Valentine’s Day is famously one of the worst nights to dine out, a fact that chefs and restaurant workers can attest to. The chaos of overpriced prix fixe menus, rushed service, and the manic scramble for reservations creates a perfect storm for a less-than-ideal dining experience. Despite its reputation, many couples feel pressured to make the most of the evening. If you can’t avoid eating out this Valentine’s Day, here’s how to ensure your meal isn’t a disaster. Keep an eye out for these six red flags before booking your table, and don’t let the night turn into a culinary catastrophe. But don’t worry—it’s not all bad news! With a little foresight, you can still find a spot that offers a memorable and enjoyable dinner, free from lukewarm entrees and food poisoning.
One of the first red flags to watch out for is the so-called “Valentine’s Day Specials.” Special occasions often bring out special dishes, like Champagne on New Year’s Eve or birthday cake for celebrations. However, if your local chain restaurant doesn’t typically serve fresh oysters or your go-to sushi spot isn’t known for its chocolate-covered strawberries, it’s best to think twice before ordering their Valentine’s Day specials. Chef Chris Atwood of the Food Society in Atlanta warns that not all “special” menus are worth the hype. “I’d caution diners to think critically about whether a restaurant can live up to what they’re promising,” he says. “Do they usually handle high volume? Does the menu align with their specialty? If they don’t normally serve fresh lobster, is this really the place to order it?” The same goes for the “included” extras, like alcohol. Be wary of a bottle of Champagne included in the cost of the menu—it might just be cava or prosecco. If your favorite Italian spot suddenly offers sushi and steak tartare, take it as a warning sign. Stick to restaurants that stay in their lane.
Another red flag is restaurants that prioritize aesthetics over food quality. Atmosphere is a key part of any dining experience, but if a restaurant is over-decorated with balloons, confetti, and a violinist at every table, it’s probably more focused on its Instagram feed than the food on your plate. Chef Ivan Beacco of Red Inside Catering in New York City advises avoiding places that try too hard. “Avoid anywhere that’s trying too hard,” he says. “The over-decorated spots with balloons, confetti, and a violinist at every table? It’s a no from me.” If a restaurant cares more about its social media appeal than the flavor of its dishes, it’s best to steer clear. You want a restaurant that prioritizes flavor over follower count.
Buffets are another thing to avoid, especially on Valentine’s Day. Buffets already have a lackluster reputation for food safety violations, such as cross-contamination and poor temperature control. On a high-traffic night like Valentine’s Day, these risks only increase. Overworked and understaffed kitchens may struggle to maintain the rigorous standards needed to keep food fresh, hot, and properly handled. The last thing you want on the most romantic night of the year is to end up battling food poisoning—or fighting your sweetheart for the bathroom. As Beacco bluntly puts it, “Buffets—and buffets—do I even have to say it? Just don’t.”
Squished-in seating is another red flag to watch out for. Researching a restaurant before booking can save you from ending up in an overcrowded and noisy room with stressed-out staff and fellow diners. Chef Atwood advises avoiding any place that packs in extra tables or seats for the night. “In practice, this means they’re trying to make as much money off the evening, and you might end up in an overcrowded and noisy room—with stressed-out staff and fellow diners,” he says. If you don’t want to feel like your elbows are in your soup, it’s worth doing some digging. Check how the restaurant handled last year’s Valentine’s Day by reading reviews, browsing social media for an idea of the space, or even calling ahead to ask if they’re adding extra tables for the night. If a restaurant is known for being cozy on a regular night, expect it to feel even more cramped on Valentine’s Day.
Chain restaurants are another Valentine’s Day traps to avoid. While chain restaurants can be affordable, predictable, and reliable most of the time, they often struggle to keep up with the holiday rush. According to Adrian Mills, executive chef at the Chase Sapphire Lounge and founder of the Cooking Collective, chains are stretched thin trying to serve as many tables as possible. “Staff are stretched thin trying to serve as many tables as possible, so guests get less attention. The kitchen is overwhelmed, making timely plating difficult. With high guest expectations and intense pressure, mistakes happen—leading to lower food quality and overall poor satisfaction.” While chains can be a great choice most nights, Valentine’s Day service often suffers under the strain. If you’re hoping for a smooth, memorable evening, consider a spot that can handle the pressure.
Finally, be cautious of overpriced prix fixe menus. Prix fixe menus are set multi-course menus that restaurants love to offer on holidays like Valentine’s Day because they streamline service and maximize profits. But for diners, they can be hit or miss. Chef Beacco says, “Prix fixe menus can go either way. A good one? It’s thoughtfully curated, with dishes that show off the chef’s passion—almost like a love letter to the diners. But if it feels rushed or generic, like they’re just trying to turn tables faster, it’s better to pass. Look for menus that balance indulgence with variety—not too heavy, not too safe. And if dessert is just a sad chocolate lava cake… no, grazie!” To avoid disappointment, scan the menu ahead of time. If it looks uninspired—or overpriced for what’s being offered—you’re better off booking elsewhere.
Despite all these red flags, not all Valentine’s Day dining is doomed! If you’re set on eating out, here are three tips for picking a restaurant to make the night special. First, choose your favorite local spot. Smaller neighborhood restaurants tend to offer a more intimate setting—and they’re also more likely to add extra special touches and flourishes to make the evening memorable. Rather than fighting for a reservation at a buzzy, overcrowded spot, opt for a place you know and love, where the food is consistently great, and the service feels personal. Bonus: If you’re a regular, they might even surprise you with something extra.
Second, book a table early—or be flexible. While you want to celebrate on the 14th to soak in the day’s romance, consider lunch (often a more affordable version of the dinner menu!) or snag an early bird time slot. Better yet, celebrate on the 13th or 15th to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
Finally, charm the server. If all else fails and you find yourself in a jam-packed restaurant at 7:30 p.m. on February 14, a little kindness goes a long way. Be patient and polite, and remember that your server is likely juggling a hectic night. With a little foresight and planning, you can avoid the pitfalls of Valentine’s Day dining and create a memorable, enjoyable evening for you and your partner.
