A pandemic Valentine’s does not have to be boring—just more intimate. From private hotel and dining packages to decadent multi-course meals for dine-in or to-go, romance is surely on the menu at these 13 restaurants.
Urban Farmer
Take February 14th beyond dinner by surprising your honey with an overnight stay in The Logan Hotel’s Pennsbury Suites, coupled with a three-course supper from Urban Farmer. Upgrade your package with a personal bartender to provide an endless flow of cocktails; or order the takeout menu for two featuring prime porterhouse and strawberry passion fruit mousse. For in-person dining, expect broiled lobster tail and fingerling potato tart. From $639, One Logan Square, 215.963.1500, theloganhotel.com
AKA Rittenhouse Square and a.kitchen
The most quintessential date—dinner and a movie—is getting an upgrade this Valentine’s week. AKA Rittenhouse Square’s hotel suites are transforming into full-service, contactless, private dining spaces with a four-course, $55 tasting menu from Chef Eli Collins at a.kitchen. Guests can taste divine dishes like chive ricotta dumplings and Eclat chocolate tahini cake with drink pairings from a.bar+bottles. After supper, watch a movie in AKA’s private screening room before drifting off in your luxurious suite. From $250, 135 S. 18th St., exploretock.com
Aqimero
Aqimero, a Latin-inspired restaurant by award-winning restaurateur and chef Richard Sandavol, is offering a decadent dinner to-go this year. The four-course feast for two has bites like East Coast oysters, beef tenderloin with a veal demi-glace, molten chocolate cake and a bottle of Brut sparkling wine. Place your order online by the 11th for pick-up options all weekend. $220, 10 Avenue of the Arts, aqimero.com
Bank & Bourbon
Start your evening with a complimentary glass of bubbly before diving into a three-course dinner by Executive Chef Thomas Harkins. A few of the choices to expect are whipped ricotta on grilled bread, seared sixty south salmon and a chocolate crunch bar with chocolate mousse. For an extra $109, keep the romance going with an overnight stay at Loews Philadelphia Hotel. From $59, 1200 Market St., 215.231.7300, bankandbourbon.com
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Zahav
If you’re craving something other than the typical V-day eats, Zahav’s Israeli take-out tasting menu for two is a delectable choice. For an aperitif, add their pomegranate cocktail mixer to your libation of choice. Then try one of the many appetizers, including salatim with spicy fennel, moroccon carrots, pickled napa cabbage and more. Finish with dry-aged veal chops and a decadent chocolate date cake. Order online and pick up on the 13th. $125, 237 St. James Pl., zahavrestaurant.square.site
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Talula’s Daily
A farm-to-table romantic meal sounds divine, especially when Aimee Olexy’s Talula’s Daily is handling the cooking. Reserve a table indoors or grab dinner to-go with options from the special five-course Valentine’s menu. Plates like tuna crudo, lobster risotto and short ribs will make your night full of flavor. For a sweet fix, indulge in homemade cookies with whipped cream and berries. Upgrade your experience with a wine pairing for $50. $100 per person, 208 W.Washington Square, 215.592.6555, talulasdaily.com
The Wayward
Bring The Wayward’s iconic seafood tower home to share with your special someone. The Grand Plateau for Two includes five bites: Nova Scotia lobster, gulf shrimp cocktail, chilled Maine mussels, nicoise tartare and a dozen oysters. For those seeking a staycation holiday, enjoy breakfast in bed and late checkout when you book a Canopy Suite. From $120, 1170 Ludlow St., 215.258.9430, thewayward.com
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Founding Farmers, KOP
Founding Farmers is turning on the romance this year with their takeaway Valentine’s dinner, available the 13th and 14th. The package’s four-course meal provides a choice of bread, two sides, dessert and votive candles. Skillet cornbread, shrimp ceviche, lobster mac and cheese, New England clam chowder, surf and turf, two center cut beef tenderloins and chocolate dipped strawberries are just a few of the options available. Order online by Friday the 12th. From $65, 255 Main St., King of Prussia, 484.808.4008, wearefoundingfarmers.com
Davio’s
Bring Chef Nick DeBeradinis creations home with a special to-go supper, available for pick-up all weekend. Dishes include an 8 oz center cut filet mignon, lobster thermidor and braised beef short ribs. Enhance your feast by adding chocolate mousse cake for $14. If you’re looking for an in-person dining experience, try Davio’s three-course prix fixe menu with braised short rib ravioli, Chilean sea bass and a dessert sampler. Both options $85 per person, 200 Main St., Town Center, King of Prussia, 610.337.4810, davios.com
Forsythia
Nothing quite says romance like a little French bistro and bar. Available for in-person and take away, the dinner features bites like filet mignon with black truffle bordelaise, chestnut bisque and a must-try chocolate and speculoos crepe cake. Upgrade your package by adding a wine pairing for $25 per person, a surprise floral bouquet for $40, charcuterie for $20, champagne for $50 or the ‘love potion’ cocktail for $10. From $75, 233 Chestnut St., 215.644.9395, forsythiaphilly.com
Steak48
The modern steakhouse impressed guests when it first opened in September, and after a short shutdown due to COVID, those in the know can make reservations once again. The dimmed, romantic atmosphere combined with succulent bites from the raw bar—plus a prime cut or two—are sure to make your date an evening to remember. 260 S. Broad St., 215.552.4848, steak48.com
Seaview, A Dolce Hotel
Turn your romantic weekend into a much-needed getaway at this Jersey Shore oasis. Stay overnight on February 13th in a standard king room where you and your date will be welcomed with Prosecco and chocolates. Along with the room, the package includes dinner for two at the hotel’s upscale restaurant and breakfast the next morning. The five-course menu features crab ravioli, Filet Oscar and chocolate pound cake paired with strawberry shortcake and chocolate covered strawberry garnish. $299, 401 S. New York Road., Galloway, N.J., 609.652.1800, seaviewdolcehotel.com
Beach Plum Farm
Bring a rustic feel to your Valentine’s weekend with dinner at Cape May’s Beach Plum Farm, and share a candlelit, farm-to-table multi-course meal with your special someone. Using the farm's own fresh meats, poultry, herbs and vegetables, Chef Wes Thompson’s gourmet menu includes dishes like smoked half chicken and red velvet cake. The exclusive night is limited to 25 couples, so reserve your table online for the 6:30 p.m. seating before it’s too late. Also, the restaurant is BYOB, so be sure to pack your favorite wine or bubbly. $250 per couple, 140 Stevens St., West Cape May, N.J., resy.com
Photography by: Courtesy of restaurants and hotels
