Where to Dine on the Lovey-Doviest Day of the Year

Let’s talk expectations. There are a lot of ins and outs that happen on Valentine’s Day–candy, flowers, cards–and usually a romantic dinner is somewhere in the mix. If you’re still in need of ideas, we at Seattle Magazine have thrown together a few fantastic local spots brimming with specials that will make the culinary portion of the night a no-brainer.

Volunteer Park Cafe
Since Kingfish Cafe shuttered, at least temporarily, north Capitol Hill took a little bit of a hit. VPC is willing to pick up the slack, and is starting on Valentine’s Day with chef Ericka Burke’s five-course menu ($95/$130 with wine pairings per meal). Some highlights include a duck breast with tart apple, hicama, sweet potato and pomegranate, and a lamb ragout with dumplings, sweet-and-sour cipollini onions, and a carrot-mint gremolata.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant or keying in alwaysfreshgoodness.com. 1501 17th Ave. E; 206.328.3155

RockCreek

Courtesy of RockCreek

Ah, RockCreek: my favorite restaurant in Seattle. Chef Eric Donnelly’s eatery is throwing its proverbial hat in the Valentine’s Day ring for not only dinner, but also brunch, offering oysters Benedict, and a Champagne special of Veuve Ambal blanc de blancs for $25. As for dinner specials, expect a whole fried crab (MP) and scallops feauturing cauliflower, horseradish puree and black trumpet mushrooms for $30. Of course, the fantastic regualar menu will also be available. Reservations highly recommended. 4300 Fremont Ave. N; 206.557.7532; rockcreekseattle.com

Bastille Cafe & Bar
One of the most romantic restaurants in Seattle is stepping up for this year’s day of love. Whether you choose to cuddle in the back bar or by the fire in the main seating area, Hama Hama oysters and an apple mignonette ($30 for a dozen) will complement your seating choice appropriately. Bastille has its own take on Dungeness crab as well, featuring the sweet meat as a salad with chicories, Meyer lemon and aleppo pepper ($16). 5307 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.453.5014; bastilleseattle.com

Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery
Just as your evening should end with something sweet, so will this article. Hot Cakes will be churning out its standard favorites (decadent and gooey chocolate cakes, cookies, boozy shakes) along with a weekend special that reminds us of a Hostess Ding Dongs, but this version is known as a Bling Bling. Also, Hot Cakes will pour you a glass of wine or special punch for $3 if you purchase a regular menu item, making it a true contender for best night cap in the city on Valentine’s Day. 5427 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.420.3431; getyourhotcakes.com