That’s Amore!

Valentine’s Day dining destinations

February is the month of love, and there’s not much I love more than talking about the Philly restaurant scene. While Valentine’s Day may not be as exciting as it used to be in elementary school (getting princess and superhero cards with stickers and Fun Dip in your class mailboxes), it’s still a day that can be full of excitement and tasty treats.

If you’re still on the fence about where to make your Valentine’s Day date night or Galentine’s celebration dinner, here are a few options for every budget and vibe. Please click the links for menus, prices, and assorted food porn. BONUS: I also included some videos offering alternative ways to observe this romantic holiday. 🤭

🧑‍🍳⭐PRIX FIXE

I love prix fixe dining because chefs typically go above and beyond to create an exquisite tasting menu to make an occasion really feel special. You also know ahead of time what the bill will be at the end of the night, leaving little room for unwelcome surprises!

Fogo de Caho
1337 Chestnut St. (Midtown)
fogodechao.com

This year, my partner and I will be going to Fogo de Chao, the Brazilian steakhouse in Center City, with a fixed menu price of $66.50 per person. This price gets you unlimited cuts of steak and meat and all-you-can-eat access to the salad bar. If you’ve never enjoyed an authentic South American restaurant experience, here’s a great opportunity to try this fun (and delicious) dining option. And check out my review before you go, so you know what to expect!

Lark
611 Righters Ferry Rd. (Bala Cynwyd)
larkpa.com

Another prix fixe option I’m excited about is Lark, Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi’s newest concept. This coastal Mediterranean restaurant in Bala Cynwyd is hosting a $125 per person 5-course tasting menu for the holiday with a $79 wine pairing option.

🍴TRADITIONAL DINING 🤵

If you’re searching for a more budget-friendly option that will still impress, Philly is the place to be.

SET NoLibs
1030 N. 2nd St. (Northern Liberties)
set-hospitality.com

Last year, I went to SET NoLibs for Valentine’s Day, which was outstanding. Their international menu offers kebabs, sandwiches, tacos, sliders, and more. This is a great spot because of their SET specials, which pair a pre-determined skewer, slider, and side for a fixed price, giving you a taste of the whole menu!

Parc
227 S 18th St. (Rittenhouse)
parc-restaurant.com

Another popular date night spot is Parc in Rittenhouse. This French bistro has been a cult favorite dining spot for years, with its extensive menu featuring French delicacies like beef bourguignon and duck and figs.

Ancient Spirits and Grille
1726 Chestnut St. (Rittenhouse)
asgphilly.com

Ancient Spirits and Grille is an excellent option for unique cocktails. In fact, they boast America’s first Herbal Cocktail Lounge! The restaurant offers a unique dining experience based on Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine that originated in India. Their personalized service will tell you what your body needs and you can then order a cocktail or meal aligning with the results.

How? Ancient offers an app that asks you questions about your emotions, behaviors, and activities. Based on your answers, the app determines your Ayurvedic dosha, one of the three life forces governing your physical and mental attributes. The app then suggests food and drinks suitable for your dosha and help balance your body and mind.

Some examples of the questions that the app may ask you are:

• How do you react to stress?
• What is your preferred climate?
• What are your hobbies and interests?
• How is your sleep quality and energy level?

Ancient also offers a date night special at their Romeo and Juliet table, featuring a 5-course meal and two cocktails or mocktails. This special is limited as there is only one table available. 💕

🍽️🎳DINNER AND GAME NIGHT 🍺⛳

If you’re looking for dinner and a place to exercise your competitive nature, a few places across the city can give you the best of both.

North Bowl & South Bowl
909 N 2nd St. (Northern Liberties) & 19 E Oregon Ave. (South Philly)
northbowlphilly.com
southbowlphilly.com

North Bowl and South Bowl both feature a full bar, bowling, and bites for those looking for a game night. You can expect an extensive tater tot menu, full bar, corn dogs, sandwiches, and more while you unleash your competitive spirit out on the lanes.

Libertee Grounds
1600 W Girard Ave., Suite C5 (Fairmount)
liberteegrounds.com

Libertee Grounds features a great restaurant and hyper-local craft beer hall upstairs with tacos, sandwiches, and a full bar. Downstairs, you can find indoor mini golf and other games like darts, jenga, and a brand new golf simulator (which you must reserve beforehand!)

Barcade
1114 Frankford Ave. (Fishtown)
barcade.com/philadelphia

If you’re into video games, Barcade has you covered. A brand-new second location at 1326 Chestnut St. features dozens of old-school arcade games like pinball and Pac-Man with food and drinks like tacos, craft beer, hot dogs, and sandwiches.

Wherever you decide to go for Valentine’s Day, enjoy every minute, savor every bite, and be nice to the staff! Don’t be scared to let your love shine…..

🗣️ COMMENTS WELCOME! 🌹💖😋
What do you think? Do you have your own favorite date night spots? Please share below in the Comments, or catch up with me on Instagram @gingersliketoeat. If you enjoyed this feature, please check out last month’s column featuring reviews for my top three new restaurants to try in Philadelphia this year.