Dinner Reservations for Every Type of Valentine

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by Valentine’s Day pressure — so many options, such high expectations, dwindling reservation spots. Don’t let V-Day stress keep you from enjoying what the holiday is really for — enjoying a mouth-wateringly decadent meal with someone you love (Or at least like a lot? Had a dog on their Tinder profile?). Luckily, no matter who you’re taking out to eat, we’ve got you covered.

The Blind Date — Hawksworth

You can’t go wrong with the veal tenderloin, scallops with cod tortellini and black truffle ice cream that await you at Hawksworth. Plus, there’s a vegan and vegetarian menu upon request too, so there’s something for everyone.
What you get: Five-course dinner (the last course is a chocolate box in an assortment of flavours)
What you pay: $110 per guest ($168 with wine pairing)

 

The Vegan — Beetbox’s Wine & ‘Cheese’ Mingler

Enjoy vegan wine and dairy-free ‘cheese’ from Blue Heron Creamery including Mostarda Cheddar, Ardea Blue and Fig Cumulus at Beetbox, a new vegetarian comfort food joint. Other food is also available for purchase.
What you get: A glass of welcome Prosecco and a glass of wine plus grazing-rights on an array of dairy-free cheeses and canapés.
What you pay: $25

The Seafood-Lover — Ancora

Both the False Creek and West Van Ancora locations are serving up six-course seafood feasts with offerings such as salmon tartar, albacore tune ceviche and matane shrimp risotto. There’s also a vegetarian menu if fish isn’t your thing.
What you get: A six-course dinner
What you pay: $99 per person ($79 for vegetarian option and $79 for wine pairing)

 

The Picky Eater — Farina a Legna

If foie gras isn’t quite your date’s speed but you’re still looking for an elevated dining experience, Farina a Legna is a safe (and delicious) bet. The dinner for two includes olives, radicchio salad, a choice of Vongole or Bolognese pasta, a heart-shaped Margherita pizza and tiramisu. The regular menu is also available, just in case.
What you get: A four-course dinner for two plus olives
What you pay: $68 per couple

The Future Fiance/Fiancee — The Observatory at Grouse Mountain

What could be more romantic than looking out over spectacular views of the city while nibbling cured foie gras, poached sturgeon and chestnut stout cake? The Observatory is a classic Vancouver engagement spot for a reason.
What you get: Five-course dinner plus an assortment of canapés.
What you pay: $120 per person

The Double Date — Wildebeest

Grab another couple for the discount and enjoy sumptuous courses such as confit pork belly, Beretta Farm Flat Iron and smoked duck at Wildebeest. 
What you get: A four-course dinner
What you pay: $69 per person. $60 per person on groups of four ($35+ per person wine pairing)

The Meat-Lover: Black + Blue

Prosciutto wrapped pan seared scallops, 8 oz Canadian Prime Tenderloin and optional upgrade to surf and turf platter. Need I say more?
What you get: Three-course dinner plus a glass of bubbles to start
What you pay: $100 per person

The Multitasker — Ikea

If you’ve ever wanted to combine romance and practicality, this one’s for you. Stop in for a three-course meal in between furniture shopping at a price that’s hard to beat. Plus, with options like glazed salmon and meatballs with bacon and herb-infused mashed potatoes, the fare doesn’t look half-bad.
What You Get: Three-courses plus a glass of wine or beer
What you Pay: $35.99 (Kid’s meal: $3.49)

 

The Extravagant One — Bacchus

Sometimes bigger is better. As the only Relais & Chateaux property in Vancouver, this Valentine’s Day menu is downright decadent. Courses including Lavender cured salmon, olive oil poached lobster and balsamic glazed lamb shank culminate in an extensive dessert platter — you’ll be full for a week. Plus Bacchus’ burgundy velvet chairs will make you feel like a member of the royal family while you munch.
What you get: Five-course dinner
What you pay: $135 per person

The Sushi Lover — Minami

Sushi-lovers are bound to be enchanted by Minami’s impressive array of premium sashimi and aburi “flame-seared” sushi. The $40 sake pairing is the cherry on top.
What you get: A six-course dinner
What you pay: $125

The Third Date — Pourhouse

If you’re stuck in that not-quite-sure-where-we-stand part of a relationship, Pourhouse’s elevated casual dining experience is probably just what the chef ordered. Ditch the white linen tablecloths but keep all the mouthwatering deliciousness of an upscale dining experience with their “Perfect-for-Pairs” menu (lobster ravioli and salmon wellingtons anyone?).
What you get: A four-course dinner plus amuse bouche
What you pay: $99 for two ($70 for 3 oz. pairings; $90 for 5 oz.)

The Adventurous Spirit — The Mackenzie Room

Chef Sean Reeve drew inspiration from ‘Something Borrowed, Something Blue’ for the Mackenzie Room’s Valentine’s menu, though what exactly is on it won’t be released until the week of (he’s promising a few new dishes and a few fan favourites). Whatever the menu, it’s sure to be delicious. Take someone who’ll enjoy the surprise!
What you get: 5-course dinner for two
What you pay: $100 per table ($50 per person)

 

The Galentines —Botanist

The light-panel flooring, natural light and plant collection make Botanist a perfect spot for a girl’s night photo. What could be better than spending an evening nibbling butter-poached lobster tail and beetroot rosette with your ladies while being serenaded by live music?
What you get: Six-course tasting menu and welcome glass of sparkling wine
What you pay: $168 per person ($60 wine pairing)

The Sense of Humour —Annalena

Part 6 of their dinner series, each course of Annalena XO is inspired by a different ‘date night.’ Have a chuckle with your Valentine as you work through ‘Netflix and Chill’ (slow cooked pork belly and popcorn grits), ‘Long Walks on the Beach’ (clam chowder) and ‘Go Ice Skating’ (parsnip custard with sugar glass). Bonus: the folks at Annalena promise to create an entirely new restaurant for one night – with décor, table settings and service all centred around the theme.
What you get: Six-course tasting menu, amuse and petit fours
What you pay: $109 per person

The Pre-Show Date — Cibo Trattoria

Cibo Trattoria is a hop and a skip away from the Orpheum, Vogue Theatre and multiple cinemas making it the perfect pre or post show stop. The menu includes Taleggio, arugula and pear salad, Pollo al Marsala and housemade truffles.
What you get: Three-course dinner
What you pay: $49 per person

The Rom-Com Lover — Blue Hat Bistro at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

Every course of the Blue Hat’s V-Day menu is inspired by a famous romantic comedy, from ‘Pretty Woman’ (strawberries and bubbles) to ‘Like Water For Chocolate’ (roasted quail with honey and rose petal sauce).
What you get: Seven-course dinner
What you pay: $69 per persona ($30 per wine pairing)