The Procrastinator’s Guide to Valentine’s Day (and Weekend) in Houston for 2022

This Valentine’s Day is especially popular for dining out and many Houston-area restaurants are already 100% booked, not just for the holiday, which falls on a Monday this year, but through the entire weekend. However there are still plenty of options available (including a few upscale take-home dinners), and we’ve done the hard work of finding them. Whether you are madly in love amd are seeking high-end meals, or just want to hang out with a pal in jeans over a platter of fajitas, there’s plenty to flatter your palate. We’ve found the perfect spots whether it’s jeans and fajitas or diamonds and multi-course wine pairings. Likewise there are options like omakase (the Japanese version of a multi-course tasting) and classics such as Chateaubriand for two. 

In other love news, if you don’t have enough Vegas in your life, try the ultimate commitment package. Heritage Park is offering express weddings. This is a new phenomenon in Houston. Last year, 29 ceremonies took place on Valentine’s Day weekend just before the winter blast came in. The “Love Is in the Air” wedding package includes a ceremony with an officiant at historic St. John’s Downtown Church, live music, a floral bouquet and a boutonniere, a photographer, a Champagne toast and small pastries. The lovebirds and a few guests have one hour to get in, get hitched and get out. Weddings can be scheduled February 12 through 14 and cost $500. Bring bird seed to celebrate the happy couples. 

Please note that the restaurants in this list still had options as of press time. We can’t guarantee that will still the case for long! 

Cinco Ranch

Tobiuo Sushi & Bar, 23501 Cinco Ranch: February 11 through 14, savor a five-course tasting menu with both hot and cold options, a nigiri course, entrées and dessert for $95 per person. Enhance the feast with upgrades such as Japanese A5-10 Wagyu and shaved winter truffle. There’s a to-go option that’s $150 per couple. Call (281) 394-7156 to pre-order or go online for reservations.

CityCentre / Town & Country

Yi Peng Thai Dining, 798 Sorella Court: The three-course prix fixe menu includes options such as Tempura Lobster Roll, seared beef tenderloin, Baked Lobster Tail “Bua Loy” and Warm Taro Pearls with Coconut Cream for dessert, among other options. The special includes complimentary Champagne. All can be had for $65 per person from February 11 through 14. Book your table online. As of press time, reservations were still available on all four days. 

Cypress

Marvino’s Italian Steakhouse, 24002 Northwest Freeway: The restaurant is booked for Valentine’s Day, but the special menu is also available for a take-out rendezvous. It includes three courses for $69 to $79 per person. Choices include Akaushi meatballs, rack of lamb, Chateaubriand for two, and tiramisu. Call (832) 220-7200 or order online. 

Mezzanotte Ristorante, 13125 Grant: Enjoy live music on Valentine’s Day with a four-course dinner menu. Starters include Scamorza Fritta, which is fried Imported Scamorza cheese. Other Italian classics such as fileto al barolo (beef in red wine), aragosta ai ferri (grilled lobster) and ossobuco di maiale (roasted pork shoulder) will fill your night with amore for $65 per person. At the moment, reservations on Valentine’s Day are available at 5:45, 8:45 and 9 p.m. 

Downtown/Midtown

Artisans Restaurant, 3201 Louisiana: Expect live jazz, seven courses and a great view for $150 per person. L’huites cuite au beurre fume is French for baked oysters with smoked butter, one of the dishes you will receive, as well as a choice of Le Boeuf Wellington and Le Loup de Mer du Pacifique (pan-seared sea bass with jumbo lump crab.) Call the restaurant at (713) 529-9111 ASAP to book your reservation. According to chef and owner Jacques Fox, there are very few still left. 

Thirteen Restaurant, 1911 Bagby: Reservations are still available on Valentine’s Day at former Rocket James Harden’s restaurant. The $300 prix fixe menu for couples include host of indulgent selections to choose from such as Lobster and Shrimp Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls to start, and a 38-ounce Dry Aged Tomahawk Steak with Pineapple Shallot Butter for an entrée. Guests can choose from a list of sides such as Five-Cheese Macaroni and desserts like 13 Caramel Butter Cake. Each guest will also receive a complimentary Valentine’s Day Truffle.

Kanau Sushi, 2850 Fannin: Omakase is the Japanese version of a tasting menu, and Kanau Sushi’s version showcases specialty fish in 16 deliciously crafted courses. You can keep current with the ever-changing menu online. Bookings typically require 24 hours’ notice in advance. For last-minute special event bookings, please call the restaurant to confirm if omakase is available. At press time, reservations could still be had for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday, there are a few left for 6:30 p.m. or earlier, and for 8:30 or 9 p.m. 

Greenway Plaza

Tony’s, 3755 Richmond: This classic fine-dining restaurant is totally booked for dine-in on Saturday and Monday (closed on Sundays). However, a three-course meal is offered for at-home romance for $150 a couple on Valentine’s Day only. There’s a wide range of dishes available, including Spaghetti alla Chitarra Marechiaro, Butter Poached Maine Lobster, Truffled Prime Filet and Dover Sole. There are some special add-ons, too, including caviar service and wine pairings. Sommelier Scott Banks can even assist with recommending a great bottle of wine to pair with your at-home dinner selections.

Heights

Harold’s, 350 West 19th: Dine under the stars on the terrace rooftop patio with a three-course meal from February 11 through 14. It includes Creole Oysters Rockefeller, Pork Tenderloin and Crawfish Tails and churros and cream, just to name a few choices. Harolds also has vegetarian options such as roasted beet salad and cast iron vegetables. Make reservations through the online portal. As of press time, limited reservations were still available all days.

Mastrantos, 927 Studewood: On Valentine’s Day, a three-course, prix-fixe menu with a welcome drink is $80 per person. Just let the chef know your preferred protein and they will do the rest. A wine pairing menu will also be available. Reservations may be made online. At the moment, there are still some available.

Galleria

Caracol, 2200 Post Oak: Enjoy the coastal cuisine of Mexico with the Couple’s Menu on the nights of February 11 and 12 for $120 per couple and a Valentine’s dinner menu on February 13 for $85. Feast on dishes such as Puffed Tortilla Stuffed with Braised Beef Cheeks in Mole Pasilla, Arroz Negro con Camarones (shrimp and squid ink black rice), wood-roasted oysters and Chocolate Criollo Cake. The only reservations left now are on Saturday at 5 p.m. and after 8:45 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. on the tented patio. 

Casa do Brasil, 2800 Sage: Enjoy three courses, including unlimited steak, unlimited trips to the outrageous salad bar and a choice of dessert such as Homemade Brazilian Flan. The deal includes a glass of wine, cocktail or beer from a pre-selected list. This menu is $150 for two people. Add a bottle of Champagne for an additional $60. This special couple’s menu is available from February 11 to 14 — however, Valentine’s Day, as well as Saturday, appear to be fully booked. The good news is that most times are still available on Sunday. To make a reservation, call (713) 485-4575 or go online, where you can also view the full menu.

La Table, 1800 Post Oak: This chic restaurant is offering a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $110 per person on Valentine’s Day. The amuse bouche of artichoke truffle soup precedes tuna tartare, crab-stuffed branzino paupiettes and more. A la carte options are not available on Valentine’s Day. Reservations are required and the times available as of right now are 5, 5:15, 5:30, 8:30, 8:45 and 9 p.m.

Molina’s Cantina, 7901 Westheimer: From February 11 through 14, this long-running Tex-Mex restaurant is serving the Cupid Combo for $49.95. It includes classic Mexican dishes like beef and chicken fajitas, Cancun shrimp, whole grilled Texas quail and tres leches. Molina’s does not take reservations. 

Nobu Houston, 5115 Westheimer: Just for Valentine’s Day, a special omakase menu includes a wide variety of selections, including two sushi and sashimi tastings totalling seven courses all together. Some of the dishes include Snow Crab Umami Gelée, Tuna Tataki Salad and Rose Water Mousse Cake. The only timeslots still available for dining on Valentine’s Day are 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Make reservations on the website.

URBE, 1101 Uptown Park: URBE is offering a special Valentine’s Menu for two starting at $75, depending on the selections. This is in addition to its regular dinner menu on the evenings of February 11 and 12, and add-ons include cocktails by the pitcher, drink flights and special cocktails for the night. The sweets include heart-shaped conchas and cookies, as well as housemade chocolate boxes. Reservations are only left for Friday after 8 p.m. (URBE is closed on Mondays — which is what Valentine’s falls on this year.) 

Memorial

Bistro 555, 13616 Memorial: This Valentine’s Day, delight in a five-course, prix fixe menu including Wood Oven Baked Escargot, Duck Confit Raviolis and Chilean sea bass. The dinner is $85 per person, and reservations can be made made online.  You’ll have to dine late, though: only 9 and 9:15 p.m. are available. 

Ember & Greens Restaurant and Bar, 9403-B Katy Freeway: For Valentine’s weekend and Valentine’s Day, there’s a three-course menu, which includes a glass of house wine or beer with the first course and glass of prosecco or coffee with third course, for $49 per person. Relish in dishes such as sweet chili brussels sprouts, blackened salmon and red velvet cake. As of press time, reservations seemed to still be available online, including on Valentine’s Day. 

Montrose

Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer: Enjoy a four-course Couple’s Menu on February 11 and 12 for $120 per couple. Dine on dishes such as shrimp cocktail, wood-grilled skirt steak, pan-seared scallops and tarta de chocolate. Reservations may be made online. The only time still left per the reservation website is Sunday at 7 p.m. 

River Oaks

Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd: A special Couple’s Menu on the nights of February 11 and 12 is $120, – and there’s also a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner menu on February 14 for $85 per person and up, depending on the selections. Highlights include Sherried Mushroom Soup, tuna crudo, Duck in Fig and Bourbon Sauce, lobster risotto, blackberry cobbler and more. As of now, reservations are available on Friday evening, Saturday before 5 and after 8 p.m., and at 5 and 9 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. 

Brasserie 19, 1962 West Gray: Enjoy the popular patio with bubbles, oysters, caviar and specials such as prime New York strip, scallops and shrimp on the three-course menu. For dessert, there’s a shareable macaron filled with white chocolate mousse and raspberry jam. As a bonus, the restaurant is now directly overseen by chef-owner Charles Clark.  Click for reservations.

Pondicheri, 2800 Kirby: Update, 2/13/2022, 5:40 p.m.: Dinner reservations on Monday (Valentine’s Day) are now completely booked. The Valentine’s special is from February 9 through 14, serves two and is available both in-house and to go. (Monday’s meal will be fully plant-based.) It offers picks such as Sweet Potato Samosa, Sesame Saag with Pomegranate, Kashmiri Morel Mushroom Pilaf and braised asparagus. The cost is $70 for vegetarian or $75 for non-vegetarian. Upstairs at the Bake Lab, additional Valentine’s specials are available for pre-order, to-go and dine-in. Go online to book a reservation. 

Spring Branch 

Degust, recently named by Esquire as one of the best new restaurants in America, is offering a six-course meal plus optional beverage pairings for $250 per person. The courses include truffles, duck, foie gras, and langoustines. Reservations are still available for Sunday at 6 and 8:30 p.m. on Sunday and 6 and 8:30 p.m. on Monday. 

Multiple Locations

CRU, Houston 2800 Kirby and 9595 Six Pines in The Woodlands: Both locations are offering four-course prix fixe dinners that include lobster bisque, prosciutto-wrapped jumbo shrimp, Alaskan halibut and molten chocolate cake. This “Wine, Dine & Be Mine” experience is $60 per guest.  There will be special Chef’s Valentine’s features offered on Friday, 11 and Saturday 12 as well. As of this writing, reservations were still open Friday, Saturday and Sunday within 2 hours of 7 p.m. 

Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, 6401 Woodway and 1140 Eldridge: The Valentine’s parrillada special for two includes a half-pound of chicken and beef fajitas, two grilled quail and four jumbo shrimp.The feast is served with rice, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, sour cream and tortillas, plus one chocolate tres leches to share. For Valentine’s Day, the restaurants are taking reservations, so call the one nearest you.