Not sure what to do for Valentine’s Day? Sure- chocolates, cards or flowers are a good start, but if you really want to impress, a romantic meal is the way to go. We’ve narrowed it down to the city's most delicious menus (at the best prices) so you can treat your other half to a bit of luxury without the hefty price tag. Feel free to take all the credit- that's what we're here for.
Mercato
Treat your special someone to the market-fresh, Italian-inspired cuisine at Mercato. Choose from a four-course prix fixe chef’s menu that features mouthwatering dishes such as braised Jamison farm lamb shank, whole grilled bronzino and house-made papperdelle. Top off your night with a choice of delicious desserts ranging from vanilla bean panna cotta to dark chocolate mousse. All of this with a champagne toast for $75 per person.
XIX
Dating a seafood lover? Luckily, chef Marc Plesis at XIX restaurant has created a chef’s romance menu in honor of Cupid’s day. Selections will include kumomoto oysters, hand-dived scallops, black sea bass, bison tenderloin and chocolate-almost-macaroon hearts to make your dining experience as lovey-dovey as possible. For those lovebirds who wish to celebrate romance beyond V-Day, XIX continues to offer Philadelphia’s largest selection of aphrodisiac oysters on the half shell and a dessert menu with sexy, shareable sweet treats.
Ansill
So a trip to Paris didn’t quite make your February budget, but if you want to experience the romance of the city of lights, there’s nothing like sharing Euro-style small plates accompanied by samplings of premium wines. This V-Day weekend, Ansill is bringing you a menu for two that will make both of your hearts race. Dishes for two include surf and turf ($15), ribeye and mushrooms in a red wine sauce ($50) and flounder stuffed with crab served with lemon and fried capers ($35).
Pond & Bistro Cassis
Food and love come together at Pond and Bistro Cassis where chef Abde Dahrough showcases the taste of romance in a six-course tasting menu. For $95 per person, heat up the evening with choices ranging from pan-seared diver scallop, lobster bisque, wild mushroom ragot, yukon potato gnocci and saffron coulis. Conclude your dining experience with sensual desserts like Adam and Eve chocolate cake or green-apple sorbet.
Ms. Tootsie’s
For just $40, Ms. Tootsie’s is spreading the love with a soulful prix fixe menu all week long, in honor of Valentine’s Day. This year, you and your date can celebrate love with food that’s good for the soul. The Café is serving southern cuisines including southern fried chicken, grilled salmon, BBQ chicken and fried cat fish that can be accompanied with a flute of champagne. Finish it off with red velvet cake to show your special someone your true colors.
Morton's Steakhouse
Morton’s is serving up a surf ‘n turf special just in time for V-Day. This four-course steak and seafood dinner for two is $109, and features two filet mignons along with a choice of Morton’s signature seafood, salads and delicious desserts. Known for excellent steaks, Morton’s starts you off with single-cut filets of the leanest and most tender cuts of beef and compliments them with a sensational seafood selection. If this menu doesn’t win your date over, make a Valentine’s toast with champagne cocktails presented with wild hibiscus flowers.
Water Works Restaurant and Lounge
Back by popular demand, Water Works Restaurant and Lounge is spreading the love by extending their $75 "Sweetheart Package" to include Friday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 15. You can enhance your night of romance beyond this package with the "Sweetheart Deal" that is available every weekend in February. Best of all, for just $175, you can wow your lover with a romantic dinner at Water Works coupled with a night at the Four Seasons Hotel. Who said V-Day was only fun for Hershey's and Hallmark?
