10 DC Area Valentine's Day Reservations to Book Right Now

Ris; photo by Laura Padgett

By Olga Boikess

Given that Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, it's getting the super-sized treatment, with a number of dining spots offering a long weekend of romance themed menus. That’s good news for couples who enjoy celebrating over a restaurant meal, but dislike trying to reserve a table for a single night. What’s more, whether offered on one night, or for several days, the plans below are so varied - there’s something to suit most moods and pocketbooks.

Classic Romance
Acqua Al 2: This Capitol Hill Italian import (a popular pop-the-question venue) offers a five-course prix fixe ($85) on Valentine’s Day, featuring its authentic pastas and saucy steaks, as well as its usual menu (202-525-4373).

Bastille: Gallic classics - think mussel fois gras, lobster, duck and white chocolate - compose the five-course menu served singularly on the 14th ($115, $165 with wine pairings) in this countrified Old Town retreat. From February 10-18, a gourmand tasting menu including many of the same dishes will be available in addition to the usual offerings ($65, $90 with wine pairings; 703-519-3776).

Michel: Pamper your partner and your palette at Michel Richard’s luxurious French-American Tysons Corner boite, with four decadent courses (yellowtail carpaccio, lobster, filet mignon), culminating in a chocolate heart for two served, February 11 and 14, in addition to the à la carte menu (703-744-3999).

Seductive Romance
Birch and Barley: Flickering oil lamps set the stage for celebrating over a three- or five-course Modern American menu at this hip 14th St. NW destination ($45 and $60 respectively, beverage pairing for $15 and $25) on February 14 - diners can add a decadent four-course dessert tasting for $15 (but also must order the dinner menu that night; 202-567-2576).

Firefly: This New American below Dupont Circle will cast a spell on you with its five-course menu, exclusively served on February 14, with octopus, steak tartare, corned pork and mini pot roasts among the choices ($75, includes a glass of sparkling wine; 202-861-1310

Rasika: This Penn Quarter Modern Indian’s seductive atmosphere makes it a primo choice for romancing, year-round. On the 14th, a four-course menu featuring its popular dishes, for $85, with optional wine pairings, $45, will be offered exclusively (202-637-1222).

Something-for-Everyone Romance
Perrys: This trendy Adams Morgan New American courts a range of appetites on February 14 with a three-course prix fixe offering choices - think sashimi, vegetarian, halibut and short ribs ($50; complimentary glass of bubbly offered from February 10-14; 202-234-6218).

Ris: American classics like lobster bisque, scallops, beef and bread pudding will be offered on a prix fixe menu ($65, $95 with pairings) from February 10-14 at this spacious West End bistro that caters to anyone from a privacy-seeking duo to a crowd. Regular à la carte menus are also available (202-730-2500).

Romance on the Cheap
Fuel: Lovers with thin wallets might consider a heart-shaped pizza for two from this new Golden Triangle pie station. Order 24 hours ahead for pickup or eat-in, from February 10-14 (202- 659-3835).

Anti-Romance
Bar Pilar: Broken hearts and holiday naysayers can drown their sorrows with bitter and sour cocktails, along with bittersweet chocolate and salted caramel desserts, at this 14th Street American’s V-Day party on February 14. While the restaurant is still closed for renovations, the bar will be open for drinks and a few savory plates and dessert, to be enjoyed while listening to the classic break-up songs featured on its playlist (202-265-1751).