Love is in the Air: 22 Dreamy Dining Destinations for a Romantic February
Love is in the Air: 22 Dreamy Dining Destinations for a Romantic February - Alfresco in Argentina: Dine Under the Stars in Buenos Aires
Argentina is known for its vibrant culture, passionate tango dancing, and mouthwatering asado. But the real magic happens when you dine alfresco in Buenos Aires. The balmy evenings and lively atmospheres of BA's outdoor restaurants make for an unforgettably romantic experience.
Start your evening with sunset drinks on the rooftop terrace of Hotel Faena. Situated along the bustling docklands of Puerto Madero, this stylish hotel boasts dazzling views of the waterfront. Sip on a refreshing passionfruit caipirinha as you toast to your trip. Watch as the orange and pink hues spread across the sky, then head downstairs to dine at El Mercado. Chef Sebastián Tellano sources the finest Argentine ingredients to craft a contemporary yet authentic menu. Be sure to try the provoleta, a grilled provolone cheese seasoned with rosemary and olive oil.
For a trendy, lively vibe, snag a table at Verne Club & Restaurant in the Palermo Soho neighborhood. Housed in a striking glass box, the two-story eatery features sweeping views of the city. Share small plates like tuna tartare and Patagonian lamb while taking in the energetic atmosphere. This is the place to see and be seen in BA.
If you prefer a quainter setting, make a reservation at Casa Coupage in the residential Recoleta area. The intimate restaurant sits tucked behind ivy-covered walls in a historic mansion. Dine on the garden patio lit by tea lights and strung lights. Try the rack of lamb and Malbec from Mendoza while serenaded by soft guitar music. It's Buenos Aires' best-kept romantic secret.
Further out in Tigre Delta is Al Río y Al Viento. Reach this stilted restaurant by boat, where you'll dine perched above the water. Feast on seafood straight from the Rio de la Plata while watching boats cruise by. The fresh grilled fish and sunset vistas can't be beat.
End the night at Florería Atlántico, ranked one of the World's 50 Best Bars. This basement speakeasy is disguised as a flower shop. Make a reservation, give the password, and enter the Gatsby-esque bar hidden within. Sip on an Ysatí, a gin-based cocktail with grapefruit and thyme named after a Greek love story. The inventive mixology and 1920s ambiance make for a one-of-a-kind experience.
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- Love is in the Air: 22 Dreamy Dining Destinations for a Romantic February - Alfresco in Argentina: Dine Under the Stars in Buenos Aires
- Love is in the Air: 22 Dreamy Dining Destinations for a Romantic February - Cozy Up in Quebec City: Feel the Love in Old Quebec's Charming Bistros
- Love is in the Air: 22 Dreamy Dining Destinations for a Romantic February - Sunset in Santorini: Savor Greek Cuisine with a View
- Love is in the Air: 22 Dreamy Dining Destinations for a Romantic February - Parisian Perfection: Indulge in French Fare in the City of Love
- Love is in the Air: 22 Dreamy Dining Destinations for a Romantic February - The Pulse of Prague: Feast on Hearty Czech Comfort Food
Love is in the Air: 22 Dreamy Dining Destinations for a Romantic February - Cozy Up in Quebec City: Feel the Love in Old Quebec's Charming Bistros
Tucked away in the northern reaches of the province, Quebec City exudes old-world charm and romance. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you’ll feel transported back in time. When you want to escape the winter chill, cozy up inside one of Old Quebec’s charming bistros. The candlelit rooms, exposed stone walls, and warm French cuisine make for an intimate dining experience.
For a true taste of Quebec, book a table at Aux Anciens Canadiens. Housed in a 1675 building, it’s the city’s oldest restaurant. The gracious servers don traditional garb while explaining the hearty Quebecois fare. Regionally-sourced ingredients shine in dishes like tourtière, a seasoned ground pork pie, and plogne, a sweet Christmas bread. Complete the multicourse feast with maple syrup for dessert. With its crackling fire and historic charm, Aux Anciens Canadiens sets the mood for romance.
No visit to Quebec City is complete without stopping at Le Saint-Amour. This lively bistro comes alive at night when jazz bands serenade diners. Share the famous grilled oysters with garlic butter and a bottle of Canadian wine. The cozy, joyful atmosphere perfectly captures the esprit joie de vivre. For a sweet ending, try the chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream.
Panache Mobile Food Experience offers a contemporary twist with its rotating lineup of local guest chefs. Housed in a chic yet casual setting, the daily-changing menu spotlights seasonal ingredients. Opt for the chef’s tasting menu to sample the creativity and talent on display. Whimsical cocktails like the Sweet Cherry Blossom use gin, maraschino liqueur, cherry juice and rose water. Panache brings Quebec cuisine into the 21st century while retaining that romantic bistro vibe.
No candlelit Valentine’s dinner is complete without chocolate. At Échaudé Chocolaterie et Patisserie, masters craft artisanal treats using time-honored techniques. Choose from pralines, truffles, or pastries like the decadent Savarin cake. The rich, creamy chocolates pair perfectly with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. It’s the ideal way to end a romantic evening in Old Quebec.
Love is in the Air: 22 Dreamy Dining Destinations for a Romantic February - Sunset in Santorini: Savor Greek Cuisine with a View
Perched on the steep cliffs of the volcanic caldera, Santorini's villages offer some of the most stunning vistas in Greece. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, you'll understand why travelers flock here. Luckily, you can take in the fabled Santorini sunsets while savoring the island's fresh, flavorful cuisine.
Make your way to the village of Oia in the northwest, where the best panoramas unfold. Arrive in the late afternoon to snag a table at Ambrosia Restaurant's outdoor terrace. Gaze out over the sea 600 feet below as you nibble on mezedes like fried feta, keftedes meatballs, and stuffed grape leaves. For your main course, order their melt-in-your-mouth lamb kleftiko, slow cooked in parchment paper. Complimentary desserts like baklava with Santorini pistachios cap off an incredible Greek feast.
Further south in Imerovigli village, dine cliffside at La Maison. Chef George Haziyannakis expertly crafts modern Aegean cuisine using regional ingredients. His specialty is seafood fresh off the boats like grilled tiger prawns and whole red snapper. If Greek wines are your weakness, you’re in the right place. La Maison boasts an extensive wine list with labels from Santorini and beyond. A full-bodied Assyrtiko white pairs perfectly with the fresh seafood.
For a laid-back vibe, grab a table at the family-run Lotza in Fira. Their garden terrace grants picture-perfect views of the caldera. Feast on mezedes spreads with dolmades, fava dip, and tomato fritters. Seafood mains range from grilled octopus to whole fried fish. Lotza stays open late, so you can savor Santorini's famous sunsets over a refreshing Mythos beer.
If you have your heart set on watching the sunset from Oia, get to Bodzis a couple hours early to snag prime real estate on their balcony. Take in the changing colors while noshing on Bodzis’ specialties like pastitsio, a decadent baked pasta with béchamel and meat sauce. For dessert, dig into a classic galaktoboureko custard pie. You’ll leave with a full belly and an unforgettable Santorini sunset to remember.
Love is in the Air: 22 Dreamy Dining Destinations for a Romantic February - Parisian Perfection: Indulge in French Fare in the City of Love
There may be no city more synonymous with romance than Paris. Its grand boulevards, charming cafes, and iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower set the scene for love. But the true heart of a romantic getaway lies in the cuisine. Paris offers some of the world's finest French fare, from cozy neighborhood bistros to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy. Indulge in a meal in the City of Love and you’ll surely fall head over heels.
For an only-in-Paris experience, snag a table at Le Jules Verne on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Reach this temple of haute cuisine by private elevator then take in sublime views of the twinkling city below as you dine. Chef Frédéric Anton has held three Michelin stars since 2007. His tasting menus pay homage to French culinary tradition with contemporary tweaks. The turbot with creamy artichoke velouté and black truffle mashed potatoes is a revelation. A meal at Le Jules Verne comes with a hefty price tag, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event.
For a more relaxed Michelin-starred meal, book a table at David Toutain in the 7th arrondissement. Toutain injects Japanese influences into precise French technique for boundary-pushing tasting menus. His signature dish? A soft boiled egg encased in smoked eel and topped with caviar. Melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef with chanterelles and Jerusalem artichoke puree contrasts with briny Norwegian oysters on a bed of frozen seaweed. It’s Michelin dining without the formality.
No visit to Paris is complete without a meal at a bustling bistro. For authentic French fare in a lively setting, snag a table at Le Bistrot Paul Bert in the 11th. Packed nightly with neighborhood regulars, this place oozes warmth and conviviality. Start with a kir aperitif then move on to classics like silky duck liver pâté, escargots in garlicky butter, or the famous ile flottante ‘floating island’ dessert with praline and salted caramel. The cozy atmosphere and hearty cuisine make Le Bistrot Paul Bert a quintessential Parisian experience.
For a grand bistro in an opulent setting, head to Le Comptoir du Relais in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Soaring ceilings, mirrored walls, and red leather banquettes set the stage for romance beneath glowing chandeliers. Chef Yves Camdeborde pioneered the bistronomie movement blending bistro ambiance with haute cuisine. Indulge in elegantly plated dishes like duck foie gras, grilled John Dory with langoustine bisque, and Grand Marnier soufflé. You’ll feel like the star of your own Parisian love story.
Love is in the Air: 22 Dreamy Dining Destinations for a Romantic February - The Pulse of Prague: Feast on Hearty Czech Comfort Food
Prague boasts ornate architectural treasures, buzzing nightlife, and a beer culture like no other. But the real heart and soul of the Czech capital lies in its hearty, rib-sticking comfort food. Think meaty, gravy-drenched dishes paired with frothy mugs of Pilsner. Indulging in local favorites offers a tasty glimpse into Czech history and culture.
At the top of any foodie's Prague bucket list is svíčková: tender beef sirloin smothered in a creamy vegetable and root beer sauce, alongside knedliky bread dumplings. This national dish encapsulates the flavors of Bohemia, where it originated. The velvety sauce highlights regional specialties like carrots, celery, and parsley root. Stop by U Kroka, an Old Town tavern dating from the 15th century, and you'll find happy locals tucking into heaping plates of svíčková. Paired with a pint of unfiltered Pilsner Urquell, it's Czech comfort food at its finest.
Another beloved dish is vepřo knedlo zelo, or roast pork with bread dumplings and stewed cabbage. The combination of fatty, tender pork, pillowy dumplings, and lightly sweetened cabbage offers a symphony of textures and flavors. Locals swear by the vepřo knedlo zelo at Lokál, a buzzing gastropub with several locations around Prague. Their version uses premium mangalitsa pork from a 200-year-old Czech breed. The result is melt-in-your-mouth meat that highlights why Czechs revere this unpretentious dish.
Dessert connoisseurs won't want to miss out on koláče, a fruit-filled pastry pioneered in Moravia. Try the classic potato koláč at Ovocný Světozor, a no-frills bakery frequented by those in the know. Layers of tender yeast dough cradle prune, poppy seed, or cottage cheese filling. It's the perfect conclusion to a hearty Czech meal.