heart shaped sushi
Photograph: Courtesy Sunda New Asian
Photograph: Courtesy Sunda New Asian

The 10 best Valentine’s Day dinners you can still book in Chicago

There's still time to reserve a table for two.

Lauren Brocato
Contributor: Jeffy Mai
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I'm going to hold your hand when I say this: There's absolutely no way you're getting a Hogsalt reservation this late in the game. Most of the big-ticket tables at spots like Armitage Alehouse, Bavette's, Geja's Cafe and Trivoli Tavern were booked minutes after they went live—but that doesn't mean there aren't still great restaurants with availability on Valentine's Day weekend.

Valentine's Day celebrations kick off Thursday, February 12 at popular spots like Sunda and run through Sunday, February 15 at high-end restaurants like Tret Dita. You can still snag a table at a few of Chicago's most romantic restaurants and best omakase counters, as long as you're flexible with the date and time of the booking. 

It's not too late to impress your date this year. Consider this your ultimate guide to the best Valentine's Day reservations you can still book in Chicago. 

RECOMMENDED: The best steakhouses in Chicago

Best Valentine's Day restaurants in Chicago

Sushi by Bou at Claridge House

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Menu: Want to impress your date? Try Sushi by Bou's 17-course Bougie Omakase, which features a 60-minute progression of seasonal dishes. And if you really want to seal the deal, level up with the ultraluxe Bou Reserve Omakase, complete with a caviar bump, foie gras snow, Wagyu, and Bone Marrow and truffle.

Why you should book: Even if you pass on these premium experiences, couples coming in between February 13 and 16 can still upgrade the traditional omakase experience with the Valentine’s Day Bundle for $125, which includes a bottle of premium sake and two signature Bouzy ice creams. Whatever you choose, it'll be a night to remember.

Price: Bougie $100, Reserve $150

Lauren Brocato
Lauren Brocato
Contributor, Time Out Chicago
  • Italian
  • Loop
  • price 4 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Menu: Although reservations are full for Friday and Saturday, you can still reserve a table for Tre Dita's Valentine's Day experience on Sunday, February 15. Dubbed A Night in Verona, the four-course tasting menu is inspired by the romance of the Italian city, featuring plates like handmade gnocchi, pillowy focaccia with rosemary and Creekstone filet mignon. 

Why you should book: Located inside the ultra-luxe St. Regis hotel, this authentic Tuscan restaurant from celebrated chef Evan Funke offers an exceptional experience inside one of the city's most beautiful dining rooms. Its dim lighting, sexy decor and stunning views are the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening.

Price: $195 per person

Lauren Brocato
Lauren Brocato
Contributor, Time Out Chicago
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Lyra

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Menu: There are still a few late-night tables available for Lyra's special Valentine's Day tasting menu. You'll be treated to four courses of elevated Greek fare, plus sommelier-curated wine pairings.

Why you should book: Lyra transforms into a Mykonos-inspired party at night, so a late reservation here offers the perfect excuse to dance on the table after the final course.

Price: $129 per person

Lauren Brocato
Lauren Brocato
Contributor, Time Out Chicago

Kinzie Chophouse

Menu: This classic steakhouse with Mediterranean influences is going all out for the holiday and serving an eight-course, Odyssey tasting menu from February 13 to 15. You’ll feast on dishes like grilled oysters and tiger prawns, wet-aged New York steak and a sweet milk chocolate mousse.

Why you should book: There's still availability for daytime dining, so this would be a perfect meal to enjoy before a show or evening excursion.

Price: $120 per person

Lauren Brocato
Lauren Brocato
Contributor, Time Out Chicago
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Duck Duck Goat

Menu: Esteemed chef Stephanie Izard's Chinese-American restaurant Duck Duck Goat is pulling out the greatest hits plus new plates this Valentine's Day. Enjoy a shareable menu of dishes like dim sum and a la carte beverages like the popular Pandan Express (rum, Kota Pamdam liqueur, coconut and lime) and Wabbit Season (mezcal, carrot liqueur, lemon and Aquavit).  

Why you should book: The value you're getting for the price, the moody atmosphere, and the prime location in Fulton Market make Duck Duck Goat a no-brainer for V-Day.

Price: $95 per person

Lauren Brocato
Lauren Brocato
Contributor, Time Out Chicago

Sunda

Menu: Sunda is offering its Love At First Bite featured dishes at both its River North and Fulton Market locations this Valentine's Day. The South Asian-inspired specials include oyster and caviar, lo mein, heart-shaped maki and ube pie, plus the fiery Solar Flare cocktail, crafted with mezcal, dragonfruit syrup, lemon, yuzu, Thai bitters and togarashi on the rim.

Why you should book: There are very few tables left on the official holiday, but if you're looking to make a weekend out of it, there's still plenty of availability between February 12 and 15.

Price: Prices vary

Lauren Brocato
Lauren Brocato
Contributor, Time Out Chicago
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The Duck Inn

Menu: Indulge in chef Kevin Hickey's popular fare with a special V-Day menu featuring royal red shrimp, King trumpet mushroom ceviche, duck breast, black cod and chocolate creme caramel for dessert.

Why you should book: The Duck Inn is making it very easy to woo your date with an optional floral bouquet add-on for $85, as well as three-course cocktail and wine pairings on offer for $35 each.

Price: $95 per guest

Lauren Brocato
Lauren Brocato
Contributor, Time Out Chicago

Juno

Menu: Juno's Valentine's Day omakase experience includes a whopping 20 courses of sashimi, apps, warm plates, nigiri and dessert. There's also a gluten-free menu available for no extra cost—just be sure to note it when booking.

Why you should book: What's more romantic than cozying up over omakase on Valentine's Day? The value is exceptional and the restaurant's intimate counter and twinkling lights are sure to make sparks fly.

Price: $125 per person

Lauren Brocato
Lauren Brocato
Contributor, Time Out Chicago
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Tanta

Menu: Take your date on a culinary journey to Peru with a five-course dinner at Tanta. The menu includes dishes like a lobster and prawn croquette, a corn fritter with red crab mousse and Alaskan halibut.

Why you should book: The River North restaurant is the third American restaurant from Peruvian celebrity chef Gastón Acurio and his first in Chicago. With few top-notch tables still available for Valentine's Day, this is a culinary gem that you'll want to snag before it's too late.

Price: $89 per person

The Dawson

Menu: The Dawson's four-course prix-fixe menu features toothsome plates like wagyu meatballs, roasted baby beets, red-wine braised short rib and the Chocolate Lover's Mess (molten chocolate cake, orange and dark chocolate ice cream).

Why you should book: This River West restaurant is a gorgeous space to enjoy dinner with your special someone. Plus, there are plenty of spots to snap a killer photo for IG.

Price: $95 per person

Lauren Brocato
Lauren Brocato
Contributor, Time Out Chicago
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