Food & Drink

Hearty List of Valentine’s Day Dining Specials Around Baltimore

Start planning the perfect date with our ultimate eating-and-drinking guide for the Hallmark holiday.

Calling all hopeless romantics. It’s the ooey-gooey time of year again—and a dinner for two is the language of love for many. Whether you’re interested in prix-fixe, à la carte, or dessert deals, you can get ahead of the curve in planning the perfect Valentine’s Day date by checking out our massive list of holiday dining specials.

Precious Prix-Fixe Menus

Alma Cocina Latina: Enjoy a chef-curated tasting menu of Venezuelan flavors in an intimate setting at Alma Cocina Latina in Station North. On Feb. 15, live music performances from Mariah Bonner and Natalie Smith will enchant couples while they enjoy the feast. Price TBA.

Bayside Cantina: With sweeping views of the Inner Harbor, this Mexican spot in Canton is featuring a romantic three-course meal. Menu items are to die for, and so is the complimentary glass of Prosecco for you and your honey. The special is available Monday through Wednesday. $45 per person.

Bondhouse:Surprise that special someone with an exclusive dinner for two at this intimate Fells Point eatery. Menu highlights include a baked feta dip app, an eight-ounce specialty steak, and two complimentary glasses of wine. $95.

The Belvedere Hotel: While the dimly lit Owl Bar will be open for drinks only, the hotel’s John Eager Howard ballroom will be decked out for lovers to enjoy a four-course feast with wine pairings. Look out for the herb-crusted rack of lamb, teriyaki salmon, or the double-layer chocolate cake for dessert. That’s enough to make your heart flutter—and your stomach growl. $85 per guest.

The Cafe at B’More Made With Pride: Put on your V-Day best and head to the cafe at this shared kitchen on Harford Road with your special someone. Choose from the tasty selection including cream of crab soup, lamb chops, and smoked brisket. Finish the evening with the decadence of chocolate-dipped strawberries, hot chocolate cheesecake bites, or a jumbo cupcake with butter rum icing. $190 per couple.

Citron: Love is in the air at this family-owned staple in Pikesville. Citron is offering a four-course spread for Valentine’s Day. Reservations are required and are going fast. $90 per person.

Cosima: Inspired by the flavors of Italy—a country known for sparking romance—this Hampden spot is a surefire bet to sweep your partner off their feet. The prix-fixe menu boasts delectable small plates like the asparagus arancini drizzled with parmesan crab cream sauce and fried shrimp skewers over vegetable risotto as an entree. And that’s just the beginning. Choose from indulgent desserts like lavender panna cotta and Sicilian lemon olive oil cake. $95 per person.

Dylan’s Oyster Cellar: In place of their regular menu, the corner raw bar on the Avenue in Hampden will be sweetening things up with a three-course fixed menu. There are many delectable options to choose from, including Argentinian red shrimp doused in garlic ginger butter, creamy scallops with pappardelle, and a decadent strawberry-banana cake to end the night. $65 per person.

—Courtesy of Dylan's Oyster Cellar via Facebook

Eddie’s of Roland Park: For a cozy dinner at home without the hassle of cooking, Eddie’s is offering its famous four-course, heat-and-serve feast. Each person gets their choice of an appetizer, main, side, and dessert. Highlights include the wild mushroom and fennel risotto, herb-citrus seared salmon, and chocolate-covered strawberries to top it off. Special add-ons include a dozen roses or a rosé wine pairing. Orders are available for pick-up and delivery. $99.99.

Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen: In addition to the regular dinner menu, Gertrude’s at the BMA has created an aphrodisiac-forward, prix-fixe menu to celebrate the day of love. Be delighted by items like the pistachio-encrusted lamb lollipops or the mushroom and farro risotto. Optional wine pairings are available, as well as a full vegan menu. $60 per person ($45 for vegan, extra $20 for wine pairings).

Gunther & Co.: Head in the clouds? This Brewer’s Hill mainstay invites you to delight in their four-course menu. Settle in to enjoy dishes such as Honolulu ahi tuna, potato gnocchi with braised rabbit, and 48-hour sous vide short rib served with butter-poached leaks and crispy shrimp. Plus, you can customize your experience by adding on wine pairings or oyster and shellfish courses. For dessert, try the rich salted caramel budino with dark chocolate ganache and butter pecan ice cream. $150 per person with optional add-ons.

La Cuchara: Indulge in a four-course tasting spread at this Hampden hotspot, flavored by French and Spanish influences. Look out for irresistible crispy oysters with fresh dill, duck roast magret, and a mango-lime semifreddo for dessert. $119 per person.

Lee’s Pint & Shell: Head to this Canton oyster bar arm-in-arm with your sweetheart for a four-course meal, wine included. Look out for  roasted oysters, pasta, or pan-roasted salmon on the menu. $99.

Linwoods: Enjoy a decadent dinner for two featuring tenderloin and crab imperial with potato gratin and seasonal vegetables. To curb your sweet tooth, a Black Forest cake and pink champagne layer cake are on offer for dessert. 

Magdalena: Located in the Mt. Vernon’s posh Ivy Hotel, Magdalena will be featuring a special menu for lovers who choose to dine at the restaurant for the holiday. You can also enjoy optional wine pairings or stick to the a la carte offerings. More details to come.

Marta Fine Food & Spirits: Head to historic Butcher’s Hill for a night of romance at this new spot. Chef Matthew Oetting’s four-course menu is loaded with delights like the lobster bisque with whipped mascarpone and hazelnut crumble, or the risotto Sangiovese with braised lamb and roasted beets. Top it all off with additional wine pairings that delicately dance across the palette. $140 or $195 with wine pairings.

The Melting Pot: Nothing screams romance quite like dipping strawberries into a warm bowl of chocolate—which you can of course find at this fondue haven in Towson. Start with your choice of cheese fondue and salad. For the main course, look out for filet mignon, teriyaki steak, lemon garlic shrimp, Atlantic salmon, Old Bay chicken, and pasta—yes, all of it. Be sure to save room for the chocolate finisher. $88 per person.

Pairings Bistro: Head to this charming bistro nestled in the heart of Bel Air for a three or four course prix-fixe menu. Specials include pepita-crusted salmon, carbonara tagliatelle, bacon-wrapped scallops, and a delicate berry shortcake for dessert. Hence the name, wine pairings are offered as an optional add-on. 3 courses for $48 or $67 with wine pairings. 4 courses for $58 or $82 with wine pairings.

Rec Pier Chop House: At this swanky Italian chophouse inside the Sagamore Pendry in Fells Point, enjoy a four-course fixed menu with optional wine pairings. The menu features dishes like Crespelles with mascarpone, caviar and veal brodo, lemon-ricotta risotto with porcini mushrooms, saffron gnocchi with Chesapeake clams and pancetta, and dry-aged bone-in ribeye for two. The Cannon Room will also be open for cocktails, if you’d like to start off with a pre-dinner drink or end the meal with a nightcap. 

Union Collective Beer Dinner: Union Craft Brewing and the taproom’s new permanent food stall Carroll & Son Fine Foods are joining forces to bring beer lovers the ultimate V-Day feast. Each of the three courses offer a scrumptious CSFF bite, paired accordingly with a cold beer. Menu highlights include country-fried quail with hot honey and the “It’s F*cking Molten” hot lava cake. $75 per person.

Victoria Gastro Pub: Spend Valentine’s Day at this pub in Columbia. Brand new chef specials take the stage in honor of the holiday. Plus, with the 14th falling on a Tuesday, sip on half-priced martinis for ‘Tini Tuesday. Try the cast iron diver scallops and herb-crusted lamb chops with a mouthwatering chocolate bomb for dessert.

Amorous À La Carte Specials

Azumi: To really go all out, make a reservation in the flame room or at one of the teppanyaki tables for a hibachi-style immersive experience at this Harbor East favorite. The Japanese go-to will also be highlighting most of its regularly offered menu items—limited to fan favorites—including some of its most beloved sushi rolls.

BLK Swan: Not only does this Harbor East hotspot offer an after-hours club vibe, it’s also the perfect ambiance for sweet-talking your other half during dinner service. In addition to Chef Saon Brice’s typical menu, expect special temptations such as juicy filet mignon with Maine lobster and tarragon-infused potato galette, as well as cast iron seared scallops over herb risotto in a scampi sauce—both with suggested wine pairings. A DJ will also be playing endless love songs to make it a true V-Day celebration.

Cholitas Tacos: Finally—something for singles! This taco joint at Mount Vernon Marketplace is hosting a “Single Like a Pringle” event for those feeling a little flirtatious. From 6 to 8 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, grab a name tag, a couple of tacos, a $3 shot, and a strawberries and cream fishbowl margarita for some liquid courage.

Dutch Courage: At this Old Goucher gin bar, Valentine’s isn’t just one day. Dutch Courage will be offering specials beginning the weekend before the holiday through February 14. Among them will be chef Alec Jacobson’s sous vide filet topped with prosciutto fat pomme puree, roasted root vegetables, and a red wine demiglace. To make it a surf-and-turf situation, you can add sea scallops to your plate. For pescatarians, the crab-stuffed sole with lobster cream, braised leeks, apple, and rutabaga is something to look out for. Special desserts will include dark chocolate shortbread and white chocolate rose mousse. And, of course, wash it all down with themed cocktails like the “Between Enemies & Lovers.”

Loch Bar: A seafood lovers paradise, this raw bar and restaurant inside the Four Seasons in Harbor East invites guests for an intimate dinner for two. Expect everything from shellfish towers to charcuterie on the special menu, and be sure to order a creative cocktail or two to spice up the night.

—Courtesy of Loch Bar via Facebook

Mama’s on the Half Shell: If you’re a seafood lover, settle in to enjoy a special menu of oceanic offerings at this Canton mainstay. Start off with an order of crab samosas or coconut shrimp before moving on to entrees like pan-seared scallops in a tequila cream sauce, blackened snapper, or steak and lobster fettuccine. Save room for chocolate mousse, cheesecake, or drizzled strawberries for dessert. More of a Tex-Mex person? Swing by sister-spot Nacho Mama’s for heart-shaped quesadillas through February 14.

Ouzo Bay: Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean as sparks fly at this classy-yet-cozy spot in Harbor East. A limited menu selected from their usual offerings will include hits such as charred calamari, flaming saganaki, and Aegean Bronzino.

Rusty Scupper: Treat that special someone to a romantic dinner overlooking the harbor at this Charm City classic. The Rusty Scupper will be offering a special holiday menu highlighting some of their most popular dishes. Find a table online or call to make a reservation.

TinyBrickOven Pizza Class: At this fan-favorite pie shop in Federal Hill, learn the art of pizza making side-by-side with your other half. The event features a Valentine’s photo booth, wine tasting, and classic Italian gelato for dessert. Sounds like the perfect recipe for love. $49 admission.

The Walrus Oyster & Ale House: Oysters and champagne? What more could you want? Visit this seafood house in Columbia with a plus-one February 11-14 to share a bottle of bubbly and slurp a chef’s dozen oysters—a known aphrodisiac.  $59.

Decadent Dessert Deals

Bbakery: Why give real roses when they can be made of cake? This online bakery based in White Hall packs on the sweetness with handmade rose truffles and cupcakes. If that’s not your style, choose from endless cake and cookie options. $15 for cupcakes, $12 for truffles.

Cake By Jason: Specially designed to warm your hearts and tickle your taste buds, Cake By Jason’s Valentine’s Day options are not only delicious, but beautiful. The special six-pack of cupcakes, cake jars, or packed macaron boxes would make a great treat to end a date night. For those boycotting the Hallmark holiday, try the “Heartbreak Box”—filled with six cupcakes decorated with fun sayings like, “Love Stinks, Let’s Drink.” If you just want to spread the love, the Timonium bakery’s #ShareLoveBmore cookies also act as a pay-it-forward initiative. For every cookie purchased, another is donated to a local shelter for citizens who are unhoused.

—Courtesy of Cake By Jason via Facebook

Charm City Cakes: The Ace of Cakes shop is offering seven Valentine-inspired holiday cakes to choose from. Whether you want a cake made to look like the classic blue Tiffany box or a box of chocolates, the Remington bakery has you covered.

Codetta Bakeshop: Stumped on romantic gift ideas? How do light and fluffy cupcakes, gorgeous roses, and juicy chocolate-covered strawberries sound? Codetta has teamed up with other small businesses to bring you the ultimate gesture for your loved one—and you didn’t have to lift a finger. Even better, discount cards to some of the partnering shops are included—all packed into a sleek and chic black box. $100.

Ovenbird Bakery: In preparation for the annual day of love, this artisanal bread and pastry shop in Little Italy just added four new  treats to the menu. Among them: a fruit tart with almond cream and a special dark chocolate and cherry sourdough.