Valentine’s Day 2022: Romantic dinners, Galentine’s events & plenty of love

Love is in the air and so is the sweet smell of incredible cuisine.

Perhaps, you’re not the greatest at cooking, though. For the love of food, treat your date — or yourself — to one of the dinners, deals, or entertaining events happening this year. Make ’em say ooh la la instead of ew nah nah. 

So, if you’re looking for a night out on the town with your significant other, you’re in for a treat once you glance over these enticing menus. Some are positioned on the “fine dining” side of the table, while other restaurants are hosting a more casual experience. Keep in mind that some of these events are happening the day before Valentine’s Day.

Buena Vida

919 N. Stone Ave.

On Valentine’s Day, they’re throwing a “Tacos Before Vatos” event.

They’ll be offering all-you-can-eat tacos, chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne flavored cupcakes, games, raffles, and a pinata. If that doesn’t get you excited enough, there’s going to be swag bags for the first 25 people.

For more information, visit Buena Vida on Facebook. 

Casa Marana

8225 N. Courtney Page Way.

If you don’t have anyone to spend Valentine’s Day with yet, don’t worry because Casa Marana is hosting a “Singles Mixer & Speed Dating” event at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 12.

For more information, visit Casa Marana on Facebook. 

Charro Steak & Del Rey

188 E. Broadway Blvd.

On Valentine’s Day from 3 – 9 p.m., chef Gary Hickey is serving up a special meal named ” A Food Love Letter to his wife Amber.” It’s not just for her, though. You can appreciate the lovely meal as well.

The dinner is $192.20 per couple and you can make reservations by calling (520) 485-1922.

Chef Gary Hickey Presents a Food Love Letter to His Wife Amber

Appetizer

• La Rocca Oysters on the half shell
• Baked arugula, creamy raja, bacon, and Barrio Bread crumble

Salad

• The Del Rey Caesar for two
• White medusa anchovies, shaved parmesan
• House Caesar dressing and extra side

Entrée

• 24-ounce all-natural bone-in ribeye
• Nickel & Nickel green chili demi, mesquite-smoked blue cheese
• Choice of tortilla

Postre

• A trio of Barrio charro’s house-made galletas and tipsy leche

Plus, your choice of a White Claw or house glass of bubbles.

For more information, visit charrosteak.com. 

Charro Vida

7109 N. Oracle Rd.

The restaurant that prides itself on the plant-based goodies they’re serving daily is hosting a special Valentine’s Day meal.

Valentine’s Day Menu

Appetizer

• Vida Carpaccio

Entree (choice of)

• Chickpea Terrine
• Short Rib – on a bed of Vida pomegranate Brussels, topped with a cherry fruit pico

Dessert (choice of)

• Hemp Bunuelo – with vanilla ice cream, cherry sauce, ganache, and a vegan crumble
• Roasted Banana – with dark chocolate and cherries

Featured Wine List

• Bellisimo
• Zero Sugar Sparkling Wine
• Altocedro
• Malbec
• Cambria
• Chardonnay

For more information, visit charrovida.com. 

Contigo Latin Kitchen

3770 E. Sunrise Dr.

Beginning at 5 p.m., Contigo is serving a multi-course dinner for $75 per person. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling (520) 299-1540.

San Valentino Menu

Starter (choice of)

• Marcona Almonds – with pimento, salt, rosemary
• Marinated Olives – with pickled garlic
• Toasted garlic bread

First Course (choice of)

• Sopa de tomate asado – Clear tomato broth, house-made queso fresco, toasted brioche, herb-infused oil (Vegetarian)
• Camarón Frito – Fried shrimp with espelette pepper and lemon aioli
• Escarole Salad – fuji apple, hazelnuts, Cabrales blue cheese, sherry vinaigrette (Vegetarian)
• Rabo de Toro with potato galette – Braised oxtail, horseradish, preserved lemon crème fraiche on crispy potato galette

Second Course (choice of)

• Lobster Paella for Two – Lobster tail, shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari, bomba rice and tomato-saffron sofrito
• Basque short ribs – Rioja braised short rib, roasted heirloom carrots, pasilla powder, creamy potato
• Pollo Manchamanteles – Pan-roasted chicken with house-made red mole, plantains, and creamy potato
• Ravioles Caseros – Ravioli stuffed with mushrooms and requeson cheese with poblano cream sauce (Vegetarian)

Dessert (choice of)

• Albarino poached pears – with warm sabayon
• Flourless Chocolate Cake – hazelnut cajeta and whipped cream
• Tres Leches – with warm rompope
• Churros – with warm chocolate sauce

For more information, visit eatatcontigo.com. 

The Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress

311 E. Congress St.

The Cup Cafe team is serving up inspired specials for Valentine’s Day to help you celebrate with your loved one. Additionally, they’ll have Chilean guitarist Nico Barberan soundtracking your romantic evening.

Valentine’s Day Menu

• Duck Confit & Ravioli – Duck confit, Bing cherry, and chocolate ravioli. currant, walnut compote, port wine reduction, shaved asparagus salad
• Filet Mignon – Filet mignon Oscar-style with crab and tarragon hollandaise, Yukon Duchess potatoes, roasted candy-striped beets, asparagus tips
• Stuffed Portobello – Artichoke and spinach stuffed portobello, buttered bread crumbs, microgreens, beet beurre blanc
• Black Forest Poke Cake – black chocolate cake, macerated cognac cherries, Chantilly cream, chocolate heart
• Strawberry Panna Cotta – vanilla panna cotta, strawberry sauce, fresh berries, mint leaf

For more information, visit hotelcongress.com. 

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

6360 N. Campbell Ave.

Fleming’s is serving up a curated three-course, surf-and-turf menu available February, Friday 11 – Monday, February 14.

Valentine’s Day Menu

• Three-Course Prime Surf & Turf Menu for Two (starting at $245)
• Three-Course Filet Mignon Menu (starting at $90)

For more information, visit flemingssteakhouse.com. 

Flora’s Market Run

2513 E. Sixth St.

Gather your gals and join the fun at Flora’s Market Run for Galentine’s Day on Sunday, February 13.

They’ll be hosting a floral arrangement workshop starting at 10 a.m. Seats to the workshop are $65 per person and that includes two mimosas and everything you need to create your own unique floral arrangement with the guidance of the wonderful.

For more information, call (520) 771-9141 and reserve your spot. 

Jonathan’s Cork

6320 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

From 4 – 10 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, the restaurant is offering a few specials to treat you and your date — the regular menu will be available, too. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (520) 296-1631.

Valentine’s Day Specials

• 12-ounce New York Steak – with a tarragon compound butter
• Halibut – with a crab cream sauce
• Chambord Chocolate Mousse in a Multi Chocolate Cup

For more information, visit jonathanscork.com. 

JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa  

3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.

JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa will be offering Valentine’s Day dining options at two of its restaurants — perfect for anyone looking to treat their loved ones to some culinary delights and delicacies.

PRIMO

In addition to its regular menu, Primo will be serving a three-course prix fixe menu on Saturday, February 12 and Monday, February 14 from 5 – 9 pm. Seats are $78 per person and $100 per person with wine pairings.

Reservations are recommended by calling (520) 791-6015.

Valentine’s Day Menu

Appetizer (choice of)

• Raw Oyster Trio
• Hearts of Palm Salad

Entrée (choice of)

• Linguine All Amatriciana
• Grilled Harissa Swordfish
• Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb

Dessert (choice of)

• Dark Chocolate-Salted Caramel Layered Love Cake
• Pomegranate and Citrus Tart

SIGNATURE GRILL

In addition to its regular menu, Signature Grill will be serving a three-course prix fixe menu on Saturday, February 12 from 5 – 9 p.m. and Monday, February 14 from 5 – 9 p.m. Seats are $75 per person and $115 with wine pairings.

Reservations are recommended by calling (520) 791-6064.

Valentine’s Day Menu

Amuse-Bouche (choice of)

• Duck Confit Lumpia
• Crispy Vegetable Spring Roll
• Sweet Chili Dip

Appetizer (choice of)

• Endive Salad
• Seasonal Oyster

Entrée (choice of)

• Roasted Black Bass
• Agave Roasted Chicken
• Beef Tenderloin Tataki

Shared Dessert Plate

• Dark Chocolate Ganache Tartlet, White Chocolate Amaretto Mousse with a Raspberry Cremeux Center, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake, Passion Fruit Entremets 

Locale

60 N. Alvernon Way

Celebrate the romantic holiday with a delicious three-course menu for $80 per couple ($40 per person). This menu will be available a la carte in addition to their regular menu from Friday, February 11 – Sunday, February 13. Also, the three-course dinner will be the only menu available on Monday, February 14 starting at 4 p.m.

Valentine’s Day Menu

Stuzzichini (for the table)

• Prosciutto butter, house-made pesto, and warm focaccia bread

Primi (choose two)

• Arugula salad – with red onion walnuts, white wine vinaigrette
• Cesar Salad
• Pizza Bianche con tartufi – White sauce, mozzarella, Tuscan black truffle
• Beef Carpaccio – Sliced tenderloin, raw, with arugula, lemon and parmigiano Reggiano

Second (choose two)

• Penne Rossa alla Vodka – Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce, splash of vodka
• Tortellini di zucca – Pumpkin Tortellini in butter sage sauce
• Papardelle Verde con ragu di anatra – Wide noodle pasta with duck ragu
• Brasato al barolo – Braised beef short rib, potato mash, pistachio gremolata
• Lasagna – handmade noodle, beef ragu, bechamel
• Pollo al forno – Grilled Chicken with polenta

I Dolci

• Affogato al Café – Vanilla gelato with espresso and whipped cream
• Gianduja Chocolate hazelnut mousse
• Tiramisu – Coffee-soaked cake and mascarpone layers
• Pink Cherry Cheesecake – Cheesecake with amarene cherries

For more information, visit localetucson.com.

Maynards

400 N. Toole Ave.

Nestled in the historic train depot, Maynards will be offering an authentic dining experience featuring a seasonally-inspired monthly menu on Valentine’s Day. Chef Brian Smith and his team will be offering a Pre Fixe menu for $110 per person and an additional $30 if you’d like wine pairings.

Valentine’s Day Menu

• Snack (to get things started)
• Celery bisque – scallop, dates, tarragon
• Gem salad –  smokey blue, beets, radish
• Red wine braised short rib – root vegetables, truffle, herbs
• Olive oil cake – grapefruit, coconut, macadamia nut

For more information and the menu, visit hotelcongress.com.

Monster Sonoran Hot Dogs

1439 S. Fourth Ave.

This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of tacos — shaped into a heart.

If that special someone really wants tacos this Monday, February 14, Monster Sonoran Hot Dogs is now accepting pre-orders for their Taco Heart Bouquets. for $75.

For more information, visit Monster Sonoran Hot Dogs on Instagram. 

North Italia

2995 E. Skyline Dr.

North Italia is hosting a three-course prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day. Diners will be able to choose one starter, one entrée, and one dessert for $60 per person.

Valentine’s Day Menu

Starter

• Cacio e Pepe Lobster Risotto – grana Padano frico, parsley, evoo

Entrée (choice of)

• Roasted Butternut Squash Anolini – broccolini, toasted hazelnuts, espelette pepper, brown butter emulsion, herb breadcrumbs
• Beef Tenderloin and Shrimp Spiedini – tuscan bean ragu, spicy broccolini, marsala ristretto

Dessert

• Citrus Semifreddo – strawberry-mint conserva, marcona almond crust, toasted meringue

For more information and reservations, visit northitalia.com. 

Perche’ No Italian Bistro

46 W. Congress St.

On Valentine’s Day, the downtown Italian bistro will be open from 5 – 9 p.m. They’re serving up their regular dinner menu along with some specials. Reservations are highly recommended.

For more information, visit perchenobistro.com.

Postino Wine Cafe

2500 E. Grant Rd.

On Monday, February 14, Postino will have its signature Bottle & Board special poppin’ off, which is $25 for a Bottle of Wine & Bruschetta Board after 8 p.m. Also, if you’re in the mood for making it a longer outing, the restaurant has its Happy Hour — $5 pitchers of beer or glasses of wine — until 5 p.m.

For more information, visit postinowinecafe.com. 

Reforma

4340 N. Campbell Ave. #101

Right now at Reforma, it’s El Mes Del Amor (The Month of Love). This means you can pair a steak with a glass of Mezcal for an unforgettable experience. The Blackened Bistro Steak comes with grilled corn wheels, sauteed red cabbage, cajun potato wedges, red chimichurri, pickled jalapeños, and cilantro.

For more information, visit reformatucson.com.

Tucson Hop Shop

3230 N. Dodge Blvd.

Who’s ready for Galentine’s Day?

On Sunday, February 13 from 6 – 8 p.m., Tucson Hop Shop is throwing a celebration featuring some of Tucson’s toughest ladies. They’re hosting a Galentine’s Day Women’s Climbing Panel, which invites anyone to bring along a pal for an inspiring night featuring female leaders in the climbing community.

Oh, and grab a cold brew of your choice from the bar and hang out on the patio.

For more information, visit Tucson Hop Shop on Instagram.

Zio Peppe

6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Zio Peppe is now taking reservations for Valentine’s Day as they’re exclusively featuring a three-course Prix Fixe menu. Seats are $65 per person and an extra $20 if you’re like wine pairings.

You can view the full menu on Facebook.

For reservations, email events@ziopeppeaz.com.