For many, the best thing about Valentine’s Day is the overload of candy sold at CVS, and the fact that it all goes on sale the day after. But for others, the best part of Valentine’s Day is sharing it with that “special someone”: Exchanging flowers and cards, and going out in Boston for a romantic evening.
If you’re lucky enough to have someone to share the night with, sometimes picking a restaurant for the big night out can be a ton of pressure. So whether you’re looking for a casual beer and slice of pizza or a romantic sushi dinner, here is our list of suggestions for dinner, drinks and dessert around Boston for the big upcoming V-Day.
Note: Reservations recommended. Call each restaurant to check availability.
Wagamama
The Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St #117 – (617) 778-2344
Serving Japanese cuisine on large, picnic-style tables, Wagamama is perfect for the eccentric, open-minded couple that doesn’t mind a crowd. If you’re looking for a night of one-on-one time with your significant other, this probably isn’t the place to go. However, if you’re open to sharing a table with strangers, excited to try out chopsticks, and ready to eat delicious noodles, then this is the place to go. Meals are pretty affordable (varying between $10-20 for a main dish), and you can find a menu here.
Symphony Sushi
45 Gainsborough Street, Boston – (617) 262-3888
Want to stick around campus? Symphony Sushi includes some great sushi, sashimi and teriyaki options and is located conveniently on Gainsborough Street. The atmosphere is pretty quiet, making for a more relaxed and personal evening with your date. Options are also affordable, and the menu is available online. If you want similar food but hope to venture a bit further from Huntington Ave, Symphony Sushi has an affiliate restaurant called Fin’s in Kenmore Square.
Caffe Vittoria
296 Hanover Street, North End – (617) 227-7606
For your Italian dessert fix, visit this affordable place in the North End. Coffee, cappuccino, canolis and cheesecakes are just a few options on the menu. Just make sure to visit the ATM before you go, because this café is cash only.
Fire and Ice
205 Berkeley Street, Boston –
Fire and Ice is another option for the open-minded couple, located in the Back Bay area. Again, this is probably not the place for a night of solitude, because food is cooked on a giant hibachi table in the middle of the room, and you wait along with the rest of the patrons while you’re food is cooked in front of you. However, the meal is all you can eat, so you’ll never go hungry, and options are endless—you can even eat squid! Awe your date by going back for seconds, and maybe even thirds, of salad, burgers, seafood, and more.
Penguin Pizza
735 Huntington Avenue, Mission Hill – (617) 277-9200
If pizza and beer are your idea of a perfect night, hit up Penguin on Mission Hill. While it may not be the most romantic place in Boston, it has a relaxed vibe and allows conversation to flow easily. Plus, it’s only a 10-15 walk from campus, and the pizza is delicious. Just be sure to get there early–this place fills up fast.
Gaslight
560 Harrison Avenue, South End – (617) 422-0224
A somewhat pricier (and more sophisticated) option is Gaslight Brassiere in the South End. With French cuisine, this is definitely the place for romance to take off. Gaslight features a special Valentine’s Day menu on their website, with entrees priced around $30-$40. Just make sure you can afford this place (and make a reservation) before you step inside.
Jillian’s
145 Ipswich Street, Fenway – (617) 437-0300
Are you and you significant other always up for a party? If so, visit Jillian’s in Boston, conveniently located near Fenway Park. With the motto “Eat, Drink, Play” there is definitely a fun atmosphere in this place, perfect for a couple looking to kick back and enjoy a carefree night. You can engage in some friendly competition by bowling, or just enjoy dinner and drinks. Just be sure to note that after 8pm Monday through Thursday, this venue is 18 plus.