12 romantic restaurants in Westchester, Putnam for Valentine's Day
The ultimate date night is upon us, meaning you've got to start thinking now about Valentine's Day — and make your reservations in time for Feb. 14.
Luckily, Westchester and Putnam have no shortage of restaurants where you can have a romantic meal, everything from your neighborhood fave to someplace perhaps more intimate and moody.
Whether you're in the mood for French, Greek, Italian, American or something in between, the following offer a range of options (including for vegans). With some you'll even find complimentary chocolate, a champagne toast or live music featuring love songs.
Café Deux, Harrison
A delicious meal is paired with delicious chocolate at this sister-owned French American cafe where, come Valentine's Day, there will be cocktail specials as well as a complimentary piece of Cupped Desserts chocolate at the end of your meal.
Charlotte and Carrie Denoyer, who opened this restaurant last March, are also selling what they call a "Love Box": 15 pieces of assorted chocolates with seasonal favorites dark chocolate strawberry and vanilla bean raspberry leading the way.
As for dinner, try the classic "Moules Frites," the Truffle Tagliatelle and the roasted salmon with an amazing spinach velouté. 307 Halstead Ave., 914-920-4110, cafedeuxny.com
Of interest: Ready for a date night? Here are 5 spots to consider in Westchester, Rockland
Micheline, Scarsdale
Tableside martini anyone? Or perhaps classic Steak au Poivre, sautéed wild striped bass or mustard crusted duck confit?
This classic French bistro delivers on all counts in a casual fine dining — and happening — scene.
The striking coffered ceiling, well-lit custom zinc bar, all French wine list, and refined, modern atmosphere set the tone for a relaxing evening complete with traditional French desserts, making for a sweet ending. 878 Scarsdale Ave., 914-504-1717, michelinerestaurant.com
Red Horse by David Burke, White Plains
Red rules on Valentine’s Day, so why not celebrate at a place for which “red” not only appears in the name, but is an important element of its décor, logo and menu?
Red Horse by David Burke ticks all those boxes which means, come Feb. 14, you'll be treated to a three-course $100 menu that offers a wide-range of palate-temping choices. The evening’s visual culinary showstopper, however, is a 40-ounce tomahawk steak for two hanging from a hook with its long, exposed bone engraved with “I Love You” (an additional $35 supplement).
Other menu highlights include Burke’s famous signature Clothesline Bacon and lobster dumplings, along with East Coast oysters, baby shrimp, King crab and lobster risotto, and fire roasted filet mignon.
Whatever you do, save room for red velvet cake (red being the theme after all), oatmeal cookie cheesecake with caramel anglaise or the chocolate torte. 221 St., 914-467-5713, redhorsebydb.com/restaurant-white-plains
X2O Xaviars on the Hudson, Yonkers
A meal at X20 is always special with an ambiance and service that are a step above. There's that waterfront view for one, with the twinkling lights of Manhattan in the distance, as well as the locally sourced Hudson Valley ingredients under the expert guidance of famed Chef Peter X. Kelly.
The $100 per person three-course prix fixed meal includes, among other items, housemade tagliatelle pasta with fresh tarragon, shrimp and champagne cream; ahi tuna poke; black truffle and scallion risotto; Ora King Salmon; Roast Chateaubriand of Beef and Rohan Duck Steak. 71 Water Grant St., 914- 965-1111, xaviars.com/x2o
The Parlor, Dobbs Ferry
Looking for something to please the vegan in your life? The Parlor has a $75 per person meal featuring, among other items, Brussels Sprouts, eggplant parm, mac and cheese, potato gnocchi, vegan fried chicken and for dessert: a wood-roasted banana split, strawberry pizzette or sticky chocolate espresso cake. 14 Cedar St., 914-478-8200, theparlordf.com
Greca, White Plains
Along with Greca's regular menu and specials (think jumbo shrimp wrapped in a shredded phyllo with truffle honey and a seafood platter for two), the Mediterranean restaurant will be offering complimentary chocolate covered strawberries. There's also complimentary valet parking across the street at the Opus hotel. 189 Main St., 914-448-8800, grecawp.com
New in Westchester: Burgers, tacos, Italian and Indian food with more eateries to come
La Casa Bronxville, Bronxville
Pick from the strawberry margarita (or any margarita) or glass of cava. Your first drink is included in the Valentine's Day prix fixe menu at La Casa Bronxville, which also includes guacamole, Sopa de Calabaza, crab tostada, octopus a la plancha, Carne Asada, Shrimp a la Diabla or the chef's special Paella Valenciana. Finish with chocolate flan, made with Mexican chocolate and served with raspberries. Calories don't count on Valentine's Day, right? 7 Pondfield Road, 914-222-9016, lacasabronxville.com
Benjamin Steakhouse, White Plains
A fireplace in the corner and the aroma of sizzling steak are reason enough to make a reservation at this popular steakhouse but on Valentine's, dinner includes a three-course meal featuring appetizers such as the jumbo shrimp cocktail or Blue Point oysters and main course options including bone-in rib eye, lobster tails or Chilean sea bass. End your evening with a choice of cakes for dessert as well as a champagne toast. 610 Hartsdale Road, 914-428-6868, benjaminsteakhouse.com/westchester
Our Place, Yorktown Heights
You've got to feel the love in the air when husband-and-wife owners are behind a restaurant (and are newlyweds to boot).
The restaurant's regular menu is offered along with a special Valentine's Day dinner which includes, among other entrees, lobster bisque, deviled eggs, tuna tartare, surf and turf and mushroom risotto. Just tell Owners Melanie LaHara Kenyon and Marc Kenyon that Jeanne Muchnick of lohudfood sent you. 334 Underhill Ave., 914-302-7900, ourplaceyorktown.com
Goosefeather, Tarrytown
There's a bit of a "Gilded Age" vibe to Goosefeather, due to the fact that it's located in The King Mansion (dating to the 1840s) at the Tarrytown House Estate. This Cantonese restaurant is offering a three-course prix fixe for $115 (plus!) per person come Valentine's Day with appetizers such as dry-aged beef pot stickers, shaved snow peas with persimmon, roasted oysters, or Hamachi and tuna crudo.
Mains include black pepper-crusted filet with seared foie gras, tamarind black bean butter lobster, half aged crown of duck, and cauliflower steak.
The restaurant is also doing a special "Sweethearts Ball" at the Biddle Mansion Feb. 10: a black tie affair featuring food stations from Goosefeather, a premium open bar, and the soulful tunes of the jazz band La Vie En Rose. There will also be a live aerial performance from Ambient Aerial Pieces. 49 E Sunnyside Ln, 914-829-5454, goosefeatherny.com
Putnam
Clock Tower Grill, Brewster
The Valentine’s Day tasting dinner at this local ingredient focused restaurant is inspired by Julia Child.
Starting with Child’s famous phrase, “people who love to eat are the best people" in mind, the seven-course $100 per person meal, which goes from 7 to 9:30 p.m., includes dishes such as coq au vin and beef bourguignon. The meal will also take place Feb. 17 should your Feb. 14 be booked (or you can't get a sitter).
Also worth putting on your Google calendar: A "Junk Food" Willy Wonka-themed dinner on March 6. 512 Clock Tower Drive, 845-582-0574, clocktowergrill.com
Uncle Cheef, Brewster
Nothing says romance quite like live jazz, which is why booking a night at this live music venue — complete with great food and drinks — is a must. Celebrate your love with music (and no cover), featuring the Kate Kortum trio performing love songs with piano and bass accompaniment. Sets at 7 and 8 p.m. with a $20 per person suggested donation to the artists.
There are other great events Feb. 15 and 16 starting with Adam Small and his “Funky Thursdays” installment and The Junco Partners playing New Orleans inspired funk, groove, jazz and soul. Uncle Cheef's is another husband-and-wife-owned spot (shout out to Ian Hendrickson-Smith and Jennifer Larisey), putting you in great company. 988 NY-22, 845-793-2717, unclecheef.com
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Here's where to dine out in Westchester, Putnam NY for Valentine's Day
