8 Actually Great Valentine’s Day Dining Options

Most of the time, Valentine’s Day dining is the epitome of boring. Instead of spending too much cash on pricey prix-fixe menus with tiny portions of steak and stingy pours of wine, get creative in 2020.

Instead of stressing over where to wine and dine your love for the next two weeks, scope out this list of eight actually great Valentine’s Day dinner options, ranging from dessert at the symphony to pasta at one of the city’s finest restaurants.

For the hopeless romantic: Have dessert with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Add a $35 Sweetheart Package to your tickets to the DSO’s Valentine’s Day Weekend presentation of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet and you’ll have access to wine, champagne and a full dessert bar.

For the chocolate lover: Enjoy chocolate, champagne, and a killer view at Saint Rocco’s.

Saint Rocco’s in Trinity Groves is offering a chance for lovers to head to their rooftop for a special evening this Valentine’s Day. For just $40 per couple, Saint Rocco’s will be pouring champagne and sampling chocolates starting right around sunset, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

For the Francophile: Whip up a little something sweet at Whisk Crepes Cafe

No need to dress up or go all out, just take your date to Whisk Crepes Cafe for a casual French date on Valentine’s Day. The Midnight in Paris crepe, with raspberries, chocolate ice cream, dark chocolate sauce and whipped cream, is a perfect choice for the holiday.

For the whiskey lover: Head to a concert at Firestone & Robertson’s Whiskey Ranch

Starting at 5:00 p.m. this Valentine’s Day, Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. is opening up the distillery for in-depth tours, specialty cocktails, a photo booth, outdoor games, plus pizza and donuts followed by a Valentine’s Day concert featuring Grady Spencer & the Work. Tickets are $25 per person.

400 Gradi/Facebook

For the pasta lover: Treat them to a four-course prix fixe menu at 400 Gradi

Head downtown to experience a chic Italian dinner at 400 Gradi. Just $55 per person will get you a four-course prix fixe featuring scallops, gnocchi, tagliatelle alla bolognese, seared branzino and more. A rose gelato-topped chocolate torte will top off the gastronomic-romantic feast. Call 972-850-9053 to reserve.

Lucia/Facebook

For the one you want to impress: Snag a reservation at Lucia

One of the most notorious restaurants in town for being difficult to get a reservation, Lucia has offered up both Friday and Saturday nights with two seatings each for its special Valentine’s day menu. For $175 per guest including wine pairings, guests can indulge in scallop crudo, veal loin and chocolate cake.

Rachel Pinn

For the playful type: Take it outside at Desert Racer

A playful menu and games galore make this casual new East Dallas eatery a fun alternative to the traditional multi-course, fixed price meal. With colorful drinks and a menu full of American and Tex-Mex favorites, chef-owner Nick Badovinus’ newest restaurant offers up fun in spades. Head outside to play foosball, ping pong or take advantage of several selfie opportunities with your boo.

Mudhen Meat & Greens/Facebook

For those who like to eat sexy: Eat an aphrodisiac-filled menu at Meddlesome Moth

Hit this beloved brewpub for a dinner that’s designed to be sexy. Alleged aphrodisiacs, like oysters and chocolate covered strawberries, are on chef Suki Otsuki’s special Valentine’s Day menu, along with themed dishes like “love chicken” and dirty rice. Reserve online or by calling 214-628-7900.