Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and for all of you lovebirds, it’s time to let your romantic selves shine. But unless you’re an all-star planner, chances are you’re thinking uh oh right about now. With all of the options in Atlanta, how can you find the perfect place to show your other half how much you care?
Well worry no more because I’ve put together the ultimate guide to Valentine’s Day in Atlanta. First I break down the dinner spots by neighborhood, and then I add in some extra Valentine’s Day specials! There’s bound to be something for everyone!
Buckhead:
Photo by Chef Craig
If you’re looking for a “coastal European Valentine’s Day,” St. Cecilia is the place for you. It’s menu features dishes like Snapper Crudo with Chorizo, Parsnip and Caviar, Black Truffle Risotto and Hearth-Roasted Veal Chop. For dessert, St. Cecilia’s pasty creative director is preparing a romantic Rose and Pistachio Cake. And don’t forget about the drinks! Sip on “his & her” cocktail options specially crafted for the holiday.
$85 per person prix-fixe menu. $11 cocktails.
To make a reservation, call 404-554-9995.
Photo by Sara Hanna
F&B is known for its French-inspired cuisine. So what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with food from the city of love! F&B is offering a four-course prix-fixe dinner featuring off-menu specials on Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14.
$68 per person prix-fixe menu.
To make a reservation, call 404-254-1797.
Featuring a four course prix-fixe menu, Le Bilboquet is serving up items such as amuse bouche of oyster with spicy mango salsa and lobster ravioli with white truffle oil. For dessert, you can expect decadent chocolate dipped strawberries. Plus, Le Bilboquet will treat ladies with a complimentary rose upon arrival!
$100 per person prix-fixe menu.
To make a reservation, visit lebilboquetatlanta.com or call 404-869-9944. A credit card is required for all reservations.
Bistro Niko is preparing a special dessert menu for the holiday of love and chocolates! From Profiteroles (a French puff pastry ball filled with whipped cream, cream and custard) to Champagne Sabayon (a light, cream sauce served over strawberry sorbet, fresh berries and a cookie tuile) and Creme Brulee, there is a treat for every type of sweet tooth.
To make a reservation, call 404-261-6456.
Dolce Italian opened up late last year and has quickly become a Buckhead hot spot. Head to the bar early for a heart-shaped pizza or enjoy a three-course prix-fixe menu with items including Beef Carpaccio with Black Truffles and Pan Roasted Sea Scallops!
$85 per person prix-fixe menu.
To make a reservation, call 678-686-2267.
Aria is typically closed on Sundays, but is keeping its doors open for all you lovebirds! Enjoy a special four-course prix-fixe menu from 5-9 p.m.
To make a reservation, call 404-233-7673.
Decatur:
Looking for a cozy evening tucked away in a dark corner of a modern Spanish restaurant? Book your Valentine’s Day at The Iberian Pig. Indulge in bacon-wrapped dates, crispy Spanish octopus, rich Spanish wines and more.
To make a reservation, call 404-371-8800.
Downtown:
Photo by Ben Rose Photography
Spend a special evening overlooking the Atlanta skyline at Nikolai’s Roof. The restaurant is offering an aphrodisiac-laced prix-fixed menu which includes items such as Brown Butter Diver Scallops and a Dark Chocolate Scaher Torte.
$110 per person prix-fixe menu.
To make a reservation, call 404-221-6362.
Midtown:
Calling all meat-lovers, this one is for you! Lure is offering couples a romantic “steak for two,” featuring a bone-in ribeye and sides such as ricotta gnocchi, butter poached lobster, and a citrus vinegar arugula salad with Parmigiano Reggiano. Lure will also be featuring a special “dessert for two,” too!
To make a reservation, call 404-817-3650.
Einsteins, a full-service restaurant located in the heart of Midtown, is whipping up some awesome specials for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a four-course prix-fixe menu that includes Duck and Pork Mousse with toasted flatbread and assorted Georgian cheeses, Lobster Salad on bibb lettuce, Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb with garlic mashed potatoes, sauteed French green beans and mint au jus, and Red Velvet Cupcake with espresso cookies.
$40 per person prix-fixe menu.
To make a reservation, visit einsteinsatlanta.com or call 404-876-7925.
Old Fourth Ward:
Ponce City Market has quickly become an iconic destination in Atlanta. Bellina Alimentari, one of its new restaurants, is putting together an Italian cuisine-lover’s dream of a menu for Valentine’s Day. From February 12-14, savor a glass of Prosecco, local and Italian artisinal cheeses and cured meats, a taste of two signature pasta dishes and decadent chocolate bread pudding.
$38 per person prix-fixe menu. $30 per person wine & cocktail pairings also available.
Westside:
Photo by Patrick Michael Chin
One of my personal favorite Ford Fry restaurants, The Optimist, is known for more than just its (delicious) oysters! Taste the ocean with offerings like Spanish Octopus with Chorizo, Scallops with Red Wine Braised Lentils, New York Strip with Fried Oysters, and Duck Fat Poached Swordfish.
$70 per person prix-fixe menu. Wine pairings also available.
To make a reservation, call 404-477-6260.
Photo by Heidi Geldhauser
What could possibly be more romantic than sharing plates! If you’re looking for drool-worthy tapas, check out Cooks & Soldiers. Come ready to feast on an array of traditional pintxos served atop toasted bread, Basque small plates and meats, seafood and vegetables from the woodfire grill. For couples with an appetite, share the chuletón one kilogram bone-in ribeye with Tempranillo bordelaise and ensalada verde.
To make a reservation, call 404-996-2623.
Marcel’s kitchen is preparing a special five-course menu for the couples of Atlanta. The menu begins with King Crab Bisque, then moves on to Roasted Bone Marrow, Beef Carpaccio or Foie Gras and then guests have the option between Veal Chop Picatta, Cote du Boeuf and Porterhouse as an entree.
$115 per person prix-fixe menu. Wine pairings are also available.
To make a reservation, call 404-665-4555.
Brunch:
Photo by Heidi Geldhauser
Portofino (Buckhead)
This quiet, charming restaurant nestled in Buckhead started serving brunch once a month and it was an instant hit. So for Valentine’s Day, Portofino is offering a lavish brunch featuring comfort food creations on it’s beautiful, heated patio. Sip on a glass of Prosecco or head on over to the Bloody Mary bar. Portofino will also be open for dinner on Valentine’s Day.
To make a reservation, visit portofinoatl.com/reservations or call 404-231-1136.
Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern (Midtown)
If you’re looking for a “more chill” option this Valentine’s Day, Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern is preparing an awesome brunch with bottomless mimosas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with live music from 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. They will also be serving a laid-back dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. with two pizzas or burgers and a bottle of wine or four-beer bucket and dessert for only $59.
To make a reservation, call 404-968-2288.
Republic Social House (Grant Park)
Calling all my single ladies (and gentlemen)! Enjoy brunch items like peach compote stuffed French toast and $10 mimosa carafes at Republic Social House this Valentine’s Day. There’s no way you won’t have fun with deals this great.
Sweet Treats:
You can’t have Valentine’s Day without chocolate- and nowhere beats CACAO! Some of their Valentine’s Day specials include 24-karat gold heart filled chocolates filled with a secret Aztec Aphrodisiac ganache blend, CACAO’s Sweet & Spicy Box of Love, seasonal truffles and more.
For more information or to schedule a private appointment with CACAO Buckhead, call 404-228-4023.
Named by USA Today as one of America’s best donut shops, Atlanta’s very own Sublime is whipping up a sweet treat for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day. Pick up a batch of limited edition heart-shaped doughnuts!
For more information, call 404-897-1801.
I’ve never met a female who did not like
macarons, so if you’re struggling over what to get your lady, try Macaron Queen! Visit any of their locations to pick up a Valentine’s Day box, featuring five delectable chocolate macarons and one red velvet heart to top it off.
Sharing is caring, but why share when you can get two shakes for the price of one! Shake Shack is offering a special BOGO deal so that you and your date can enjoy the sweet tastes of Shake Shack’s creamy shakes together. Choose from handspun vanilla, chocolate, caramel, black and white, strawberry, peanut butter, coffee or the flavor of the week!
Photo by Evan Sung
DIY:
Valentine’s Day is a special day to spend with your loved one, but sometimes 
going out to eat can be stressful! If you’re looking for a “do it yourself” option, PeachDish has put together a Valentine’s Day-inspired meal kit! The kit includes recipes and all the ingredients needed to make a 3- or 4- course dinner for two. Choose between the “Beef Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes & Arugula Salad,” “Ribeye, Mashed Potatoes & Arugula Salad,” and “Lobster Risotto.” Plus, each kit comes with everyone you need to make a bourbon brownie trifle for dessert! Yum.
For more information or to place an order, visit peachdish.com.
What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments!