There are – quite literally – hundreds of dining options for courting couples. How then, does one choose a place that fulfills “romantic” aesthetic requirements and also delivers delicious food that satiates both the palate and the soul, and inspires thoughts love and lust?
There is more than one aspect to what makes a restaurant a solid choice for romance and fun, but here, in no particular order, are 10 spots that should make for some lucky nights all around. So, eat, drink and enjoy the pleasures of the night.
This lively spot may not initially scream “intimate,” but that’s only because you haven’t seen the new private dining room, physically separated from the main restaurant, and set up this V-Day weekend for tête-à-tête convos and some serious finger grazing. The menu also plays its part. Smoked salmon, fraîche and roe, prime rib with potato gratin; and honey cake with white chocolate cremeux.
For some girls – and guys – romance is best served with a beef pot pie and a pint of ale. That’s no reason, however, for the pie to be anything but excellent. The jovial room and upbeat vibe is happy-making, and the mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef are the stuff of legend. Plus, it’s a refurbished heritage house with some intimate nooks and crannies.
Another heritage house redux, Lupo is intimate yet cheerful. Forget white tablecloths and focus on the excellent wine list and stellar Valentine’s menu (offered Feb. 13-14). Three courses for $75 or four for $95 covers items such as wagyu beef carpaccio, burrata, lamb shank osso buco, short rib ravioli, smoked ricotta gnocchi and housemade sorbetto with madeleines or tiramisu for dessert.
Scott and Stephanie Jaeger have been quietly and successfully serving up Burnaby’s finest food for well over 15 years. The intimate 50-seat dining room serves up local, seasonal, sustainable and organic fare that varies according to what’s available and fresh. Items like the slow-cooked Maple Hills chicken breast or the twice-cooked Berkshire pork belly will make for a heady and lusty night.
Rather be in Paris? No reservations at this tiny East Side bistro, but the dimly-lit room, excellent food, highly approachable prices, and standout service make a little waiting in line worthwhile. The daily rotating features winners like lamb belly with celeriac tortellini, venison osso buco, fantastic pork rillettes, plus classics like French onion soup, cassoulet and duck confit. Definitely order the duck butter with bread, if it’s available.
Elegance and minimalism, when done right, can also lead to unforgettable and inspiring evenings. The modern Japanese fare created by executive chef Tatsuya Katagiri is both innovative and highly comforting, and ranges from daikon beer pickles to steamed monkfish liver with mizori ponzu vinaigrette. Don’t miss the roasted duck breast carpaccio or any of the outstanding sushi selections. Better yet, say “omakase” and leave yourself in the hands of a master.
Vegetarians and vegans need love, too. At The Parker, the modern, clean, softly-lit room is the perfect backdrop for the excellent nosh served up by Michelin-starred Felix Zhou and front of house and beverage program by owner Steve da Cruz. The rotating menu offers solid gluten-free options as well.
Sometimes, it’s all about the dough. Pizza dough, that is. The thin, slightly crispy crusts at Campagnolo are not Verace Napoletana, but they are delicious and well-laden with fennel sausage, mortadella, pork trotter and other house-butchered and cured delights. Taglietelle with pork ragu is perfect for sharing, à la Lady and the Tramp.
