The Top 5 Restaurants for Valentine’s Day

One if by Land, Two if by Sea
(New York City) There are two common reactions people have when they hear this restaurant's name. Romantics might let out a gurgle of joy upon envisioning the cozy West Village site, a former carriage house that contains one of the few working fireplaces to be found in New York City restaurants; others might roll their eyes, remembering overtly sentimental meals. Think about it, though: if this special spot can provide an ideal ambiance for you and your love any day of the year, you can bet your $150 prix fixe menu (which includes Jerusalem artichoke soup and crispy black cod) that it will surpass your expectations on Valentine's Day.

White Castle (various locations) and Skyline Chili (Blue Ash, Ohio) Forget champagne and caviar: some people prefer fast food, no matter what day it is. At White Castle restaurants, couples are treated to tableside service, complete with flowers, candles, fried chicken rings, and sliders. The Blue Ash location of Skyline Chili, an Ohio-based chain that dishes up some of the best Cincinnati chili around, is offering a special three-course menu served by waiters in tuxes. Diners will be serenaded by a live violinist, too.

Joel Robuchon
(Las Vegas, Nevada) [Joel Robuchon's namesake restaurant at the MGM Grand is the epitome of fine dining, and at $500 a head, it makes for an indulgent and unforgettable meal. The thoroughly French menu is full of standouts, but we think the restaurant's potato puree and carpaccio of potato, foie gras, and truffles are the way to go.

Panna II
(New York City) There are plenty of Indian restaurants in New York City, but Panna II is definitely one of the best. The interior of the restaurant is wrapped with 42 feet of colorful Christmas lights, making the atmosphere fun and festive. The menu is northern Indian--think rogan josh, chicken tikka masala, and a list of biriyanis--and the dishes are consistently good.

Zwickelmania
(Oregon) Technically, this sixth item on our list is an event, not a restaurant, and it takes place just before Valentine's Day, on February 13th. If you're inclined to celebrate all weekend long, however, take advantage of this second annual, statewide brewery crawl, organized by the Oregon Brewers Guild. Select cities, including Eugene and Portland, offer shuttle bus service to local breweries throughout the day, and the guild's website also suggests itineraries for other regions, such as the Willamette Valley. Breweries include Deschutes, Double Mountain, Eugene City, and more.