Top Valentine’s Day dining options for the love-struck and lovesick.
By Lesley Siu
(Photo by Alex E. Proimos)
Eat until your heart’s content at local restaurants celebrating the most romantic holiday of the year. Signature cocktails, heart-shaped pizzas and live music can make the big day extra special. From exclusive menus to an anti-Valentine’s Day party, DC restaurants are truly sharing the love.
Cupid’s Not Stupid, Cocktails to Fall For
Location: Aria Pizzeria in the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
Date: February 10 from 7:00-10:00 p.m.
WL’s take: With cocktails inspired by cupid’s magic spell, love will certainly be in the air.
Details: Part of the International Wine & Food Festival, the event will feature Gina Chersevani of PS 7’s, Rachel Sergi of Jack Rose, Dennis Burns of the Ronald Reagan Building, Simo Ahmadi of Todd Gray’s Watershed and Alex Bookless of The Passenger. At $55 per person, admission includes samples of all five cocktails, wine, beer and light snacks. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.wineandfooddc.com.
Sweetheart Pizzas
Location: Fuel Pizza, 1601 K St. NW
Date: February 10-14
WL’s take: Heart-shaped pizzas make Valentine’s Day extra cheesy. Fuel Pizza’s special menu of Sweetheart Pizzas are destined to make your heart melt.
Details: The 12-inch New York-style pies in heart form are made for two. Order one in any of their specialty varieties such as the Riviera Pizza with fresh spinach, kalamata olives, roma tomatoes, artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and crumbled feta. Fuel’s heart-shaped pizzas must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance by calling (202) 659-3835.
Sweetheart pizzas are made to share. (Photo courtesy of Fuel Pizza)
Casa Nonna: Tavola 12 Dinner Experience
Location: 1250 Connecticut Ave. NW
Date: February 14
WL’s take: Indulge in the ultimate Italian dinner experience on February 14 at Casa Nonna.
Details: The Tavola 12 menu will feature 12 never-been-served courses by Chef Amy Brandwein for $75 per person or $105 per person with Prosecco pairings. At the 12-seat dining experience, enjoy dishes such as Raviolo of Farmer’s Egg in Black Truffle Sauce. Reservations must be made in advance by calling the restaurant at (202) 629-2505. Casa Nonna will also offer a four-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu throughout the rest of the restaurant.
901 Restaurant & Bar
Location: 901 Ninth Street NW
Date: February 10-14
WL’s take: A romantic sharing menu made for two is a classic way to spend Valentine’s date night with that special someone.
Details: Couples can enjoy a romantic night out with 901 Restaurant’s four-course prix fixe menu. For $69 per couple, valentines can choose a soup or salad, two sharing plates, two entrees and a dessert accompanied by two glasses of champagne. Reservations can be made by calling (202) 524-4433.
Bar Pilar: 2nd Annual Anti-Valentine’s Day Party
Location: 1833 14th St. NW
Date: February 14
WL’s take: Mingle with singles and commiserate together over Bar Pilar’s special menu of Bitter and Sour Cocktails and Desserts.
Details: Drink to your heart’s desire with Bar Pilar’s $10 Bitter Cocktails on the night of the sappy holiday. The selections will include mixologist Jonathan Fain’s concoctions such as the Tuff Love with rye whiskey, housemade peach bitters and lemonade. A roster of breakup songs and bittersweet desserts like Lemon and Ricotta with Salted Caramel Sauce complete the anti-Valentine’s theme. For once, it’s okay to be a sourpuss.
Lost Society
Location: 2001 14th ST. NW
Date: February 14
WL’s take: Get lost in a romantic eight-course meal at new boutique steak-house Lost Society.
Details: Head over to U Street on the big night for their exclusive “Valentine’s in Oaxaca” cocktail — a blend of Belvedere vodka, strawberries, ginger and cilantro. Love is full of surprises, and so is the secret, complimentary first course. The eight course prix-fixe menu features dishes such as duck breast prosciutto with tangerine and pistachio and braised oxtails with pan roasted asparagus. To make a reservation, call (202) 618-8868.
Lost Society's "Valentine's in Oaxaca" cocktail. (Photo by Dave Phillipich)
Melody Tavern
Location: 3650 South Glebe Road #170 Arlington, VA 22202
Date: February 14
WL’s take: Music with a meal — what’s not to love? Julia Nixon will sing her way into your heart at this new jazz and blues lounge. Share an intimate dinner with your sweetheart as the former lead in Broadway’s “Dream Girls” delivers a soulful performance.
Details: Melody Tavern is offering Arlington couples a set four-course meal for $60 on Valentine’s Day. Entrées include jerk chicken, grilled salmon, grilled skirt steak and chipotle pasta. A complimentary piece of red velvet cake tops off the Valentine’s special. Visit the Melody Tavern website or call (703) 413-4141 for reservations.
Bourbon Steak DC
Location: 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Date: February 14
WL’s take: Contemporary American fare at this Georgetown steakhouse will keep your heart (and stomach) full.
Details: Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, the Bourbon Steak DC provides a warm atmosphere perfect for date night. At $95 per person, the three-course prix fixe Valentine’s menu includes choices such as ahi tuna sashimi, roasted monkfish and lobster pot pie. To make a reservation, call (202) 944-2026.
