A NIGHT OF INTIMACY

Like an escape to Paris, Jules Bistro is an ideal spot to set the mood. Enjoy a bit of Parisian love with French bistro fare in a candlelit atmosphere with romantic tunes. All Valentine’s Day weekend (Feb 13-15), Jule Bistro will feature live piano with Kurt Von Hahn from 7-9pm.

On the more casual side of dining, Brioche provides a quaint, café-meets-restaurant atmosphere, perfect for cozying up with homemade Sicilian dishes. And if you want to try Sicilian-style ribs, pescatore cioppino, or wild mushroom risotto, Brioche will offer a four-course lunch and dinner special on Valentine’s Day.

REVIVE THE CLASSICS

Perhaps a night of throwback ambience is in order? If so, a warm welcome awaits as you pass through the iron gates of Al Porto for a romantic, candlelit dinner. The Tuscan-inspired restaurant features Italian pastas, wood-burn pizza, seafood delights and decadent desserts. Water Street Café delivers the quintessential classic dining experience in an elegant setting that overlooks the Steam Clock and Water Street’s storied cobblestones.

For something more dynamic, relish in sublime pleasures. Pourhouse has an old fashioned personality that entertains with its prohibition-style furnishings, upbeat jazz music, and menu of upscale comforts and original cocktails mixed by the city’s top barmen.

FOR THE FOODIE COUPLE

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L’Abattoir will serve up a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner at its new private dining room

Die hard foodies have plenty of quality options to choose from. Chef Geoff Rogers has revamped the menu at Blacktail with rustic, off-cut meats and out-of-box dishes. The space has an ‘outdoor meets indoor’ theme, complete with woodland inspired décor and 3D deco windows – perfect for a few photo ops. 

Or, cozy up to your favourite person at L’Abattoir. The French-inspired restaurant has a unique setting with classic French tile work and industrial fixtures. This year, Chef Lee Cooper is preparing a set dinner in L’Abattoir’s private dining room. Upon arrival, guests will be treated to a welcome cocktail created by bartender Shaun Layton, in addition to specially selected wines paired with each course.

Seafood lovers can satiate their appetite with freshly shucked oysters at Cork + Fin’s Raw Bar – or share the signature seafood tower at the semi-private mezzanine. Finish off with a few sips of champagne and sparkling wines to refresh your palate.

Speaking of palate, Secret Location delivers a chic, gastronomic adventure inside their tasting room. Chef Jefferson Alvarez carefully prepares multi-course tastings with imaginative flair – and you can even request a custom tasting, made just for you.

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Pictured here – Bambudda

For a fun, casual evening, reserve a spot at one of Gastown’s Asian eateries. Bambudda offers social share-plate dining in a bright, contemporary atmosphere that’s perfect for engaging in lively conversations. Couples can nosh on nouveau dim sum, sip on inventive cocktails, and break the ice over Bambudda’s cheeky drink names.

If you have a penchant for authentic Japanese cuisine, head over to Shirakawa. The restaurant serves mouthwatering teppan-grilled meats and made-from-scratch dishes. And, if you want to ‘savour’ the moment, order their luxurious Kuroge Wagyu beef, boasted as the best steak in Vancouver.

 

Or, enjoy a small slice of Spain in Gastown. Sardine Can’s intimate interiors and bar seating is a great way to get up close and personal with your date. You can exchange flirtations comments over a few classic tapas while sipping on imported Spanish sherry or wine. If the mood strikes for a lively fiesta, reserve a table at Salida 7, a new Spanish restaurant on Alexander Street, offering regional dishes in a vibrant, colourful atmosphere. On Valentine’s Day, soul singer, Sharon Bryson will perform live from 8-11pm.

HOIST A GLASS

Salt Tasting Room Gastown Best of BC Plate 3 locally produced cheeses and meats 3 locally produced condiments

If you prefer to keep it low key, enjoy a night of convivial sips. Wine connoisseurs will love the vast selection of wines, local cured meats, and artisanal cheeses at Salt Tasting Room. This year, they will offer a special ‘My Blood Alley Valentine’ menu that includes a three-course dinner with flights of bubbly. And if you’re looking to up the ante, allow a wine-savvy server to assist with specially selected wine pairings. Or, rub elbows with fellow whisky drinkers inside Shebeen Whisky House, which boasts the best selection in the city.

Six Acres is a great little nook to enjoy world-class beers and comforting plates of cheddar corn fritters or beef short ribs. The brick-lined space is both cozy and romantic, particularly when dining in the intimate mezzanine. Just across the street, The Diamond has a spectacular window view of Maple Tree Square. The cocktail bar sets the mood with its sophisticated atmosphere, chatty bartenders and swish drink menu that will impress even the fussiest cocktail connoisseur.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR TWO

Valentine’s Day revellers can wrap up the evening with live entertainment. Guilt & Company is constantly shaking things up with live shows that feature eclectic acts, from musical improv to neo burlesque, every night of week. And, Revel Room gets the crowd stomping its feet with a rotating schedule of live boogie-woogie piano, rockability and blues inside their funky space.

For more scoop on live entertainment and special Valentine’s Day events, check out our calendar.