Arguably the most romantic city in the U.S., New Orleans doesn’t fall short when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a romantic meal with your loved one or plan a special date that they won’t forget. From tasting menus to specialty cocktails, restaurants are celebrating love in style–check out some of the highlights below.
Osteria Lupo
Osteria Lupo invites visitors to indulge in an enchanting evening of love and exquisite flavors on February 14 with its specially curated four-course tasting menu. Indulge in Burrata con Panna with pistachio, aged balsamic, and grilled focaccia, Pesce Crudo with red snapper, tomato-walnut pesto, and fried capers, Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka with crispy garlic, and Calabrian chili, Grilled Lamb Rack, and much more.
Compère Lapin
Join Chef Nina Compton this Valentine’s Day at her flagship restaurant, Compère Lapin, with a variety of Valentine’s Day à la carte specials, including Deviled Eggs with blue crab and paddlefish, Caribbean Lobster with plantain dumplings and citrus beurre Blanc, and Passionfruit Pavlova. The restaurant will also offer specialty Valentine’s Day cocktails and wines.
Couvant
Spend Valentine’s Day dinner at Couvant. Enjoy your choice of three-course meal, featuring dishes like beet salad, tuna tartare, Prime Rib, Gulf Fish Chaudrée, and mousse au chocolat.
Birdy’s
Indulge in a delightful brunch experience from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Birdy’s, featuring the regular à la carte brunch menu. Elevate your romantic rendezvous by enjoying the Valentine’s Day cocktail: Strawberry Hibiscus Daiquiri with rum, lime, and hibiscus strawberry syrup. Save room for the sweetest ending with the limited-time dessert special – the irresistible Red Velvet Bread Pudding.
BABs
This Valentine’s Day, BABs (formerly Bywater American Bistro), the casually sophisticated culinary haven by Nina Compton and husband/partner Larry Miller, will offer visitors à la carte specials, which include Tuna Carpaccio with tomato vinaigrette and arugula, Bistecca for two with rosemary potatoes, and Chocolate Semifreddo with strawberry granita.
Virgin Hotels
The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans will transport guests to a crimson wonderland filled with a red rose installation, romantic twinkling lights, and specialty Valentine’s Day cocktails, including a Pinkie Promise featuring Don Julio Blanco, Lillet Rosè, and hibiscus ginger beer, or a Bourbon Sweetheart – a Valentine’s inspired riff on a bourbon smash. Pair libations with snacks like Grilled Swordfish Tacos with Habanada peppers, pico de gallo, cabbage, lime, and micro cilantro, or Lamb Nachos with house-pickled banana peppers, radish, black olive, tomato, avocado, and feta. Or head downstairs to Commons Club, where Executive Chef Chris Borges will offer an array of Valentine’s Day dining specials in addition to the regular à la carte menu, along with wine flight specials, Valentine’s martini specials, and caviar tastings.
Tujague’s
This Valentine’s Day, lovers are invited to indulge in the sweet allure of Tujague’s. In addition to the regular à la carte menu, Executive Chef Gus Martin will offer a specialty Valentine’s dessert: Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting, white chocolate sauce, and raspberry coulis.
Costera
Celebrate love with Costera’s three-course tasting menu on Valentine’s Day. Lovebirds can savor the bold flavors of coastal Spanish cuisine by indulging in citrus and vermouth-marinated olives, griddled sourdough with Boquerones and green olive tapenade, charred romaine with Summer vegetables and buttermilk dressing, 24 oz. boneless Ribeye with charred onion salsa verde, seared Gulf Fish à la plancha with blistered tomato, fennel, and hazelnuts, Louisiana Blue Crab salad with charred Creole tomato, olive, and crispy garlic, papas bravas with aioli and piquillo purée, and a selection of house-made desserts.
The Bower
Head over to the Bower for some romantic imbibing. Beverage Director Mickey Mullins will serve up a specialty-featured cocktail: Kissed By a Rose, crafted with premium rums, grapefruit, and rose-infused ingredients. The restaurant and bar will also offer specials on their popular cocktails, Mood Ring, 51 Problems, and the Chargarita, and offer its regular à la carte menu from 4-9 p.m.
Gianna
Enjoy the Pink & White cocktail from Gianna, only available on Valentine’s Day. The cocktail is made with strawberry infused gin, lemon, Aperol, simple syrup, DOM Bénédictine, and egg white.
Ayu Bakehouse
Surprise your sweetheart with a heart-shaped version of Ayu's signature Muffuletta Breadsticks.
Chandelier Bar
Chandelier Bar is a chic, romantic spot to start the evening or sip a nightcap with your Valentine. With food helmed by Chef Alon Shaya, Chandelier Bar serves the seasonal Krewe D'Fleur (vodka, citrus, bergamot, hibiscus, rose sparkling wine), classic champagne, caviar service, and a chocolate and strawberry trifle to end your night on a sweet note.
San Lorenzo
The way to someone's heart is through their stomach—especially at San Lorenzo this Valentine's Day. Highlights of their special four-course menu include White Truffle Arancini and House-made Bucatini alla Norma. Caviar for Two and Oysters on the Half-Shell will also be offered as supplements; optional pairings & special wines will be available.
Creole Queen - Valentine’s Day Cruise
Hop aboard the Creole Queen for a Valentine’s Day river-cruise along the Mississippi. The experience includes an upscale buffet, open bar, live entertainment, and a champagne toast.
Hotel Deals
Hotel Saint Vincent
Treat yourself and that special someone to a Valentine's Day getaway at Hotel Saint Vincent. Book a stay at Hotel Saint Vincent on Wednesday, Feb. 14, or Thursday, Feb. 15 (or both!) and get 50% off available room rates. If you book the LOVEBIRDS getaway now, you'll be automatically entered into a giveaway for a $500 ByGeorge New Orleans gift card and a complimentary future 2-night stay at Hotel Saint Vincent. Use code LOVEBIRDS at checkout.
Eliza Jane Hotel
Book the Breakfast with Tiffany’s package at the Eliza Jane and enjoy complimentary bubbles upon arrival, breakfast for two delivered right to your door, and a Tiffany & Co. heart bracelet (valued at $400) to commemorate the occasion.
Several New Orleans hotels offer elopement packages. See our page on elopement packages here.
For more V-day inspiration, check out our blog on the Most Romantic Restaurants in New Orleans and the Heartbreaker's Guide to Valentine's Day in NOLA.