Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you observe the holiday or not, we can all agree it’s a solid excuse to head out for a meal. Whether you’re here planning an outing with your sweetie pie (we hope you’ve made reservations already!) or dining out in silent protest (solo or with friends), these are a few of the local spots we’d hit up first. Yes, you might have to wait for a table, but expressing your unabashed love for food with a special outing is well worth the waitlist. Start with a delicious Valentine’s gesture to yourself, and then MAYBE consider sharing with your plus one. It’s best not to rush these things, you know?
Atlas Steak + Fish – Burnaby
One of Burnaby’s best spots for a date night, their stylish ambience and stellar menu will make any occasion special. Fresh seafood, steaks cooked to perfection, and a wonderfully adventurous cockt

Townhall Langley – Langley
Modern and accessible pub fare meets an elevated, intimate flair, Town Hall isn’t your average neighborhood tavern. Hosting a Valentine’s menu from February 12 – 16, you’ve got plenty of time to craft a special evening should schedules (or stars) not align. Take a tour through their tap list of local brews, share a hand-thrown pizza, and end things with the famous stack-o-doughnuts—not a bad way to break the ice!

The Wild Fig – Coquitlam
Hosting a four-course dinner for the big day, Valentine’s at Wild Fig might be the perfect chance to make your intentions known (wink emoji). The upscale global fusion eatery has assembled a decadent menu that includes craft cocktails, a dessert spread, and a selection of entrees like wild mushroom ravioli, herb-crusted lamb rack, and roasted wild fig duck. Be sure to book ahead as space is limited!

El Santo – New Westminster
One of our fave Mexican restaurants in Metro YVR, El Santo never fails to give a kick of flavourful heat, especially in the winter. Order a flight of tacos, and raise a toast to new connections with a sampling of their impressive tequila and mezcal collection, the warm and friendly vibes here are the ideal arena for ge building rapport. Their happy hour is well worth a visit, too! Visit from Wednesday to Sunday (4pm -5:30pm) and dig into three tacos for $20 bucks!

Hestia – Richmond
Another intimate local spot with impeccable vibes, Hestia has quickly become a favourite of Richmond foodies for a nice night out. Boasting “premium ingredients in a casual space,” the Hestia menu offers a wide variety of tasty offerings, from roasted broccolini to truffle burgers to lobster risotto. Be sure to make note of their “half-priced wine Mondays,” where selected bottles of vino are 50% off—a great back-pocket idea for a post-weekend encounter.
PS—They’ll be adding brunch service soon, so look out for another decadent course to try!

Tap Restaurant – Surrey
Heads up—Tap’s dedicated V-Day service is already sold out, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try for another day! The fact that Feb 14th is already booked solid means you should absolutely schedule a visit once the occasion has passed. Just tell your date you want to give them your full attention outside all the holiday hubbub. Fresh West Coast ingredients meet European cooking styles in a sumptuous intersection that will fill your foodie diary with pages of swooning prose.

Minami Restaurant – Vancouver
Located in bustling Yaletown, Minami is right outside the area Canada Line station if you don’t want to worry about parking for the evening. Home to one of the most unique and innovative dining experiences, the sushi here never fails to surprise and delight. Fresh seasonal and regional ingredients, as well as Ocean Wise seafood options, are integrated into eye-catching dishes that reflect the incredible diversity of West Coast seafood. For Valentine’s, Minami is featuring a menu of Iwate Wagyu surf & turf, featuring melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu. And a sweet finish, decadent Raspberry Date Mousse. You can book a spot from February 14 – 17, or if spaces fill up, take home a couple of their special Valentine’s Day nigiri sets.

Pier 7 Restaurant and Bar – North Vancouver
With a sweeping view of Burrard Inlet and the Vancouver skyline, the ambience at Pier 7 speaks for itself. Enjoy premium seafood paired with an extensive wine list or a custom craft cocktail while you watch the ships drift and the lights twinkle. You won’t find many better venues for a memorable night out! Order the outstanding tiramisu before saying goodbye and wrap up the evening right!

Annora Restaurant – Langley City
Translating as “honour” in Latin, Annora lives up to its name with the care and dedication its staff takes crafting delicious West Coast fare. Sourcing ingredients straight from local farmers, the dishes here have a lovingly handmade feel. Place a few orders for the table (start with the scallion mushroom risotto and the Saltpring Island mussels) and curate a shared experience for your senses— you won’t regret it!

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