22 Valentine’s Day Dining Experiences in Metro Detroit

Here’s what’s going on at Oak & Reel, Madam, The Whitney, and more for Valentine’s Day.
1251
Symposia in Detroit // Photograph by Gerard + Belevender

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and restaurants across the metro Detroit area are offering tasty dining experiences to celebrate the romantic holiday. Check online or call ahead to make a reservation.

Symposia

You can enjoy your favorite selections from Symposia‘s regular menu or try the Valentine’s Day feature, pan-seared scallops with thyme beurre blanc, celery root puree, and arugula pomegranate salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette. Reservations are limited and can be made online. Symposia, 1000 Brush St., Detroit; 313-962-9366; symposiadetroit.com

Luciano’s Italian Restaurant

The Valentine’s Day menu at Luciano’s includes cold appetizers like roasted sweet peppers and marinated octopus, and hot appetizers like escargot or mussels possilipo. There’s also three choices of salad along with chicken dishes, steaks, pasta, veal, and fish. Reservations are encouraged. A $50 refundable deposit is required with your reservation. Luciano’s Italian Restaurant, 39091 Garfield Road, Clinton Township; 586-263-6540 lucianositaliancuisine.com

Oak & Reel

From Feb. 10-13, the Milwaukee Junction restaurant, which was named the 2022 Hour Detroit Restaurant of the Year, is offering a four-course Prix Fixe menu. On Valentine’s Day proper, guests will enjoy a four-course meal prepared by Chef Jared Gadbaw for $115 a person. Special dishes, too. Make your reservation online.  Oak & Reel, 2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-270-9600; oakandreel.com.

Gandy Dancer

The chef is offering two menu features all Valentine’s Day weekend long. Your options include Surf & Turf, a chargrilled filet mignon with 7-ounce lobster tail, smashed redskins and asparagus; or Provençale Sea Bass, with seared, sautéed jumbo shrimp, provençale, coconut-ginger rice, and asparagus. Reservations are highly recommended. Gandy Dancer, 401 Depot St., Ann Arbor; 734-769-0592; gandydancerestaurant.com

San Morello

On Valentine’s Day, this urban Italian neighborhood restaurant is offering their regular dinner menu along with specials for the day including grilled beef short rib, and spaghetti al limone for two. Finish the meal with a torta rossa or bombolini sundae. San Morello, 1400 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-209-4700; sanmorello.com.

Café Cortina

One of Michigan’s most romantic restaurants is offering a four course dinner on Valentine’s Day. Choose from dishes like mixed wild mushrooms with fresh asiago and truffle oil; butternut squash with Michigan apple chutney and creme Fraiché; African lobster with spaghetti, tomato bisque, and fresh basil; seasoned and char-grilled filet mignon with black peppercorn sauce; and more. Separate wine packages are available. Café Cortina, 30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills; 248-474-3003; cafecortina.com

The Whitney

Named one of the top local restaurants for romantic dining in our 2021 Best of Detroit reader’s pollThe Whitney is offering Tea & Chocolate — A Valentine Celebration featuring four courses of chocolate extravagance. Specially selected beverage compliments will be available, as well. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets are $79 per person. The Whitney, 4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-832-5700; thewhitney.com.

Andiamo

Celebrate the love between you and your sweetie with dinner and a show. Make a reservation Feb. 9-17 for a three-course meal paired with a glass of red or white wine, and accompanied by a live musical performance of scenes from The Phantom of the Opera. Tickets are $89.95 per person in Livonia, Bloomfield, Warren, and Detroit, and $99 in Fenton. Tickets include a cocktail reception, the meal, the wine, and the performance. Andiamo, visit andiamoitalia.com for locations. 

Zana

Enjoy an evening of romance and a a four-course dinner an a la carte menu and chef’s specials. Zana is also offering an After Dark V-Day party on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10:30 p.m. with live entertainment and bottle service. Due to limited availability for both events, reservations are encouraged. Zana, 210 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; 248-800-6568; zanabham.com

Madam

Indulge in Madam’s Valentine’s Day menu featuring four dishes built for two at $80 per person. The menu at Hour Detroit’s 2023 Restaurant of the Year features oysters royale, lobster risotto, and chateaubriand. For dessert, share petit gâteau with strawberry mousse. Wine pairings are available. Each course will also be available the weekend before Valentine’s Day, Feb. 10-11. Madam, 298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; daxtonhotel.com/food-drink.

Tasting Room at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill

Blake’s culinary team has curated a special menu for Valentine’s Day, featuring pepper steak egg rolls, a wedge salad, chicken lasagna, and herb encrusted prime rib. Themed cocktails and desserts are available, as well. Blake’s is hosting a Galentine’s Day Brunch on Sunday, Feb. 11, which includes mimosa flights, charcuterie, a French toast bar, and more for $21.95 for adults and $10.95 for children. Reservations are encouraged. Blake’s Tasting Room, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; blakeshardcider.com/blakes-tasting-room

Hiroki-San

Detroit’s newest Japanese dining experience is offering several specials this Valentine’s Day. An eight-course Robatayaki experience at $85 per person includes Hiroki salad, Shishito, Chasu, chestnut mushrooms, and more at two of each. The Couple’s Gozen Platter for Two offers Maki, Nigiri, and chef’s choice of Sashimi for $130. Beverage specials, like sparkling rosé sake, will be available as well. Hiroki San, 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; hirokisandetroit.com.

Le Suprême

This Persian and French-inspired restaurant is celebrating Valentine’s Day with several specials in addition to their regular menu. This includes the NY Strip & Lobster Americaine for two, a 20-ounce dry-aged bone-in NY strip, full lobster, sauce Americaine, pomme puree and glazed carrots with pearl onions for $179. For dessert, a romantic strawberry basil panna cotta is offered for $18. Top it off with a special Ruinart Rose Champagne. Le Suprême, 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; lesupremedetroit.com.

Zuzu

Experience a next-level Valentine’s Day meal at Zuzu, Feb. 12-18. In addition to a spicy nightclub atmosphere, Valentine’s Day dining at Zuzu features eclectic Asian cuisine, a full bar, and premium bottle service. Nigiri, a variety of sushi, noodle dishes, and many drink options will be available. Visit the Upstairs Bar on the second floor of Zuzu’s while you’re at it. Zuzu, 511 Woodward Ave., Suite 100, Detroit; experiencezuzu.com.

The Apparatus Room at Detroit Foundation Hotel

This Feb. 11-17, celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Apparatus Room with a six-course menu served by Executive Chef Rece Hogerheide. Cocktail specials will be available throughout the week as well and include Be My Clementine, a gin base with housemade orgeat, tangerine juice, sage syrup, garnished with pomegranate molasses and citrus heart. The Apparatus Room, 250 W. Larned St., Detroit; detroitfoundationhotel.com/apparatus-room.

Wright & Company

Wright & Company is now taking reservations for Valentine’s Day dining. Enjoy the Creekstone Farms Filet, an eight-ounce filet mignon with lobster cream and corn polenta; the Parisian gnocchi “churro” with ricotta, brown butter, parmesan, black peppercorn, and fried sage; or the Salad of Shaved Winter Roots with barrel-aged fish sauce, yuzu, burnt peanut, shaved fresno, toasted shrimp panko, and mint. The bar offers an extensive cocktail, beer, wine and spirits menu, as well. Reservations require a $30 deposit which will be refunded upon arrival. Wright & Company, 1500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; wrightdetroit.com.

Alchemi

Alchemi in Royal Oak provides an elevated date night environment this Valentine’s Day with special dishes that feature farm-to-table ingredients. Inspired by Indian and Thai cuisine, Alchemi will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight for plenty of time to celebrate with that special someone. Additionally, the restaurant will feature wine flights paired with chocolates from around the world and gift guests a cookbook and a rose to make the evening extra special. Alchemi, 215 S. Main St., Royal Oak; alchemiroyaloak.com.

Grey Ghost

In addition to the regular menu, Grey Ghost is offering a five-course dining experience for two this Valentine’s Day. Executive Chef Anthony Patton curated the prix fixe menu, which includes a variety of appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Reservations are required and start at $125 per person. An optional beverage pairing is $55 per person. Grey Ghost, 47 Watson St., Detroit; greyghostdetroit.com.

SheWolf

Visit SheWolf for a romantic, five-course dinner curated by executive chefs on Valentine’s Day for $125 per person. The menu offers Ostriche, east coast oysters with rosé and hibiscus granita, and pink peppercorn; Spaghetti Langhe, “Lady and the Tramp” bigoli noodles with pomodoro and beef noodles; or Crema Pasticcera, passionfruit custard with pomegranate. SheWolf, 438 Selden St., Detroitshewolfdetroit.com.

Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil Steakhouse is extending its normal hours this Valentine’s Day, perfect for an evening with that special someone. The steakhouse will be open 4-10:30 p.m. and will be serving its normal menu at regular prices. Reservations are highly recommended. Texas de Brazil, 1000 Woodward Ave., Detroit; texasdebrazil.com/locations/detroit.

Mootz Pizzeria & Bar

Visit Mootz Pizzeria between Feb. 14 and 18 for a unique Valentine’s Day dining experience. Three Valentine’s Day-themed custom cocktails will be available — Love Potion No. 9, Til Death, and La Vie En Rose. Enjoy a slice of strawberry cake for dessert, as well. Mootz Pizzeria & Bar, 1230 Library St., Detroit; mootzpizzeria.com.

Cupid’s Hideaway Bar

Whether you’re single, taken, or spending time with your galentines this Valentine’s Day, Cupid’s Hideaway Bar is the perfect place to celebrate. Cupid’s Hideaway is open now until Feb. 17, with a cocktail menu full of cute drinks, like Punch Drunk Love, Love on the Rocks, Black Like My Soul, Just Friends, and more, this special Valentine’s Day pop-up has all you need to find the love this season. Cupid’s Hideaway Bar, 419 S. Main St., Royal Oak; hideawayro.com.

This post has been updated for 2024.