The 6 Best Restaurants for Valentine’s Day in the Twin Cities and Rochester

An intimate dinner for two is a classic setting for Valentine's Day romance. The occasion calls for a change of pace from your comfortable but familiar Friday night eatery for an evening of elegant food and sophisticated ambiance.

We've discovered some of the most romantic restaurants in the Twin Cities and Rochester that are perfectly suited for a Valentine's Day rendezvous. Make plans now to get out of your apartment and join your significant other for a night to remember at one of the following restaurants.

1. Dakota Jazz Club
1010 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis

The seductive sounds of jazz form the background for a six-course dinner of indulgent foods like scallops, beef tenderloin and chocolate pot de crème. Brazilian vocalist and musician Badi Assad will be performing a 6 p.m. dinner show and a 9 p.m. cocktail show. Is your sweetheart a vegetarian? There's an option for a meat-free dinner as well.

2. Bar LaGrassa
800 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis

Since its opening in 2009, Bar La Grassa has been receiving rave reviews from critics and diners alike. The menu of Italian food with a contemporary twist includes delicious items such as lobster and egg bruschetta and cauliflower and orange gnocchi, both customer favorites. All pasta dishes have small-plate options that are perfect for sharing. Sit at the pasta bar and watch the kitchen staff put on a show.

3. The Strip Club Meat & Fish
378 Maria Ave
St. Paul

Don't let the suggestive name throw you off. "Strip" refers to the 10-ounce New York cut of beef that is one of the highlights of the upscale steakhouse menu. You may choose to bypass the entreés altogether and share an assortment of small plates like foie gras, beef tartare and cheese truffles. Since Valentine's Day is on Sunday, why not enjoy The Strip Club's brunch? Don't miss their signature doughnuts, which are delectable house-made clouds of sweetness.

4. Meritage
410 Saint Peter St
St. Paul

What says romance better than French cooking? A quote on the Meritage website declares, "Cooking is like love, it's all about timing and chemistry." Warm wood accents and subdued lighting provide a classic dining atmosphere. Husband-and-wife owners Desta and Russell Klein created the restaurant in the space where they held their wedding reception, adding to the romantic mystique.

5. Pescara
150 S. Broadway Ave
Rochester 

The restaurant's name is taken from a city in Italy that translates to "abounding with fish," which perfectly sums up their seafood-rich menu. Seasonal fresh fish and shellfish are shipped in six days a week from locations including Hawaii, Iceland and Alaska. The friendly and attentive servers are knowledgeable about the dishes as well as the best wines to pair with them.

6. Chester’s Kitchen & Bar
111 S. Broadway Avenue
Rochester 

Named Rochester Magazine’s 2015 Best Restaurant, Chester’s serves upscale American fare and cocktails in a stylish setting that is perfect for a great a night out with your special someone. A special Valentine’s Day dinner menu is available from 4-11 p.m. on February 13 and 14, and includes charred pepperoni flatbread, Cajun swordfish, Kalbi flat iron steak and M&M cookie sundaes.  

What was your most memorable Valentine's Day? Share your romantic stories with us in the comments!