The holiday of love –St. Valentine’s Day — is almost here. You have a romantic dinner in mind to share with that bestie guy or gal, but those chain restaurants decorated in corporate motif lack the ambience you desire. So, where do you go for that special night of candlelight and romance?
St. Louis has more than a few restaurants ready, willing and able to accommodate couples on Valentine’s Day.
Aya Sofia
6671 Chippewa
St. Louis, MO 63109
The romantic atmosphere at this Turkish restaurant runs throughout the year, not just on February 14. Aya Sofia offers a tantalizing menu of traditional beef, lamb, chicken, seafood and vegetarian entrees along with an international wine list to compliment any meal you chose.
A reservation for the Valentine’s Day dinner is highly recommended and don’t wait until the last minute. A three course dinner for $39 per person is offered that evening. Four different categories of entrees are normally offered during a special event. Regular menu items are available. (Have to admit that the stuffed cabbage is a gastronomical delight.)
Sanctuaria
4198 Manchester
St. Louis, MO 63110
Located in the trendy Grove neighborhood of St. Louis, Sanctuaria is THE romantic restaurant for a couple on Valentine’s Day. The special for the evening includes: four tapas menu items (think shrimp salad or frita sliders), two cocktails (house choice), one dessert (try Havana Bread) and two glasses of sparkling Cava for $75. Of course, they have about 197 different cocktails to offer, if you are so inclined to stay and gaze into each others eyes after the meal. Place your reservations early as the restaurant fills up rapidly even on quite weekday nights.
Chez Leon
7927 Forsyth
St. Louis, MO 63105
Guys, if you can’t jump on a jet with your favorite gal and make it to some quaint bistro in downtown Paris, Chez Leon is the restaurant for a romantic evening for a couple opting for French cuisine.
The three course meal is a steal at $47. Choose from chicken, duck, fish, lamb or beef any of which will please the palate and impress your lady. (I highly recommend the duck in orange sauce). Speaking of impressive, tour the extensive selections on the wine list. Then treat her to a crème brulee and she is yours forever.
Great food with the one you love make for a truly pleasure filled evening on Valentine’s Day.