Ah, Valentine’s Day. It’s that “love it” or “hate it” holiday that takes over stores and shops every February without fail. In the Hudson Valley, local businesses and restaurants go all out for February 14 with prix-fixe dinner specials for dine-in and to-go. From classic Italian food to modern fusion, local eateries serve incredible dishes in honor of the love-centric holiday. Here’s where to look for the most romantic meals in the region this year.
Benmarl Winery and Vineyard
Marlboro
February 2-25
$35/person
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There aren’t many things that go better together than cheese and wine, which is why it’s worth a trip to visit Benmarl Winery and Vineyard for its annual Valentine’s Day wine and cheese pairing event. Each person who arrives samples four different vinos and a curated snack board featuring Hudson Valley cheeses, locally sourced jams, house-made chocolates, and other offerings. Who could possibly say no to that?
Pizza E Birria
Middletown
February 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Gather your best girl friends for this Galentine’s Day brunch at Pizza E Birria. The afternoon event will be filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. Join others at this relaxed get-together featuring the tunes of OnTheBeat DJ to set the perfect vibe. Themed mimosas, a delicious brunch menu, and photo opportunities will make this an event to remember.
The Flower Bar
Larchmont
February 7, 6:30 p.m.
$135/person
At Larchmont’s The Flower Bar, celebrate your “blossom buddy” with beautiful, lush, floral arrangements using seasonal flowers that symbolize friendship. The workshop will include instructions and items to create a beautiful arrangement to take home, a lesson on the basics of floral design, a signature cocktail by Post Wine and Spirits, and wine and light bites. Bring your buddy to tag along for an additional $100.
Sweethearts Ball
The Biddle Mansion at Tarrytown House Estate, Tarrytown
February 10, 7 p.m.
$225/person
Whether for a Valentine’s Day to remember or a Galentine’s Day with the girls, dress to impress at this formal black tie affair in Tarrytown. The Sweethearts Ball will take place in the historic Biddle Ballroom at the Tarrytown House Estate and will feature food from Goosefeather, live band La Vie En Rose, live DJ “DJ Reason,” and a live performance from Ambient Aerial. Don’t miss out on getting you photos taken in the 360-degree photo booth, and secure your tickets as soon as possible.
Shadows on the Hudson
Poughkeepsie
February 10-14
$74.95/person
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Just for Valentine’s Day, Shadows has a three-course dinner special for dine-in meals. There are nine main courses on the menu, and they all sound absolutely scrumptious. Dishes from seared scallops to king crab ravioli to roasted beet risotto to prime rib cover the spectrum of possible cravings. Plus, there are plenty of appetizers and desserts from which to choose. With all the options this restaurant offers for this romantic holiday, you can sleep soundly knowing Shadows has Valentine’s Day covered.
Nostrano Vineyards
Milton
February 10-18
$45/person
In true Valentine’s Day spirit, Nostrano Vineyards offers a wine and dessert pairing event for lovers everywhere. Indulge in a seated wine flight of three flavorful wines and a curated trio of decadent desserts with your loved ones during this lovely occasion. Tasting time slots are on the hour, and every reservation made lasts two hours, which is more than enough time to try the vineyard’s extensive selection of vino.
The Barn at Villa Venezia
Middletown
February 14
$90/person
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Make it a Valentine’s evening to remember in Middletown at The Barn at Villa Venezia’s “A Romantic Night at the Tavern.” Love meets gourmet excellence during this evening, with a prix-fixe menu curated by The Barn’s own gourmet chef Doug Yovich. The menu features a shaved Brussels sprouts and endive salad, sacchetti pasta, your choice of braised short ribs, pan-seared scallops, or pan-roasted rack of lamb, and a dessert trio for two.
Cellaio
Monticello
February 14
$120/person or a la carte
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This Italian-inspired steakhouse in the Catskills feels like a getaway in and of itself. Each and every bite of Chef Scott Conant’s cooking is savory, like the polenta with seasonal mushrooms and truffles, endive salad with pine nut vinaigrette, and Sardinian semolina gnocchi with a bold porcini mushroom ragu. Familiar favorites line the entrée list, like surf-and-turf or herb-crusted halibut. Conclude the evening with mascarpone cheesecake, a chocolate tortino, or any of the other decadent offerings.
Clock Tower Grill
Brewster
February 14, 7-9:30 p.m.
$100/person
For those looking for the most romantic meals in the region, Clock Tower Grill’s Valentine’s Day tasting dinner should not be missed. As a part of the legendary chefs dinner series, head chef and co-owner of Clock Tower Grill Rich Parente will be serving up a seven-course dinner based on one of his greatest culinary inspirations: Julia Child. Guests will enjoy scrumptious, transcending food with dishes like coq au vin and beef bourguignon. The dinner is sure to wow you and your loved one.
Goosefeather
Tarrytown
February 14
$115/person
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, head to Goosefeather’s special three-course, prix-fixe menu on February 14. Choose from an appetizer of dry-aged beef pot stickers, shaved snow peas with persimmon, roasted oysters, or hamachi and tuna crudo. For your main, seasonal options abound like a black pepper-crusted filet with seared foie gras, tamarind black bean butter lobster, half aged crown of duck, and cauliflower steak. Finish things off on a sweet note with a citrus mochi waffle or a chocolate and strawberry sundae.
Greca Mediterranean Kitchen
White Plains
February 14
A la carte
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Along with their usual dinner menu options, Greca in White Plains will be offering lots of specials for Valentine’s Day, including grilled scallop skewers, jumbo shrimp wrapped in shredded phyllo with truffle honey, and a seafood platter for two. End the night with complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries and enjoy complimentary valet parking across the street at Opus.
Harvest on Hudson
Hastings-on-Hudson
February 14
$95-$125/person
Harvest on Hudson’s take on Valentine’s Day includes a wide range of options. Enjoy a lovely three-course meal or an indulgent five-course soiree for you and your lover. Both options boast delicacies such as oysters, beef carpaccio, burrata, lobster, lamb chop, and more. Splurge on the five-course option and have an additional salad and pasta course. Harvest on Hudson also offers classic desserts like tiramisu and cheesecake.
Tamarind
Poughkeepsie
February 14
$65/person with $35 wine pairing option
Tamarind spices up Valentine’s dinner with a prix-fixe menu that’s far from the usual. Kick things off with your choice of lobster bisque or beetroot tomato rasam, then choose between appetizers like tandoori broccoli and Peking duck roti wrap. When it’s time for the main course, you can’t go wrong with the tandoori mix sizzler or the lamb shank with amul cheese polenta, although the paneer truffle butter pepper sounds equally scrumptious. At the end of the evening, savor masala chai creme brulee or fruit custard for a thoroughly delicious finish.
Terrapin
Rhinebeck
February 14
$79/person
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In honor of the most romantic day of the year, Terrapin invites couples to celebrate with a three-course, prix-fixe dinner menu that includes a choice of tapas, an entrée, and dessert. Fall in love with specials like scallop ceviche, pumpkin ravioli, and butter-poached lobster tails with ginger beurre blanc. Looking for something a bit more casual? Just drop into the Red Bistro, located next to the Dining Room, for the regular menu.
Savona’s Trattoria
Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Red Hook, Hudson
February 14-18
$150/couple
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Dine in at any of Savona’s four locations across the Hudson Valley for a Valentine’s Day sweetheart menu for two. The special three-course dinner includes a bottle of wine or prosecco and is available between February 14 through 18. Now that’s amore.
Valentine’s Murder Mystery
Hutton Brickyards, Kingston
February 23, 6 p.m.
$100/person
This Valentine’s whodunit takes place in Ancient Rome where the goddesses cast spells to conjure a groom and the marriage turns into murder. Bring a loved one along to help you figure out the mystery while you enjoy the show, indulge in a three-course prix-fixe dinner, and win exciting prizes for great detective work. The prix-fixe dinner includes a complimentary glass of wine or beer, and a cash bar is also available.
Related: This Spicy Chocolate Cake Recipe Is a Must-Try for Valentine’s Day
