These Delaware restaurants are in high demand for a date night on the most romantic day of the year. With February 14 falling on a Wednesday this year, many specials are running throughout the week or on surrounding weekends, giving diners flexibility for their Valentine’s Day plans. From upscale, candlelit dinners to fun, casual spots with great food and drink specials, here are ideas for your Valentine’s Day in Delaware.
New Castle County
Le Cavalier
The grand and romantic feel of Hotel du Pont makes Le Cavalier a no-brainer for Valentine’s Day in Delaware. The perfect spot for a romantic, French-inspired date night, Le Cavalier offers an elegant three-course Valentine’s Day special, with a la carte specials throughout the rest of the week and weekend. The three-course menu, which runs $75 per person, includes dishes like oysters with barberry mignonette, foie gras French toast, prime strip steak bordelaise and more. Sweet finishes include a molten chocolate cake with stewed cranberries. Reservations can be made online.
42 West 11th Street, Wilmington
Hummingbird to Mars
Can you keep a secret? Step into Hummingbird to Mars, a fun speakeasy above Catherine Rooneys in Trolley Square. Find the door with the golden bird on 16th Street and ring the bell. Once inside, the eatery will host three nights of Valentine’s Day celebrations, complete with live music and food and drink specials. Transport your date back in time and enjoy a speakeasy date night from Thursday, February 15 through Saturday, February 17. Reserve your table online.
1616 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington
Hamilton’s on Main
For approachable fine dining in a classy atmosphere, celebrate at Hamilton’s on Main in Newark. Along with a prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu available February 10-16, Hamilton’s also offers a seasonal pop-up bar experience throughout February. The All You Need Is Love Moulin Rouge-themed pop-up bar includes fun drink specials, immaculate decor and delicious light bites.
102 E Main Street, Newark
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Bardea Steak
As one of Vogue’s most anticipated restaurant openings in 2022, it’s no surprise Bardea Steak quickly became one of Wilmington’s hottest date-night spots. Reservations are filling up quickly for February 14, but if you miss Valentine’s Day evening, you could celebrate your Valentine’s Day at Bardea Food & Drink or get a reservation at Bardea Steak the weekend before or after.
608 North Market Street, Wilmington
Tonic Seafood & Steak
Experience the romance of Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, February 14. Tonic is accepting reservations, but space is limited. Enjoy an evening enriched by the captivating live performance of Sean Reilly from 6-8 p.m. Don’t miss out on this experience; book your reservations now.
111 West 11th Street, Wilmington
Christiana Hilton
Enjoy a unique Chef’s Table dinner event for Valentine’s Day at Christiana Hilton. The Valentine’s Chef’s Table on February 14 at 6:45 p.m. will feature a five-course dinner curated by Executive Chef Robert Fratticcioli. The menu spotlights lobster ravioli, burrata salad, braised short rib and more. Reserve a table by calling 631-1542 or emailing npierce@hiltonchristiana.com.
100 Continental Drive, Newark
The Quoin
From February 9-18, enjoy a variety of Valentine’s Day specials at The Quoin. At the restaurant, enjoy an a la carte, four-course prix-fixe dinner for $75 per person. Reserve a table online. Or, for a romantic overnight staycation, book a room from February 8-17 and receive a complimentary bottle of bubbly and a $50 food and beverage credit to use during your stay.
519 N. Market Street, Wilmington
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Janssen’s Market
If you prefer a night in, celebrate your Valentine’s Day in Delaware by grabbing a gourmet to-go dinner for two from Janssen’s Market. Greenville’s next-level grocer specializes in ready-to-eat gourmet foods to-go. Available from Monday, February 12 through Wednesday, February 14, this Valentine’s Day deal includes a full four-course dinner to enjoy at home. With selections like Janssen’s crabcake, mini breaded eggplant stacks, grilled lamb chops and an array of decedent dessert options, Janssen’s can set you up perfectly for a romantic night in for $79.95 per couple. Just light a few candles, grab a bottle of bubbly and leave the rest up to them.
3801 Kennett Pike, Greenville
Park Cafe Valentine’s Wine Dinner
Indulge in an unforgettable evening at Park Café’s exclusive one-night event on February 14 at 6 p.m. Prepare your palate for a wine dinner featuring hors d’oeuvres followed by a romantic four-course meal, each course expertly paired with a selection of wine. Reservations are required to secure your seat and the cost is $90 per guest.
2510 W. 5th Street, Wilmington
Kent County
Benvenuto
Enjoy an Italian dining experience at Benvenuto’s Valentine’s Dinner Week. Enjoy the Valentine’s menu from February 9 to February 17. To reserve a table, call 265-2652. The Valentine’s dinner menu includes salads, starters like clams casino and fresh burrata, honey-cashew roasted salmon, lobster, shrimp and scallop thermidor and much more.
249 Northeast Front Street, Milford
Rail Haus
Looking for a more laid-back Valentine’s Day date night that still offers plenty of romance? Dover’s Rail Haus is the perfect solution. The Joe Baione Trio will perform a special Valentine’s jazz event beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy great food, plenty of local craft brews and a fun atmosphere with your Valentine.
92 N. West Street, Dover
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Sussex County
Drift Seafood & Raw Bar
Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day special menu curated by Drift’s executive chef, Thomas Wiswell. Diners can expect a perfectly crafted lineup with high-quality and locally sourced seafood options. With a hand-selected wine list and cocktail menu to complete the experience, Drift is a perfect option for seafood lovers. Reserve a table online for February 14.
42.5 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
Heirloom
This charming, farm-to-table coastal eatery changes the menu seasonally to keep a high-quality selection of locally sourced ingredients. Stop by to check out the new, seasonal menu complete with artisanal cheeses, organic and sustainable wines, scrumptious table shares and more. Reservations for Valentine’s Day are going fast and can be made online.
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Harvest Tide Steakhouse
A popular date-night restaurant in Lewes, Harvest Tide is a great place to spend your Valentine’s Day in Delaware. Along with the regular menu items, Harvest Tide will offer a special Valentine’s Day menu on February 14. The three-course meal includes options like lobster chowder, braised short ribs and chocolate espresso mousse. Reservations can be made online.
410 E Savannah Road, Lewes
98 Garfield Parkway 2nd Floor, Bethany Beach
Crooked Hammock Brewery
Enjoy Valentine’s date night with dinner and a show at Crooked Hammock. This fun stand-up comedy night is headlined by the winner of Helium’s first-ever Philly’s Phunniest Competition, David James. Before David James, catch guest comedian Ryan Shaner and host Alan Massenburg, both of whom have been seen on Sirius XM, The Drew Barrymore Show and HBO. Tickets are only $5 per table. There are two showtimes at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. (the show is about 90 minutes) with a specialty menu just for Valentine’s Day.
36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes
Chesapeake & Maine
This Valentine’s Day in Delaware, celebrate with seafood and cocktails by Dogfish Head. Enjoy a four-course prix-fixe Citrus Squall dinner at $75 per person. The menu includes raw oysters with Citrus Squally grapefruit and miso mignonette, crispy skin rockfish, rock of lamb and a chocolate and grapefruit caramel tart. Call 226-3600 to reserve your table.
316 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
Related: Bardea Steak Is Not Your Average Delaware Steakhouse