Valentine’s Day Recommendations
Every Austin restaurateur is breathing a sigh of relief that the 14th falls on a Tuesday this month. That’s because Valentine’s Day is traditionally a couples night out. In restaurant jargon that means “two tops” and because so many tables are set up as four tops, it means a lot of empty seats.
That being said here are some suggestions for taking your sweetie out.
1. Trio
Elmar Prambs has done it again. Great menu planned. Pricey, but the steaks and seafood will be scrumptious.
2. Cafe Blue
They’ll feature an oyster sampler for two (appropriate), a chilled lobster salad, and a filet of beef and sesame crusted ahi tuna!
3. Emmer & Rye
This Rainey Street favorite will offer a tour of its stunning menu including the award winning Caci e Pepe.
4. The Oasis
Talk about romantic settings? 450 feet above Lake Travis qualifies. Also the lump crab cake appetizer, the Petite Filet, and the
Love Heart Pillow Cake (perfect). Should be a beautiful evening.
5. III Forks
This is my favorite steak restaurant in the city. So you can imagine what Chef Adrian has in store for the 14th. Jump on this now folks. Wonderful romantic ambience.
6. Olamaie
This classic southern style restaurant richly deserves its spot in our Top 25. Had Valentine’s dinner last year and it was exceptional. This year figures to be more of the same.
7. L’Oca de Oro
This newer spot near the old airport was voted best new restaurant last year. Beautiful Italian food and they also had the courage to declare themselves a sanctuary restaurant last week.
Rene Ortiz is one of my favorite chefs. And his Launderette is a pantheon of great tastes and flavors. Always a terrific choice for Valentine’s Day.
9. The District
This lovely Slaughter Lane restaurant fuses Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and American dishes into a delightful array of highly delicious choices. Great bet for the 14th. One of our Top 25!
This night will be a bit easier on the pocketbook but the fact that Jack’s now has four locations speaks to just how tasty the food is. Might be a bit noisy but if your sweetie lives great comfort food then this is the place.
11. Sway
This Thai fusion spot on S 1st is one of my absolute favorites. This is a perfect spot for Valentine’s Day. Be sure to try the Pork Belly shumai.
12. Toscano
Special menu with lobster tail risotto and a pork roast with pancetta along with other goodies. This restaurant is new to the Lake Travis area but is part of Stan Adams Brick Oven/Sienna Group so you know they are well supported.
Been to a lot of great dinners here. This is a perfect place for a romantic dinner and owner Ronald Cheng has done a beautiful job with this place. And that’s just the ambience. The food is an amalgam of lovely Chinese dishes from the four major regions of this food-rich country.
Always a great spot for Valentine’s. Nicely appointed and they are as good as they’ve ever been on the food front with a lean to Cajun-influenced seafood dishes. Reasonably price as well! Make sure to take a selfie with Freda Cheng.
15. Lenoir
Todd Dupplechan learned from master chef Elmar Prambs at Trio. Now he is the master of this lovely 34-seat restaurant on S 1st. Another one of our Top 25. Farm to table emphasis and the food is amazing.
16. Justine’s
How about some country French-styled food? I am addicted to the Steak Frittes and the Foie Gras to name just a few. Way out E 5th but persevere and you and your significant other will be rewarded.
Feel free to email us at rbbalon1@gmail.com with additional questions.
