There’s no better way to say “I love you” than with a mouthful of what Tucson has to offer. This year, you can take the prix fixe route for chef-selected pairings or customize with a la carte options.
So, clean yourself up nice, wear your fanciest get-up, put your phone on silent, and please don’t forget to make reservations.
If you know of a restaurant with a Valentine’s Day special and it’s missing from this list, send it our way.
Agustin Kitchen
100 S. Avenida del Convento
Spend Valentine’s Day at Agustin Kitchen with different dining options from 5 – 10 p.m.
You’ve got the option to have a champagne dinner at $85 per person, or a wine pairing dinner for $125.
Amuse Bouche
Buttermilk Panna Cotta – cucumber ribbons, pickled red onion, fennel confit, rambo radish, and fennel fronds
Torchon of Hudson Valley Foie Gras – pickled celery leaf, roasted persimmons, and pistachio tuille
Intermezzo
Gruyere Stuffed Gougere – whipped burrata, smoked sea salt, and Queen Creek extra virgin olive oil
Entrees (choice of)
Butter Poached Langostino – pecorino risotto, english peas and tendrils, and pomegranate arils pomegranate reduction
Roulade of Wagyu – kale pesto, red and golden beets, white asparagus, and butternut squash terrine
Tomato Basil Gnocchi – meyer lemon salad, piave cheese, charred zucchini and carrots, and micro basil
Dessert
Dark Chocolate Bomb – almond cake, green tea mousse, and coconut rolled truffle
Paired with JP Chenet Blanc de Blancs, Languedoc-Roussillon
Live music with Naim Amor, Emilie Marchand, and Dante Rosano is from 6 – 9 p.m.
Call (520) 398-5382 to make reservations. For more information, visit agustinkitchen.com.
The Carriage House
125 S. Arizona Ave.
Chefs Janos Wilder and Devon Sanner will entice guests via Love on the Lido Deck from 7 – 10 p.m.
This won’t be a traditional sit-down dinner, however — the social party welcomes singles, couples, and groups of friends looking for a place to embrace an atmosphere of vacation romance floating in the sea air, celebrate the idea that love may arrive on that next wave, or opt to simply “amuse one’s bouche” all night long with their posse in tow.
Tickets cost $50, which includes the Launch Cocktail, passed hors d’oeuvres, multiple tasting stations, entertainment by DJ Satyr spinning Love Potion #9, a spacious dance floor, and slightly salty, ice-breaking interactive game areas. Beer, wine, and signature cocktails will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
Getting Some Action Stations
Hot Legs – basil and mint pesto leg of lamb on grilled flatbread
Pork is for Lovers – rosemary redolent porchetta and roasted fennel on hot buns
Pink Taco – seared salmon taco with chipotle + honey + apple salsa
Love Bites: Passed Hors d’Oeuvre
Slow Jams – profiteroles with honey + chamomile brie and fig jam
Jack of Hearts Cakes – jackfruit and hearts of palm croquettes with ginger + lime + basil aioli
Smooth and Creamy Chilled Avocado Soup + roasted red grapes
Pork Me, Spoon Me – spoons of rich feijoada with Ben Forbes’ sausage
Solid Cocktails
Come Hither – Manhattan gelee + Morello cherry in kumquat shell
Full Cup – Pimm’s Cup cocktail gelee in cucumber with strawberry, mint, lemon zest
Happy Endings: Sweets
Buzz Me – Kahluatruffles
El Chilon – ancho + Ibarra brownies
Nipples of Venus
Key Party Lime Tartlets
Call (520) 615-6100 or (520) 591-6940 to make a reservation. For more information, visit carriagehousetucson.com.
Café a la C’Art
150 N. Main Ave.
Cafe a la C’Art chef Nicholas Lexvold has prepared a special three course feast for Valentines this year. Each course offers three options to choose from, which is a great way to enjoy a prix fix menu.
Dinner is $45 per person and reservations can be made by contacting the restaurant directly at (520) 628-8533.
First Course
Choose one:
French “Five” Onion Soup – gruyère, frizzled leeks
Call (520) 628-8533 to make a reservation. For more information, visit cafealacarttucson.com.
Cafe Botanica
2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cafe Botanica at Tucson Botanical Gardens is hosting a brunch for two this Valentine’s Day from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Their menu includes Botanic Chicken, Corn Pudding, Spicy Pork Buns, and more. To view the full menu, check it out at tucsonbotanical.org.
Tickets are $75 per couple, $45 per couple for members, and that also includes your entrance to the gardens, a decadent chocolate to share, and “love potion.”
Cafe Botanica inside Tucson Botanical Gardens is located at 2150 N. Alvernon Way. For more information, call (520) 326-9686.
Cielos at the Lodge on the Desert
306 N. Alvernon Way
Celebrate your love with a three-course dinner this Valentine’s Day at Cielos at the Lodge on the Desert from 5 – 10 p.m.
Seats are $50 per person, or $75 per person if you’d like to take part in the wine pairing.
First Course (choice of)
Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup – sage crème fraiche
Baby Lettuce – roasted pear vinaigrette, honey marinated Fiore di Capra cheese, and pistachio
Second Course (choice of)
Prawn and Scallop Thermidor – creamy green chili Carolina gold rice and salsify
Bacon-Wrapped Petite Filet – egg, vin rouge, and fat confit new potato
Cielos is located at the Lodge on the Desert at 306 N. Alvernon Way. Reservations can be made by calling (520) 320-2014 or visiting lodgeonthedesert.com.
CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
15000 N. Secret Springs Dr.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is offering a Valentine’s dinner with a special four-course romance menu at CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar from 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Seats are $175 per couple, and that does not include beverages, tax, and gratuity.
Starter (choice of)
Lobster Bisque – with paddlefish caviar and tarragon cream
Prosciutto and Figs – with endive, green olive pearls and Mesa Ranch goat cheese
First Course (choice of)
Pan-Seared Day Boat Scallop – with corn purée, crispy prosciutto, spiced hazelnuts, and corn shoots
Foie Gras Torchon – with candied watermelon peel, pickled baby radish, and brioche
Main Course (choice of)
Tomahawk Steak with Three-Peppercorn Rub (prepared for two) – garlic and herb mashed potatoes, maple-braised shallots, and charred snap peas
Pan-Seared John Dory – with artichoke risotto, chili-lacquered mushroom, and brown butter emulsion
Purple Potato Gnocchi – with royal trumpet mushroom, Hatch chili, mustard greens, and homemade queso fresco
Dessert Course
“Two of Hearts” – chocolate coconut mousse, raspberry vanilla custard, passion fruit berry sorbet, and meringue with fruit coulis
CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is located at 15000 N. Secret Springs Dr. For reservations, call (520) 572-3401 and visit ritzcarlton.com.
The Coronet
402 E. 9th St.
The Coronet is feeling the love with a special four-course dinner from 5 – 10 p.m.
Seats are $65 per person and champagne is included with dessert, or $90 per person with wine pairings and champagne with dessert.
Amuse Bouche
Cauliflower Micro Steak – roquefort, olive oil, pine nuts, and dates
Optional pairing with Shaya – Verdejo, Reyuda Spain 2015
First Course (choice of)
Beets and Clementines – creme fraiche, basil-pesto, hazelnuts
Five Spiced Deviled Egg – chili oil, pork belly, and arugula
Optional pairing with Prisma, Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Chile 2016
Second Course
Carrot Cardamom Soup – cilantro oil and fried shallots
Optional pairing with Sommariva Brut Rose, Extra Dry Italy 2014
Third Course (choice of)
Escolar – saffron ginger broth, pearl cous cous, sweet potatoes, wild mushrooms, fennel, scallions, and sprouted coriander
Optional pairing with Leitz “Eins Zwei Dry” Reisling, Rheingau Germany 2015
Seared Lamb Chops – giant white bean, merguez sausage, roast radish mix, syrah beurre rouge, pomegranate yogurt, fried mint
Optional pairing with Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais France 2016
Fourth Course
Dark Chocolate Bomb – almond cake, green tea mousse, and coconut rolled truffle
Paired with Blanc de Blancs, Languedoc-Roussillon
Live music can be heard on the patio from Gabrielle Pietrangelo, Ben Degain, and Thoger Lund from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
The Coronet is located at 402 E. 9th St. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (520) 222-9889. Visit cafecoronet.com for more information.
Crooked Tooth Brewing Company
228 E. 6th St.
Crooked Tooth Brewing Company is hosting a vegan Valentine’s Day dinner with food truck Geronimo’s Revenge at 6:30 p.m.
The dinner will include a five-course meal and five pours of beer, which are five ounces each.
Tickets are $45 per person and the menu is still in the works, but will be posted soon.
Crooked Tooth Brewing Company is located at 228 E. 6th St. For more information and to reserve your seats, call (520) 444-5305 or by contacting Geronimo’s Revenge.
Cup Cafe
311 E. Congress St.
Treat your loved one to a romantic dinner at Cup Cafe this Valentine’s Day with specials dishes from 5 – 10 p.m.
The regular menu will be available as well, and you’ll want to make reservations.
Valentine’s Day Dinner Specials:
Bruschetta Trio ($13)
smoked corn goat cheese, avocado, grilled shrimp, and cilantro vinaigrette
roasted garlic, brie, apple, and duck lardon
goat cheese, beet, and basil
Crispy Skin Duck Breast ($24) – Pan seared duck breast, sweet potato duchess, sautéed green beans, and cherry demi sauce
Saffron Sea Bass($29) – Pan seared sea bass, saffron orzo, sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, and rock shrimp veloute
Cupid’s Entrement ($8) – Pistachio financier, rose ganache, raspberry jam, vanilla mousse, white chocolate, powdered sugared raspberries, and candied rose petals
Cup Cafe located inside Hotel Congress is located at 311 E. Congress St. For more information to make your reservations, call (520) 798-1618 or visit hotelcongress.com.
DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails
135 S. 6th Ave.
There’s going to be Valentine’s Day offerings at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails, and it may be enough to make anyone fall in love.
The three-course feast is $55 per person, and a four-course option is $75.00 per person. You’ll need to make reservations ahead of time by calling (520) 623-7700 or visiting downtownkitchen.com.
First Course (choice of)
Crab Louis Crostini – griddled French bread, crab tossed with Louis dressing, iceberg, hard cooked eggs, and capers
Cream of Cauliflower and Lobster Bisque – lobster crouton
Sonoran White Wheat Berries & Watermelon Radishes – wilted green beans, jicama, apples, candied pepitas, chevre, and agave/orange/green chili vinaigrette
Second Course (Optional and choice of)
Angels on Horseback – oysters on griddled garlic flatbread with fennel cream, bacon, slow cooked tomatoes, and watercress
Potpourri of Mushroom Risotto and Grana Padana Foam – blue oyster mushrooms, essence of shiitake and portobello in creamy carnaroli rice, and green scallion oil
Giant Minted Lamb Bolognese Ravioli – tomato sauce, minted green pea mascarpone, and Pecorino Romano
Third Course (choice of)
Lightly-Smoked Pork Belly Chop BBQ – cheesy grits, homestyle green beans, chow chow, and pork hush puppies
Braised Beef Short Ribs, Creamy Polenta, and Basil Pesto – red wine sauce from the braising liquid, and roasted root vegetables
Black Ash Seared Cabrilla, Shrimp Seared Mojo de Ajo – pipian rojo, Castelveltrano olive crushed potatoes, and cilantro lime aioli
Crispy Duck Croquettes and Raisin Verjus – duck confit, black berry marmalade, burrata, and cinnamon roasted acorn squash, romanesco
Griddled Polenta, Street Vendors Corn, Roasted Garlic Aioli, and Cotija – roasted Sonoran blue oyster mushrooms, smoky corn and mushroom broth, and pepita dust
Fourth Course (choice of)
Lemon, Strawberry Terrine – almond dacquoise and raspberry sauce
Crunchy Chocolate Heart – ganache, toffee, and caramel
DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails is located at 135 S. 6th Ave. For more information and to make reservations, call (520) 623-7700 or visit downtownkitchen.com.
The Dutch Eatery & Refuge
943 E. University Blvd.
Bring your Valentine to The Dutch Eatery & Refuge for a three-course dinner special for $39 per person.
Also, you’ve got more than one night to take your date with dinners from 5 – 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 11 – Saturday, February 17.
First Course (choice of)
Oysters Rockefeller
Mixed Greens with Champagne Vinaigrette
Second Course (choice of)
Petite Filet with Bernaise Sauce – with asparagus and potatoes au gratin
Lobster Risotto – with asparagus
Third Course
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Wine pairing will also be available.
The Dutch Eatery & Refuge is located at 943 E. University Blvd. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (520) 792-6684. For more information, visit The Dutch’s Facebook Event Page.
The Horseshoe Grill
7713 E. Broadway
The Horseshoe Grill is offering a special Valentine’s Day four-course dinner on Wednesday, February 14.
You won’t have to settle for just one surf and turf entrée — executive chef Andy Romero’s menu features a seafood starter with crab, lobster, and shrimp.
Mason Jar Cake – layered red velvet, raspberries, blueberries
The Horseshoe Grill is located at 7713 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, visit thehorseshoetucson.com. For reservations, call (520) 838-0404 or email THGtucson@gmail.com.
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
This year, treat yourself with incredible dining experiences at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
Three of their restaurants are offering a romantic meal for you and whoever you’d like to spend the holiday with, so choose your favorite.
Primo
Enjoy a four-course prix fixe dinner from 5 – 9 p.m. and seats are $90 per person, or $125 per person with wine pairings.
Menu includes: choices of oysters trio, prosciutto-wrapped figs, pasta, mushroom risotto, ribeye, crab-stuffed Dover Sole, venison, and Majari chocolate passion fruit torte.
Make your reservations by calling (520) 791-6067.
Signature Grill
A three-course prix fixe dinner from 5 – 9 p.m., and seats are $99 per couple, and $129 per couple with wine pairings.
Menu includes: scallop with corn puree, coffee crusted filet or Arizona Pollo de Vino, and a molten chocolate cake for two.
The regular menu will also be available.
Make your reservations by calling (520) 792-3500.
Catalina Sports Bar & Grill
Another three-course prix fixe dinner from 5 – 9 p.m., and the meal is $45 per person.
Menu includes: organic greens, pan-seared scallops or grilled New York steak and Tiramisu cheesecake.
Make your reservations by calling (520) 791-6260.
The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa is located at 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. For more information, visit marriott.com.
Kingfisher Bar + Grill
2564 E. Grant Rd.
Kingfisher Bar & Grill is offering a special a la carte menu this Valentine’s Day.
Dinner is from 5 – 11 p.m. and will feature guest favorites and holiday specials like the Bluefin Bouillabaisse and the Roasted Beef Tenderloin.
Reservations are required, so make sure to get that set up beforehand.
Oyster Bar
Gulf of Mexico Oysters – half dozen. ($14)
Grilled and Chilled Gulf Shrimp – half dozen ($15)
Seasonal Oysters – half dozen (Market Price)
House Smoked Ruby Trout – red onion jam, hot mustard, and croutons ($11)
Bay Scallop and Rock Shrimp Ceviche – charred tomatillos, lime, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, warm tortilla chips ($14)
Grilled 12 ounce N.Y. Strip – fines herbes compound butter, horseradish mashed potatoes, and broccolini ($32)
Kingfisher Bar & Grill is located at 2564 E. Grant Rd. For more information or to make your reservations, call (520) 323-7739 or visit kingfishertucson.com .
Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant
2041 S. Craycroft Rd.
Mama Louisa’s is creating a special menu for the holiday of love from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Appetizers are $8 or $12 for a couple to share, the entree is $21 and then $38 for a couple, and dessert is $6. If you’d like all three courses it’s $50 per couple.
Appetizer
Arancini Trio – truffled porcini, roasted red pepper, tomato, basil, and mozzarella
Red Velvet Torte ($9) – double chocolate red velvet torte, vanilla bean, anglanise, cream cheese French buttercream, and chantilly cream
For more information and to make reservations, maynardstucson.com or by calling (520) 545-0577.
The Parish
6453 N. Oracle Rd.
The Parish is serving up a Valentine’s Day dinner featuring cold smoked oysters, duck heart tartar filet mignon, and lobster.
Menu prices start at $30 per person, and the regular menu will be available, too.
They’re also offering a Bar Tour, which includes three classic cocktail samples for $25 per person.
The Parish is located at 6453 N. Oracle Rd. For more information, call (520) 797-1233 or visit theparishtucson.com.
Pita Jungle
7090 N. Oracle Rd.
This Valentine’s Day,Pita Jungleis celebrating all the third wheels out there by offering their signature Hummus Trio for only $3 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Couples and their lonely friends can enjoy this special deal featuring Pita Jungle’s Original Hummus, Roasted Bell Pepper Hummus and the Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus.
This deal is only valid at the Tucson Oracle location.
Pita Jungle is located at 7090 N. Oracle Rd. For more information, (520) 797-7482 or visit pitajungle.com.
PY Steakhouse at Casino Del Sol Resort
5655 W. Valencia Rd.
PY Steakhouse will feature a five-course Valentine’s Day dinner 4 – 10 p.m. for $99 per person.
If you need a little help showing your more romantic side, the dinner includes a long stem rose and glass of sparkling wine to toast.
Amuse
Crab Arancini – fermented tomato aioli
Starter (choice of)
Roasted Beet Salad – goat cheese mousse, citrus, local greens, shaved carrot, and pecans
Oyster Duo on the Half Shell – pomegranate mignonette and seeds, broiled with truffle butter and fresh black truffle
Polentina – hot honey and rosemary gremolata
Fresh Dungeness Crab Salad – apple, frisee, chile, and radish
Intermezzo
Champagne Sorbet and Salted Arizona Grapefruit
Entrée (choice of)
Six-Ounce Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail – pommes fondant, bone marrow, parsley puree, and baby carrots
Sauce Pizza & Wine is handing out Valentine’s Day deals to help spread the love.
The pizza join is offering a two for $22 date night deal including:
Pizza ($11 or less)
Hand-tossed salads ($9 or less)
Two glasses of wine ($7 or less)
Not in the mood for pizza or wine? You can substitute for an entrée ($9 or less) or a beverage ($7 or less).
Sauce Pizza & Wine has three locations in Tucson. For more information, visit saucepizzaandwine.com.
Tallboys
600 N. 4th Ave.
TallBoys is throwing a Singles’ Oasis Valentine’s Day Dinner from 8 – 10 p.m with dining, drinks, and DJ’s spinning some tunes not having to do with relationships.
Celebrate your singleness with a $30 three-course meal and two cocktails, with a prix fixe menu including meat, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Tallboys is located at 600 N. 4th Ave. For more information and to make reservations, visit tallboysvday.rsvpify.com.
Whole Foods Market on Oracle
7133 N. Oracle Rd.
Whole Foods Market on Oracle Rd. is offering a Surf & Turf dinner for you and your loved one at 6 p.m. this Valentine’s Day.
The dinner will feature a sushi appetizer, a steak and scampi entrée, and a chocolate mousse for dessert.
You can grab your seats for $25 per person.
Whole Foods Market is located at 7133 N. Oracle Rd. For more information, call (520) 352-0111 or visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.