Valentine's Day may be for lovers, but it can also be a truly next-level day for lovers who also love food. There are fancy intimate tables for two at some of Vancouver's loveliest restaurants for feasting, cheeky - and cheesy - specials, heaps of chocolate, and some alt ideas for wooing your sweetie with food.
Here are 15 ways for food lovers to spend Valentine's Day in Vancouver.
For the couple that cooks together: Classes at The Dirty Apron
Photo courtesy The Dirty Apron
One of Vancouver's best spots for cooking classes, the Dirty Apron is also offering some courses perfect for those looking to perfect their mastery of the love language of food. On Feb. 11 they've got Crème de la Crème- The Best in Classic French Cuisine; on Feb. 12 it's La Dolce Vita- For the Love of Food; and on Feb. 13 they've got Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner. If none of those fit your bill, you can always give the option of a future class, i.e. enroll in something happening later, or give your main squeeze a gift certificate.
For spirited couples: Cocktails at the Fairmont Pacific Rim
One of the city's best spots for bevvies, the Fairmont Pacific Rim will have plenty to raise a glass to with your honey. At Botanist Bar, the spirited scientists have concocted two love potions to set the mood: Lover's Knot and Tomorrow Can Wait. Downstairs at The Lobby Lounge, bartenders are shaking things up with the Kissed by the Rosé cocktail, or you can opt for the 'Fashion Takes Flight' trio of cocktails inspired by the couture vintage dresses that hang on display in the hotel lobby.
For couples with a sense of humour: Fried Chicken Bouquets at Juke
Photo courtesy Juke
The way to many a man or woman’s heart is through the stomach, so why not say it with fried chicken? For Valentine’s Day, Vancouver’s Juke is offering a beautiful fried chicken bouquet at both their locations. The Let’s Cluck bouquet will have your heart blooming thanks to its eight pieces of Juke’s crispy-tender (and incidentally gluten-free) fried chicken. The Let’s Cluck bouquet is available by pre-order for $29, and quantities are limited. Pick it up on Feb. 14, 2019 between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Orders can be made online at jukefriedchicken.com or via email at info@jukefriedchicken.com.
For couples who keep it old school: Dinner for two at Pepino's
For flirty couples: Pink Bub and Baby Bub from Haywire
Photo courtesy Okanagan Crush Pad
It's the most sparkly, pink time of the year. Haywire, from the Okanagan Crush Pad, is once again offering their signature sparkling wine, The Bub. Pink Bub is released annually in time for Valentine's Day, and is available in a traditional 750 ml bottle ($29.90) or the smaller Baby Bub 375 ml bottle ($15.90). Both can be purchased online at Okanagan Crushpad, and quantities are definitely limited.
For super romantic couples: Flowers + Dinner + Wines at YEW
This Valentine’s Day, YEW’s offerings have been designed to help guests blow their date away with a memorable, romantic evening. Their luxurious five-course tasting menu features not only sumptuous eats by Executive Chef Edgar Kano, but also a Veuve Clicquot ambassador will be there to share wine pairing suggestions based on guest preferences. Bonus: YEW has partnered with Garlands florist, and each reservation will accompany the option to pre-select a beautiful bouquet to surprise a special someone at the table. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 604 692 4939. A Valentine’s vegan menu is also available.
For globe-trotting couples: 'Fly Me to the Moon'...with chocolate fondue at H Tasting Lounge
Photo courtesy H Tasting Lounge
Chef Alex Mok’s four-course set menu titled ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ features light plates that evoke themes of romance and travel — by land, sea and air. Enjoy your meal in the art deco-inspired atmosphere, and dip into the chocolate fondue for two dessert. ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ is $180 per couple, plus taxes and gratuity. For reservations call 604-691-6962 or email info@htastinglounge.com.
For oenophile couples: Natural wines at Burdock & Co.
Photo courtesy Burdock & Co.
For Valentine's night, Burdock & Co. will host two seatings - one at 5:30/6pm, and the other at 8/8:30pm - each featuring a parade of dishes designed to excite taste buds and encourage lingering conversation. Sommelier Claire Saksun has also curated match-made-in-heaven wine pairings showcasing the restaurant's impressive completely naturalist wine list (available at an additional cost).
For veggie and vegan couples: The Acorn Loves <3 You
The Acorn doesn't take reservations...except they will be for Valentine's Day.The Acorn Loves You <3! They're taking full reservations for parties of all sizes and offering a special three-course prix-fixe menu for $55 per person with optional wine pairings. Vegan and gluten free options will be available for all three courses, however The Acorn's regular a-la-carte menu will not be available. Overflow seating will be available at the bar, and dining durations are scaled based on party size. Book online.
For couples who like it casual: Heart-shaped pizza at Pizzeria Farina
Photo courtesy Pizzeria Farina
For one night only, Pizzeria Farina will be offering its signature heart-shaped Margherita pizzas for all the lovers to share on Valentine’s Day. Topped with tomato sauce, fior di latte, olive oil and basil, the adorable 12-inch pies will be available for $16 starting at 5 p.m. while quantities last for dine-in guests only.
For couples who rock: Dinner inspired by love songs at The Mackenzie Room
Photo courtesy The Mackenzie Room
Swoon and sway during supper at The Mackenzie Room, where Valentine's Day dinners are on all week long (because babysitters can be hard to come by, right?). Chef Sean Reeve has designed his dinner-for-two menu with each course is inspired by a love song. From Feb. 11 to 17, the date night menu is available for tables of two ($50/guest with optional drink pairings).
For carnivorous couples: Steak for two at Crowbar
Carnivores, you can cozy up at Crowbar for an intimate steak dinner on Feb. 14. Designed to be shared, the decadent menu stars 32 oz organic dry-aged ribeye steak cooked to order, marinated in garum, aged in roast beef fat and sprinkled with parmigiano rind. The meat is served alongside freshly baked bread, Chef Justin Ell's feature pasta, and two sides, all capped off by a decadent dessert. Look for special cocktails from the bar, too. Dinner for two is priced at $200, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required; email info@crowbareastvan.com.
For couples who love sushi: A full seafood experience at Miku
Aburi sushi selection (Photo courtesy Miku)
Seafood lovers, Miku is calling your name for Valentine's Day. The downtown waterfront restaurant is offering an exclusive Valentine's Day Kaiseki dining experience for $98 per person, with an add-on premium sake pairing option for $45. This Kaiseki is special because it is actually a full seafood experience, and features items exclusive to the evening like oysters two ways (fresh and Aburi), Alaskan king crab, Ocean Wise Ōra king salmon entrée, and two new Aburi nigiri: sablefish and Selva tiger prawn. Only available for dinner on Feb. 14.
For couples (and others) who like to party: Cheesy Valentine's Karaoke at Timber
Move over fancy dinners and tinkling piano music. How about the dulcet tones of karaoke, paired with cheese fondue in a lively atmosphere? Timber is hosting a Cheesy Valentine's Karaoke Party, perfect for couples or friends. We won't blame you if you opt to belt out a cheesy love ballad, either. Fondue and Karaoke is on from 8 p.m. to midnight, and no cover.
For chocoholic couples: Chocolate Cave at Notch8
Chocolate treats at Notch8 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (Photo courtesy Fairmont Hotel Vancouver)
The Notch8 Private Dining Room will be transformed into a stunning Chocolate Cave featuring floor-to-ceiling custom built chocolate covered walls and a selection of over 35 different chocolate desserts created by the in-house pastry shop. To complement the sweet experience, you’ll start with a glass of bubbly. Available Feb. 14-17. $65 per person, includes one glass of sparkling. For reservations or more information call 604-662-1900 or email hvc.concierge@fairmont.com.
