Although we’re in Carnival, it’s important to remember that another holiday sneaks into the middle of it. Of course, I’m talking about Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re spending the day with your special someone, your friends, or yourself, here’s a list of some Valentine’s-themed dinners that are sure to get you in a loving mood.

Mister Mao

4501 Tchoupitoulas Street

Valentine’s Day will certainly be unique at Mister Mao, named one of the “50 Best New Restaurants 2022” by Bon Appètit, Chef/Owner Sophina Uong will kick off the 2023 season of her wildly-popular Guest Chef Pop-Up series on Tuesday, February 14 with Chef Michael Bruno of Filipino pop-up Kusina. Aptly named Kusina’s Lovapalooza, the four-course prix fixe is priced at $75 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) with two seatings available at 6 PM and 8 PM. Large parties are encouraged to make this a fun alternative to traditional romantic dinner. Special libations include the Weng Weng Sling – gin, Luxardo, Benedictine, bitters, pineapple, calamansi, pizazz, and a Spirit Free Coconut Fizz – coconut milk, coconut juice, pineapple, pomelo, and soda. Menu follows:

First

Gulf Fish Kinilaw

Coconut, calamansi, jicama, avocado, chilies

Chef Michael Bruno

Second

Home Place Pastures Pork Belly

7 Up, achiote, Maggi, coconut-shiitake palapa

Team Mister Mao

Third

Louisiana Wagyu Beef Kare Kare

Baby bok choy, rice cake, eggplant, peanut, shrimp paste

Chef Michael Bruno

Fourth

Ube Budino

Purple yam, whipped coconut cream, patis cashew brittle

Chef Michael Bruno

Reservations can be made on RESY. Telephone: (504) 345-2056.

Jack Rose

2031 St Charles Avenue

Calling all gal pals! On Saturday, February 11, Jack Rose, a renowned restaurant in the Lower Garden District, will be hosting Galentine’s Gras. Besties will have a chance to celebrate Mardi Gras and Galentine’s Day in one festive soiree. From 11 AM to 2 PM, guests can gather for a convivial brunch featuring a la carte dishes from Chef/Owner Brian Landry, along with decadent specials, including Glitter Chicken and Waffles. Libation specials include Espresso Martinis and Chocolate Strawberry 75s.

Fun-filled activities include Elektra Cosmetics Glitter Bar in the lobby – decorate your face before going to the parades or buy supplies for later and Lush Magnolia’s temporary flower tattoos. Also, check out Jack Rose’s Instagram leading up to the event for a lavish Galentine’s Day Giveaway – Porter Lyons complimentary ear piercings for the winner and three friends; Porter Lyons $350 gift card; a bottle of Veuve Cliquot; Porter Lyons gift bags for the crew; Galentine’s Gras brunch for four at Jack Rose on Saturday, February 11; and a complimentary one-night stay at the Pontchartrain Hotel. Additional activities and entertainment are planned for the Day.

 On Tuesday, February 14, Jack Rose will offer a three-course Valentine’s prix fixe menu curated by Chef/Owner Brian Landry. The menu, which varies in price based on entrée, follows:

 First

  Choice of:

Royal Red Shrimp and prosciutto, cauliflower, hummus

Lamb meatballs, carrot salad, apricot tzatziki

Pork Belly, carrot puree, cabbage, creole mustard glaze

Duck gumbo, Cajun country rice

Kale Caesar, cauliflower, garlic vinaigrette, shaved parmesan

White Truffle Mac N Cheese, gnocchi sardi, bechamel

Second

Choice of:

Pork Loin Chop, heirloom beans, greens ($50)

Bone-in Ribeye, Marchand du vin, parsnip ($67)

Squid Ink Fettuccine Pontchartrain, shrimp, scallops, oysters, vermouth cream, bottarga ($53)

Grouper Almandine, broccolini, brown butter ($55)

Poisson en Papillote, crab broil butter, fingerling potatoes, corn ($55)

Kabocha Squash Casarecce, kale, vegan parmesan ($49)

              Third

               Choice of:

Mile High Pie Sundae, chocolate sauce

Strawberry Tiramisu, mascarpone, fresh strawberries

Southern Bread Pudding, bourbon sauce, vanilla ice cream

Chocolate Cake, ganache, berry compote

The restaurant will be open for dinner only on Tuesday, February 14, from 5 PM to 10 PM. For additional information and reservations, please visit www.jackroserestaurant.com.

Compere Lapin 

535 Tchoupitoulas Street,

This year, swoon over a romantic dinner at James Beard‘s “Best Chef: South” Nina Compton’s gastronomic gem, Compère Lapin, at The Old No. 77 Hotel. On Valentine’s Day, the renowned eatery will offer a regular a la carte menu along with specials such as Steak for Two ($95), Gulf Oysters with pickled jalapeño mignonette and hot mango sauce, and Humming Bird Cake with St. Lucian Chocolate and Roasted Pineapple. For additional information and reservations, call (504) 599-2119 or visit www.comperelapin.com

Bakery Bar

1179 Annunciation Street

Treat your special someone to an evening at Bakery Bar, the cozy Lower Garden district spot for inventive cocktails, savory bites, and sweet treats from the renowned bakery Debbie Does Doberge. Guests can enjoy a la carte Valentine’s Day specials (in addition to the regular menu), including:

Salmon Toast for Two – beet cured salmon served atop toasted seeded sourdough bread with cucumber ribbons and horseradish foam and Beef Heart Steak served with chilis, mushrooms, and spinach. Pair dinner with specialty Valentine’s cocktails, including Table for Two – Ypioca Cachaca, Velvet Falernum, freshly squeezed lime juice, and raspberry puree topped with meringue and garnished with raspberry, and Party for One – Singani 63, Giffard Strawberry, St. Georges Pear Brandy, and apple cider vinegar served up in a Nick & Nora glass garnished with a heart-shaped lemon peel. Save room for dessert with one of the famed doberge cakes (available by the slice), or choose Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dobites.  https://bakery.bar/

Toups’ Meatery

845 North Carrollton Avenue 

This Valentine’s Day, Toups’ Meatery, the contemporary Cajun eatery located in Mid-City, offers festive specials to impress your Valentine. In addition to Chef Isaac Toups’ signature menu, he will be serving up several specials including jumbo Platinum Wagyu steaks and tantalizing sea scallops. Guests can complement their meal with a special Valentine’s Day wine list featuring Lacculle Brut Premier NV Champagne; Tribaut Schloesser ‘Origine’ NV Champagne; J.M. Sélèque ‘Solessence’ Rosé Extra Brut NV Champagne; Barham Mendelsohn 2016 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley; K Vintners ‘The Creator’ 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah, Walla Walla; and Ferdinando Principiano 2018 Nebbiolo Piedmont. The restaurant is open for Valentine’s Dinner on Tuesday, February 14, from 5 PM to 10 PM. For more information or reservations, please call (504) 252-4999 or visit www.toupsmeatery.com

Tujaque’s

429 Decatur Street

Tujague’s, New Orleans’ second oldest dining institution, will celebrate love on Valentine’s Day. A la carte dinner includes dishes like Grilled Filet Mignon ($44), Grilled Fish Bienville ($35), and Pan Seared Maple Leaf Duck Breast ($34). A special Valentine’s Day dessert, perfect for sharing, is Chocolate Molten Lava Cake – with raspberry coulis, white chocolate sauce, and fresh berries ($15). For additional information and reservations, please call (504) 525-8676 or visit www.tujaguesrestaurant.com 

Commons Club at Virgin Hotels

550 Baronne Street

Celebrate friends on Saturday, February 11, at Commons Club’s Galentine’s Brunch with DJ Rusty Lazer and shopping pop-ups by women-owned businesses Rich Auntie Vintage and Align with Lani. Enjoy a la carte brunch specials from Executive Chef Alex Harrell. Brunch hours are 9 AM to 2 PM; shopping pop-ups are from 11 AM to 2 PM.

On Tuesday, February 14, Commons Club will host a Valentine’s Day Dinner with a la carte specials and live entertainment by Mari E Bruno from 6 PM to 9 PM. Mari E Bruno – husband-and-wife duo – will be crooning your favorite tunes as you enjoy a romantic evening with your special someone.

The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans

550 Baronne Street

The Pool Club will be hosting Krew of You with The Meetery. Festivities will be from 6 PM to 9 PM. Virgin Hotels New Orleans & The Meetery are teaming up this Valentine’s Day to bring together all things LOVE. The Meetery marries the convenience of dating apps and the longing for in-person dating to create a new, efficient way to date in the age of technology. So on Valentine’s Day, join us on the 13th Floor at The Pool Club to celebrate you and who you love with a DJ spinning your favorite love tunes and sipping themed cocktails. 

For further information, please visit https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/.

The Bower

1320 Magazine Street

The Bower – the culinary darling of Latter Hospitality located in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District – is inviting couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with culinary delights from Executive Chef Marcus Woodham. Guests can enjoy small plates like Bubble and Squeak Waffle with cured salmon, smoked trout roe, dill, and crème fraiche; Porcini Conchiglie with duck ragout, apple, celery, fresh horseradish, pine nuts, and sweet peas and a unique Valentine’s Day Flourless Chocolate Cake with Louisiana strawberries, pistachio tuille, Sugar Roots bee pollen, red velvet and cream cheese ice cream. The restaurant will open from 4 PM to 9 PM on Tuesday, February 14. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Telephone: (504) 582-9738;  www.thebowernola.com

Couvant 

315 Magazine Street

Couvant has created a delicious four-course pre-fixe menu ($88 per person) that is perfect for a romantic evening with your loved one. Wine pairings are also offered (+$50 per person). Reservations are open now at Resy. Telephone: (504) 342-2316

Menu:

Amuse: Gulf Oyster (Lemongrass Velouté, Kaluga Caviar, Finger Lime)

First Course: Scallop Rosette (Fennel Marmalade, Meyer Lemon Crème Fraiche, Horseradish)

Second Course: Champagne Poached Fish (Potato “Croquette,” Grilled Broccolini, Roasted Garlic Sabayon)

Third Course: Dry Aged Steak (Braised Red Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Sauce Carbonade)

Fourth Course: Gateau Au Chocolat (Flourless Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Sauce, French Vanilla Ice Cream, Raspberries)

Gris-Gris 

1800 Magazine Street

Gris-Gris (not normally open on Tuesday) will open its doors for brunch and dinner on Valentine’s Day, serving its regular menu to guests looking for an unbeatable meal.

Valentine’s Recommendation: Sugarcane Seared Duck with Local Molasses, Roasted Sweet Potato, and a Sugarcane Demi-Glace (plus a King Cake Daquiri.

Saint John

1117 Decatur Street 

Saint John (not normally open on Tuesday) will open its doors for dinner only on Valentine’s Day for those looking for a French Quarter escape with some delicious New Orleans food. So grab a seat on the balcony for a romantic night overlooking Decatur, or have fun at the open chef’s counter with Chef de Cuisine Daren Poretto and his team. Telephone: (504) 581-8120

Valentine’s Recommendation: Chargrilled Filet with Granny’s Artichoke Boullette, Lyonnaise Potatoes, Marchand de Vin.

Copper Vine 

1001 Poydras Street

Copper Vine will also be open for lunch and dinner on Valentine’s Day, serving its regular menu. Copper Vine’s outdoor patio is the perfect candlelight garden oasis for a romantic evening out – top that with a fantastic wine selection and some romance-sparking dishes. Telephone: (504) 208-9535

Valentine’s Recommendation: Start your meal with a Raw oyster tasting trio + a curated wine flight.

Criollo

214 Royal Street

Criollo is offering a special Galentine’s Day seating for their Le Petit Chef immersive dining experience on Sunday, February 12th and Monday, February 13th at 5:30 PM. Le Petit Chef is part dinner theater, part art installation that utilizes cutting-edge technology to bring each guest on a multi-sensory and five-course journey. This culinary masterpiece provides whimsical, charming animations that blend with appealing dishes to showcase the story behind each course in a unique presentation that intrigues and delights. Menu here. Reservations here. Telephone: (504) 208-9535