Perfect dates
KINDLE THE ROMANCE AT THESE VALENTINE’S DAY HOT SPOTS
Valentine’s Day is less than a week away, as if the shelves upon shelves of heart-shaped chocolate boxes didn’t give it away. Which has us thinking about date nights in general. Wherever you are in your relationship, we’ve found a restaurant that’s the right fit for you and your sweetie.
FIRST DATE
We all know first dates can be awkward, so having entertaining distractions can prove very helpful. Book date No. 1 at Capo in South Boston. The Italian eatery just opened a new supper club lounge with live big-band-style music. The menu has old-school favorites such as Eggplant Parmesan ($15) and Spaghetti Pomodoro ($16) and lighter fare like Monkfish Picatta ($21). If you're bold enough to have a first date on V-day itself, Capo will be hosting a special Dinner & a Show, featuring a prix fixe menu and live performance from the Beantown Swing Orchestra. Tickets start at $160 (available on eventbrite), which includes dinner for two, a bottle of prosecco and admission to the show. 443 W. Broadway 617-993-8080 caposouthboston.com
DOUBLE-DATE SETUP
God love your friends for trying, but sometimes their version of Mr. Wonderful doesn't exactly fit yours. Ask the trio to meet you at tiny seafood haven Saltie Girl in Boston's Back Bay. The food is casual and sharable and the atmosphere is light, lively and fun — so if you like the happy couple's pick, you can fully engage; if you don't, there's plenty happening around you to be polite and chat with your buds. Try its famous tinned seafood or classic lobster roll or choose from one of its many V-day specials (Friday through Sunday and Valentine's Day), including Whole Lobster for Two “Chinese Style” with Ginger & Scallion and Coconut Sticky Rice (market price) or Whole Roasted Foie Gras with King Trumpet Mushrooms and BBQ Eel ($80). 281 Dartmouth St. 617-267-0691 saltiegirl.com
PHASE ONE: CRUSHING HARD
You've made it past at least three dates and you're smitten. There's no room for negativity when you're doe-eyed. Your date-night spot should have soft lighting with plenty of corner tables. Opt for Nebo Cucina & Enoteca, a dimly lit but bustling modern-meetstraditional Italian restaurant, and book a cozy corner booth for cuddling. Stay away from the garlic and maybe share a pizza or pasta — a la Lady and the Tramp — every single pizza ($15-$18) and pasta ($19-$27) on the menu is a home run. 520 Atlantic Ave. 617-723-6326 neborestaurant.com
OUT ON THE TOWN WITH SMALL KIDS AT HOME
You're exhausted. It took every last bit of energy to get dolled up and leave the house. You've already splurged on the sitter, now splurge on each other at Bar Boulud. The cozy and quiet atmosphere is exactly what the doctor ordered, as is the flowing French wine and/or bubbles. The service is always impeccable here so you can have a chill, romantic, delicious meal, sans your little darlings. Order the signature Coq Au Vin ($27) and indulge in any dessert ($9-$18) on its menu — they are all are divine. Plus, it's date night so everything is STAFF PHOTO BY NICOLAUS CZARNECKI calorie-free, right?
Housed in the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Boston, Bar Boulud has partnered with the hotel to bring guests a Month of Romance package that includes rose petal turndown service, a chilled bottle of bubbles and sweets to share from pastry chef Robert Differ. Just in case the doctor also ordered a mini getaway. 776 Boylston St. 617-535-8800 mandarinoriental.com/boston
THE SEASONED COUPLE
Most couples, even the most picture perfect, sometimes need a reboot. You want a place that's lively (you are out on a weeknight after all) but not so loud that you can't connect. Also, it should be hip, but not insultingly so. Enter Oak + Rowan, a newish edition to the Fort Point area of Boston. The menu ($9-$46) features artfully composed seafood dishes, hearty meat dishes and various crudos. There's also a tableside caviar program (market price) and delicious house-made pastas. Ask for a seat near the open kitchen or bustling bar. And make sure to save room for desserts from award-winning executive pastry chef Brian Mercury, including Yogurt Panna Cotta and Parsnip Tres Leches (both $12). 321 A St. 857-284-7742 oakandrowan.com — erica.corsano@bostonherald.com