Love is in the air, and for couples, the big day should be filled with joy, flowers and a decent place to eat. Let the Daily suggest places to suit every budget — but make your reservations early! For more suggestions, check out last year's list on www.tuftsdaily.com.
Saloonfor the Nostalgic Valentine $
The closest eatery to Tufts is also one of the hottest new establishments, according to a recent article in Boston Magazine. Saloon takes the concept of bars from the Wild West and gives it a chic, upscale twist minus the hefty price tag, and this Valentine's, the nostalgia will continue with a nod back to the good ol' days when the Sadie Hawkins Dance was the talk of the town (at least in middle and high school). Brought to you by the folks behind the equally venerated Foundry on Elm, Saloon will offer an affordable $25 four-course menu, featuring staples like house-made charcuterie with mustard and toast, and a classic steak with creamed spinach and fries. A finale of rich chocolate dessert is not the icing on top — look out for a dance on the floor with tunes by DJ Monster Carl. 255 Elm Street, Somerville MA 02144, 617-628-4444, saloondavis.com
UpStairs on the Squarefor the Romantic Valentine $$$
If one were to score a reservation this late in the game at the most romantically decorated restaurant in Massachusetts, then Santa might just be real after all. It is not a surprise that, for a second year in a row, UpStairs on the Square makes our list. With its very feminine finishes and gold trimmings, UpStairs on the Square feels like a cross between an Alice in Wonderland-esque tea ceremony and a high-end gentlemen's club. On the big day, which executive chef Stephen Brand promises to be extra special, indulge in a $75 three-course dinner that offers dishes that sound as sexual as possible. It starts off slow, with "hearts of bibb — hearts of palm" with blood orange, pignoli and date. Then the adventure quite literally heats up with a surf and turf: Maine lobster bathed in butter, paired with a prime hunk of sirloin and spooning sauce. End that meal with a spicy hot chocolate torte, and if the aphrodisiac level is not high enough, there is a good selection at the bar just a floor below. 91 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, 617 864 1933, www.upstairsonthesquare.com
Ten Tables Cambridgefor the Foodie Valentine $$$
Not exactly the most affordable restaurant on the list — it ties UpStairs on the Square for the same number of courses offered — but this is the place to be for serious food. The Cambridge location is no less acclaimed than its original at Jamaica Plain, as the Valentine's Day menu still reads like an ingredient list straight from the farm. Where else in Boston would you get Red Fire Farm Red Beet, Pickled Fuji Apple and Upland Cress all tossed into a salad, with a rich, heavy slab of goat cheese terrine? The pairings, too, are no less creative. Another appetizer course features King Salmon Tartare with Piquillo pepper relish, native watermelon radish and Aleppo chili crackers. Mains features four choices, yet one would be wise to go for steak. Here, it's sweetened with Oxtail marmalade, a healthy spinach puree and potato croquettes. For dessert, there are more traditional options like warm crepes with homemade Nutella, or Meyer lemon cheesecake. But why settle for those? Finish on a high note with something a little more unusual. We strongly suggest the Gorgonzola Picante with cherry confiture and candied walnuts. 5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge MA 02138, 617 576 5444, www.tentables.net/cambridge.html
The Butcher Shopfor the Powerful Valentine $$$$
Notice that this year's most expensive selection in the list is not Top of the Hub, the ultimate restaurant that is on everyone's mind for the big day. Instead, we chose Barbara Lynch's unassuming bar-like restaurant that is known for its artisan produce, so this is for the girl who likes her meat. And why should one expect any less? Lamb Carpaccio — traditionally a gamey meat — is more subtle with quail egg and shallot mousse on a crisp bed of mache lettuce and makes for a perfect first course. The only vegetarian option on the $95 tasting menu may very well be the Parmesan Agnolotti, a gnocchi-like pasta that comes with black winter truffles and cepe mushrooms. Mains seem more like an afterthought, but do expect the best quality Rabbit Assiette and Venison possible, while the molten chocolate cake finale with vanilla glace is classic yet most appropriate. 552 Tremont Street, Boston MA 02118, 617 423 4800, thebutchershopboston.com
B&G Oystersfor the Seafood-Lover Valentine $$$
Please leave any consideration of Legal Sea Foods aside and head to another one of Barbara Lynch's lovechildren, this time an oyster bar that only serves some of the best selections in Massachusetts. In fact, the bounty is so fresh that the oyster menu changes everyday. Pity there is none of it in the Valentine's Day Prix Fixe menu, but always feel free to order them a la carte. And why argue? For $55, one can indulge in cured fluke with sea beans, ginger chips and cucumber for an appetizer and butter-poached lobster with its own vinaigrette, with trumpet royale mushrooms and confit potato. End on a sweet note — the obligatory chocolate, which thankfully is not in cake but encased in a tablet, laced with banana pudding and pomegranate. 550 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116, 617-423-0550, bandgoysters.com
Check out last year's Valentine's Day article here!
