Your Valentine’s Date Night Dining Guide

Local romance-inspired menus and decadent sweet treats are sure to get hearts fluttering this Valentine’s

Whether you’re treating your significant other to a night on the town or celebrating with friends, you’re guaranteed to be well-fed and watered during this weekend of love…

 

1. Beetbox

If you want to go vegan this Valentine’s Day, this one’s for you. West End plant-based restaurant, Beetbox is collaborating with Blue Heron to bring you a vegan wine and cheese mingler on February 14. Kicking off with bubbly, the grazing-style event will feature Mostarda Cheddar, Ardea Blue, Fig Cumulus, Wolf Flower “cheeses” as well Chef Bryan Satterford’s canapés. Guests are also welcomed to choose from Beetbox’s lineup of vegan, vegetarian and ‘flexitarian’-friendly comfort-food favourites and their selection of vegan beer and cocktails. Tickets are $25 and do not include tax and gratuity.
1074 Davie Street; 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Book online

 

2. Cibo Trattoria, UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar

Queue mood lighting and lingering glances across the table as Cibo Trattoria and UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar are offering a romantic three-course menu and cocktail special on February 14 and 15. At $49 per person, you will dine on dishes such as Taleggio con arugula e pear insalata and pollo al Marsala at Cibo before heading next for to UVA where lead bartender Morgane Lefort has created a signature lover’s libation with the ‘French Kiss’, a sweet-and-sassy lip-smacker with Empress gin, Martini Bianco vermouth, St-Germain elderflower liqueur and fresh lemon juice. It’s a oui oui from us.
900 Seymour Street; Beginning 5 p.m.; Book online

 

3. The Holy Crab

Alongside their regular menu, The Holy Crab will be featuring a special multi-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu for two from February 14 to 16 at $140 per couple. Offering a refined twist on their signature Louisiana-style cuisine, the date-night dinner includes B.C. oysters, a slow-cooked seafood bisque, and lobster pasta or a seafood platter for your main course. Reservations are strongly recommended.
1588 Robson Street; Book online or call 604-661-8533

 

4. Ancora

Hosting set menus at both its False Creek and Ambleside locations on February 14, Ancora’s Valentine’s plates will showcase executive chef Ricardo Valverde’s Japanese-by-way-of-Peruvian Nikkei flair in dishes such as salmon tartare causas, Matane shrimp risotto and ají panca-glazed sablefish, with a separate vegetarian menu available. 
$99 per person plus tax and gratuity, $79 for vegetarian; Reservations online Ancora False Creek (Vancouver) & Ancora Ambleside (West Vancouver)

 

5. Juke Fried Chicken

A dozen roses? No, thanks. Your favourite novelty chocolates? I’ll pass. How about a fried-chicken bouquet? Take me now. With the return of its popular and perennially sold-out ‘Let’s Cluck’ fried-chicken bouquets, Juke knows the way to our hearts. Available for pick-up only on February 14, make sure to pre-order online to guarantee your floral arrangement of eight mouthwatering pieces of Juke’s trademark gluten-free, crispy fried chicken.
182 Keefer Street; $29; Order online

 

6. Wildebeest

Wildebeest ais celebrating this Valentine’s with a decadent, multi-course feast that’s perfect for double dates or a night out with your galentines. Offering a choice of dishes such as poached sablefish, confit pork belly and Beretta Farms flat-iron steak, bar manager Darren O’Grady will also be shaking up a special cocktail just for the occasion.
120 West Hastings Street; $69 per person or $60 per person for groups of four, wine pairings available for an additional $35 per person; Book online or call 604-687-6880

 

7. Ristorante Di Beppe

Wrap up your delicious dinner with a shareable dessert of chocolate budino tart with whipped toasted marshmallow from February 13 to 16. Di Beppe will also be getting in the spirit early by offering this feature dessert free of charge for those dining on February 13. The restaurant will also be donating 10 percent of the proceeds from all pizza sales throughout the weekend to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in honour of the special occasion
8 West Cordova Street; $10 shareable desert; Book online or call 604-559-1122

 

8. Pizzeria Farina & Farina A Legna

Nothing says I love you like sharing a heart-shaped pizza with your favourite Valentine—and at Farina you can do just that. The perfect 12-inch pies are available at Vancouver’s Pizzeria Farina location for $16 starting at 5 p.m. while quantities last and limited to dine-in guests only. North Vancouver’s Farina A Legna will be offering the pizzas from February 14 to 16 with the sharing menu only and while quantities last.
Pizzeria Farina, 915 Main Street; Call 604-681-9334 to book; Farina A Legna, 119 2nd Street East, North Vancouver; $69 per couple; Book online or call 604-980-3300

 

9. Ladurée

Show your love in the sweetest way possible with Ladurée Canada’s enchanting and charming new collection, Juste un Baiser (just a kiss). An exclusive edition to Valentine’s Day, the collection features macaron gift boxes (box of eight for $35; box of 12 for $53), heart-shaped macarons, and a special gourmet “love potion” macaron cake. Lovers are also invited to experience Ladurée’s exclusive Afternoon Tea à Deux from February 13 to 16 ($95 for two; $115 for two with Ladurée Royal Cocktail pairing).
1141 Robson St; Book online or call 604-336-3030

 

10. Pourhouse

Serving up a perfect-for-pairs dinner menu from February 14 to 16, Pourhouse will be offering a prix fixe feast for $99 per couple. Including B.C. oysters, lobster ravioli and salmon wellington, couples can also pair the special menu with select champagne and sparkling wine for an additional $70 (3 oz) or $90 (5 oz) per couple. Also on the menu from bar manager Adam Domet is a special L’Amour Rouge cocktail with a house-made raspberry-butter bourbon available for $14.
162 Water Street; Book online

 

11. Nuba

Raise a toast to those you love with Nuba’s festive cocktail, Kiss of a Rose that celebrates the Mediterranean Sea and the key flavours of Lebanon with Finlandia Vodka, Grand Marnier, rose syrup, lemon and Mrs. Bitters Better. 
See locations here

 

12. Temper Chocolate & Pastry

Launching in store February 1, Temper Chocolate & Pastry has unveiled its limited edition Valentine’s confectionery collection. Including flavoured chocolate hearts (assorted six-piece box $18), chocolate heart lollipops ($4 each) and design-your-own gift baskets up to $100, you’re sure to find something to melt a heart or two.
2409 Marine Drive, West Vancouver; In store pick-up only, call 604-281-1152 to order

 

13. The Pie Hole

There’s nothing we love more than a good pun, and when it’s included on one of The Pie Holes‘ delicious pies, how can anyone resist? Offering their Sweet Apple Pie with a customizable message of your choice for $35 (may we suggest: I only have pies for you, you are the apple of my pie)—or a selection of nine mini pies ($28), including Triple Chocolate Cream Pie and Eat Your Feelings Pie, there’s something on the menu for everyone. From 4 p.m. till close  on February 14, they’ll also be offering a ‘buy one slice and get the second 50% off.’
Locations vary; Order online or pick-up a pre-made pie directly

 

14. Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

Inviting you to a multi-course dinner with a twist, the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts is debuting a rom-com inspired Valentine’s menu. On Friday, February 14, PICA’s on-site restaurant, Blue Hat Bistro will draw inspiration from famous on-screen love stories with a prix fixe dinner service. Highlights from the movie-themed menu include a classic Reuben sandwich inspired by When Harry Met Sally and spaghetti and meatballs as seen lovingly shared by the canine couple in Lady and the Tramp. This lovers’ feast will be available for one night only at $69 per person.
101–1505 West 2nd Avenue; Book online or call 604-734-0101

15. BETA5

Launching February 1, BETA5 will be unveiling its first plant-based chocolate collection in a variety of flavours. Including their trademark polygon heart and hand-painted chocolates, select from the Chocolate Hearts Collection featuring five pieces filled with a variety of ganaches and pralines ($18), their Valentine collection (6 pieces for $15; 12 pieces for $30), the beautiful trademark 2020 Polygon Heart ($95) and the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Polygon Bar ($11). Three limited edition cream puff flavours will also be available.
409 Industrial Avenue; Order online  

 

16. Hawksworth Restaurant

Join loved ones this Valentine’s Day at Hawksworth Restaurant and indulge in their five-course set menu culinary experience with optional wine pairings ($110 per guest, $168 with wine pairings). Dinner includes a juicy veal tenderloin with mushroom or tender sablefish with fennel (vegan/vegetarian menu available on request) and a featured cocktail will be also be available on February 14, named after the famous love ballad, A Moment I Treasure ($18).
801 West Georgia Street; Call 604-673-7000 or email info@hawksworthrestaurant.com to reserve

 

17. Livia

Available for one evening only on February 14, Livia on Commercial Drive will be offering a La Festa Degli Innamorati, a four-course tasting menu featuring Roman-inspired dishes, paired with wines and amaros ($50 per person, optional wine pairings $45 per person). Including Ravioli Quattro Formaggio e Tartufo and Braised Veal Cheeks & Polenta, say ti amo to this delicious evening. 
1399 Commercial Drive; To book call 604-423-3869 

 

18. Gotham

From February 14 to 16, Gotham will be celebrating with special dinner features created by chef Jean Claude Douguet and wine pairings chosen by sommelier Sam Jonnery. The mouthwatering menu includes pistachio-crusted sea bass with a Blue Mountain Chardonnay, seared prawns and scallops with a Tightrope Viognier and tournedos of tenderloin for two paired with a Damilano Dolcetto. They’ll also be offering a Valentine’s cocktail feature, ‘Lovestruck’ over the weekend.
615 Seymour Street; Book online

 

19. Fable Diner

Dishing up a delicious set menu with a choice of appetizers, entrées and desserts, Fable Diner will wine and dine guests with featured dishes like eggplant chips, braised beef and a red velvet chocolate silk vanilla sponge. Available on February 14 only at $40 per person. Bookings are highly recommended.
151 East Broadway; Book online

 

20. Mon Paris Pâtisserie

Because every occasion should be celebrated with French delicacies, chef Elena Krasnova of Mon Paris Pâtisserie, has introduced an exclusive collection of desserts and confections just for Valentine’s Day. Options like red velvet cake ($7), chocolate flower pot with truffles ($21), and chocolate boxes with a variety of truffles and bonbons in signature flavours ($19.50 to $31.50) are sure to leave lips smacking. The collection is available now at Mon Paris Pâtisserie and advance orders can be made in person, through email at info@monparis.ca or by phone at 604-564-5665.
4396 Beresford Street, Burnaby 

 

21. Harvest Community Foods

Stay in this Valentine’s Day and whip up an intimate dinner for two with Harvest Community Foods’ CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) bags of fresh, local ingredients ($35). The bag features a chef-selected assortment of in-season ingredients as well as recipes to guide you through the process. Cookie boxes, complete with a red ribbon ($10) are also available to pre-order and will be available to purchase in-store on February 13 and 14. 
243 Union Street; Pre-order your CSA bag by signing up for Harvest’s newsletter, then pick-up your box on Thursday, February 13.

 

22. Tableau Bar Bistro

With dishes highlighting its French-meets-West-Coast fare, Tableau Bar Bistro will be offering a three-course menu with wine pairings on February 14 and 15. Showcasing head chefs Tommy Shorthouse’s and Levi Johnston’s most recent creations, choose from a selection of dishes like ahi tuna cru, Wagyu beef striploin and roasted sablefish. The three-course Valentine’s Day menu is $90 per person and wine pairings, specially chosen to complement each dish, are available for an additional $50.
1181 Melville Street; Book online or call 604-639-8692

 

23. Boulevard Kitchen + Oyster Bar

Impress your Valentine with a five-course tasting menu at Boulevard Kitchen prepared by freshly crowned Canadian Culinary Champion executive chef Roger Ma and his award-winning team. Indulge in delights like Northern Divine caviar, prime beef striploin and seared foie gras for $120 per person with wine pairings an additional $85. 
845 Burrard Street; February 14 to 15; Book online