Looking for a romantic dining experience this Valentine's Day? New Orleans' vibrant culinary scene offers an array of special menus and intimate settings perfect for celebrating love. From cozy bistros to elegant restaurants, here are some of the city's most enchanting spots to dine with your special someone this February 14.
10 Best Local Restaurants for Couples
1. Osteria Lupo
4609 Magazine St., (504) 273-1268
osterialupo.com
Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at Osteria Lupo this Valentine's Day. The four-course, family-style tasting menu, priced at $70 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), showcases the very best of their menu, featuring shareable appetizers, pasta, and entrees and delectable desserts crafted by their in-house pastry chef. Couples can enjoy dishes like Burrata con Panna with pistachio, aged balsamic, and grilled focaccia; Marinated Mushrooms with chili, garlic, and oregano; Wood-Fired Oysters with Calabrian chili, garlic, and focaccia; Spaghetti alla Chittara with Maine lobster, Trebbiano, and jalapeno; Gulf Fish with fennel, charred cipollini, olives, and chilies; and Grilled Hanger Steak with crispy potatoes and salsa verde.
Enhance your romantic evening with selections from their impressive Italian wine list, including a sparkling 2012 Erbaluce as a delightful alternative to champagne or perhaps a bold Barolo. Begin or end your special night in the enchanting Art Deco-inspired bar—the perfect setting for a romantic rendezvous.
2. Compère Lapin
535 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 599-2119
comperelapin.com
Join Chef Nina Compton this Valentine's Day at her flagship restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience. The menu features romantic Valentine's Day a la carte specials, including a luxurious Seafood Plateaux with chilled oysters & chili vinaigrette, marinated crab fingers, and hamachi tartare.
Don't miss the Lobster Raviolo with coconut chili broth and soft herbs, and finish with their exquisite Soursop Semifreddo with strawberry and Champagne jus. Special Valentine's Day cocktails and curated wines complete the experience.
3. The Bower
1320 Magazine St., (504) 582-9738
thebowernola.com
This Valentine's Day, The Bower offers an enchanting dining experience with celebratory specials including their decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake with Candied Rose Petals. Toast to love with their Valentine's-inspired cocktail, Rum & Roses—a romantic blend of Diplomatico Rum, Don Q Cristal Rum, rhubarb, grapefruit, and rose water, garnished with dried roses.
The Bower's intimate atmosphere and refined cuisine make it a perfect choice for couples seeking a memorable Valentine's celebration. Located in a beautifully restored historic building, the restaurant combines modern elegance with classic New Orleans charm.
4. BABs
2900 Chartres St., (504) 605-3827
babs-nola.com
Located in the Bywater neighborhood, this intimate Italian restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating in their charming courtyard, perfect for a romantic evening under the stars. BABs presents an array of Valentine's Day a la carte specials perfect for a romantic evening. Start with their Broiled Oysters with Calabrian chili and garlic crumbs, savor the Crawfish Fra Diavolo served with ricotta gnocchi, and conclude with a heavenly Torta Caprese accompanied by Nutella ice cream.
Their carefully curated wine list features Italian varietals that perfectly complement their menu. The warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service make BABs an ideal destination for couples seeking a memorable Valentine's celebration.
5. Costera
438 Prytania St., (504) 302-2332
costerarestaurant.com
Located in the Lower Garden District, Costera offers an intimate setting with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Experience a romantic Spanish-inspired Valentine's Day dinner at Costera. Their special four-course tasting menu ($75 per person) features delectable tapas like Boquerones with griddled sourdough and green olive tapenade, Charred Romaine with local vegetables, and the impressive 24 oz. Boneless Ribeye a la Plancha with charred onion and salsa verde. Complete your evening with their homemade desserts.
Their carefully curated wine list features Spanish varietals that perfectly complement their menu. The restaurant's warm Mediterranean atmosphere and attentive service create the perfect backdrop for a romantic Valentine's celebration. For an extra special touch, request a table on their charming patio, where you can enjoy your meal under twinkling lights.
6. Couvant
315 Magazine St., (504) 732-2400
couvant.com
Celebrate love with French-inspired cuisine at Couvant this Valentine's Day. Located in the elegant Eliza Jane Hotel near the French Quarter, Chef Ryan Pearson presents an exquisite three-course menu ($76 per person) available February 14 and 15 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Begin your romantic evening with selections such as Tuna Tartare with chili aioli and tapioca chips or Hûitres Frites featuring crispy Gulf oysters with brie cheese. Main course offerings include Pan Roasted Salmon with artichoke baragoule, Prime Rib with pomme lyonnaise, and Canard À L'Orange with orange purée. Complete your evening with decadent desserts including their classic Crème Brûlée or rich Mousse au Chocolat. The restaurant's sophisticated ambiance and attentive service create the perfect setting for an intimate Valentine's celebration. Valet parking is available at The Eliza Jane.
7. The Country Club
634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742
thecountryclubneworleans.com
Experience a romantic Valentine's Day in the charming Bywater neighborhood at The Country Club. This historic mansion-turned-restaurant offers an elegant setting with both indoor dining rooms and a beautiful outdoor poolside area.
For Valentine's Day, alongside their regular menu offerings, Executive Chef Chris Barbato presents a special Grilled Lamb Chop ($32) featuring a double-cut chop served with whipped potatoes, grilled rapini, and drunken cherries in a rich lamb jus. Guests can also choose from their extensive dinner, drinks, and dessert menus. The restaurant's sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate Valentine's celebration.
8. Palace Cafe
605 Canal St., (504) 523-1661
palacecafe.com
Celebrate Valentine's Day in the heart of downtown New Orleans at the iconic Palace Cafe. This classic Creole restaurant, housed in a historic building on Canal Street, offers an elegant three-course Valentine's Weekend menu for $48 per person. Begin your romantic evening with their legendary Baked Oysters Rockefeller featuring Louisiana oysters topped with creamy spinach and Romano cheese or opt for the refreshing Citrus Beet Salad. For the main course, savor their perfectly prepared 6 oz. Filet Mignon with dauphinoise potatoes, indulge in Gulf Pompano on the Half Shell with crispy Brussels sprouts, or try their signature Shrimp Tchefuncte.
Complete your evening with their famous White Chocolate Bread Pudding or decadent Molten Chocolate Cake. The restaurant's sophisticated ambiance, complete with soaring ceilings and classic New Orleans architecture, creates the perfect setting for a memorable Valentine's celebration.
9. Miss River
2 Canal St., (504) 434-5701
missrivernola.com
Want to dine at the Mississippi River? At Miss River, Executive Chef Alon Shaya's refined Southern cuisine meets elegant ambiance. This Valentine's Day, the restaurant presents an exquisite four-course prix fixe menu at $125 per person that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Diners have a choice between a warming Creamy Mushroom Soup or the delicate Chilled Celery Root Custard adorned with shaved truffle. The second course offers either a refreshing Heirloom Carrot Salad featuring candied pecans and pecan oil, or their signature Crab Dumplings served with rich crab butter and fresh chives.
For the main course, choose between the delicate Lemon Fish accompanied by Sauce Choron, crispy oysters, and braised greens, or a perfectly Roasted Prime Filet served alongside dauphinoise potatoes, wilted spinach, and classic Sauce Bordelaise. Complete your evening with a shared dessert: their playful take on Banana Pudding for Two, served with house-made ginger snap cookies. The restaurant's sophisticated setting within the Four Seasons Hotel, featuring sweeping views of the Mississippi River, provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate Valentine's celebration.
10. Cupid's Galentines Drag & Burlesque Brunch at The Commons Club
550 Baronne St., (504) 603-8000
virginhotels.com/new-orleans
Celebrate this Valentine's Day with a unique twist at Commons Club's Cupid's Galentine's Drag & Burlesque Brunch. This fabulous experience features spectacular performances by Trixie Minx Productions, alongside specially crafted Lovestruck Cocktails and delectable brunch favorites, making it perfect for a different kind of Valentine's celebration.
Choose between two show times—10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.—and enjoy an unforgettable experience priced at just $40 per person. The ticket includes access to the show and brunch favorites, with optional mimosa packages and additional beverages available for purchase. The vibrant atmosphere and entertainment make this an ideal choice for those looking for a more lively Valentine's celebration. Pro tip: Arrive 15 minutes before showtime to get the best seats in the house, and don't forget that reservations must be canceled 48 hours before showtime if your plans change. Note that tax and gratuity are not included in the ticket price.
Do You Know What it Means to Love in New Orleans?
New Orleans is a city that exudes romance, from its charming historic architecture to its world-class culinary scene. These carefully selected restaurants offer the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable Valentine's Day celebration. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner for two or looking to make a grand romantic gesture, we recommend securing your reservations early to guarantee your spot at one of these exceptional dining destinations. Each venue promises to deliver not just a meal, but a memorable experience worthy of this special occasion.
