The most love-ly day of the year is right around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating your relationship with your significant other or are looking forward to a fun and fabulous Galetine’s Day party, you’re probably ready to get out of the house and shake off the winter blues in favor of some seasonal pinks and reds!
If you’ve got a date you want to impress – or even just treat to a special night out – check out our list of some of the most sought-after restaurants on Valentine’s Day in the ‘burgh:
Poulet Bleu
Image via Polet Blue Instagram
Sure, Poulet Bleu is somewhat of an obvious choice for Valentine’s Day thanks to its rich French food, plentiful wine list, and its cozy, candlelight space in Lawrenceville. However, it’s become a classic for a reason, especially with its annual Valentine’s Day specials. The food is incredible, the service is unparalleled, and you can’t find a more romantic dinner setting for V-Day. If you’re ready to splurge on treating your loved one, make a reservation ASAP (they’re already booking up!) and don’t be afraid to ask for a wine recommendation – it can really make all the difference.
Wigle Whiskey
Image via Wigle Whiskey Instagram
Ready to raise a glass to your significant other? Wigle Whiskey is hosting two nights of Valentine’s Day dinners at their cocktail bar and kitchen in the Strip, where you can enjoy a romantic meal, a few tasty drinks, and maybe even grab a bottle to take home. Expect to see some special food items and love-themed cocktails on the menu.
Mezzo
Image via Sienna Mercato Instagram
Mezzo, located on the second floor of three-story Italian joint Sienna Mercato, is hosting a special Valentine’s Day wine dinner for one night only. Featuring a four-course prix fixe menu with a salad, pasta, protein, and dessert along with expertly-paired wine selections, love will definitely be in the air for you and your special date. Make sure to grab your tickets ahead of time for this 8PM seating.
The Melting Pot
Image via The Melting Pot Instagram
Do you fondue? If not, you should – what’s more romantic than getting cozy with your love over a pot of steaming hot chocolate and a plate full of sweet treats to dip? The Melting Pot is always a popular spot for special occasions, and Valentine’s Day is a big one, so snag a reservation as soon as you can if you know that you and your SO would fall head over heels for all the melty cheese you can eat.
Paris 66 Bistro
Image via Paris 66 Bistro Instagram
Is your boo an adventurous eater? The Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu at Paris 66 Bistro might just be the way to their heart. For the first course alone, you can choose between escargot, foie gras, or oysters with a Bloody Mary mignonette. After a hearty dinner and dessert, you can enjoy a complimentary flute of French sparkling wine to toast to the two of you and say je t’aime!
Threadbare Cider House
Image via Threadbare Cider House Instagram
Looking for something low-key and casual this Valentine’s Day? How about something a little nostalgic too? Threadbare Cider’s prix fixe menu is offering what your heart truly desires: pizza! Their package for two includes two cider pours, a shared app, two adorable heart-shaped pizzas and a dessert to split. Tickets are available for two seatings on Saturday the 12th, but will likely go fast. Pro move: grab a bottle of your date’s favorite cider to take home after dinner for a nightcap.
Emerson’s
Image via Emerson’s Instagram
Tucked away on the second floor above Market Street Grocery near Market Square, Emerson’s is a hidden gem: a “cocktail lounge with European cafe vibes” that surprisingly few seem to have discovered. Here you’ll enjoy a tres chic Valentine’s Day dinner, and you’ll likely avoid a lot of the bustling crowd of young lovers trying not to be late for their reservations. Finish off your meal with a memorable dessert like the gateau opera Cake seen above, with a Calvados apple filling topped and a vanilla mousse decorated to resemble an apple.
Mediterra
Image via Mediterra Instagram
Want to impress someone really special this year? Mediterra’s prix fixe Valentine’s Day dinner may be a splurge, but we’re confident that it will be worth it. Start off with a welcome drink and a grazing board before digging into five courses that include a mussel and crab stew, truffled risotto, halibut cheeks, slow-roasted beef rib eye and an olive oil chocolate mousse. Oh, and selected spirits will be served with your courses. Just try not being impressed by that!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.