Valentine’s Day inspires a yearly search for a romantic dinner destination. But what makes a restaurant romantic can vary, depending on the couple. It might be the site of a first date or a memorable night out.
Still, there are some restaurants that help set the mood. Maybe it’s the cozy setting, the attentive service or the fine meal — likely a combination of all three.
To help your search, here are a dozen places that offer that special something. Make reservations as soon as possible, and let love do the rest.
Bar 1903
The charming downtown restaurant and bar, located in the storied David S. Walker Library, features an eclectic menu and a book-size compendium of cocktails. The Valentine’s Day menu will offer special drinks and dishes that will be available on Feb. 13 and 14. Reservations will be accepted on those days. 209 E. Park Ave.; 850-354-9739.
Blu Halo
The upscale restaurant, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2026, exudes a romantic but comfortable atmosphere. For Valentine’s Day, Blu Halo will feature specialty cocktails and an option for a three-course preset menu along with a condensed version of its regular menu. If you haven’t been there lately, Blu Halo has expanded, adding a 65-seat dining room. 3431 Bannerman Rd.; 850-792-7884.
Cluster & Hops
Savor a fine glass of wine and European-inspired fare in an intimate bistro with a retail gourmet shop, all from longtime owner Kent Steels. Valentine’s Day specials, offered on Feb. 13 and 14, will include a Portuguese and Spanish prosecco sangria, grilled oysters and a black cod special. Charcuterie and cheese boards are perfect for a shared experience. Look for decadent desserts, made in-house, such as cheesecake and pecan pie, chocolate-coconut cake and peanut butter pie with toasted bourbon pecan whipped cream. Clusters & Hops has added more days to its schedule, so it’s now open from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 1866 Thomasville Rd.; 850-222-2669.
Damas
Set in a historic cottage on the grounds of Goodwood Museum & Gardens, Damas is a lovely space for a romantic evening. The from-scratch destination, from restaurateur Amanda Morrison with chef Jasmine Dunn, is presenting a four-course dinner on Friday, Feb. 13. Damas features a curated wine list with choices from female winemakers. Stop by for brunch on Feb. 14. Goodwood Museum & Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Rd.; 850-228-5611.
Hayward House
Owner Ashley Chaney has created a contemporary flair in this iconic location, where diners will find a varied menu with dishes such as French onion soup, steak frites, halibut roulade and braised short rib ragu. Hayward is now serving the lavish caviar brand, Regiis Ova, from award-winning chef Thomas Keller. 228 S. Adams St.; 850-825-7081.
The Huntsman Restaurant and Bar
If you and your sweetie are game for something different, look for adventurous dining at this sophisticated restaurant. The Huntsman gets attention for its selection of items such as deer, elk and bison, but game is a small part of the menu, which changes. Look for dishes such as wood-fired rib-eye and grilled lobster, duck cassoulet and mojo oyster mushroom steak. On Valentine’s Day, The Huntsman will present a six-course tasting menu. Diners have a choice of a meat-focused or a vegan lineup. 320 E. Tennessee St.; 850-765-1887.
Il Lusso
The downtown fine dining destination may be a popular place for a power meeting or a posh night out, but Il Lusso also stands out as an elegant backdrop for a night of romance. Diners will find a menu that includes top steaks and chops, housemade pasta (half or full portions available) and Italian dishes in a gleaming dining room with a big city vibe. On Valentine’s Day, look for specials. Keep in mind, you can order custom cakes or make other special requests in advance. Il Lusso offers a stellar wine list and cocktails. 201 E. Park Ave.; 850-765-8620.
Little Paris
French food just seems inherently romantic. Escargot. Crepes. Croissants. It’s the language of love — n’est-ce pas? No wonder Little Paris is a popular destination on Valentine’s Day. Chef Herve Alcesilas will be presenting a special menu on Feb. 14. Or stop by Feb. 15 for a Valentine’s Day jazz brunch. 1355 Market St.; 850-765-7457.
Mimi’s Table
Open since 2018, Mimi’s Table is a cozy, white tablecloth setting. Executive chef/owner William Lawson presents French, Italian and Southern-inspired cuisine with dishes such as salmon Provençal, rack of lamb and seafood grill. Look for specials on Valentine’s Day, and leave room for homemade desserts. 1311 Miccosukee Rd.; 850-999-8406.
The Monroe
One of Tallahassee’s newest dining destinations, The Monroe offers Modern American cuisine in an attractive setting with a fun vibe. The menu features a mix of small and large plates with gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options plus half- and full-size portions of pasta. For dessert, you and your honey will want to share The Monroe Wonderball. It is indeed a wonder: a dark chocolate ball filled with soft chocolate mousse, brownie pieces, cashew praline and more, from pastry chef Anastasia Shine. We won’t spoil the surprise Wonderball finish. 1320 S. Monroe St.; 448-231-2965.
Savour
With tables draped in white linen, chandelier over the bar and a fine-dining menu, Savour is an elegant and eclectic space from restaurateur Drew McLeod in downtown Tallahassee. Chef Ashley Mayo serves creative fare with upscale steak and seafood choices, with dishes inspired by the season. 115 E. Park Ave.; 850-765-6966.
Z. Bardhi’s Italian Cuisine
Chef Zeke Bardhi has been at the helm of his lovely Italian restaurant on Kinhega Drive for three decades, serving house-made pasta and bread and fine Italian favorites. The dining room is cozy and eclectic, but it’s tough to beat the classic ambiance of dining on the covered patio, with its elegantly appointed tables, enhanced by gardens and the scent of flowers. 3596 Kinhega Dr.; 850- 894-9919.
Dining and Cooking