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From seafood towers to heart-shaped confections and much more, we've rounded up our favourite local sweet treats and eats to enjoy this Valentine's Day
From seafood towers to heart-shaped confections and much more, we’ve rounded up our favourite local sweet treats and eats to enjoy this Valentine’s Day.
Ask For LuigiMichelin-recommended Ask For Luigi’s special Valentine’s dinner menu features a three-course meal (available only on February 14) with an antipasto to start; followed by your choice of Ravioli (with mascarpone filling, lobster crema) or Elk Osso Buco (with risotto alla Milanese, citrus gremolata); and to finish, a Tiramisu Di Luigi. Plus, a love-themed cocktail, Rosato Spritz with sparkling rosé will also be available.305 Alexander St, Vancouver; Details online
Facebook/Nightshade YVRThis globally inspired vegan restaurant will be serving up a delicious four-course Valentine’s meal ($65), available on February 10, 11, 12 and 14. The menu features Truffle Gyoza (medley of mushrooms, shaved fennel and ryu dressing); King Oyster Mushroom Sate (spicy rice cakes, Swiss chard, lemongrass and sesame curry); Stuffed Delicata Squash (polenta, charred leek, Szechuan sorghum syrup, almond ricotta, nettle pesto, squash “yolk” croquette); and for dessert, Passionfruit and Kalamansi Cheesecake (clove and ginger biscuit, makrut lime leaf yogurt sorbet, red velvet tuile).1079 Mainland St. Vancouver; details online
TrattoriaCelebrating Valentine’s Day at all three of their locations (Kitsilano, Burnaby and Park Royal) Trattoria’s special Valentine’s Platter for Two ($95) includes Roasted Rack of Lamb (served with crispy gnocchi with blistered gem tomatoes, apple & mint jelly, pan jus); Brown Butter Poached Lobster Tails (served with butternut squash ravioli, fresh sage, lemon-butter sauce); plus sides include roasted acorn squash; artichoke fritti with lemon pepper aioli; ricotta stuffed baby peppers; and Valentine radish purée. Diners can also finish their meals with a Dessert Love Platter for Two ($14) with Cappuccino Mousse, White Chocolate Panna Cotta and Chocolate-covered Strawberries.Multiple locations; Details online
Pizzeria FarinaImpress the pizza-lover in your life by surprising them with Main Street’s Pizzeria Farina, where they’re bringing back their exclusive Valentine’s Day heart-shaped Margherita pizzas, available only on Tuesday, February 14. 915 Main Street, Vancouver; Details online
Photo Credit: Nora HamadeFor one night only, on Tuesday, February 14th, C|Prime will be featuring a Valentine’s Day menu for two ($300). The five-course dining experience starts with an amuse bouche, followed by a first course of tartar duo (wagyu beef and ahi tuna); a second course of tortellini duo (crab tortellini with lobster cream and short rib tortellini with garlic cream and truffle); a third course surf ’n’ turf (grilled one-pound Canadian lobster and 12-oz ribeye with roasted fingerlings); a fourth course dessert duo (raspberry white chocolate and whiskey dark chocolate), plus chocolate strawberries to take home.1015 Burrard St, Vancouver; Details online
Jules This Valentine’s, Jules Bistro in Gastown will be offering a Sour Cherry Sidecar cocktail feature($16) with French brandy VSOP, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice and amarena cherry syrup; plus, a Surf and Turf meal special ($95) with a 35-day dry-aged 12-oz ribeye and lobster tail. From Friday, February 10 to Tuesday, February 14.216 Abbott Street, Vancouver; Details online
Fanny Bay OystersJoin Fanny Bay Oysters for a three-course menu ($89 per person) curated by chef Tommy Shorthouse. Available from Tuesday, February 14 to Thursday, February 16, the first course will feature a salmon mosaic with kelp powder, ikura and citrus orbs; the second course includes lobster and smoked scallop ravioli with poached lobster and caviar; and the dessert course is a red velvet cake with cream cheese. In addition, Fanny Bay is featuring a Valentine’s Day gin cocktail called Don’t Shuck My Heart ($15).762 Cambie St, Vancouver; Details online
Honey SaltHead to Honey Salt this Valentine’s for a stunning three-course menu with wine pairings ($88 per person, plus an additional $50 for wine pairings). Menu options include Burrata Salad, Beef Carpaccio, Miso-roasted Spring Salmon and Roast Dry-aged Duck Breast. For dessert, there’s a Society Cake to share (banana caramel gelato, chocolate crumble, crispy chocolate pearls) and a Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini. Couples can also book a VIP booth package ($325 per couple) which includes the Valentine’s menu for two, bottle of Mionetto Prosecco, roses with chocolate-covered strawberries and custom menu with your name. 39 Smithe St, Vancouver; Details online
Photo credit: Kim BellavanceThis Valentine’s, West Coast-Italian restaurant Nox is offering an à la carte menu with features including Pan-seared Steelhead Trout with smoked garlic potato croquette, wilted greens, clam and nduja seafood broth; and for dessert, Dark Chocolate and Almond Panna Cotta with Italian macaroon, almond tuille, strawberry sorbet. There will also be a selection of Valentine’s Day zero-waste cocktails like the Club Clover with Ampersand gin, the Bona Dea featuring prosecco, and the ‘Aphrodite’ with Lillet and Campari. The menu is available Friday, February 10 to Tuesday, February 14 (excluding Monday, February 13).1575 West Georgia, Vancouver; Details online
Photo by Inga SeliverstovaBC Kitchen will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Speed Dating night ($49) on Tuesday, February 14. Canada’s Speed Dating and singles event Service 25Dates has been the facilitator for countless marriages, relationships and love matches. Bringing professional singles together by combining the ease and practicality of Internet dating with the essential human ingredient of a face-to-face encounter at their singles events, you will experience up to 12 five-minute dates on this sure-to-be-eventful evening.Details online
The Victor/FacebookOn Valentine’s Day, The Victor will be featuring a special menu ($125 per person and an additional $69 for wine pairings) with starter options that include Dungeness Crab & Frisée Salad and Pan-seared Foie Gras; main highlights that include White Abla Truffle Risotto, Nova Scotia Lobster and Wagyu Tenderloin; and for dessert (serves two), a raspberry chocolate heart melt vanilla cheesecake. Plus, surprise your other half with a gift basket waiting on your table that includes six roses, six chocolate-covered strawberries and four chocolate truffles.39 Smithe St, Vancouver; Details online
Coast Available from Friday, February 10 to Tuesday, February 14, Coast will have a special Valentine’s menu that includes Pan-seared Scallops as an appetizer, Tenderloin Oscar served with ruffled mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, Lobster and Seafood Paella for two, and a Surf and Turf platter.1054 Alberni, Vancouver; Details online
Five SailsPresented by executive chef Robbie Robinson, Five Sails will be offering a five-course Valentine’s Day menu ($175 per person) for one night only. Course one will feature Oyster & Caviar; course two, Nova Scotia Lobster “Pot au Feu”; course three, Foie Gras; course four, Branzino for Two, and course five, Chateaubriand for two. To finish, enjoy a strawberry lime mousse with rose jelly, basil, almond desert for two.410 – 999 Canada Place; Details online
Black and BlueFor the steak-lovers out there, Black and Blue will be featuring a Valentine’s Day three-course menu ($125 per person), with highlights including Saffron Ravioli, Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops, Applewood Smoked Sablefish, Beef Tenderloin Rossini, and so much more.1032 Alberni St, Vancouver; Details online
BacaroAnother Michelin-recommended restaurant on our list, Bacaro’s Valentine’s Day menu ($125 per person), includes delicious eats such as Buffalo Mozzarella and Caviar; Scallop Crudo; Espresso-spiced Venison; Olive-oil-poached Sablefish; Farro ‘Risotto’, and so much more.1029 West Cordova St, Vancouver; Details online
Di BeppeDi Beppe is back with a Valentine’s Day lineup that includes Crispy Potato and Burrata Salad; Ravioli with Spinach and Ricotta; as well as an assortment of heart-shaped pastries and treats guaranteed to delight all.8 West Cordova St, Vancouver; Details online
Photo Credit: Amy HoYuwa’s Valentine’s Day Omakase ($100 per person) includes ‘3 Kinds of Appetizer Platter + Sashimi’ with Lobster and Hotate Tempura, Nine-piece Nigiri Platter and Wagashi Dessert.Details online
Smitty’s Oyster HouseCelebrate Valentine’s Day with a Seafood Tower for Two and bottle of bubbly ($200 per couple). The special seafood tower includes crab, lobster, shrimp cocktail, mussels, oysters and tuna tiradito and is available from Friday, February 10 to Sunday, February 12, and Tuesday, February 14.3124 Main St, Vancouver; Details online
BHouseCelebrate Valentine’s Day at BHouse, where for one day only, you can enjoy a special three-course menu ($100 for two). Start with two glasses of complimentary sparkling wine, followed by an appetizer of Yellowfin Tuna Tartar, and a sharing Surf and Turf Platter with wild sockeye salmon and jumbo prawns. Finish with a homemade Chocolate Molten Brownie and Mascarpone Bread Pudding.270 Commercial Dr, Vancouver; Details online
Fresh Ideas Start HereEnjoy fresh B.C. seafood at home this Valentine’s Day from seafood purveyor Fresh Ideas Start Here. The talented team has put together a bountiful list of options, including: a Chilled Seafood Platter (from $129) with lobster tail, Dungeness crab, sashimi plate with albacore tuna and sockeye salmon, a variety of sauces, marinated shellfish, cooked wild prawns, and all the fixings. A delicious 24-piece Canapé Set ($79) curated by award-winning chef Roger Ma, featuring bites such as nori spot prawn, smoked salmon pâté, mussel escabeche, spring salmon pastrami. and smoked black cod remoulade. Plus, a Shellfish in Love Oyster Kit ($42), complete with oyster shucker (to keep) and sauces.There is also a decadent Caviar Kit (from $120) that pairs perfectly with a bottle of champagne.Details online
MinamiOn the day of love, experience an exquisite surf-and-turf five-course dinner called ‘Futari no Shokai’ ($198+ per couple) at Yaletown’s Minami restaurant. The chefs have put together an unforgettable dining experience feature fresh sashimi, Canadian Lobster Tail with A5 Iwate Wagyu Sukiyaki, and of course, Aburi sushi, with a Raspberry Lychee Vanilla mousse for desert. 118 Mainland St, Vancouver; Details online
MikuVancouver’s popular contemporary Japanese destination Miku is pulling out all the stops for Valentine’s Day. The Michelin-recommended restaurant has put together a special Kaiseki tasting menu ($120 per person) for the evening, featuring fresh seafood, sashimi, Aburi sushi, and a beautiful Strawberry Tart with rosewater coulis, genmaicha ganache, and guava-ume Ice cream to end the night.200 Granville St #70, Vancouver; Details online
Photo credit: Rich WonBeaucoup Bakery has unveiled several sweet and totally indulgent ways to celebrate this year. Guests can pre-order a beautiful six-inch heart-shaped vanilla Parisian Flan named ‘I am Your Biggest Flan’, Nama Chocolate Collection (three flavours: passionfruit, strawberry, matcha); or Roses are Red Ispahan-inspired cake with lychee jam and rose ivoire mousse for pickup. And the feature croissant? A Sticky Toffee Boba Croissant named ‘You Make My Heart go Boba Boba’ with sticky toffee pudding and boba on Beaucoup’s signature butter croissant.2150 Fir St, Vancouver; Details online
Photo credit: Rich WonPotluck Hawker Eatery has created a special Southeast Asian menu for two ($180), featuring reimagined, classic hawker dishes. The dinner includes eight dishes, such as Prawn on Milk Toast with uni and chili crab sauce; Mussels with White Laksa, Halibut Cheeks in a black pepper sauce; Pad Thai Lobster; and a Coconut Panna Cotta with Milo and passionfruit.3424 Cambie St, Vancouver; Details online
Photo credit: Jamie Lauren PhotographyHelping sweethearts, secret crushes and special friends alike show their love this February, Temper Chocolate & Pastry has launched a new collection of tempting Valentine’s-themed confections. Created by owner and lead chef Steven Hodge and his talented team of chocolatiers and pastry chefs, their Valentine’s Day features include Heart-Shaped Chocolate Boxes filled with assorted bonbons; Heart-Shaped Vanilla Mascarpone Mousse Cake with Crème de Cassis hearts; Vanilla Almond Raspberry Jam-Filled Linzer Cookies; and more.2409 Marine Drive, West Vancouver; Details online
Photo credit: Nora Hamade.Hit the sweet spot with elegant treats from Mon Paris Pâtisserie this Valentine’s Day. Mon Paris pastry chef and owner Elena Krasnova presents a collection of spectacular cakes and charming chocolate creations, as well as irresistible individual cakes, designed specifically with lovebirds in mind. From showstopping heart-shaped cakes, to gorgeous potted camellias made entirely of chocolate, to decadent truffle towers, Mon Paris’ exquisite treats are sure to impress.4396 Beresford St., Burnaby; Details online
Photo credit: JalispoonerOdd Society Spirits raises a heartfelt toast this February with its limited-edition strawberry gin, and a decadent cocktail event at the distillery on February 14th. Opening the distillery’s cocktail lounge from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14th, bar manager Mia Glanz has created a special slate of delicious dessert-themed drinks, sweetly accented with chocolates from the Drunken Chocolatier. Savoury charcuterie boards (can be pre-ordered at the time of booking) are a tasty accompaniment, along with many more tempting treats to tickle the taste buds.1725 Powell St, Vancouver; Details online
Photo credit: Jamie-Lee FuocoEnjoy a four-course table d’hôte Valentine’s Day menu ($179 per person) by chef Rob Feenie at one of Vancouver’s most romantic restaurants, Bacchus. Located inside the city’s only Relais and Chateaux property, the Wedgewood Hotel, guests can experience dishes such as a butternut squash and mascarpone ravioli with seared Atlantic scallops, foie gras terrine, braised Canadian prime short rib, roasted cauliflower, and for dessert, a decadent Valrhona Chocolate Torte. Wine pairings are available ($70 per person).845 Hornby St, Vancouver; Details online
Experience a romantic dinner at home during Valentine’s Day weekend with provisions from Aburi Market. The talented in-house chefs team have put together a variety of limited-time specials, including a Rose Iwate A5 Wagyu Shabu Shabu Kit (complete with vegetables and kelp dashi used at Japanese Michelin-starred restaurants); and a Rose Iwate A5 Sukiyaki Kit and Valentine Bento for Two with premium wagyu yakiniku, sushi, and sashimi. For dessert, individual slices of Miku’s signature Green Tea Opera.1350 Marine Dr, West Vancouver; Details online
Goldilocks Bake ShopFilipino bake shop Goldilocks wants you to get your hands dirty this Valentine’s Day with a traditional Boodle Fight, Kamayan-style feast. Named the Lover’s Quarrel, the Goodle Fight for two ($48) is lined with a banana leaf and meant to be eaten with your hands (no utensils!). It features chicken BBQ, Lichen Kawali (pork belly) as well as garlic rice, diced tomatoes and green mango, salted eggs, grilled eggplant, vegetable ukoy, doing nab angus, lechon sauce, spiced vinegar, and bagoong (shrimp paste). For a sweet finish, Goldilocks’ famous turon (banana fritter) is part of the meal too. For those wanting an edible and unique take on the traditional rose bouquet, Goldilocks is also offering its beautiful, hand-piped buttercream cupcake flower bouquets (from $18 for three and $40 for seven).2833 Main St, Vancouver; Pre-order by February 11 for pick-up on Valentine’s Day by emailing goldilocksyvr@gmail.com or calling 604-736-7744; Details online
Photo credit: Sarah Annand
Chef de cuisine Marc Marayag has put together a fun dining experience with Bar Susu’s usual sharing style to help you celebrate the day of love with friends and loved ones. The special Valentine’s Day tasting menu ($180 per person) kicks off with beautiful oysters (pictured above), and guests can also add on wine and sake pairings by wine director Brittany Hoorne, as well as non-alcoholic concoctions by bar director Joe Casson.209 E 6th Ave, Vancouver; Details online
KafkaThere’s nothing cheesy about Kafka’s beloved heart-shaped pizza cookie ($24). This perfectly chewy eight-inch cookie is topped with classic candies and sweets including Oreo pieces, chocolate Smarties and marshmallows. Kafka’s pastry chef Adi Kesselman is offering the whole ‘pie’—in the shape of a heart—exclusively for Valentine’s Day by popular demand.577 Great Northern Way or 860 Richards St; Details online
ThierryThe team at Thierry is offering a variety of sweet treats and love-themed desserts. Returning for another year, Thierry’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ cakes (serve two) are perfect for sharing. Choose between their ‘Romeo’ Earl Grey Chocolate cake, or their ‘Juliet’ Raspberry Jasmine ($29.95 each), as well as heart-shaped chocolates and special Valentine’s Day macaroons.1059 Alberni St, Vancouver; Details online
Luigi & SonsCelebrate Valentine’s Day with an indulgent dinner for two ($199.99) by Luigi & Sons. Created by executive chef Andrew Richardson and his team, the menu features Beef Wellington (pastry-wrapped 12-oz tenderloin, herb crepe and burgundy truffle); Roast Potatoes; Rainbow Carrots; and a Raspberry Lychee Mousse Cake. Plus, a Foxly by Foxtrot Vineyards Pinot Noir from the Okanagan Valley is included.119 Hamilton St, Vancouver; Details online
