekend getaway, snag a reservation at Stella and spend the night at the Ghost Light Inn. Stella is offering a four-course chef’s tasting menu that will include Kumamoto oysters, braised short rib wontons, marinated lamb chops, and more. You can make it an even more glamorous meal by adding a wine pairing for $55 per person. $105-$160 per person.
Murder Mystery Dinner at Stratus Rooftop Lounge, Old City
For something a little — okay, a lot — different, head to the Hotel Monaco’s rooftop lounge for an interactive murder mystery dinner! In the “Dead Men Don’t Speakeasy,” Without a Cue will provide the entertainment while Stratus serves up the views and a four-course meal including deviled eggs, a dessert display, and a complimentary glass of champagne. Buy your tickets based on your entrée choice — steak, sole, or crispy tofu — and get ready to figure out whodunnit. $80 per person.
Additional reporting by Maddy Sweitzer-Lammé.
