Dining

Best Restaurants for Valentine’s Day in Austin 2019

Published by
Hayden Walker
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UPDATE – See the 2020 guide HERE!

Enjoying Valentine’s Day in Austin can easily be one of those holidays you would love to forget if you’re not in a relationship.  That goes double for everytime you pass a random box of heart shaped chocolates, a batch of roses or a teddy bear as it sits there judging you for being single with those beady fake eyes while you’re shopping at HEB.  If you’re lucky enough to have a hot date on the most romantic holiday of the year, you have an opportunity to spend a portion of your hard earned paycheck to enjoy some of the delicious fare at dozens Austin area restaurants offering their special Valentine’s Day menu to celebrate the occasion.

With most restaurants offering their version of pre-fixe dinners and wine pairing specials, the task of selecting the perfect restaurant to impress your date is the hardest part.  To make it easier, we’ve selected the hottest spots in the city boasting menus delicious enough to at least get you a kiss on the cheek by the end of the evening.

 

Downtown

Le Politique Interior (Credit_ Wynn Myers)

Le Politique

Le Politique will celebrate Galentine’s Day during lunch + dinner on February 13th encouraging groups of ladies to make a reservation to celebrate one another, along with two complimentary heart-shaped macarons for every guest. Galentine’s Day at Le Politique Reservations can be made at https://lepolitiqueaustin.com/reservations.

 

Central Standard

Central Standard’s special Valentine’s Day menu includes truffled mashed potatoes, grilled broccolini with braised cippollini onions, porcini mushrooms and wagyu ribeye for sharing.  Reservations can be made at https://centralstandardaustin.com/reservations.

 

La Condesa

La Condesa will feature their A La Carte Dinner special which will be available 2/14 to 2/16.  The menu includes Huachinango ($17); Tamal de Pato ($19); Pescado Asado ($39); NY Strip ($45); and Pan y Chocolate ($10). 

 

Aloft Hotel

Element, at the Aloft Hotel, will feature a Galentine’s Day special with two buckets of Infinite Monkey Wine in room upon arrival, $250 dining and drinking credit at onsite restaurants & bar, four packages containing robes, slippers, face masks, nail polish and chocolates. Available 2/8-2/18.  The Indulgence Package features a sweet treat by Chef Jessica and a bottle of champagne waiting in room upon arrival.

 

Caroline Restaurant

Caroline’s Valentine’s Day menu specials include Smoked Beef Tataki – $16;  Lobster Dinner- $38; and Red Hot Cinnamon Cheesecake – $9.  There’s also a featured cocktail – Love Potion No. 9 – $9.  Caroline is located in the Aloft Hotel downtown.

 

TRACE

TRACE is serving a 4-course prix fixe menu available ($65 per person plus gratuity and tax + $18 for optional wine pairings).  Courses include Baked Oysters Rockefeller; Burratta; Lobster Ravioli; and Chocolate Strawberry Cake with valrhona strawberry chocolate, blackout cake and local strawberry preserves.  For reservations call (512) 542-3660.

 

Photo by Truluck's

Truluck’s

With indulgent, Southern-inspired cuisine, including signature Florida Stone Crab, Miso-Glazed Seabass, Lobscargot and more, as well as an award-winning wine and cocktail list which features a limited time ‘TruLuv’ cocktail created just for the occasion, Truluck’s Austin-area locations are the perfect settings to celebrate the person who matters most this Feb. 14. True love lasts, but tables on Valentine’s Day may not.  Call Truluck’s Arboretum at (512) 794-8300 or Truluck’s Downtown at (512) 428-9000 for reservations. Business casual attire is requested.

 

Stephen F. Austin Hotel

It’s prime time for making plans to impress the special someone in your life and the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel is here to help.  Stephen F. Austin Hotel has several options designed to up the romance, whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner in The Whisper Room or a staycation overnight.  Stephen F’s Bar and Terrace will be offering a special, handmade heart box made of chocolate and filled with delicious assorted truffles accompanied by a bottle of champagne for only $50.

 

Cherries Cordial by Chef Erica Waksmunski of @parksideaustin.

Parkside

Parkside downtown will feature a special Valentine’s Day Menu will be $50 + tax and gratuity and will include an optional wine pairing.  The menu includes Raw Appetizer Trio and your choice of entree as well as a dessert.

 

Emmer & Rye

On Valentine’s Day, Emmer & Rye will be offering a special prix fixe dinner menu in celebration of Valentine’s Day with reservations beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m.  The event will be $100 per person, and will be offered with an optional wine pairing for an additional cost.

 

LaVolpe

Valentine’s Day at La Volpe includes a special four course meal for $75 per person Executive Chef Will Eason blends traditional Italian with ultra-fresh ingredients and Southern flavors at the new downtown restaurant.  Make your reservation online or call 512-501-6713

 

Cannon + Belle

Cannon + Belle, the Texas-fresh inspired restaurant located in Hilton Austin, will celebrate the annual day of romance with a special four-course menu prepared by Chef Yesica Arredondo. The menu features tempting options such as Scallop Crudo, Garganelli, Bone-in Rib Eye and Chocolate Mousse Bar.  The special menu is only available on Valentine’s night.

 

East Austin

 

Il Brutto

Il Brutto’s special Valentine’s Day menu is available 2/14 to 2/16 and includes Caprese torte dessert for sharing ($12); “Something Lovey Dovey” cocktail ($13); and the “Kinda Romantic” cocktail ($13).

 

Photo by Nicolai McCrary

Prohibition Creamery

On Valentine’s Day, Prohibition Creamery is launching its newest menu item, “Afternoon Delight,” where guests can also choose to add a homemade red velvet waffle cone or pair it with Prohibition Creamery’s Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails: “Kiss from a Rose” made with gin, rose tincture, rosemary, grapefruit, and sparkling rosé, and “Your Classic Femme Fatale” made with Prosecco over sangria sorbet (vegan).

 

The Brewer’s Table

Whether you’re treating yourself or the significant other in your life, The Brewer’s Table has a special prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu ($75 per person). The four-course meal includes options like Venison Tartare; Hop Agnolotti; Smoked Beef Rib; and Poached Strawberries.

 

Pitchfork Pretty

Pitchfork Pretty has created a specialty 7-course menu in honor of Valentine‘s Day this year. The menu is $75 per person and includes 7 courses and a complimentary round of bubbles.  Guests will be sent all bites and dessert listed on the menu, then have the option to choose three appetizers per couple from each of the three categories and one entree per person.

 

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

Kemuri will be open on Valentine‘s Day offering regular service and the below special dishes, Chicken Liver Mousse with Yuzu infused Texas Strawberry Marmalade; 50 Day Dry Aged Beef Tataki; Smoked Duck Leg.  Kemuri will be open 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 14.  For reservations.

 

North Austin

Sway Rock Rose

Sway Rock Rose’s special Valentine’s Day menu is available 2/14 to 2/16 and includes, Wild Hokkaido Scallop ($20) and 30 Day Dry-Aged Ribeye ($55).

 

Bakery Lorraine

For someone looking to spoil their loved one with sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday. From Thursday, February 14th through Sunday, February 17th, Bakery Lorraine will have Valentine’s Day themed pastries at their Austin Location.

 

Photo: Vino Vino Facebook Page

Vino Vino

Vino Vino will celebrate Valentine’s Day with two different 4-course Prix Fixe menus for $75 per person with $35 optional pairings.  The menu options include “Loves Me” and “Loves Me Not.” Optional pairings are available with each menu.  The “Loves Me” menu includes items like the NY Strip Steak with grilled onion and Potato Gnocchi.  The “Loves Me Not” includes Mac & Cheese with Cowgirl Creamery’s Red Hawk as well as “Fried Chicken” with pickles and white gravy, paired with barrel aged “jack and coke”.

 

Cover 2 & Cover 3

COVER 3 & COVER 2 will offer patrons a complimentary glass of champagne paired with chocolate dipped strawberries along with the purchase of two entrées or sandwiches, such as the filet mignon or blackened snapper with fresh blue crab, and two beverages.

 

Punch Bowl Social

Visit Punch Bowl Social at the Domain on February 13to celebrate Galentine’s Day with your closest girlfriends.  Order a bowl of the sharable “Shot Through the Heart” specialty punch and catch up on the latest with the special ladies in your life.  Made with Teakoe Pear Tea, Old Forester Bourbon and Strawberry Cinnamon Shrub, this pink punch is the perfect way to celebrate this love-focused holiday.  11310 Domain Dr, Austin, TX 78758

 

Central Austin

 

Olamaie

This Valentine‘s Day, Olamaie will be doing a pre-set three-course menu for $85 per person. The menu will offer selections from their regular menu, with a choice between two dishes for each course – there will be items available for dietary restrictions as well (vegan, GF, etc.). Biscuits will be included, of course.  They will also have speciality cocktails & beverage pairings available at an additional cost.  Reservations are now open via email and OpenTable.com.

 

Olive & June

Olive & June will feature a special four-course menu for two for $90 per couple which includes a shared charred beet salad; choice of shared 44 farms Steak; shared pasta dish; and a dessert.

 

Uchiko

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Uchiko’s 10-course Prix Fixe menu ($185 for two), including Sashimi with scallop, Rainbow Trou with Chinese sausage, smoked peanut and pickled peppers, Intermezzo with Lemongrass ginger sorbet and strawberry bochi, and Wagyu shortrib with beet pave, beet gastrique and beef jus. For reservations call (512) 916-4808.

 

Snarf’s

On Valentine’s Day, buy one Snarf’s sandwich and get one free for that lover, friend or family member.  To enjoy the BOGO offer, customers go to their store of choice and show their sub love at the counter by liking Snarf’s Facebook or Instagram page.  It will be love at first bite.

 

South Austin

Uchi

Enjoy Uchi’s 12-course Prix Fixe menu ($185 for two) including bites like Amuse with tea smoked duck and begonia, Kambujime Hotate with cured scallop, hoja santa and aka san bai zu, Sake Mi Cult with slow poached king salmon, huckleberry and puffed wild rice, and Itoyori Crudo with threadfin bream, green strawberry and green garlic dashi.  For reservations call (512) 916-4808.

 

Sway South 1st

Sway’s special Valentine’s Day menu is available 2/14 to 2/16 and includes, Smoked Chicken Hearts ($13); Winter Garden Salad ($10); Curried Root Vegetables ($10; Shrimp Fried Rice ($18); Surf + Turf ($35); Chocolate Hazelnut Pot de Créme ($14) with special valentine’s day cocktail specials as well.

 

Hideaway Kitchen & Bar

At Austin’s Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, guests will have several possibilities to best enjoy an exceptional day dedicated to love and friendship. From February 13-16, enjoy a special prix fixe dinner menu at Hideaway featuring dishes created by chef Bryan Beneke, exclusive to Valentine’s Day weekend.  The Valentine’s prix fixe is $65 per person with wine pairings / $45 without. For more information, follow the Facebook event page. To book reservations, call (512) 527-3007.

 

It’s Italian Cucina

Intimate Italian on South Lamar, Executive Chef Al Fini curates a beautiful romantic meal paired with Italian varietals. Four-course dinner includes dishes like Frutta di Mare, Verdure Trio: Zucchini casserole, garlic spinach, grilled artichoke and Torta Gianduia.  Prices are $45 per person, with wine pairing $60.  For reservations visit https://itsitaliancucina.com/#hungry-reservations or call  512-482-8655.

 

Out Of Town

 

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

Stories, a fine-dining restaurant located at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, will serve it’s Valentine’s Day menu between February 12 and February 16.  The menu features everything from Blue Point Oysters harvested from Long Island Sound and composed Beef Wellington, to dessert options including a duet of sponge cake layered with house-made vanilla whipped cream and strawberry filling, joined by a smooth chocolate pot de crème topped with Luxardo cherries.

Hayden Walker

Hayden Walker is the Editor in Chief and Director of Operations for Austin Food Magazine

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