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, themed brunches, and even gourmet wine tastings. From classic Italian food to farm-to-table fare, 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.
P.S. Did we miss a spot? Email us here so we can add it.
Brunch
Ship to Shore American Bistro
15 West Strand, Kingston
February 16, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
On the Sunday after Valentine’s Day, Ship to Shore hosts a Sweetheart Brunch for couples, friends, and anyone who wants to celebrate the lovey-dovey time of the year. Brunch runs $40 per person and includes a choice of mimosa, bloody Mary, champagne, or juice, with the option to go bottomless on mimosas and bloody Marys for $10 extra. As for what to order, consider choosing multiple dishes and splitting with the table. Krupa Bros. chocolate pierogi or strawberry and blueberry French toast will satisfy sweet teeth, while grilled salmon puttanesca and huevos rancheros will hit the spot for those who prefer all things savory.
P.S. Ship to Shore also offers Valentine’s Day specials throughout the weekend if you can’t make it for brunch.
Dinner
Cellaio
Resorts World Catskills, Monticello
February 14
View this post on Instagram
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 surf and turf with n’duja shrimp and the roasted branzino with tomato glaze. The specialty cocktail of the evening is the L’Amante, an on-theme drink featuring gin, lemon, raspberry, and egg white. Conclude the evening with sticky banana bread, an indulgent offering paired with coffee gelato and a caramel and cookie crumble.
Edgewood Restaurant + Bar
Hutton Brickyards, Kingston
February 14, 5-9 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
For a cozy dinner on Valentine’s Day proper, head to Edgewood in Kingston. The eatery delights with starters like oysters Rockefeller and beef satay before moving onto mains like braised short rib and lobster ravioli. Desserts are a dream, with chocolate mousse cake and vanilla bean cheesecake among the lineup of options. Plus, couples will receive complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries and two glasses of bubbly to make the occasion extra special.
Farm
Hotel Nyack, Nyack
February 14
View this post on Instagram
Part of Hotel Nyack, Farm dishes up a three-course menu for $75 (plus tax and 20 percent gratuity) on the most romantic day of the year. Savor dishes like crab bisque or pretzel-dusted calamari to start, then move onto horseradish-crusted salmon or organic eggplant parm while live music plays in the background. Finish the meal with red velvet cheesecake or chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert.
The Grandview
176 Rinaldi Blvd, Poughkeepsie
February 14, 7-11 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
Throw on those dancing shoes! The Grandview is hosting dinner and dancing on Valentine’s Day, and you won’t want to miss it. Tickets cost $155.95 per couple and include dinner, music, and dancing galore. On the menu, expect to find enticing bites like grilled ribeye steak, pan-seared salmon, and vegetarian risotto. The dessert offerings are staggering and include truffles, dessert martinis, raspberry mousse tartlets, warm churros, and red velvet cake pops, to name only a few.
The Lodge at Valley Rock Inn
Valley Rock Inn, Sloatsburg
February 14, seatings starting at 5 p.m.
The Lodge at Valley Rock Inn is the place to go when you really want to treat someone for Valentine’s Day. The Sloatsburg restaurant offers a four-course menu for $145 that features a range of salads, appetizers, mains, and desserts. Start with bites like Blooming Hills seasonal greens before moving onto spicy ahi tuna and French onion braised short rib. For dessert, it’s a tough choice between dark chocolate torte and lemon meringue tart.
Restaurant 1915
Bear Mountain Inn, Bear Mountain
February 14
Romance fills the air at Bear Mountain Inn this season. For dinner on February 14, book a table at Restaurant 1915 to savor a curated, three-course menu that runs $75 per person. Bookings are filling up quickly, so move now on this one if you want to ensure you get a table.
Shadows on the Hudson
176 Rinaldi Blvd, Poughkeepsie
February 14-16
View this post on Instagram
Shadows dishes up a prix-fixe menu for $79.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity) that truly features something for everyone, including those with allergies or dietary preferences. Appetizers include shrimp cocktail, roasted baby beet salad, and lamb lollipops, while entrees span the likes of roasted beet risotto, seared salmon, and spinach gnudi. For dessert, lean into the holiday with red velvet lava cake or strawberry champagne cheesecake.
Terrapin
6426 Montgomery St, Rhinebeck
February 14
In honor of the most romantic day of the year, Terrapin invites couples to celebrate with a three-course, prix-fixe dinner menu ($89 per person) that includes a choice of tapas, an entrée, and dessert. Fall in love with specials like pumpkin risotto, pan-roasted red snapper, and butter-poached lobster tails. Looking for something a bit more casual? Just drop into the Red Bistro, located next to the Dining Room, for the regular menu.
Family Fun
Hearts & Crafts Family Lunch
Shadows on the Hudson, Poughkeepsie
February 8, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
For family fun ahead of Valentine’s Day, look no further than Shadows on the Hudson. The Poughkeepsie restaurant hosts a special family lunch filled with cookie decorating and family photo ops galore. The menu runs $39.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids under 12 and includes offerings like buffalo calamari, sliced steak crostini, roasted shrimp fettuccine, and steak frites. For little ones with discerning tastes, a kids menu complete with chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and more is also available.
Wine Tastings
Annual Valentine’s Day Wine & Cheese Pairing
Benmarl Winery, Marlboro
February 1-23, multiple times
It’s no secret that wine and cheese are a match made in heaven, which is why Benmarl Winery is the perfect place to be this February. Head to the Ulster County winery to enjoy four wines paired with a curated cheese board that spotlights Hudson Valley products, local jams, and house-made chocolates. Purchase tickets ahead of time to guarantee a tasting slot.
Wine & Cookie Pairing
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Millbrook
February 15; 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
Whether you’re celebrating with your special someone or your gal pals, you can’t go wrong with Millbrook Winery’s wine and cookie pairing. Pre-purchase tickets for one of the time slots on Saturday to savor homemade cookies and treats from Crumble + Melt while proprietor Ed Gabriels guides guests through the tasting.
Related: This Spicy Chocolate Cake Recipe Is a Must-Try for Valentine’s Day
