Romance on Seacoast: Check out our list of Valentine's Day restaurant specials
Flowers, soft lighting, Barry White or more modernly John Legend playing in the background — it’s all the stuff a dream Valentine’s Day is made of. But there really should be a great dinner to go with it all, including treats like chocolate and wine. While some restaurants are not usually open on Mondays (and Valentine's Day falls on a Monday this year), many are opening to offer dinner on that Monday and the weekend leading up to the big day.
Here are some of the Seacoast New Hampshire and southern Maine restaurants with Valentine’s Day celebrations that are just the right place for romance as well as some suggestions of where to find those treats for your sweetheart in 2022. Have one to add? Email rforrest@Gannett.com.
Seacoast New Hampshire
Martingale Wharf, Portsmouth
Martingale Wharf is offering a special Valentine’s Day Engagement package for $295 per couple (plus tax and service), which includes a three-course meal, choice of a bottle of red or white wine or champagne, coffee or tea and a retro Polaroid photo. Book by Feb. 7 for Feb. 11-14. They also have a special menu which includes beef shortrib rangoons, Delmonico ribeye and Mezzaluna pasta with special desserts. martingalewharf.com
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Black Trumpet, Portsmouth
Open on Valentine’s Day from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy dinner in the upstairs wine bar overlooking the water or in the romantic dining room. Blacktrumpetbistro.com
Cava Tapas and Wine Bar, Portsmouth
Cava once again will offers its Valentine’s Weekend Aphrodisiac Tasting Menu. Chef Gregg Sessler and team put together an alluring menu and it can be enjoyed on Feb, 12, 13 and 14. Cost is $75 per person plus tax and tip for an eight-course menu. See the menu at cavatapasandwinebar.com.
Ristorante Massimo, Portsmouth
This elegant spot is always at the top of the list for anniversaries, first dates and popping the question. Dine upstairs, downstairs or have a private affair in the wine cellar and enjoy delicious dishes from chef Jethro Loichle and team. While not usually open on Mondays, they’ll be open on this Monday! Visit ristorantemassimo.com.
The Puddle Dock, Portsmouth
Enjoy a French inspired Colonial Valentine's Dinner at this spot in Strawbery Banke near Presc Chef Derek Clough has a background in French cuisine and offers a 3-course menu with several options in each. Add on a wine pairing designed by beverage director Jessica Laidlaw to make it all perfect. The dinner is $85 and reservations are going quickly so get your seats now right here. Learn more about The Puddle Dock at thepuddledock.com/
Vida Cantina, Portsmouth
Vida Cantina is offering both Indoor dining and outdoor dining inside a heated tent. They’ll have a special menu for Valentine’s Day dining all weekend long, from Feb. 11 to 14. The three-course menu is $40 per person and includes choice of deviled egg tacos or charred gulf prawns then a choice of pasilla smoked ranchera steak or Maine salmon and a dessert choice. Online reservations at vidacantinanh.com.
The Atlantic Grill, Rye
There are many options at The Atlantic Grill all Valentine's weekend long into Monday, Valentine's Day. On Feb. 11 and 12, enjoy Weekend Valentine’s Dinner for 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. with three courses. You’ll select one item in each course to share. The full menu is also available. There will also be takeout for the Dinner for 2, which you can pre-order by emailing caitlyn@theatlanticgrill.com. All orders must be received a minimum 24 hours in advance, and by Sunday at noon for Valentine's Day. On Sunday, Feb. 13 in restaurant, there will be a Valentine’s Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a variety of special brunch items in addition to the full menu. Then, on Monday, Feb. 14, the Valentine’s Day Dinner is from 4 to 8 p.m. and costs $150 for two people. It includes an amuse bouche, a three-course pre fixe dinner and a bottle of Prosecco. Reservations are required for that dinner and strongly suggested for the rest. Reserve at theatlanticgrill.com.
Rooftop at The Envio, Portsmouth
Rent an igloo and gaze over the city from your high perch at The Envio. Enjoy special Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails Saturday through Monday. Inside dining available, too. Visit rooftopportsmouth.com.
Raleigh Wine Bar + Eatery, Portsmouth
Valentine’s Day dinner runs from Saturday, Feb. 12 through Monday, Feb. 14. Chef Jeremy Glover will prepare a four-course dinner with choices in each course and optional wine pairings. Dishes include house-made charcuterie, grilled quail, mushroom and truffle cannelloni and dark chocolate torte. Find out more and reserve by visiting Visit raleighwinebar.com/events.
Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar, Portsmouth
While not open on Monday, Botanica is already booked heavily on Saturday and Tuesday, so get your before or after reservation ASAP. botanicanh.com
Cure, Portsmouth
Open seven days a week, so do make reservations now for the weekend or Valentine’s Day at curerestaurantportsmouth.com
Durbar Square, Portsmouth
Open on Valentine's Day for Nepalese cuisine overlooking Market Square. https://durbarsquareportsmouth.com/
The Wilder, Portsmouth
Open on Valentine’s Day and they serve a late night menu for you night owls. They'll have Lovers and Loners specials, too. Great cocktails and modern gastropub fare. Cool bar area, open dining area and little nooks. wilderportsmouth.com/
Cafe Mediterraneo, Portsmouth
A favorite for Valentine’s Day. Open for lunch and dinner on Monday, Feb. 14. Visit cafe-mediterraneo.com.
Surf, Portsmouth
They’ll have specials for Valentine’s Day including desserts handcrafted by pastry chefs at their sister company, Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe, and other amazing specials along with their regular menu. Sit by the water and gaze into each other’s eyes while slurping oysters and sipping champagne. Visit surfseafood.com.
La Belle Winery, Derry and Amherst
At their Amherst location: On Feb. 12, La Belle Winery will offer A Night of Romance with a three-course dinner, music and dancing.
At the Derry location: Valentine’s Day Labelle Lights showing at night for strolling around with wine or a hot drink. Add dinner at Americus restaurant.
More details at labellewinery.com.
Flag Hill Distillery and Winery, Lee
A lovely setting for romance! They’ll have a Valentine’s Day dinner and the entree includes a wine pairing. flaghill.com
The Old Salt, Hampton
The special Valentine’s Day menu includes stuffed mushrooms, oysters, oven roasted prime rib and mild mushroom ravioli. Visit oldsaltnh.com.
Fire and Spice Bistro, Newfields
Celebrating Valentine's Day on Feb. 12 with a special menu that includes pork osso buco, pesto chicken fettucine alfredo and Champagne with chocolate dipped strawberries. Get your photo taken by Ryan from Frog Prince Studios. fireandspicebistro.com/
WHYM Craft Pub & Brewery, Hampton
Serving a special dinner Feb. 11-13 with cocktail and beer pairings. Dishes include Peking duck rilette, Black Magic swordfish and beer braised short rib. whym.beer/
The Rosa, Portsmouth
Enjoy specials all Valentine's Weekend and on Monday evening, Feb. 14, too. Visit therosa.com.
The Library, Portsmouth
Open on Valentine’s Day for a romantic dinner in the cozy bar or dining room. Call 431-5202 to make a reservation and visit libraryrestaurant.com
Bridge Street Bistrot & Wine Bar, Portsmouth
French cuisine is certainly perfect for Valentine’s Day so order your to-go dishes for curbside pick-up at Bridge Street Bistrot & Wine Bar. Escargot, Duo of Duck and Cassoulet are all on the menu for Friday and Saturday nights. Call 430-9301 and visit bridgestreetbistrot.com.
Toscana Italian Chophouse & Wine Bar, Portsmouth
Indulge with dry-aged beef and the lobster tail to go with it at this new Tuscany-inspired chop house. Start with oysters or a giant shrimp cocktail. Visit toscanachophouse.com
Taste of India, Dover
Normally closed on Mondays, Taste of India will be open for this special day for your takeout needs. Enjoy some delicious seafood biryani with your sweetheart. Visit tasteofindiadover.com.
Ciao Trattoria & Wine Bar, Durham
Open for brunch on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well as dinner on Sunday night and Monday night. Monday hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Specials include grilled oysters with harrisa butter, lobster bisque, farfalle with blackened shrimp, swordfish with textures of citrus, beef tenderloin with lobster tail and Duchess potatoes, chocolate semifreddo and a Cupids cocktail special. Visit ciaodurham.com.
Clark’s American Bistro, Durham
Clark’s will have a special “Galentine’s” breakfast on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with bottomless Mimosas and amazing cocktail specials. Enjoy a special treat of waffles with chocolate-covered strawberries and whipped cream along with their amazing breakfast menu. Couples are also welcome. Visit clarksamericanbistro.com.
The Orchard Grille, Hampton Falls
The restaurant at Applecrest Farm has a 4-course menu which includes a bottle of red, white or sparkling wine. Dishes include petite filet mignon or eggplant napoleon, lobster bisque and chocolate mousse for $55 per person. theorchardgrille.com/
Otis, Exeter
Enjoy a five-course tasting menu of aphrodisiac food from chef Lee Frank and team. Two seating times each evening, 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Cost is $70 per person. Reserve your spot at otisrestaurant.com.
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Vino e Vivo, Exeter
Chef Paul Callahan and team are offering a 5-course dinner paired with hard-to-find wines selected by owner Tony Callendrello. The dinner is on Saturday, Feb. 12 with 2 seatings, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and then on Monday, Feb. 14 with one 6:00 p.m. seating. You can also buy wine by the bottle to take home. Go to vinoevivo.com/ to find out more and to reserve.
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Sawbelly Brewing, Exeter
Offering a seven-course tasting menu with beer pairings from 5 to 8 p.m. Dishes include grilled local oysters, French onion soup and beef osso bucco. Reservations are required. See the full menu at sawbellybrewing.com.
Ambrose Restaurant, Exeter
The five-course prix fixe menu at this lovely spot inside the Inn by the Bandstand includes oysters on the half shell, cauliflower soup, beef tartare, crispy chicken breast and half moon cremeaux with chocolate mousse. Cost is $85. Call (603) 772-7673. Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/AmbroseRestaurant/
The Farm Bar & Grille, Dover
Enjoy Valentine’s Day brunch with a waterfront view. Visit farmbargrille.com.
The Sassy Biscuit, Dover
This fun spot is offering specials for brunch. Visit thesassybiscuit.com.
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Southern Maine
Ore Nell's Barbecue, Kittery
Order your Ore Nell's Barbecue for Two package for $99 by Feb. 13. The package includes brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, sides, smoked scallop ceviche, chocolate pot de creme and a bottle of bubbly. Pickup is on Feb. 14. orenellsbbq.com
Tulsi, Kittery
Open on Valentine's Day from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dining in and take out. Reservations recommended for dining in. They'll have a special menu in addition to the regular menu of delightful Indian cuisine. tulsiindianrestaurant.com/
The Wallingford Dram, Kittery
Spend Valentine's Weekend at this very romantic cocktail bar with bites and snacks to go with them. thewallingford.com/
Anju Noodle Bar, Kittery
Right next door to The Dram is sister spot Anju with bao, ramen and yakisoba dishes. anjunoodlebar.com/
Pepperrell Cove, Kittery Point
Bistro 1828 is a lovely setting for romance, complete with cove view. pepperrellcove.com
Dufour, South Berwick
Get a free $100 gift card to dine at Dufour with a stay at the beautiful Stage House Inn right in the same building Wednesdays through Saturdays throughout February. dufouronmain.com
MC Perkins Cove, Ogunquit
Opening for the season on Feb. 11, this ocean view spot was named "most romantic restaurant in Maine" by Food and Wine Magazine. Enjoy brunch on Sunday or go on Valentine's Day for oysters, lobster and duck confit. Visit http://www.markandclarkrestaurants.com/
Clay Hill Farm, Cape Neddick
Cozy up in the Fireside Room with your sweetheart or book one of their fun heated igloos. clayhillfarm.com
York Harbor Inn, York
Romantic spot with multiple dining options including the Ship’s Cellar Pub and fine dining. yorkharborinn.com/dining
Kennebunkport, Maine special events
Kennebunkport, Maine, literally paints the town red for romance each February to solidify its claim as “New England’s Most Romantic Town.” Stroll through Dock Square in downtown Kennebunkport to see shops and restaurants decked out in red twinkly lights, snag "Red Tag" deals at local shops and boutiques, and enjoy many dining options. Visit gokennebunks.com/paintthetownred/
The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel, Kennebunkport Inn and Cape Arundel Inn & Resort have several special stay and dine packages available for February and some extending through the winter season. Check out the LoveKPT Package which features two nights during February and includes a 10% discount, seasonal flower arrangement, bottle of bubbles, assortment of macaroons, and a noon checkout time.
Ocean, Kennebunkport
Offering a three-course menu for $105 per person Valentine’s weekend: Feb. 12 to 14. Dishes include crab bisque, caviar, duck, Maine lobster, Chateaubriand, chocolate and strawberries and more. Optional wine pairing for $55. capearundelinn.com/dining
The Boathouse, Kennebunkport
Open from noon to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 14 with the regular menu and a few special options. Cozy up in one of their private outdoor dining gondolas. boathouseme.com
Earth at Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport
Enjoy the regular three-course pre-fixe menu for $70 plus tax and tip, four courses at $85 and a few special options. earthathiddenpond.com
Nearby in Massachusetts
Portside Waterfront Restaurant and Bar, Salisbury
Portside is hosting “The Marriage Game” which includes a special four-course menu, bottle of wine and evening of fun and games for $150 per couple. portsidewaterfront.com
Sweets, treats and unique gifts
Ceres Bakery, Portsmouth
Stöllen Hearts, conversation heart butter cookies and more at ceresbakery.com.
La Maison Navarre, Portsmouth
Find macaroons in many flavors, pastries and wine. They also have crepes and other French savory items. store26567005.shopsettings.com
Throwback Brewery, North Hampton
Sign your sweetie up for the 2022 Flower CSA. They have more than 100 flower varieties growing at Hobbs Farm and you can get weekly flower arrangements at different price levels. They are also working on bouquets of their Lady Sausage. throwbackbrewery.com
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Aubrey’s Coffee House and Bakery, South Berwick, Maine
They’ll have Valentine’s Day-themed cupcake packs, sugar cookies, edible cookie dough and gift cards. aubreyscoffeehouse.com
Susie Sweets, Hampton
Get ahead on your Valentine’s Day shopping! Grab one of our Susie's Sweet Treats Boxes for someone sweet in your life. The box comes with a variety of candies and chocolates with a mug and two hot cocoa bombs. susies-sweets-nh.com
South Street and Vine, Portsmouth
Pick up some special wine and cheese for your romantic evening at home. southstreetandvine.com
La Cascade du Chocolat, Exeter and Portsmouth
Find limited edition chocolate bars, bonbon collections and artful chocolate hearts. lacascadeduchocolat.com
Kilwin’s, Portsmouth
Pick up fun Valentine’s Day treats for your sweetheart. Get assortments, chocolate-dipped strawberries and more. kilwinsportsmouth.square.site
Byrne & Carlson, Portsmouth and Kittery
Find wonderful Valentine's Day gift boxes full of their creative bonbons. https://www.byrneandcarlson.com/
Enna Chocolate, Exeter
Enna Grazier makes a romantic and fun hot chocolate for two that couples come in for on a regular basis. You’ll also find special Valentine’s Day bean-to-bar chocolate.ennachocolate.com
The Chocolatier, Exeter
This fun shop is a great place for molded Valentine’s Day chocolate. They have vintage molds and make hearts and roses in all sizes. the-chocolatier.com
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seacoast restaurants offering special menus for Valentine's Day