THE GRAND ROMANTIC GESTURE
Clever Koi
4236 N. Central Ave., Phoenix (other location in Gilbert)
602-222-3474
$100 per couple
Wind and fire merge to create a stunning effect in order to prepare a rotisserie duck. The Asian-inspired dinner is paired with a special bottle of wine that has been carefully selected by bar manager and co-owner Joshua James.
Quiessence at The Farm at South Mountain
6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix
602-276-0601
$95 per person; $140 per person with wine pairings
Recently praised for being in the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America by OpenTable, Quiessence works to combine food with experience in order to create lasting memories. The restaurant will be offering a Valentine’s Day Chef’s Tasting Menu on Feb. 11, 12 and 14 within its 10-acre garden.
T. Cook’s
5200 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
602-808-0766
$150 per person
Indulge yourself with a four-course, prix-fixe dinner prepared by Executive Chef Todd Allison at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa. From a black burgundy truffle soup to a pan roasted glacier 51 sea bass, there’s a little bit of everything.
Wright’s at the Biltmore
2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix
602-955-6600
$95 per person
Impress your date with a romantic “love letter” featuring a romantic quote delivered to the table as you wait for the savory four-course meal to be served. Indulge in something exotic like espresso crusted buffalo carpaccio and end the night with a white chocolate passion fruit bavarian.
SAYING “I LOVE YOU” FOR THE FIRST TIME
Little Cleo’s at The Yard in Phoenix
5632 N. 7th St., Phoenix
602-680-4044
$55 per person
Dine on a variety of seafood dishes from oysters to the big eye tuna tataki in the ‘40s-inspired restaurant setting. The main courses will include a fresh selection of fishy dishes like the seared diver scallops and grilled swordfish. If you aren’t in a fish mood, try the red wine braised short rib.
MATCH Cuisine + Cocktails
1100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-875-8080
$75 per person; $115 per person with wine pairing
Head to the FOUND:RE hotel by 5 p.m. to enjoy a locally sourced dinner that draws inspiration from around the world. Make sure to leave some time to show off that much-used art history course in college by taking a tour of the hotel’s lobby, which is chockablock of artwork from local artists.
North Italia
15024 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale (other location in Phoenix)
480-948-2055
$55 per person
Take your special someone to North Italia to enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu including Arancini, bolognese, red wine glazed short rib and end the night with a sweet salted caramel budino or dark chocolate tart with Nutella mousse and pecan toffee.
Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails
5813 N. 7th St., Phoenix
602-296-4147
$65 per couple
Enjoy a Southern-inspired cuisine from a choice of lamb shank, wood fired roasted hen and rainbow trout. Cozy up next to your loved one and savor the sweetness of the apple bread pudding, buttermilk ice cream, chocolate tart and other desserts.
SOOTHE YOUR FIRST DATE JITTERS
Frank & Albert’s
2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix
602-955-6600
$58 per person
Located in the Arizona Biltmore, settle down at Frank & Albert’s and choose between surf and turf – smoked steelhead trout flatbread, pan seared scallops and Strauss Farms grass-fed beef filet.
Sauce Pizza & Wine
2551 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler (visit website for more locations)
480-388-3640
$22 per couple
A Valentine’s Day evening doesn’t have to be fancy. If you’re looking to simply spend time with your date or friend, head to Sauce Pizza & Wine. Enjoy a 12-inch pizza and two glasses of wine for $22. There’s also a selection of salads and gourmet pizzas like the Spicy Chicken Sausage.
Zen Culinary
15544 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
480-296-0030
$40 per person
If you’re craving some Asian food delicacies, Zen Culinary is the place to go. The three course meal will serve everything from duck breast to Pad Thai. A specialty cocktail has been added to the menu, a Flute of Brut Champagne with strawberry puree and finished with Chambord.
