15 of the Most Romantic Restaurants in Toronto for Valentine’s Day

When it comes to picking out where to take your significant other for Valentine’s Day, you don’t necessarily need to make a reservation at the hottest new restaurant.

You want to choose a place that is intimate and quiet, but still classy enough so your date knows you put some thought into your decision.

And lucky for you, selecting the perfect place to wine and dine your sweetheart doesn’t have have to be so stressful, as we’ve put together a list of the most romantic places in Toronto for a V-Day dinner.

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Jacob’s Steakhouse 
If you’re a steak lover, Jacob’s might become your favourite new steakhouse. The low lighting paired with the impressive wine list featuring choices from around the world really sets the mood for a romantic evening. Steaks from Jacob’s are arguably the best in the city and their dessert menu isn’t bad either. We recommend finishing your night with a piece of the s’mores cheesecake.

Actinolite
The sleek eatery on Ossington serves up unique combinations and flavours, all with fresh ingredients. The bar features an eclectic variety of wine and cocktails, which are the perfect start to a romantic evening, while the prix fixe menu gives diners a unique experience that they can cherish.

Harbord Room
Diners will enjoy this cozy dining space, which is accented by exposed brick walls. Seating is extremely limited, so expect impeccable service and a menu that boasts globally inspired dishes and boutique wines. We suggest trying the caramelized onion and grilled mushroom soup and the Moroccan-style braised beef.

Marben
This warm, refined restaurant on Wellington west serves up a menu that is inspired by the head chef’s Canadian and Spanish roots along with an impressive list of bespoke cocktails. Dine on locally sourced fare like tequila ceviche cones with avocado, tobiko, cilantro and jalapeño, or foie gras tiramisu, which includes toasted brioche, cocoa, and coffee. Marben also serves delicious fresh oysters – you know the rest.

marben

Momofuku Daisho 
Asian food is a romantic affair at this downtown restaurant, where feeding each other by hand is always approved. From February 12th-14th, diners can enjoy the Valentine-inspired prix fixe menu, which features spicy chitarra noodle, squash salad, and dry-aged sirloin.

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Bar Isabel
This rustic tavern eatery boasts Old World charm with its intimate lighting and colourful tiles. The menu draws on Spanish cuisine, with a variety of tapas options perfect for those seeking a more romantic dining experience. If you plan on visiting Bar Isabel, make sure to try the fresh octopus.

Bar

Frank’s Kitchen 
Located in the heart of Toronto’s Little Italy, Frank’s Kitchen is a critically-acclaimed restaurant that serves nothing but fresh, made-in-house dishes. This cozy fine dining spot is known for its steaks and classics like oysters Rockefeller and escargot.

Bar Begonia 
This softly lit restaurant on Dupont is renowned for its stylish lounge and sultry setting. Start off with Parisian-inspired cocktails, followed by French comfort food options like steak tartare, foie gras and liver, and salami savoie. Wrap the evening up with a decadent dessert of creme brûlée, lemon tarts, or cinnamon apple beignets.

The Keg 
The Keg is always a classic dining option, as it offers intimate tables, a robust menu, and impeccable wine pairings. But there is no better time to visit The Keg than on Valentine’s Day, as all downtown locations will be offering a prix fixe menus.

Sotto Sotto 
This warm, upscale trattoria offers traditional dishes from South-Central Italy, with an extensive wine list to match. Dine on traditional and classic dishes like capellini nazzini (angel hair pasta with shrimp and arugula), saltimbocca alla romana (veal scaloppine with prosciutto in a white wine sauce), and vitello alle noci (veal scaloppine with walnuts in a wine and frangelico sauce).

Montecito
Named after the cool Californian city, Montecito brings both casual elegance and a cool Californian vibe to Toronto’s Entertainment District. Guests can always expect new options as the menu is printed daily, but there are definitely a few signature creations that you must try. The kale salad is exceptional, as is the JW chicken, which is named after executive chef Jonathan Waxman.

Canoe 
We know you’ll be spending your Valentine’s dinner gazing at your stunning date, but doing so at an equally stunning venue definitely perfects the night. Located on the 54th Floor of the TD Bank Tower, diners will swoon over the beautiful views, impressive menu, and extensive collection of wine. Don’t forget to try the Canoe butter tart for dessert.

Photo: Renée Suen/Canoe

Adega 
From the dim lighting to the sultry red walls, dining at Adega is a very romantic experience. Located on Elm St., Adega primarily serves seafood and meat dishes. They have brought in old recipes and cooking techniques and perfected them with modern flavours.

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Union 
If you’re looking for a bit more of a lively spot, make your way to 72 Ossington and visit Union, which focuses on farm fresh, eat local philosophies. This is a great spot for a romantic evening as there are plenty of shareable plates to choose from. The bartenders also know how to make a serious Old Fashioned, which is the perfect beverage to start any meal in our books.

union

Campagnolo 
This warm eatery on Dundas West is the perfect mix of charming European-inspired decor, unwavering hospitality, and rustic charm. The tagliatelle and duck ragu is phenomenal, as is the salted caramel budino with chocolate meringue.

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