8 Valentine's Day restaurants for a fancy night out

Regardless of how each of us are spending Valentine’s Day this year, we can all agree that treating ourselves to something nice is definitely in order. Maybe that means buying a thoughtful gift for a significant other, or taking a well-earned self-care day at home snuggled up under a big blanket.

For us, it’s dinner—most importantly one that lives up to the occasion. To all reluctant dish washers, nervous home cooks and romantics alike: if you’re in the Tri-Cities, there are plenty of great restaurants you can visit to make the most of your Valentine’s.

From Neapolitan-style pizza to street tacos, there’s a match out there for you.

Pizzeria Spacca Napoli

If you’re on the hunt for authentic pizza Napoletana, it doesn’t get any better than Pizzeria Spacca Napoli. With deep roots in southern Italy, owners Davide di Giovanni and Danny Pero strive to deliver a taste of home in every dish they make by using quality, imported ingredients (and of course, lots of love). They’re offering a set menu for Valentine’s Day with plenty of classic Italian dishes—reservations can be made here. 

Address: 2801 St Johns St, Port Moody

Taps & Tacos

Is it possible to be both casual and classy at the same time? To deliver an upscale experience that simultaneously feels chill and easygoing? Taps & Tacos manages to do just that. This Mexican restaurant serves an assortment of street and fusion tacos, tortas and mason jar desserts in a bright, circular room with lots of windows, a loft and a bar—making you feel like you’re dining in the tropics.

Address: 91 Moody St, Port Moody

On & Off Kitchen Bar

As a relatively new restaurant, On & Off is already making a lot of noise in the Tri-Cities. Their American/European inspired dinner menu sings with items like braised veal cheek and ricotta ravioli and dark ale short rib, as well as an ample list of charcuterie boards and desserts to tickle your tastebuds. The inside of the restaurant is just as beautiful, checking off all the boxes for the perfect night out.

Address: 2662 Austin Ave, Coquitlam

Bar + Restaurant Nellos

This large, bustling restaurant in Coquitlam is serving up a long list of classic, Italian comfort food like braised pork arancini, five cheese lasagna and veal marsala—just to give you an idea—decadent enough to kindle romantic flames and mend broken hearts. Got more of a sweet tooth? Their house-made tiramisu and gelato trio are sure to do the trick.

Address: 925 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam

Orrange Kitchen & Bar

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” right? Well…we have to disagree. While it’s true that many classic cocktails are delicious just as they are, Orrange Kitchen & Bar transforms familiar recipes into colourful, otherworldly creations. Why have a Moscow Mule when you can have a Frosted Mule? Or a “Voodoo Bulldog,” which combines a salty watermelon margarita with sparkling rosé? Their food menu is no less fun and exciting, making for a truly unique night out.

Address: 1125 Nicola Ave #111, Port Coquitlam

Doppio Zero Pizza

It probably doesn’t come as too much of a shock when we say that Doppio Zero Pizza makes some serious pies, catering to both traditional and not-so-traditional tastes. From a classic Margherita pizza with Bufala mozzarella to pizza Parmigiana with fior di latte and eggplants, all are made with great love and attention to detail. Be sure to leave room for dessert as their pistachio and chocolate ricotta cannoli and graffe (hot donuts with caramel sauce) look incredible.

Address: 1655 Como Lake Ave #103, Coquitlam

Saint St. Grill

Considered by many to be one of Port Moody’s top fine dining destinations, Saint St Grill has an exceptional ambience. The first few steps going into the restaurant give you the feeling of walking into an old, Victorian-era, bricks and mortar home with intricate chandeliers and paintings greeting you at every corner. Their menu, an eclectic mix of European and New Orleans cuisine, consists of entrées like 14-hour braised beef and sablefish with beet risotto. Count us in.

Address: 2514 St Johns St, Port Moody

Wah Wing Szechuan Restaurant

Dim sum is a thing of beauty on its own, isn’t it? What about dim sum served in a room surrounded by fish tanks? Even better. If you’re thinking of dining out with a big group of friends on Valentine’s, Wah Wing is the ideal destination for authentic Chinese food. Classics like steamed pork dumplings and hotpot are great for sharing, not to mention a live seafood selection with different options for sauces and toppings.

Address: 2748 Lougheed Hwy, Port Coquitlam