Valentine’s Day Dinner Specials in Austin

The thought of Sunday can be dreadful if you are a procrastinator and have made no special plans for you and your lover on this lovey-dovey Hallmark occasion.

But panic no more! Austin has a lot to offer for couples. We have compiled a list of restaurants that can turn a possible night of misery into one with flying sparks. While these restaurants are slightly on the higher end of a college student’s budget, they deliver an innovative and well-rounded Valentine’s package with fine cuisine, fun entertainment and a cozy setting that requires no extra-efforts like flowers, chocolate or gifts. A night at one of these three restaurants might just be enough. And because these local Austin restaurants inhibits the city’s sense of creativity, what they have put together for the evening can enthuse even those who gag at the sight of hearts and cupids.

Phara’s Mediterranean Cuisine

If you are looking to try something new and exciting, Phara’s has everything outside of the box. From belly and fire dancing performances to dining on big comfortable Persian rugs, this hole in the wall restaurant located on East North Loop can spice up the evening with its exotic ambiance.

The evening will begin with every guest receiving a rose and heading into one of the two private dining rooms. If the weather permits, guest can also enjoy their evening in the restaurant’s backyard patio. Because of its dim lighting, small space and mix of contemporary designs with Egyptian art, Phara’s provides a very exciting environment for those who are on a date and for those who are just looking for a worldly escape.

For this special occasion, Phara’s serving beef tenderloin filet and Mediterranean chicken with basil mint green beans for the main course. The meal costs $50 per guest and includes an appetizer, salad, dessert and drink with the main entrée. For more information on the restaurant and its “sweetheart night”, click here.

Chez Nous

When you think of romance, you think of Paris, the city of love. And how appropriate is it to celebrate Valentine’s Day in French vogue? Save your air mileages and make a trip to East Downtown to Chez Nous, located on 6th and Neches next to Forbidden Apple (that could be a convenience for some).

Unlike other Austin restaurants, Chez Nous does not have a special menu created for Valentine’s Day and that is because the restaurant has a prix fixe menu du jour or of the day. For about $25, a person can enjoy a vegetable soup, salad or one of the house pâte and an entrée. For dessert, the restaurant offers caramel flan, chocolate mousse or Brie.

Although what is offered on the three-course meal changes periodically, what the chef presents is always true to what one would think of French cuisine, refined, delectable and like nothing else.

Start the evening off in a daring mood with some escargots, or snails, cooked in white wine and mushrooms. The snails, very juicy and savory in flavor, definitely taste better than it sounds. And end the night off with some crème brulée. The sweetness of the vanilla along with softness of the custard melts into your mouth and would make you feel as if you have died and gone to heaven!

Whatever your decisions may be on the menu, there is a huge guaranteed you will leave satisfied because of the great hospitality and environment. In one little room filled with candles, fresh flowers and French art, romance fills the air.

For more information on Chez Nous, visit their website here.

Paggi House

If money is not on your mind and the sky is the limit, then give Paggi House a try. Located on Lee Barton Drive, near Lady Bird Lake, this historic house turned restaurant looks classic on the outside but is truly contemporary and innovative in the inside. And the same can be said about the food.

Even though Paggi House is on the higher, higher end of fine dining, and is the priciest of Her Campus UT’s Valentine selection at $75 per person, it should not be overlooked because of its price tag.

For Valentine’s Day, Paggi House created a colorful and artistic palate. Such as for appetizers, Paggi House is offering lobster cake with apple-tarragon cream on a bed of herb salad and Szechuan Ahi with a lemon Miso vinaigrette and white truffle as some of the few choices. And two that stands out from the main course list are scallops with butternut squash and almonds, cooked in vanilla brown butter, and spiced venison loin with gingered parsnips.

Paggi House is a fancy little restaurant that is perfect for a dinner for two or a group of friends who just want treat themselves. For more information on their Valentine Day special, visit their website here.