This year's day of love is undoubtedly looking quite different from those preceding it, where upscale restaurants and cocktail bars were typically filled to the brim with lovebirds celebrating Valentine's Day in the city. 2021's version is a far cry from the days of fancy date nights on the town, and it's going to look a lot like staying at home -- once again -- with your partner, roommate, friend or even just yourself.
But just because we can't go sit in a restaurant doesn't mean we can't make Valentine's Day 2021 feel a little bit special. We're fortunate to live in a city that is still very much alive with incredible restaurants who are bringing their food to your home via takeout and delivery, and many have even created special edition V-Day menus that are ideal for celebrating with your love (that is, if they aren't already sold out!) No matter how you're choosing to celebrate, everyone deserves a little extra love this year, so we've put together a few ideas for the perfect date night in no matter what your style is. From juicy burgers to homemade carbonara to Japanese tasting menus, we've got you covered with these delicious meals.
For the Low-Key Lovers
Nothing beats pizza and wine for a cozy Valentine's Day in. Order from Maker Pizza, stream To All the Boys: Always and Forever on Netflix and sit back stress-free without the worry of making it for a hard-to-get reservation.
If fried chicken is more your thing, look no further than Dave's Hot Chicken, because nothing says "I love you" like a crispy, red-hot chicken sandwich, oozing with cheese and eaten straight from the takeout container.
For the Gals
If you're cozying up with the girls in your bubble (or via Zoom) for a little Galentine's celebration, you'll need to have a sophisticated dinner to match. Order one of Sara's limited quantity Valentine's menus to share, which comes with milk buns, chopped salad, shrimp and crab wontons, grilled ribeye, red velvet cake and more.
Alternatively, there's nothing like a good dip spread for sharing, so grab a Middle Eastern salatim platter from Fat Pasha and nosh on hummus, garlic labneh, baba ghanoush and mixed olives with warm pita (plus their famous whole-roasted cauliflower if you're feeling like splurging!)
For the Cocktail Aficionados
If you and your honey are more interested in a little buzz than a lavish dinner, mix up deluxe cocktails at home with a kit that makes it foolproof. Bloorcourt bar Civil Liberties is now operating as a full-on shop for all your beverage needs, including complete kits and curbside custom cocktails.
More experienced mixologists who want to freestyle it can pick up a variety of specialty ingredients from Mother Cocktail Bar, including unique liquors, Japanese spirits and house-made specialties, and impress their date with handmade creations at home.
For the Hopeless (and Lavish) Romantics
There's no better day to splurge on the fanciest meal with the one you love than Valentine's Day. For couples looking for a romantic and extra-special dinner at home, Giulietta offers a menu of Italian classics like Aperitivo boards for two, cacio e pepe, grilled octopus and beautifully prepared vegetables, plus a generous selection of wines, beers and cocktails to-go.
If a fancy Japanese tasting menu is more your style of celebration, Yasu has special chef-selected menus that utilize the highest-quality seasonal ingredients and classic techniques to create a dreamy omakase sushi experience.
For the DIY-ers
For those who prefer to cook something for themselves and their sweetie (with a little assistance), picking up a DIY meal kit from Buca is just the ticket. You'll get all the ingredients and guidance you need for an impressive dinner at home, like carbonara pasta, burrata pizza or focaccia, and working on a fancy Italian meal with your partner at home is the ideal Valentine's evening project.
In the mood for Mexican? La Carnita is making it super simple to whip up fresh, authentic tacos at home with their kits. Choose from Cali-style steak or Yucatan chicken tacos and get ready for an at-home feast with all the fixings. Don't forget to shake up some margs, too!
