Valentine’s Day in Connecticut feels like stepping into a perfectly plated dessert. It’s intimate, carefully crafted and indulgent enough to make the moment linger. From candlelit tables tucked inside historic inns and hidden gems, to modern establishments pushing the boundaries of flavor and creativity, the whole state offers a broad dining scene that rivals far bigger cities. In places like New Haven or Litchfield, where culinary creativity and pizza thrives to cities like Mystic, West Hartford and Greenwich where tasting menus, seafood dishes and James Beard Award Winners hold high expectations for their menus, there’s somewhere in CT for everyone to dine and share the love with this Valentines Day! Whether you’re planning a cozy night or an upscale celebration, Valentines ding in Connecticut is less about reservations and more about savoring the connection one beautiful bite at a time! And we’re here with our favorite recommendations!
Union Kitchen
West Hartford, CT
This valentines day, this phenomenal spot is offering a four course prix fixe menu for $85 featuring roasted pork belly, venison and cherry chocolate mousse. If you’re looking to impress your date, they also have a local oyster and caviar special for $45. Enjoy fine wines, carefully handcrafted cocktails and great vibes with the person you love!
ShipWrights Daughter
Mystic, CT
If you’re looking to dine at one of CT’s hottest spots then snag a spot at Shipwrights Daughter located under the Whalers Inn. This spot has consistently wowed me from their citrus cream oysters to their famous duck with duck fried rice. Anything on this menu is sure to blow someones socks off!
The Whelk
Westport, CT
Looking for a relaxed atmosphere along the saugatuck river? The whelk offers an ever changing seafood menu from scallops to octopus and meats like steak and chicken!
The Farm Italy
Uncasville, CT
Nestled in the lively Mohegan Sun Casino, The Farm Italy, formerly Ballo, features modernized Italian cuisine like tuna crudo, table side tagliolini and NY Strip Steak.
Their interior screams date night offering dim lighting and the perfect opportunity to toast to love before hitting up the tables and slots!
Casanova
New Haven, CT
Fresh pasta, pizza and truffle deviled eggs all under one roof, Casanova, located near the shops at Yale, offers intimate dining and a great meal. Try one of their specialty pastas like the caramelle or the agnolotti to be wowed.
Nomade
Westport, CT
Cozy and chic with cuisine inspired from North Africa to Asia and the Mediterranean, Nomade is about celebrating cuisine and culture! All their flavors are bold and vibrant, using the freshest ingredients. Their shrimp and grits is a must try! Late nights on Fridays and Saturdays turns into a busier spot for those looking for more energy!
EST EST Pizza
New Haven, CT
Looking to keep it a little more casual this Valentines Day? EST Pizza is in our top 5 pizza spots in New Haven, offering more than just pizza! From bolognese to crispy caesar salad, to wings and garlic knots. This spot has all of your favorite to go options and are open till the early AM! Order one of their specialty valentines heart pizzas for your lover this year!
Sayori
Orange, CT
One of our favorite sushi spots in CT! A wide variety of fresh sushi and sashimi along with delicious meats and truffle dishes, this is a great spot for sushi loving couples!
Taco Dia
Newtown, CT
Vibrant flavors, bold cocktails and a lively atmosphere while also offering a gluten free food menu, taco dia will definitely spice up your night with bold modern Mexican flavors!
Esh Mediterranean
Fairfield, CT
A contemporary culinary experience celebrating middle eastern cuisine, Esh is one of Fairfield County’s hottest spots to dine this Valentines Day! Keep an eye out for their special valentines day menu!
Bar Bushido
Norwalk, CT
If you’re looking for a casual spot or elevated, bar bushido offers two different types of dining experiences to cater to your night! Book their temaki room for a more intimate experience featuring handrolls and limited kitchen items. Book their izakaya for a more chill Japanese local dive bar feel featuring noodles and snacks!
Hells Kitchen
Mashantucket, CT
Wanna impress your date with the most popular beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding! Then snag a res at Foxwoods most popular restaurant, hells kitchen, just leave calling someone an idiot sandwich to Gordon Ramsay!
Kawa Ni
Westport, CT
Another popular Japanese izakaya spot in Fairfield county. This spot is known for its rich ramens, delicious crab fried rice and amazing cocktails. Their addictive cabbage is truly addictive and their ambience truly mimics a Japanese izakaya. They book up super fast, but is totally worth the wait!
Chaplin
Shelton, CT
In case you were wondering, I eat here for happy hour almost every week. One of the smaller sized restaurants in Shelton, offering steaks, seafood, bone marrow and some delicious cocktails! The dim lighting makes this spot intimate and romantic and lands on my top 10 restaurants in CT list!
Otaru
New Haven, CT
Didn’t make a reservation? Don’t worry, there are some spots in CT that are walk in only like Otaru located in downtown New Haven. With very limited seating, this sushi spot offers a killer omakase menu featuring fresh hamachi, nigiri and their famous bluefin with gold leaf and caviar!
While we wish we could add every amazing restaurant in CT, this list could go on forever. Our goal for this year is to get out of our comfort zone to try new places away from our local area. If you’re unsure where to go, we highly recommend to do the same! Be spontaneous, find something new and use food as new way to express your love because food is a love language of its own! We hope everyone has a beautiful and safe Valentine’s Day this year!
CT Food Hunters 