Edible DC's 2020 Valentine's Day Roundup
/Our guide to celebrating V-Day in Washington
The “Bleeding Heart” dessert from the Inn at Little Washington.
By Thomas Martin, Edible DC
Fabulous dinners, pasta making, chocolates, zip lining! Washington, DC has no shortage of exciting Valentine’s Day events, deals and specials. From four-course tasting menus to locally-sourced bouquets, from cocktail classes to Ferris wheel rides, V-Day in the District is never dull. Reservations for many of these offerings must be made in advance, however, so check out our round-up below and book ASAP!
Little Acre Flowers | 6-12 Feb | Washington, D.C. | (202) 524-0812
DC’s only 100% locally-sourced florist is the perfect place to grab your valentine a stunning floral arrangement. From orchids to tulips to a pair of heart-shaped succulents and even chocolate sweets, Little Acre’s Valentine’s Day offerings are sure to be fresh, unique, and stunning.
Browse the Valentine’s Day special arrangements here; place orders ASAP, as Little Acre will likely sell out by February 12.
Petite Loulou Parisian Crêperie in Purcellville, VA hosts a Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating Class with Sweet from Scratch. From 5:00pm - 6:30pm, Chef Ashlie from Sweet from Scratch will lead a class in where guests will Learn how to make and color royal icing and Learn how to outline and fill cookies. The Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating Class is $26 per person and incluses of all cookie decorating supplies, instruction and gorgeous, decorated cookies boxed to go. Tickets can be purchased here.
Zoë’s Chocolate, A Frederick, Md.-based and family-owned chocolate company has an assortment of hand-crafted seasonal truffles, bars, drinking chocolates + more to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Limited edition treats include: Truffle boxes in various sizes including special Valentine’s Day flavors. Order online here for locally made sweets for your sweet.
The Willard InterContinental | 9-15 Feb | Washington, D.C. | (202) 628-9100
There is something for everyone this Valentine’s Day at The Willard InterContinental. Visit its home on Pennsylvania Avenue for a chocolate truffle-making class on February 9, an afternoon tea or prix-fixe three-course dinner on February 14, or a cookie decorating class for kids and their guardians on February 15.
Purchase tickets for The Willard InterContinental’s chocolate truffle-making class here; Valentine’s Day tea reservations can be made here, and dinner reservations here; and cookie decorating class reservations can be made here.
Osteria Morini: Valentine’s Day Pasta Class
It’s kind of like the pottery scene from Ghost, but with pasta. And in a public restaurant. Chef Michael White’s waterfront pasta palace is inviting {pasta} lovers to an afternoon of learning the art of fresh pasta, starting with the dough making process, then onto making shapes, creating fillings and finally taste testing new varieties. The hands-on class is followed by an extra special 3-course lunch featuring two of the pastas learned in class, dessert, as well as mimosas during the class and wine during lunch ($135/person). The Valentine’s Day pasta making class will be on Saturday, February 15th from 12pm-2pm. Tickets can be purchased here. Osteria Morini will also be offering a four-course menu fit for two love birds, best friends or a special night. Dishes such as Zuppa di Langosta, lobster bisque with robiolina crostini, and tarragon oil, Pappardelle with short rib ragu, tomato, and herb whipped ricotta, and close out the evening with Torta di Ricotta al Limone, a lemon ricotta cake with vanilla sabayon, and pomegranate from pastry chef Tova Hillman. The four-course menu is available for $95 per guest from 5pm-10pm on February 14th.
The Conservatory at Goodstone | 10-16 Feb | Middleburg, VA | (540) 687-3333
Why limit your V-Day celebration to a single day? Nestled among 265 acres of gorgeous farmland in Northern Virginia, The Conservatory at Goodstone is celebrating Valentine’s Day all throughout the coming week. The special four-course dinner menu (with an optional fifth course) includes exciting dishes such as Pan-Seared Scallop, Potato & Garlic Espuma, and a Belgian Dark Chocolate Dome. An overnight stay on February 14 or 15 will earn you a discounted dinner price as well as the chance to explore the grounds; if you’re lucky, you’ll meet Greyson, the farm’s resident llama and mascot.
The Conservatory will be closed for dinner on Monday, February 11. Reservations can be made at (540) 687-3333. More information here.
Brookland’s Finest will offer a special salty + bitter happy hour at the bar on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, with salty snacks/desserts, happy hour priced IPAs, and cocktails featuring Campari, Amaro, and bitters. The menu will be available at the bar all evening, from 4pm – close. Regular dinner service will also be available in the dining room on Valentine’s Day as well.
Gravitas | 12-16 Feb | Washington, D.C. | (202) 763-7942
If you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a couple’s lunch with a cooking class on the side, or both, Gravitas has you covered. Book an alpine-style Fondue for Two dinner on its rooftop Conservatory, accompanied by champagne and caviar service, and check out their two cooking classes offered the weekend after Valentine’s Day. The classes include seasonal ingredients, a wine discussion with sommelier David Kurka, and a three-course lunch with wine pairings.
Reservations for Fondue for Two dinners can be made here; reservations for the 15 Feb cooking class can be made here, and for the 16 Feb class here.
St. Anselm is Featuring BeEF Wellington on Feb. 14.
St. Anselm | 14 Feb | Washington DC | (202) 864-2199
St. Anselm is spreading the love on 2/14 with Valentine’s Day hits, some traditional and some remixed. Specials include Hash Browns and Caviar, Duck Breast (duck leg confit, and beluga lentils), and Beef Wellington with mushroom duxelles and sauce bordelaise. End the evening on a sweet note with a Chocolate Swiss Roll with pomegranate and vanilla cream. Beverage specials will also be available, and both food and beverage specials will be available February 14th - 16th.
Reservations can be made here.
The Inn at Little Washington | 12-16 Feb | Washington, VA | (540) 675-3800
The Valentine’s Day tasting menu at the widely-acclaimed Inn at Little Washington, prepared by Chef Patrick O’Connell, features exciting dishes such as A Tin of Sin (Imperial Osetra Caviar with Peekytoe Crab and Cucumber Rillette), Heart of Smoked Scottish Salmon Encrusted with Toasted Nori, Apple Noodles and Horseradish Cream, the Bleeding Hearts dessert pictured above, and more. Discover first-hand how the Inn earned every one of those three Michelin stars.
Reservations for the Valentine’s Day tasting menu can be made here.
Boqueria DC | 13-15 Feb | Washington, D.C. | (202) 558-9545 or (202) 552-3268
Featuring three new prix-fixe menus plus their excellent-as-usual à la carte offerings, Boqueria DC’s Penn Quarter and Dupont Circle locations are prepared to give lovebird diners an unforgettably romantic evening. Menu options range from the $49/pp “Classic Love Story” (comprised of Chef Marc Vidal’s selection of seasonal dishes and Spanish classics) to the $70/pp “Grand Gesture” (grilled oysters on the half shell, a 12-ounce ribeye, a molten chocolate cake, and more).
Reservations available here for Boqueria Penn Quarter and here for Boqueria Dupont Circle.
A portion of the proceeds from Urbana’s Galentine’s Day party will benefit the nonprofit No Kid Hungry.
Urbana | 13-15 Feb | Washington, D.C. | (202) 956-6650
On February 13, join Urbana for their 2nd Annual Galentine’s Day party featuring a $10 pizza and prosecco special, specially-themed cocktails made with Republic Restoratives products, and select wine and beer. RSVP on their Eventbrite page for a complimentary glass of sparkling rosé when you arrive. There will also be a DJ and photo booth, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit No Kid Hungry. The following two days (February 14-15), partake in their $55 four-course Valentine’s Day special.
RSVP to Urbana’s Galentine’s Day party here; make reservations for their Valentine’s Day special here.
Le Diplomate and She Loves Me will bring back DC’s enchanting flower shop for Valentine’s Day. The Parisian Flower Market will bloom as guests enter Le Diplomate for dinner, where She Loves Me will take over with a lush assortment of flowers, over 100 blossoms by the stem, pre-made arrangements, and build-your-own bouquet bar. floral designers ARE on-site to assist, while guests indulge in Champagne, French fare and artistic revelry at Le Diplomate’s Valentine’s Day dinner. Guests with dinner reservations can pre-order a bouquet at the link, and have it ready for pickup before dinner. The Valentine’s Day Parisian Flower Market at Le Diplomate will be popping up February 14th during dinner service. Reservations can be placed here. Le Diplomate is located at 1604 14th St. NW, Washington D.C., 20009. For more information, please visit: http://lediplomatedc.com or call (202) 332-3333. Photo courtesy of She Loves Me.
Big Bear Café | 14 Feb | Washington, D.C. | (202) 643-9222
The classic Valentine’s Day meal—spaghetti and meatballs—takes center stage this year at Big Bear Café. Chef Robbie Tutlewski will treat diners to not only the dish in focus, but a multi-course meal of regional seafood, wood-grilled meat and vegetables, and complimentary beer and wine.
Tickets for the Sweetest Meatball Valentine’s Day Dinner can be purchased here.
The National Zoo’s V-Day programs will discuss the ins and outs of animal mate selection along with a themed dance party and a free drink.
The National Zoo | 14 Feb | Washington, D.C. | (202) 633-3045
For an unconventional romantic celebration, check out the National Zoo’s annual Woo at the Zoo event. On the evening of February 14, our city’s beloved zoo will host two special presentations: Waddle I Do Without You, all about how penguins find their soulmates; and Performance Anxiety, a deep-dive into the National Zoo’s breeding program that’s helping endangered species survive and thrive. Your ticket includes attendance at the night’s presentations, an ‘80s-themed prom throwback party, a drink voucher, complimentary desserts, and more.
Tickets for Woo at the Zoo can be purchased here; 21+.
Hank’s Oyster Bar | 14 Feb | Var. locations | (202) 733-1971 & others
There’s no better aphrodisiac than a fresh oyster. Located in Capitol Hill, Old Town, Dupont Circle, and The Wharf, Hank’s Oyster Bar is the perfect place to spend an evening celebrating with you Valentine or Galentine. Try their famous Salty Wolfe Oyster or their heart-shaped lobster ravioli special. If you love Hank’s so much you want to return, their $20.20 new decade lunch special is continuing until the end of February.
Reservations can be made at the Capitol Hill, Old Town, Dupont Circle, and The Wharf locations.
Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants | 14 Feb | Var. locations | (202) 525-1402 & others
All four of Fabio Trabocchi’s District-based restaurants are featuring special Valentine’s Day dinner menus this year. Join Fiola for a fantastic five-course tasting menu; Fiola Mare for a Venice-inspired evening; one of Sfoglina’s three locations for specials such as Porcini Crusted Beef Tenderloin and a Chocolate and Caramel Tart; or Del Mar, also offering specials such as Himi Kanburi (Japanese yellowtail) and Arroz Meloso con Cangrejo Real for two (Mallorcan-style rice with king crab).
Explore special menus and make reservations at all four of D.C.’s Fabio Trabocchi restaurants here
Bangkok Joe’s | 14 Feb | Washington, D.C. | (202) 333-4422
The $59 prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu at Bangkok Joe’s features delightfully punny dishes (“You Make My Heart Beet!”; “Coconuts About You”) and comes with a complimentary glass of sparkling rosé. Their à la carte menu will also be available.
Reservations can be made here.
J.Q. Dickinson’s Salt-Works | 14 Feb | Charleston, WV | (304) 925-7918
Looking to leave the city behind this Valentine’s Day for a more scenic locale? If you’re willing to trek to Charleston, WV, the Valentine’s Day Sweethearts’ Dinner will certainly be worth it: from Ricotta Gnocchi with Nigari to Heirloom Corn Polenta to Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, their special menu is sure to wow your partner.
Reservations for the 6:15 PM dinner time can be made here, and for the 8:15 PM dinner time here.
Oath Pizza | 14 Feb | Washington, D.C. | (202) 863-2000
What could be better than pizza for dessert? As part of their Valentine’s Day celebration (but available all month), Oath Pizza has launched their new limited-time dessert pizza, The Sweetie Pie, featuring ricotta, chocolate chunk cookie dough, Valentine's M&M's, chocolate drizzle and powdered sugar. Split this pie with your loved one and know you’re contributing to a good cause; twenty percent of proceeds will be donated to the anti-bullying nonprofit Kind Campaign.
Amity & Commerce | 14-15 Feb | Washington, D.C. | (202) 554-8588
Located in the Mandarin Oriental hotel, a short walk from the Jefferson Memorial, Amity & Commerce is heralding V-Day with a special dinner menu from Chef Justin Houghtaling and his team on February 14, followed by a couple’s cocktail class the afternoon of February 15.
Reservations for dinner can be made here; cocktail class tickets can be made here.
The “Love Letter” dish at Kingbird lives up to its creative name.
Kingbird | 14-16 Feb | Washington, D.C. | (866) 709-6910
Leading the category of most inventive Valentine’s Day dish is Kingbird. Sandwiched between the first course and main dish, the Love Letter is an envelope of house-made pasta dough filled with delicately seasoned New England lobster and Shrimp Mousseline, served in a broth of lobster and piperade jus. Split this letter with your dinner partner and see what romantic revelations lie concealed within.
Reservations for Kingbird between February 14-16 can be made here. Orders of the Love Letter must be made 72 hours in advance and are assessed as an additional cost to the prix-fixe menu.
Brabo Brasserie | 14-15 Feb | Alexandria, VA | (703) 894-3440
Brabo’s Valentine’s Day special menu is a three-course dinner that includes champagne and a decadent amuse bouche. Some exciting selections from Executive Chef Sebastien Rondier are a Red Beet & Goat Cheese Terrine, a Chilled Lobster Crostini, and the exclusive monthly dessert available all February: the Red Velvet Baked Alaska featuring chocolate cake, strawberry ice cream, and cream cheese meringue flambéed tableside.
Reservations for Brabo Brasserie’s Valentine’s Day celebration can be made here.
Enjoy a romantic vista on the Capital Wheel at National Harbor.
National Harbor | 14-16 Feb | Fort Washington, MD | (877) 628-5427
Lighting up the horizon of the Potomac River, Maryland’s National Harbor is home to a bevy of lovebird-friendly options this Valentine’s Day. Take a ride on the 180-foot-tall Capital Wheel to enjoy stunning, romantic views of the D.C., and grab dinner at one of the many fantastic restaurants nearby. Attend a performance by famous Motown singer Smokey Robinson at the MGM National Harbor on February 14, and stay the night at the MGM or the Gaylord National nearby. The Gaylor’s Remember Romance Package includes a couple’s breakfast at Pienza Marketplace and a $50 spa credit.
Find more information about the National Harbor’s restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options here.
Story District | Feb. 11 & Feb. 14 | Black Cat & Lincoln Theater
Love sick or sick of love? Story District’s Worst Date Ever Storytelling Contest returns for the fourth year to the Black Cat on February 11. This popular show features 12 local storytellers sharing short, hilarious, true stories about unbelievable dating situations. You get to cast a vote for the “absolute worst” of the night making this the one time when a dating fail can turn into a personal win. Tickets are $20. Or, dump the flowers, chocolates and dinners this year and and celebrate Valentine's Day with Story District’s 12th annual Sucker for Love. Whether you're single 'n' ready to mingle, deep in the throes of passionate love, or anywhere in between, we guarantee there'll be a story for you at Lincoln Theatre! Reserved seating $30-$0.
Terrapin Adventures | 15 Feb | Savage, MD | (301) 725-1313
Searching for excitement this Valentine’s Day weekend? Visit Terrapin Adventures with your special someone on the afternoon of February 15 and try your hand at their High Ropes Challenge Course. A ticket provides three hours of thrilling fun. After your adventure, warm up with hot chocolate and sweets.
Rain or shine. Arrive 15-30 minutes early for check-in. Booking online in advance is highly recommended; reserve your time slot here.
