Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and some of New Orleans’ most beloved restaurants and venues are rolling out special menus and events to set the stage for a romantic evening. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious four-course tasting menu, indulgent seafood and pasta dishes, or a festive Galentine’s celebration, there’s something for everyone. From elegant Italian flavors at Osteria Lupo and Spanish-inspired dishes at Costera to unique cocktails and sweet treats at The Bower and BABs, these dining spots are offering unforgettable experiences to mark the occasion. Meanwhile, Virgin Hotels New Orleans is bringing the love with a Galentine’s drag brunch, live music, and specialty cocktails. No matter how you choose to celebrate, these local restaurants and venues have the perfect setting to make Valentine’s Day extra special.
Osteria Lupo
Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at Osteria Lupo this Valentine’s Day. The four-course, family-style tasting menu, priced at $70 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), showcases the very best of their menu, featuring shareable appetizers, pasta, and entrees and delectable desserts crafted by their in-house pastry chef. Couples can enjoy dishes like Burrata con Panna with pistachio, aged balsamic, and grilled focaccia; Marinated Mushrooms with chili, garlic, and oregano; Wood-Fired Oysters with Calabrian chili, garlic, and focaccia; Spaghetti alla Chittara with Maine lobster, Trebbiano, and jalapeno; Gulf Fish with fennel, charred cipollini, olives, and chilies; and Grilled Hanger Steak with crispy potatoes and salsa verde. Enhance your romantic evening with selections from their impressive Italian wine list, including a sparkling 2012 Erbaluce as a delightful alternative to champagne or perhaps a bold Barolo. Begin or end your special night in the enchanting Art Deco-inspired bar, the perfect setting for a romantic rendezvous. Osteria Lupo is located at 4609 Magazine Street. For more information or to make a reservation, visit, https://www.osterialupo.com/.
Compere Lapin
Join Chef Nina Compton this Valentine’s Day at her flagship restaurant, Compère Lapin, with a variety of
Valentine’s Day a la carte specials, including a Seafood Plateaux with chilled oysters & chili vinaigrette, marinated crab fingers, and hamachi tartare; Lobster Raviolo with coconut chili broth and soft herbs and Soursop Semifreddo with strawberry and Champagne jus. The restaurant will also offer specialty Valentine’s Day cocktails and wines. Compere Lapin is located at 535 Tchoupitoulas Street. http://comperelapin.com/
The Bower
This Valentine’s Day, The Bower will offer celebratory specials, including Flourless Chocolate Cake with Candied Rose Petals, as well as a Valentine’s-inspired cocktail, Rum & Roses – Diplomatico Rum, Don Q Cristal Rum, rhubarb, grapefruit, rose water, and garnished with dried roses! This sip is sure to put love in the air! The Bower is located at 1320 Magazine Street. For reservations and additional information, please visit http://www.thebowernola.com/.
BABs
BABs will be bringing the love this Valentine’s Day with a variety of Valentine’s Day a la carte specials, including Broiled Oysters with Calabrian chili and garlic crumbs; Crawfish Fra Diavolo served with ricotta gnocchi; and, for dessert, a Torta Caprese with Nutella ice cream. BABs is located at 2900 Chartres Street. For more information, visit, https://babs-nola.com/.
Costera
Treat your special someone to an unforgettable dining experience at Costera this Valentine’s Day. Indulge in their four-course tasting menu for $75 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), featuring the best of their menu. Share delectable tapas like Boquerones with griddled sourdough and green olive tapenade; small plates such Charred Romaine with local vegetables, toasted almonds, and buttermilk dressing, and large plates like the 24oz Boneless Ribeye a la Plancha with charred onion and salsa verde. Finish your romantic evening with a selection of housemade desserts. Costera is located at 438 Prytania Street. For more information or to make a reservation, visit, https://costerarestaurant.com/.
Virgin Hotels New Orleans
- Cupid’s Galantine’s Drag & Burlesque Brunch: Grab your besties and get ready for the ultimate Galentine’s celebration! Head over to Commons Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans and get ready for a day of fabulous drag performances and burlesque acts. Sip on Lovestruck Cocktails, each one crafted to make your heart skip a beat while you dig into decadent bites made for a girl gang ready to indulge and have fun. Running from 10AM – 2PM there will be two showings at 10:30AM & 1PM on Saturday, February 15th at Commons Club. Admission is $40 and the experience includes access to the show & brunch favorites for the show’s duration. Mimosa packages and additional beverages are available for purchase. For more information, visit: Galentine’s Drag & Burlesque Brunch
- Couches: Love Seat Edition: Head up to the 13th floor and step into Dreamboat for a cozy Valentine’s celebration featuring live performances by incredible artists. Enjoy the soulful sounds of SATYA, an Oakland-based talent who once called New Orleans home, and ST. PANTHER, a Los Angeles artist whose music has graced the soundtrack of HBO’s Insecure and Michelle Obama’s playlist. Whether you’re coming with your krewe, your boo, or just yourself, this night is all about celebrating love in its many forms. Sink into the vibe, set the mood, and let the music carry you away. Stay late for a special after-party DJ set with Madspinnz and Miles.wav from 10PM- midnight. Couches: Love Seats Edition
- Mister & Missus: Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day at Virgin Hotels New Orleans with two expertly crafted cocktails designed to elevate the occasion. The Missus is a playful and festive creation, blending Chocolate Vodka, gin, Fraisé, and lemon juice, all topped with a splash of sparkling wine. Served in a champagne glass and garnished with a fresh strawberry, this drink is a tribute to New Orleans’ beloved traditions and a classic twist on the perfect Valentine’s Day toast. For a more refined experience, try The Mister – a sophisticated mix of Wilderness Trail Virgin Barrel, Carpano Antica, and Strawberry-infused Peychauds Aperitivo. Served in a rocks glass and also garnished with a strawberry, this cocktail adds a touch of sweetness and a playful flair, offering a fresh take on a classic drink that’s as bold and unique as love itself. Sip, savor, and toast to love with these delicious offerings this February 14th.
Virgin Hotels New Orleans is located at 550 Baronne Street. For additional information on Valentine’s Day visit https://virginhotels.com/new-orleans/.
