Go Italian, French, super-classy or quaint this Valentine’s Day! Take your special someone to one of these romantic restaurants in a city near you to wine and dine the night away.
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and now is the time to plan a romantic dinner for two. The expert Canadian food guides at OpenTable Canada have graciously put together a list of some of the best restaurants in Canada where you can bring your valentine. Here’s a highlighted list of ten romantic restaurants where you can stoke the fires of romance, or at the very least, eat a delicious meal. Make sure to take that perfect picture of your Valentine’s Day meal and use the hashtag #OpenTable100.
Word to the wise while planning your romantic dinner: do not wait to book your Valentine’s Day reservation unless you aim to disappoint. According to Restaurant Business Online, Valentine’s day is the second busiest day of the year for restaurants (after Mother’s day, of course). So get on it!
10 Romantic Restaurants in Canada from Coast to Coast
1. Bow Valley Ranche, Calgary AB
15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE Calgary, Alberta, +1 403-476-1310
If you’re an outdoorsy couple, you can take a romantic nature walk and once you reach the end of Bow Bottom trail, you can surprise your date with a romantic dinner at one of the best restaurants in Calgary You know it’s classy because there is an “e” at the end of Ranche, which sounds French, but isn’t. The experience is described as a contemporary take on Alberta regional cuisine. Vegetarians beware, Alberta is beef country, (although there’s a vegan burger on the menu!). The prairies have a rich history of ranching and that will most certainly be celebrated at the Ranche. Multiple rooms offer different themes and you can even reserve a private room if you want to make it extra special.
Weekend getaways to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day this year
2. AG at the Sterling, Niagara Falls, ON.
5195 Magdalen St. Niagara Falls, Ontario, +1 289-292-0005
Niagara Falls is one of the most romantic places to be. The stunning natural falls and fairy-tale atmosphere make it a favourite among honeymooners and elopers. So naturally, we would have to feature a romantic restaurant in this lovers’ paradise. This chic dining spot is located inside the Sterling Inn and Spa, so you can literally get a room if all goes well (wink!). Given that the AG has won the CAA 4-star rating for its cuisine every year since it opened, the odds are in your favour. Bring your own wine and dress to impress. For more hotel options in the Niagara Falls, check out our guide of the best Niagara Falls hotels here.
3. The Dining Room at Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, BC
800 Benvenuto Ave Brentwood Bay, BC,+1 250-652-8222
Unlike the rest of Canada, February 14th is springtime on Vancouver island, renowned for its lush gardens and fragrant flowers. The most spectacular gardens on the Island can be found in Brentwood Bay on the Butchart property. Sit down for a romantic dinner while enjoying a colourful view of the gardens and Tod Inlet. Choose from an award-winning selection of Vancouver Island wines while savouring local and sustainable cuisine. Note that admission to the gardens is required to access the restaurant so you are best to make a romantic day of it. View admission rates on their website.
4. Eden at the Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff, AB
300 Mountain Avenue Banff, Alberta
Award-winning food, service, and wine have made Eden a favourite destination for fine dining in beautiful Banff. This restaurant at the Rimrock Resort Hotel has sommeliers on site to curate your experience with perfect pairings of French cuisine and fine wines. Settle in and enjoy scenic views while you drink and dine the night away. With ten-course options, we suggest you give yourself ample time to savour everything. If your date goes for the cheese and whiskey cart, consider marrying them. Life doesn’t get much better than that! Plus, the Banff Upper Hot Springs are only a short walk away from the hotel, so you can relax and unwind in their mineral pools with your honey before or after your romantic dinner. You can make reservations on their site here.
5. Da Vinci Ristorante, Montreal, QC
1180 Rue Bishop Montréal, Quebec, +1 514-874-2001
Situated in a 19th-century Victorian grey stone building in the heart of downtown Montreal, Da Vinci is the perfect place for fine dining while travelling in the city. A mere 10-minute walk from all the major Montreal hotels means you can end the evening with a brief romantic stroll amongst the city lights. This top Montreal restaurant features award-winning Italian and Mediterranean dishes served alongside a wide selection of wines and champagnes. The dress code is listed as “casual elegant”, which seems contradictory. Montreal is Canada’s most stylish city, so better to lean toward elegance. View their Valentine’s Day menu here.
6. Seasons in the Park, Vancouver, BC
Queen Elizabeth Park, W 33rd Ave Vancouver, BC,+1 604-874-8008
Conveniently located a short distance from the airport in the breathtaking Queen Elizabeth Park, Seasons is the perfect choice for fine dining in Vancouver. Delight in panoramic views from the highest point in the city while you sample West Coast flavours and sip from their roster of fine wines. When you aren’t gazing into each other’s eyes, you and your date can enjoy views of the North Shore mountains, the city skyline, and the Pacific Ocean. Once you’ve finished eating at one of the best restaurants in Vancouver, you can take a romantic stroll through the park. It will surely make for a memorable evening.
7. Scaramouche, Toronto, ON
1 Benvenuto Place Toronto, Ontario, +1 416-961-8011
Looking for romantic things to do in Toronto? Look no further! Consistently listed among the top restaurants in Toronto for three decades and counting, Scaramouche has now gained status among the best restaurants in the nation. Flawless service and impeccable food with great attention to detail are what make Scaramouche so special. Wow your date with VIP treatment starting with complimentary valet parking, Maitre D service at the front, and sommeliers on site to recommend the ideal wine pairing with your meal. Take in a scenic view of Toronto’s magnificent skyline – arguably the best in the country, while you relish every bite of French and continental cuisine.
8. Sur Lie, Ottawa, ON
110 Murray St Ottawa, Ontario, +1 613-562-7244
Naturally, we had to include the nation’s capital on the list, and Ottawa just happens to have a delightful little French restaurant with a charming and romantic atmosphere by the Byward Market. One of the more affordable destinations on this list, it’s a great choice for a stellar experience that doesn’t break the bank. Serving contemporary Canadian-French food alongside some unique wine selections. Sur Lie offers fine dining in Ottawa within a casual and inviting atmosphere. If you’re lucky and the weather is warm enough, you can enjoy your meal on their charming garden patio.
9. Restaurant Le Continental, Quebec, QC
26, rue St-Louis Québec City, Québec, +1 418-694-9995
If you are serious about finding authentic French cuisine on this side of the Atlantic, then look no further. At Le Continental, you will find true-to-form French fine dining made complete with flambée everything! This place boasts a most notable wine cellar with more than five thousand bottles of wine from over four-hundred varieties. Hopefully, your date knows what they want! They have a spectrum of French, Italian and American wines ranging from affordable to high-end selections. Time to start brushing up on your wine-tasting skills.
10. Da Maurizio, Halifax, NS
1496 Lower Water St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, +1 902-423-0859
Settle in for ocean views and a delectable culinary experience on Halifax’s historic waterfront. Da Maurizio’s menu features Italian classics as well as the incredible fresh Atlantic seafood that the Maritimes are known for. Handmade pasta bathed in signature sauces will delight your palate as you sip from their impressive wine list. It’s not surprising that da Maurizio has been the recipient of multiple national and international awards. A favourite among locals and travellers alike, da Maurizio will be the highlight of your romantic Maritime getaway.
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