Tables for Two: Where to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chicago

Valentine’s Day is for wine, and lots of it. So where better to celebrate than Edgewater’s intimate, wine-obsessive bistro? The kitchen will be dishing out a special four-course menu, and you can bet that the sommelier will be on hand to offer tailored recommendations.

Price: $55.

Given Ella Elli’s plush velvet seating and tasteful gold accents, it’s no wonder the restaurant was named Food & Wine’s “Most Romantic Restaurant in Illinois.” Best of all, chef Dan Harris has crafted a four-course tasting menu for the occasion, and guests can opt for special cocktail or wine pairings, too.

Menu Highlights: Skull Island prawns with warm potato salad and salsa verde; ricotta gnocchi with braised beef tongue and cheek in smoked beef brodo; juniper-crusted venison with whipped potato, grilled broccoli, and black garlic XO sauce; amaretto-soaked ladyfingers with espresso cream and shaved dark chocolate.
Price: $95.

Who said dinner had to be the main event? The exceptional Milk Room, housed within the oh-so-handsome Chicago Athletic Association, will be shaking and stirring its signature cocktails all night long. Libations are the draw, but don’t fret—luxury snacks will be included.

Menu Highlights: four cocktails over the span of the night, a seafood platter for two, charcuterie and terrines with pickles and mustard, assorted bon bons to take home.
Price: $200.

Keep it casual by ordering a la carte, indulge in one-night-only specials, or spring for a full tasting menu experience (five or eight courses) this Valentine’s Day at Vie. You can’t go wrong at Paul Virant’s flagship restaurant, which is cozy and warm, yet classic (read: white tablecloths).

Menu Highlights: soft scrambled eggs with Perigord black truffle, creme fraiche, and wood-grilled walnut sourdough; beet spaghetti alla chitarra “cacio e pepe”; 21-day dry-aged beef tenderloin carpaccio with aioli, arugula, pickled garlic, crunchy beans, and caperberries.

Equally praised for its wine program and its globally-inspired fare, Eleven|Eleven showcases the best products from under-the-radar farmers and winemakers in sophisticated riffs on homey classics. Celebrate love with your other half over a three-course prix fixe.

Menu Highlights: truffled arancini; fjord trout crudo with smoked trout roe and avocado puree; roasted chicken with fennel, potato puree, and chicken velouté; triple chocolate caramel brownie.
Price: $80.

Load up on Southern hospitality with your soulmate at Virtue, where chef Erick Williams’ set menu—inspired by love—will utilize heritage techniques and local produce.

Menu Highlights: chilled Alaskan crab with crème fraiche and Meyer lemon, crispy duck thighs with sweet onions and butter-poached turnips, red velvet cake.
Price: $65.

Should you and yours find yourself in Naperville on February 14th, remember that Santo Cielo is perched on a rooftop boasting 360 degree views of the DuPage River. Enjoy a four-course tasting menu of various shared plates, sunset included.

Price: $99 for two.