What makes for a romantic dinner? Whether you’re looking for cozy seating to inspire intimate conversation, plates to share, a roaring fire, or exciting flavors to ignite your senses, the North Shore has plenty to offer. We’ve gathered 14 of our favorites, perfect for a Valentine’s Day date or a special meal anytime.
Davio’s, Lynnfield
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Friday to Sunday with a special, three-course, prix fixe dinner featuring selections like tuna tartare dressed with citrus ponzu, Atlantic Cod, Scallop, Fingerling Potatoes, Tomatoes, Broccolini, and Fish Brodo or Center Cut Filet Mignon, Lump Crab, Truffle Potatoes, Spinach, Pepata. The regular menu of steaks, pastas, and fresh seafood will also be available, and the dining room’s warm woods and linen tablecloths will make any meal a romantic outing.
1250 Market St., Lynnfield, 781-944-4810, davios.com/lynnfield
Post 1917, Reading
Post 1917, a modern, family-run steakhouse, is offering an exclusive Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu at its two locations in Reading and Lexington, pairing classic elegance with a warm, contemporary atmosphere for a romantic night out. Post 1917’s head chef and owner, Jason Carron, is inviting guests to enjoy a thoughtfully curated prix fixe menu for $125 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), exclusively available on Saturday, February 14th. The Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu includes a first course, main course, and a dessert – everything from a seafood tower for two to surf and turf to a warm chocolate brownie.
136 Haven St., Reading, 781-942-0001, 27 Waltham St, Lexington, 781-377-1917, post1917.com
Ledger, Salem
Dinner at this converted bank comes with a unique historic ambiance, but the food might outshine even the singular atmosphere. The Valentine’s Day weekend Three Course Prix-Fixe menu at this romantic favorite offers an abundance of delicious choices, including arancini, pan-roasted cod, steak frites, Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake, and Raspberry Pomegranate sorbet. Add on an order of popovers with beef drippings for an indulgent dish to share.
125 Washington St., Salem, 978-594-1908, ledgersalem.com
Settler, Salem
Chef Aaron Chambers brings his experiences working in Michelin-starred kitchens around the world to Settler in downtown Salem. This year, the Mediterranean-inflected rustic-chic spot offers a prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu for $95 per guest on February 13 and 14. Served for the table with choices at each course, the menu is designed for sharing and encourages a relaxed, connected dining experience. Available exclusively for these two evenings, the Valentine’s set menu will replace Settler Salem’s regular à la carte offerings, allowing guests to settle in and enjoy a seamless, romantic night from start to finish. Reservations are open and are strongly encouraged.
2 Lynde St., Salem, 978-744-2094, settlersalem.com
La Fina, Andover
With sexy, urban Art Deco styling and a steakhouse menu with a European twist, La Fina will transport you away from the New England winter. La Fina is offering catering to include a romantic steak dinner for two with rosemary sea salt focaccia, shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, prime filet mignon, whipped potatoes, and espresso martini tart. Additional dessert items to order include chocolate covered strawberries and red velvet cake. Limited Valentine’s pick-ups on Feb. 13. Order by Feb. 11.
27 Main St., Andover, 978-475-4082, lafinarestaurant.com
Tonno, Gloucester
The banquette seating, exposed brick, and roaring fire encourage cozy intimacy, while the authentic Italian menu of homemade pastas, fresh seafood, and roasted meats will feed your stomach as well as your love. Kick off the meal with one of Tonno’s signature prosecco cocktails to set the perfect tone for the evening.
2 Main St., Gloucester, 978-879-4795, tonnorestaurant.com
Sogno, Woburn
At Sogno, the elevated Italian spot in Woburn from the Martingnetti Hospitality Group, you’ll find a special Valentine’s menu from February 9 through 15, featuring standouts like Beets Salad with baby red beets, orange wedges, pistachio goat cheese, and apple cider vinaigrette, or share the delicate Octopus Carpaccio finished with Calabrian truffle aioli, pickled shallots, serrano peppers, capers, and micro basil. Entrées lean indulgent, from the classic Surf & Turf with prime sirloin, garlic mashed potatoes, broccolini, and lobster tail, to slow-braised Wild Boar served with pillowy potato gnocchi, roasted tomatoes, basil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. A timeless Shrimp Scampi with spaghetti, sweet cherry peppers, and garlic white wine sauce rounds out the menu. End your meal with a decadent, festive dessert.
304 Cambridge Rd, Woburn, 781-625-1300, sognoitalian.com
34 Park, Andover
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a four-course prix fixe menu available only on February 14. Perhaps you’ll choose the Strawberry Arugula Salad, Tuna Crudo, Arancini, Bang Bang Shrimp, Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe, Lobster Ravioli, Braised Short Ribs, Citrus Glazed Salmon, Chicken Milanese, Risotto Florentine, Baked Parmesan Cutlet. End on a sweet note, with Tiramisu, Cannoli, a Flourless Chocolate Torte, or Basque Cheesecake, served with macerated strawberries, white chocolate ganache, and Chantilly cream. No matter what path you take, 34 Park is a great destination for romance.
34 Park St., Andover, 978-409-2445, 34park.com
Brine, Newburyport
Brine brings its market-driven approach to a Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu featuring split pea soup, N.Y. Sirloin, seared halibut, and red velvet cake. Or visit over the weekend and explore the rest of the lineup where the oysters, crudo, and steak shine; selection of small plates lets you sample and share; and the cocktail list features creative concoctions alive with the flavors of fresh fruits and herbs.
17 State St., Newburyport, 978-358-8479, brineoyster.com
Ithaki, Peabody
Ithaki in Peabody serves modern Mediterranean cuisine with an elevated touch that makes it one of our favorite romantic date night spots on the North Shore. You’ll find fresh takes on Mediterranean classics like spanakopita, falafel, and dolmades, along with succulent, standout entrees like a rack of lamb, a whole boneless branzino, or short rib pappardelle.
1A Newbury St., Peabody, 978-356-0099, ithakicuisine.com
Bernadette, Salem
Bernadette sets the stage for an intimate Valentine’s celebration on February 13 and 14 with a thoughtfully curated $95 Valentine’s set menu. Served for the table with choices at each course, the menu is designed to encourage sharing and connection while offering a refined, coursed dining experience. Available exclusively for these two evenings, the Valentine’s menu will replace Bernadette’s regular à la carte offerings, allowing guests to settle in and enjoy a seamless, romantic night from start to finish. Reservations are open and are strongly encouraged.
65 Washington St., Salem, 978-224-2976, bernadettesalem.com
Karma Asian Fusion, Burlington
Warm lighting and cozy red booths set the mood nicely, but the food at Karma Fusion amps up the romance with a blend of Japanese, Thai, and French flavors, thoughtfully combined to spark your senses. And the menu if generous with the caviar and truffles, for some classically luxurious touches.
75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, 781-365-0687, burlington.karmaasianfusion.com
Nightshade Noodle Bar, Lynn
For romance with a side of culinary adventure, head to Nightshade Noodle Bar to explore the nine-, 14-, or 21-course tasting menus that feature ingredients from the classically luxurious — foie gras and truffles — to the downright daring — uni and habanero caramel — all served in a cozy, dmily lit room with a sexy urban vibe. Nightshade Noodle Bar recently received a Michelin recommendation so you can rest assured that every bite is carefully crafted.
73 Exchange St., Lynn, 781-780-9470, nightshadenoodlebar.com
Rare Steakhouse, Everett
If you like your romance with a side of glamor and adrenaline, then Rare, a steakhouse located in Everett’s Encore casino resort, is your perfect destination. Rare features luxurious cuts of meat served in a classically elegant gold-and-cream dining room. Valentine’s Day exclusive specials are available Friday to Sunday and include Oyster Symphony with champagne sorbet and citrus mignonette, Little Gem Goddess Salad with burrata and winter citrus, and a Tomahawk Surf & Turf for Two featuring a 40-oz dry-aged ribeye and one-pound lobster. When you’re done eating, you and your date can try your luck at the game tables or simply stroll around the property to take in the art, design, and landscaping.
1 Broadway, Everett, 857-770-3300, encorebostonharbor.com/dining-and-nightlife