Love is in the air: Top places to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chicago

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and for Chicagoans, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate this special day of love. From intimate settings for couples to picturesque places to hang with friends for Galentine’s Day, here are our top picks for toasting your loved ones in the Windy City.

Eli's Cheesecake

Eli's Cheesecake will offer several Valentine's Day promotions for their sweet treats. Through Monday, Feb. 9 at 11:59 p.m., those that follow @ElisCheesecake on Instagram and tag a friend on their post, will have a chance to win a Valentine's Day cheesecake for themselves and the tagged friend. Winners can be from anywhere in the U.S.

On Saturday, Feb. 14, at Eli's Bakery Cafe located in Chicago at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive, they will host a Valentine's Day Slice Decorating experience from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests will be able to decorate an original plain cheesecake or chocolate chip cheesecake for $2.95 per slice.

Eli's Cheesecake will also offer a Heart-Shaped Raspberry Cheesecake for Two for $11.95, which will be available on Valentine's Day in-store or with local delivery service. Additional Valentine's Day offerings include their Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cuties, Cherry Vanilla Bean Cheesecake, and Strawberry Topped Cheesecake. 

Pizzeria Portofino

From Friday, Feb. 13, through Sunday, Feb. 15, Pizzeria Portofino will offer heart-shaped pizzas and roses available for purchase, along with its usual romantic riverside view. Make a reservation on OpenTable. The restaurant will also host a reservation-only Galentine's Cocktail Class on Monday, Feb. 16.

Petterino’s

On Valentine’s Day, guests of Petterino’s can enjoy a decadent dinner consisting of a one-of-a-kind four-course tasting and sensory menu called “A Petterino's Love Story.” Tickets are $87 per person. Make reservations online.

LYRA

Fulton Market’s vibrant Greek restaurant LYRA will offer its Valentine's Day tasting menu on Saturday, Feb. 14. This four-course experience showcases a top-tier selection of main dishes, including Maine Lobster Linguini, Charcoal Grilled Lamb Chops, or Wagyu Beef Souvlaki. Dessert options will include a few items, such as the Chocolate Tart or Portokalopita orange syrup cake. Tickets are $129 per person and reservations are recommended.

City Cruises

City Cruises, operator of Chicago’s year-round premier water experiences, is inviting couples, friends, and galentines to celebrate the season with unforgettable dining and entertainment aboard the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. This year’s Valentine’s cruises will take place on Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14, offering guests the chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline from the comfort of a climate-controlled interior. For ticket information and details surrounding all Valentine’s offerings, please click here.

AIRE Ancient Baths

From Thursday, Feb. 12, through Tuesday, Feb. 17, AIRE Ancient Baths will provide couples a serene and romantic haven to indulge in with several Valentine’s Day specials. Along with access to all six baths—which separately costs an entry fee of $175—couples can opt for the Valentine's Day Experience, starting at $580. During this spa treatment, guests will enjoy a relaxing couples massage with floral oil and stones; following the massage, guests will experience their thermal bath, and indulge in chocolates and sparkling wine.

Additional highly sought-after experiences include:

• The Love Wine Soak

• Self-Love

• Escape Together

La Bella Trattoria

Classic Italian romance comes to life at La Bella Trattoria this Valentine’s Day. Guests are invited to enjoy the full menu alongside special feature dishes crafted just for the occasion. Highlights include pancetta-wrapped dates with gorgonzola, truffle arancini finished with winter truffle, mussels arrabbiata, and lobster ravioli in Calabrian cream. For a shared centerpiece, the menu also offers a 32-ounce dry-aged porterhouse for two, served with Italian salsa verde. Warm hospitality and elevated Italian comfort make La Bella an ideal destination for celebrating love. Reservations available on OpenTable.

Skydeck Chicago

With sky-high views from the 99th and 103rd floors, Skydeck Chicago will feature a romantic Pie in the Sky Valentine's dinner experience starting Saturday, Feb. 1, featuring heart-shaped Giordano's pizza. Additionally, from Thursday, Feb. 12, through Sunday, Feb. 15, Skydeck will offer Valentine's Weekend Specials with a late-night dining experience on the 103rd floor at 9:30 p.m. (Thursdays and Fridays), and a 6 p.m. dining experience on the 99th floor (Fridays and Saturdays).

Reservations must be made at least 3 business days in advance by calling (312) 875-9447.

Kitchen + Kocktails

Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley sets the stage for a bold and romantic Valentine’s Day weekend from Friday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 15. The Valentine’s Day Special features a decadent surf-and-turf entrée with dual filet medallions topped with garlic butter and cognac peppercorn butter, paired with jumbo shrimp and asparagus, followed by a chocolate-drizzled vanilla cheesecake with a chocolate-dipped strawberry.

Guests can also enjoy featured Valentine’s Kocktails, including a Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Old Fashioned and Signature Strawberry Lemon Drop, alongside the full menu, all served in the brand’s signature “Welcome Home” atmosphere. Reservations are recommended through OpenTable.

Harry Potter Chicago

On Saturday, Feb. 14, Harry Potter Chicago will offer a buy-one-get-one deal for its Love Potion cookie. This sweet treat features a white chocolate heart on top of a strawberry-chocolate chip cookie base.

From Friday, Feb. 13, through Sunday, Feb. 15, the shop will also offer a Valentine's Day strawberry swirl on ice cream. Guests visiting the Harry Potter Shop can purchase various Valentine's Day products online or in-store, including the Love Potion Key Ring, Love Potion Liquid Sweets, Luna Lovegood's Wand, and more.

Bar La Rue

West Loop’s Bar La Rue will offer a Valentine’s Day tasting menu on Saturday, Feb. 14. This three-course menu boasts French-inspired dishes, including choices like French Onion Fondue or Tuna Tartare for a starter; for the main entree, choices include Steak Frites, Roasted Half Chicken, or Roasted Faroe Island Salmon. Guests will have two mouthwatering dessert options, including Brûléed French Toast or Dark Chocolate Tart. Tickets are $79 per person and reservations are recommended.

Roanoke Restaurant 

A cozy yet polished Valentine’s Day awaits at Roanoke Restaurant, where classic American comfort meets seasonal elegance. Guests can enjoy the full dinner menu along with special Valentine’s features, including fig crostini with goat cheese, a seasonal salad with pomegranate and caramelized pecans, seared scallops with salsa verde and butternut squash purée, and braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and red wine reduction. Dessert options such as rustic apple tart or chocolate truffle mousse round out the experience, making Roanoke a welcoming choice for a romantic night out. Reservations available on OpenTable.

Bandol Brasserie

Bandol Brasserie offers a timeless Valentine’s Day experience rooted in French-inspired romance. Guests can enjoy the full menu alongside special dishes created exclusively for the occasion, highlighting rich flavors and classic technique. Featured selections include foie gras terrine with fig jam, duck confit salad with pomegranate-orange vinaigrette, Parisian gnocchi with truffle butter, and hearty entrées such as short rib bourguignon, braised lamb shank, and coq au vin. With its warm, intimate ambiance, Bandol sets the stage for an elegant evening celebrating love. Reservations available on OpenTable.

The Omakase Room

The Omakase Room by Kanemaru boasts an unforgettable 16-course omakase experience of expertly crafted dishes that takes all sushi lovers on the ultimate culinary journey in an intimate 10-seat environment. Enjoy everything from salmon roe and sea urchin to fatty tuna and sea eel for a flavorful adventure. Rare Japanese whiskies and sake pairings are available to further enhance this exquisite meal. To finish, matcha ice is served for a light dessert. Reservations can be made online. Seating is full Valentine's Day weekend, but there are still times available the following week. 

Carnivale

Bold flavors and vibrant energy take center stage at Carnivale this Valentine’s season. The celebration begins with Amor y Mimosas Brunch on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a colorful brunch buffet filled with Latin-inspired dishes, carving stations, sweet treats, and classic brunch favorites set against Carnivale’s signature décor. Soda, coffee, and tea are included for a relaxed, festive gathering. On Valentine’s Day evening, Carnivale transforms into a glowing, romantic setting where soulful cuisine, music, and atmosphere create an unforgettable date-night experience. Reservations available on Tock.

Broken Oar Marina-Bar & Grill

Broken Oar Marina-Bar & Grill invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Weekend with three days of incredible entertainment and delicious dining in the heated Broken Barn and Arctic Winter Pop-Up Bar. The festivities begin on Friday, Feb. 13, with a Pre-Valentine’s Party featuring East Coast Icons at 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails and seasonal specials, including Grilled Ribeye, Surf & Turf, and Twin Tails, available Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday, Feb. 14, the Valentine’s Day celebration kicks off at 2 p.m. with The Chain, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac, followed by an unforgettable evening of Dueling Pianos at 8 p.m. The weekend wraps up on Sunday, Feb. 15, with GordyPalooza at 2 p.m., a celebration of the music community featuring incredible local talent and great vibes to close out the festivities. Tickets are available here.

London House Chicago

Choose from different ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day at London House with its Valentine’s Day-themed Igloos and Valentine’s Day Tea. On the LH Rooftop, decorated igloos are available all month long with beautiful skyline views. From Monday, Feb. 9, through Sunday, Feb. 15, guests can indulge in the Valentine's Afternoon Tea menu that will come with Valentine’s Day treats. Reserve a table online.

La Serre

French favorite La Serre will offer its Valentine’s Day tasting menu on Saturday, Feb. 14. This multi-course menu features luxurious options like the Tuna Crudo and Truffle Brie Tart. Main entrees include showstoppers such as the Truffle Gnocchi, Hand-Cut Filet, or Roasted Faroe Island Salmon. Brûléed French Toast or Dark Chocolate Tart are two options for dessert. Tickets are $129 per person and reservations are highly recommended.

Lírica

Set the tone for an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration at Lírica Restaurant with an elevated, romantic dining experience on Navy Pier. From Friday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 15, Lírica will offer a special 2026 Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Menu for $95 per person. Served in the restaurant’s cozy yet refined dining room, the multi-course menu begins with wild mushroom and honey-whipped ricotta crostini and a pear and prosciutto salad with burrata.

Entrée options range from indulgent surf and turf featuring butter-poached Maine lobster and beef medallion to Beef Wellington, smoked rosemary lamb chops, or seasonal vegetable lasagna. The evening concludes with a heart-shaped wild berry shortcake, creating a sweet finale to a romantic night out. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

RPM Events, RPM Seafood, and RPM Steak

On Saturday, Feb. 14, RPM’s restaurants will offer different romantic selections for Valentine’s Day. RPM Events is boasting a decadent tasting menu with pairings from the iconic Champagne house, Ruinart.

RPM Seafood and RPM Steak will offer Valentine’s Day reservations. RPM Seafood offers dine-in with its stunning waterfront views, as well as carry-out and delivery. Its special menu will include shellfish towers, luxurious cuts of fish and prime steaks. RPM Steak’s menu includes the Westholme Strip and Ember Roasted Seafood Tower; more impressively, for dessert, the restaurant will boast a heart-shaped 14K Chocolate Cake.

Grill on 21

Grill on 21 delivers an elevated Valentine’s Day experience with refined cuisine, sweeping city views, and thoughtful details throughout the evening. Guests can enjoy the full dinner menu alongside specially curated Valentine’s Day features, perfect for an intimate night out. Live entertainment in the bar on Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14, from 7-10 p.m. adds to the atmosphere, creating a lively yet romantic backdrop. With its sophisticated setting and live music, Grill on 21 offers a standout Valentine’s celebration. Reservations available on OpenTable.

The 101 Bar & Grill

For a relaxed yet romantic Valentine’s celebration, The 101 Bar & Grill offers an intimate dining experience in its cozy first-floor bar and restaurant. Guests can enjoy the full dinner menu alongside specially curated Valentine’s Day features designed to elevate the evening without feeling formal. With warm service, a comfortable atmosphere, and refined comfort-driven dishes, The 101 provides an inviting setting to celebrate love. Reservations available on OpenTable.