Guide: Where to Get Romantic for Valentine's Day

It is that time of the year again when couples publicly display their affections a little more than usual while everyone tends to roll their eyes. Yes, this is Valentine's Day, considered by many to be a night for amateurs and as Black Tuesday here at Eater. If you plan to go out and cozy up next to your significant lov-ah, at least hit one of these more romantic spots in Chicago. Wine and dine the magical night away as you proudly profess your love in a room full of strangers. Just try to not get too lost in one another's eyes, we do not want to be reponsible for other patrons losing their lunch (or rather, dinner) at the table.

Eater Chicago intern Jeffy Mai contributed this article.

1) North Pond
Where: 2610 N. Cannon
What: Spread the warmth inside the former ice skating shelter next to the Lincoln Park pond. The six-course menu includes bacon lentil soup, wild striped bass or grassfed beef, and peanut cake and dark chocolate mousse as a few of the selections.
Cost: $110, additional $55 for wine pairings
Call: 773-477-5845

2) Signature Room
Where: 875 N. Michigan
What: Have a toast on top of the world at one of the city’s most romantic dining spots. The prix fixe offers mushroom and black truffle risotto or chicken liver as two appetizer options, roasted beef tenderloin or seared scallops for entrees, and classic baked Alaska for dessert.
Cost: $95
Call: 312-787-9596

3) Geja’s Café
Where: 340 W. Armitage
What: Keep things steamy with your companion with a hot pot of fondue. The special Valentine’s package includes a Gruyere cheese fondue, glass of Champagne, side salad, entrée fondue of tenderloin, lobster tail and jumbo shrimp, and a flaming chocolate dessert with coffee.
Cost: $105
Call: 773-281-9101

4) Bonsoiree
Where: 2728 W. Armitage
What: Intoxicate yourself with Bonsoiree’s Aphrodisiac Menu. The eight-courses feature fried foie gras dumpling, miso honey-laced lobster thermidor, buffalo tenderloin, and a banana bonanza dessert.
Cost: $115 on 2/13, $140 on 2/14
Call: 773-486-7511

5) Aria
Where: 200 N. Columbus
What: Tantalize your taste buds with this playful Valentine’s Day menu. Walk through the garden with a beets and garden vegetables salad, keep it hot and spicy with a Korean spicy bouillabaisse, or enjoy the red light special of red curry braised short ribs in this five-course prix fixe.
Cost: $85, $110 with pairings
Call: 312-444-9494

6) Henri
Where: 18 S. Michigan
What: Awaken your innermost desires with a menu full of modern presentations of ancient aphrodisiacs. The a la carte dishes include a salad of quail with endives and shaved truffle and xeres vinaigrette, roasted loin of Hawaiian ono, and a chateaubriand of venison loin.
Call: 312-578-0763

7) Telegraph
Where: 2601 N. Milwaukee
What: Wine and dine your date at the new Logan Square wine bar. This special four-course menu will serve Kushi oysters, ash rubbed lamb saddle, wild bass, and ice wine poached pears as some of the choices.
Cost: $55, $85 with pairings.
Call: 773-292-9643

8) mk
Where: 868 N. Franklin
What: There’s love in the air with this lovers tasting menu. Celebrate with luscious lobster, kinky Kobe sirloin, and a dark chocolate semifreddo.
Cost: $79
Call: 312-482-9179

9) Owen & Engine
Where: 2700 N. Western
What: Sharing is caring and these three-course shared appetizers are the perfect way to do so. Set your hearts afire with buffalo chicken hearts, or enjoy chilled oysters and a selection of aged, house-cured sausages.
Cost: $30, additional $30 for cocktail pairings
Call: 773-235-2930

10) NoMI
Where: 800 N. Michigan
What: Take things to new heights with a view of the Magnificent Mile at NoMI. A four-course meal of foie gras terrine, cauliflower soup, Kobe hanger steak, and a fromage blanc cream topped with whipped caramel will have you swooning.
Cost: $100
Call: 312-239-4030

11) Epic
Where: 112 W. Hubbard
What: Give in to temptations with an enticing four-course prix fixe. Choose from options such as crab and coconut bisque, pomegranate glazed pork belly, sea bass, and molten banana cake.
Cost: $60
Call: 312-222-4940

12) C-House
Where: 166 E. Superior
What: Get cozy with your sweetheart and enjoy a special tasting menu. Dishes include sunchoke soup, pan seared Artic char, flat iron steak with escarole, and dark chocolate torte with salty pretzels.
Cost: $55
Call: 312-523-0923