San Antonio does romance greatest when it doesn’t attempt too laborious. The town’s most memorable Valentine’s Day dinners aren’t about heart-shaped desserts or dinner-for-two gimmicks — they’re about low lights, confident kitchens, and meals that offers you one thing between furtive glances.
BattalionA former fireplace station may appear to be an unlikely place for a tête-à-tête, however this Southtown stunner isn’t an industrial echo chamber because of cinematic lighting and amorous splashes of sweet purple. Be warned that the bread service and pastas can restrict canoodling. Order the New York strip with a assured purple and set off just a few alarms.Greatest High quality DaughterA grocery stem is ok, however this Pearl jewel field gives an entire bouquet. Reserve a spot within the blush-pink eating room, the place chinoiserie wallpaper and petal chandeliers plush blooms out of skinny air. The kitchen doesn’t tweeze edible flowers, however the dishes nonetheless have backyard allure. The bang bang japchae is a Mannerist portray speckled with oyster mushrooms, tendrilly candy potato noodles, and a sprinkling of herbs.

BlissThere’s a cause this Southtown hound has lengthy been San Antonio’s go-to for particular events. Tony Hernandez’s menu is elegant with out drawing away an excessive amount of consideration — luxurious in its use of luxe components like duck and foie gras, however unencumbered by fashionable prospers. Extra importantly, the employees is aware of what an honor it’s to share these stolen moments. We’re not saying it’s time to suggest, however few spots name for a lot “I do.”|
Brasserie Mon Chou ChouThis Pearl knockout is the Catherine Deneuve of eating places, outfitted with elegant, tailor-made banquettes, glittering brass fixtures, and barely louche cafe chairs. The belle de jour is all the time the tableside raclette with Bayonne ham, however bavette additionally places in a memorable efficiency. The kicker? Pastel partitions in a Jacques Demy pink that make Champagne bubbles glitter like diamonds.
ChikaOmakases get a foul rap as hives of quarter zips and cryptocurrency, however this hidden spot takes a much less brotastic method. Temper lighting is interrupted by occasional fiery flashes charring tender bites of wagyu. Some dishes are served on wood hand fashions. Order one other spherical of cloudy sake, take an enormous gulp, and slip a hoop on it.

La Frite Belgian BistroThe flickering candles and haphazard twinkle lights learn ‘90s artwork movie, setting the scene for a barely conspiratorial dinner. Nonetheless, the expertise cinéma vérité, grounded in a faint buttery scent and the clacking of mussel shells on the plate. Order the escargot Bourguignon and don’t fear in regards to the garlic. Whisper candy nothings anyway, or plan a Bonnie and Clyde heist.
NicosiIt’s maybe no accident that this Pearl dessert bar is about up like a theater within the spherical. The prix-fixe menu comes with quite a lot of dramatic prospers. We received’t reveal the plot, however know every course brings out a brand new sensation that may be as witty as Oscar Wilde and as torrid as Tennessee Williams.
Petite CoquinThis tiny spot walks the road between on a regular basis neighborhood joint and special-occasion vacation spot. The nice eating tropes are there — white tablecloths, a blustery flower association on the entrance, and immaculately polished wine glasses. However then it is all offset with Provençal simplicity from roasted hen, lentils, and rustic bread.
