Your Restaurant Guide for the Best Valentine’s in Houston

Because Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it.

“Valentine’s is coming, where is your boyfriend?” This petty song literally popped in my head as I sat to write this post lol. It somehow resurfaces every single year. If you haven’t heard it, here’s the funniest rendition by a Nigerian choir. Okay back to serious matters!

Whether you’ve been together for years or still getting to know that special someone, your restaurant choice can make or break this special night. A fact that must not be ignored is, the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach.

Here’s exactly where you want to spend Valentine’s in Houston. All menu items I recommend are under “What Mo Recommends” within each restaurant review. I’ve also included a few tips as needed!

$ – $15-$30 per meal

$$ – $15-45 per meal

$$$ – $15-$60 per meal

$$$$ – $15-$80 per meal

Le Jardinier

Let’s talk about how beautiful this restaurant is?! The art and decor of this restaurant rivals those of the galleries in the museum! Yes it is that beautiful.

This refined, unique French restaurant by Michelin-awarded Chef Alain Verzeroli opened up in the Museum of Fine Arts last year. My favorite feature is its floor-to-ceiling windows which provide a breathtaking view of the lush Cullen Sculpture Garden designed by Isamu Noguchi.

You can choose between the A La Carte menu and the Seasonal Expression. The Seasonal Expression is an exceptional 5-course tasting menu based on seasonal ingredients!

What Mo Recommends: Burrata for starters, green circle chicken breast and agnolotti for mains, and for dessert, you must try the apple in a basket or the dark chocolate crémeux!

Mo’s Tip: Enjoy a lovely walk around the museum then settle here for a nice, intimate dinner. Reservations are required.

$$$, 5500 Main St., lejardinier-houston.com

Musaafer

Cozy up on the sofas in the lounge or dine at the outdoor courtyard patio of this stunning Indian restaurant. I’ve always loved Indian food but Musaafer takes it to a different level. They recently got listed on TIME magazine’s top 100 list!

The ‘100 day journey’ menu was curated by two chefs who traveled for 100 days around the 29 states of India! Incredible right? The flavors are bound to dance merrily across your palate. Nothing can prepare you for this journey to India right in the heart of Houston.

What Mo Recommends: Indulge in Oysters, Coriander Prawn, Biryani, Kathi Rolls and finish it off with the Gulab 2.0 which is an all-time favorite!

You won’t be disappointed in investing in this experience!

Mo’s Tip: Make reservations!

$$$, 5115 Westheimer Rd., musaaferhouston.com

Thirteen

I know I said this in my brunch post but, I have to reiterate, Chef Tobias Dorzon does not miss. From its service to its classy dining space to its lovely meals, Thirteen offers an experience you won’t forget. My favorite thing about Thirteen is the fact that I always see successful black people when I go. It’s absolutely refreshing.

They’re currently offering proposal packages if you’re thinking of popping the big question on Valentine’s! Send them an email to inquire! So exciting!!!

What Mo Recommends: The pineapple Thai wings are my jam. I’ve gotten them every single time I’ve been. The shrimp & lobster mac and cheese egg rolls are delicious. The Cajun Oysters too. For entrées, the New Zealand chops are my favorite. The seafood fried rice, pork chops and steak options are pretty good too. I absolutely love their broccolini and mashed potatoes. The Aphrodite and Nipsey blue cocktails are my go-to. For dessert, you have to try the 13 caramel butter cake!

Mo’s Tip: Make reservations right now. This place get booked up weeks in advance. Valet is $20 and paying by card charges an additional fee. If you can pay with cash, do so.

$$, 1911 Bagby St., thirteenhou.com

Nobie’s

Enjoy music from a vinyl player in this cozy, intimate space. If you’d prefer a quieter time together, consider sitting on the outdoor patio.

The menu here evolves constantly and usually has 20-25 items. One constant and must try is Nonno’s Pasta! You and your date can your Lady and the Tramp on! There are some fun titles on this menu.

What Mo Recommends: Nonno’s pasta for sure! Don’t worry brie happy, Dilly bread (lovely pull apart milk bread), Shawty got low low low and Winner winner chicken dinner. Get multiple plates to share so you get a taste of all of it!

There’s an extensive wine list and you can’t go wrong with any of the cocktails served by Houston’s best, Sarah Troxell!

Mo’s Tip: Although walk-ins are welcome, I’d recommend making reservations.

$$, 2048 Colquitt St., nobieshtx.com

Toro Toro

You know those classy, intimate restaurants that couples go to in movies? The ones with real candles, a fireplace, and servers who might as well be the chef due to how knowledgeable they are? Toro Toro is that restaurant. This classy pan-Latin steakhouse is located at the Four Seasons Hotel. Its bar, located at the center of the restaurant, caters to drinks on one side and ceviche on the other. I love how elegant yet so cozy this restaurant is.

They opened recently and have quickly become the talk of the town. Its menu boasts of the tastiest items. I’ve been twice now and I haven’t had anything that was less than excellent. It’s definitely not your traditional steakhouse, it’s better!

What Mo Recommends: For starters, get the the empanadas, the short rib tacos, the bone-in beef rib “Al Carbon”. Get the Churrasco or the Tomahawk to share. I am obsessed with the cusco chicken. For dessert, definitely get the crêpes layer cake. It is delicious. For an exciting display, get the La Bomba! It’s also pretty tasty. The painkiller cocktail is my go-to.

Mo’s Tip: Make reservations early. Valet is free but remember to get your ticket validated. This one may seem weird but their bathroom is absolutely stunning. Check it out if you go.

$$$$, 1300 Lamar St., torotorohouston.com

Savoir

Lights dimmed, candles lit, wine in hand laughing over a charcuterie board…Savoir sets the stage for a very intimate night filled with lots of flirting.

You cannot go wrong with something from either the dough or hearth sections of the menu. Right through the wine cellar is a hidden speakeasy cocktail bar. Be sure to make reservations for after dinner for an even cozier, intimate night.

I know Valentine’s falls on a Monday this year but they have live jazz on Thursdays! Check it out for a regular date night or celebrate Valentine’s all week long!

What Mo Recommends: The blackened gnocchi with crab & crawfish etoufée, the roasted marinated lamb or their classic, the scallops. You’re sure to enjoy your time here with any of these! The wine options are endless!

Mo’s Tip: Make reservations at SIP and request the Savoir dinner menu and spend the entire evening there.

$$, 1344 Yale St., savoirhouston.com

Bludorn

Who doesn’t love an exciting demonstration with their meal? You know those ones you have to record for your Instagram story? You’ll get that here!

Bludorn is a fairly new restaurant that has become a local favorite! It’s almost impossible to get reservations here now. I’m glad I got to try it right when it opened. It’s described as “New American French inspired” food.

What Mo Recommends: Get the Baked Alaska to watch it get set aflame right before your eyes! The tarte flambée, short rib ravioli, chicken, dry-aged NY strip. For the seafood lovers, the spaghetti and oysters are sure to get you right. Get the chocolate or funnel cake for dessert!

For drinks, try the Coco Canela if you love a Piña Colada like me!

Mo’s Tip: Make reservations now! Yes, right this second.

$$$, 807 Taft St., bludornrestaurant.com

Tony’s

Introducing Tony’s “Amore”, their special menu for Valentine’s Day. Wine and dine your date at this outstanding Italian restaurant.

For Valentine’s, there are two seatings each with 4-course meals from a multi-choice menu. The first seating is $110 pp and the second is $155 pp. For those who would prefer to celebrate at home, there’s a 3-course menu option at $150 for two. Reservations are required through their website!

What Mo Recommends: The. silken. potatoes. I must admit I’m obsessed with potatoes however, you need to get this as a side. For entrées, the fettuccine, red snapper barolo (top rec. from a trusted friend), aged duck or the classic filet mignon. For dessert, the tuxedo cake or tiramisu. If you’re not a fan of chocolate, go for the upside down cake or cheesecake.

Mo’s Tip: Valet only takes cash so have some on hand.

$$$$, 3755 Richmond Ave., tonyshouston.com

Hando

Only 22 seats in this hand-rolled sushi bar. I must warn you, I’m allergic to seafood so I haven’t tried any of their rolls with seafood. However, my people that die for sushi highly recommend their seafood sushi rolls!

Walking into Hando, I see what I expect a restaurant in Japan to look like. Small with wooden elements and very aesthetically pleasing. These rolls are not your traditional cut rolls. They’re much longer and almost have to be eaten like a hot dog.

The red door next to it is Kanpai Club. They have some amazing, fun cocktails! Could be for pre-dinner drinks with some small plates or a night cap. I’m a sucker for chicken karaage and this is exclusive to Kanpai Club. Get those and the potstickers. All the drinks are delicious.

What Mo Recommends: For my fellow seafood sensitive friends, the wagyu beef tartare, wagyu gyoza and beef skewers. The tastiness of these menu items tempts me to risk it all for their hand rolled sushi.

Mo’s Tip: It’s only first come, first serve so plan to be there early if you decide on it! If it’s full, go to Kanpai Club for dinner and drinks!

$, 518 W 11th St., handohtx.com

Gatsby’s Steakhouse

I’m drooling thinking about that cream corn brûlée. Definitely not like other steakhouses in Houston. Let me tell you this food is flavored! An intimate European-styled space with an homage to the Roaring ’20s – hence its name, with classic jazz in the background makes for an unforgettable night.

Daisy Buchanan, the speakeasy next door, will make you feel like you stepped into the Prohibition era. The Tongue in Cheek is the most stunning drink with an elegant rose ice cube sitting right on top. Like the others with cocktail bars, this could be for before or after dinner.

What Mo Recommends: The deviled eggs with bacon jam and shrimp and the maple-glazed bacon for starters. The 40 oz. bone-in rib eye to share. The marbling on the steak…my days. The lamb chops paired with the mint jelly…mmm. I know, mint jelly? My thoughts too but don’t knock it till you try it! Get the cream corn brûlée as a side. Steer away from the red velvet cake, I thought it was too dry. Get the brioche bread pudding or flourless chocolate cake instead.

Mo’s Tip: Be sure to make reservations. Visit Daisy Buchanan for drinks after dinner. Get the Tongue in Cheek drink while you’re there. Valet is free.

$$$, 4319 Montrose Blvd., gatsbysteakhouse.com

Rosalie

Traditional Italian food for the soul. Located in the lobby of the C. Baldwin Hotel, its playful, old-school vibe is perfect for a fun date night. Family-style tables, Hollywood booths, retro TVs all make for a homey feel in this restaurant.

Expect to eat homemade Italian dishes inspired by the chef’s great grandmother, Rosalie.

What Mo Recommends: The Arancini. You need to get that as a starter. It could be one of your starters, the only starter, just get it! Great Grandma’s Meatballs. For entreés, I’d recommend the Rigatoni. I like the option with wild boar. It doesn’t taste gamey at all however, they have a basil pesto option too. The Chicken and any of the pizzas are good options too. The chocolate dessert is my favorite. Obsessed with anything with Biscoff so I love it.

Mo’s Tip: Make reservations! Step into the stunning Lobby Bar to lounge and finish off the night with unique, tasty cocktails. Valet is free at the hotel.

$$, 400 Dallas St., rosalieitaliansoul.com

Brenner’s on the Bayou

So many proposals and wedding have happened here. This lavish space has a two-story dining room, a stunning garden patio, a cascading waterfall, and a gazebo. My boyfriend and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary here and loved it. Also, we considered this space for my best friend’s proposal. Need I say more about how romantic it is?

You have the option of picking items off their Signature Menu or selecting their special Valentine’s 4-course menu. The special menu is $99 pp. The menu has some of their tastiest options! It’s being offered from February 12th -14th.

I will say, the restaurant has pretty dim lights and depending on where you sit, it might be a little too dark. This was one thing we weren’t fans of.

What Mo Recommends: The quail, bacon and wagyu skewers for starters. For entrées, you can’t wrong with any of the steak options! The steak is so juicy and tender. I personally really like the skirt steak with the maitre d’ butter or the truffle butter. The roasted chicken and duck leg are really good. The mashed potatoes, broccolini and smoked mac and cheese for tasty sides! For dessert, the decadent Brenner’s soufflé and butterscotch crème brûlée are amazing!

Mo’s Tip: Make reservations in advance. Valet parking is free.

S.N. There are two Brenner’s locations, this review is based on Brenner’s on the Bayou.

$$$, 1 Birdsall St., brennerssteakhouse.com