To help you celebrate this year, we've rounded up a list of our fave spots for Valentines Day in Connecticut.
Bernard’s & Sarah’s Wine Bar: Ridgefield CT
These two restaurants are the perfect pairing for any date night! We love that this spot offers an extraordinary fine dining experience as well as a causal lively atmosphere all in one place. In this 1875 Victorian, the house is split between Bernard’s and Sarah’s. Bernard’s occupies the downstairs and is a French-style inn with a pianist every Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. Make a reservation downstairs at “Bernards” to enjoy a romantic diner for two with an elegant ambiance and distinctive cuisine.
Upstairs, you’ll find Sarah’s Wine Bar, which serves a separate bistro menu and boasts a fun and lively atmosphere with a more casual setting. Sarah’s has live music every Wednesday-Saturday. Both options are offering a special menu for Valentine’s Day all weekend long!
** If you're heading to Bernard's... make it an overnight with an unforgettable evening at Hotel Zero Degrees! This boutique hotel is nestled in a woodland reserve (located a quick 15 min Drive from Ridgefield). When you stay here, there are ample opportunities to take advantage of breathtaking views and enjoy strolls through the woodsy setting. Enjoy sophisticated style and supreme comfort in one of their spacious guest rooms!
South End, New Canaan CT:
A bustling atmosphere with a neighborhood vibe. This spot is a lively, modern tavern that specializes in delicious farm to table seasonal fare. This weekend they have a special prefixed valentines day dinner menu for $70 a person.
Barcelona Wine Bar: Fairfield, CT
At Barcelona, it’s all about the experience. This year this trendy wine & tapas bar is offering two prefixed dinner experiences that are designed to be an immersive food and wine and journey. Both options can be enjoyed in person or as take-out options...
- Aperitivo Experience: One glass of Cava per person, paired with an aperitivo board, two chef-created tapas and a bottle of Barcava to take home.
- The Barcelona Experience: Two flights of three hand-selected Spanish wines, paired with six Chef-created tapas, a half paella, and a take-home gift of a bottle of Barcava. ($130)
Griswold Inn, Essix CT:
At the Griswold Inn, they boast lovely libations, an elegant menu, and music in their taproom. We love this spot for the unbeatable ambiance, the feel-good music, and the nostalgic vibes. At ‘The Gris’ you can enjoy a cozy mood-setting menu created expressly for the Valentines Day in their Historic Dining Rooms. This year, they are offering a special menu from Friday through Monday that can be enjoyed in their taproom, dining room, or wine bar. *Pro Tip-If you are heading to 'The Gris' for your valentines celebrations, consider an overnight in their historic inn– which includes continental breakfast for two for just $150 a night! (I think this might be our move!)
Arethusa al Tavolo: Bantam, CT
Ranked as one of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the Country– this spot is sure to satisfy the romantic night you are looking for. This unique restaurant takes farm to table to the next level– their dishes are prepared with rich, fresh dairy products directly from Arethusa Farm. Pro tip– make sure to call ahead to make a reservation!
The Cottage, Westport CT
The Cottage has always been a personal favorite and a spot that never disappoints. A romantic and cozy atmosphere that creates an undeniably special experience. This year The Cottage is offering a valentines Eve Dinner (on Feb 13th) from 5:30 to 9:30. They have a pre-fixed dinner menu at $85 per person.
Shipwrights Daughter, Mystic CT
We love taking a day trip (or an overnight) to Mystic, and when we do… Shipwrights Daughter is a go-to! This Valentine's day, you can enjoy an intimate five-course chef's tasting menu for a fixed rate of $75 per person. This menu will be available from Feb 11th- Feb 14th. We recommend a reservation!
Fresh Salt: Old Saybrook, CT
Fresh Salt is located at the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa, making it a perfect excuse to have an entire weekend dedicated to Valentine’s Day! We are drooling over the special prix fixe for two, which includes dozens of fresh seafood plates as well as champagne specials. In addition to the amazing food, the Inn is offering special overnight packages with water views and giant fireplaces. If this isn’t enough to convince you to take a staycation, then we don’t know what is!
GIMME THE DESERT...
Just a few of our faves for a sweet tooth FIX!
Cheese Cake Collection: Westport, Norwalk, Stamford, CT
Offering the best damn cheese cake around– The Cheesecake Collection is an online shop specializing in everything cheesecake!! We love their seasonal box specials and we’re drooling over their Valentines Speciasl starting at just $15.
BeChocolat: Fairfield CT
The finest authentic Belgian chocolate shop located in Greenfield Hill! Serving small batches of hand crafted chocolates, waffles and hot coco. We love their open kitchen concept-- it’s so much fun to watch the chocolatiers in action! Their chocolates make the perfect little valentine gifts.
Valentine's Day WITH THE KIDS...
Valentines Day… with the kiddos? Don't worry, we got you covered!
Planet Pizza: Fairfield, Westport, Norwalk, Stamford, Shelton, Ridgefield CT
We love that planet Pizza offers heart shaped pizzas! They also offer a mouthwatering desert pizza with nutella, strawberries, and whipped cream all on top of their fluffy dough. With locations all over the state, this is an easy option for everyone :)
Little Barn, Fairfield & Shelton CT
Little barn is a classic go-to family friendly restaurant. They offer a low-key ambiance to be enjoyed by all ages. Their dinning room is kid friendly with menu options for the little ones. Pro tip– They offer an adult Valentine’s Day special for the entire month of February that is not to be missed– Gourmet handcrafted vanilla milkshake w/ Tito’s vodka, Chambord & Frangelico dipped in a white chocolate ganache topped w/ whipped cream, sprinkles, sugar cookies & macaroons.