Hunger for Love: Romantic restaurants for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, the day of romance, is the only holiday that is best celebrated in pairs. Food and wine have always been an integral part of romance and many couples share a romantic meal on this day of love.

Here are some favourite romantic restaurants in Vancouver and Victoria.

A short distance from downtown Victoria are two secluded and romantic spots, Sooke Harbour House and Deep Cove Chalet. Both are lauded for their stunning water views, award-winning wine cellars and fine cuisine influenced by regional and seasonal ingredients. Deep Cove Chalet has one special suite for an extended romantic evening. Sooke Harbour House, which features 28 unique and artistic suites, is internationally renowned and considered one of the most romantic spots on the continent.

Café Brio in Victoria is designed with a spirited neo-Tuscan feel. Natural light pools into the warm-coloured room, romantically lit with vestiges of an antique carriage house. The delicious menu reflects their commitment to local farms and products.

For nearly 30 years, Le Gavroche Restaurant has been one of the top Valentine’s Day reservations in Vancouver. Set in a two-storey Victorian house with a fireplace, terraces and private dining rooms, this is a restaurant for lovers of fine French food, wine and romance. Stocked with an inspired selection of French and American vintages, Le Gavroche’s cellar is one of the best in the city.

Considered one of the top Japanese restaurants in Canada, if not North America, Tojo’s is the place for sushi lovers on this special day. After 19 years in the first location, Tojo opened an eye-catching new restaurant last year. The elegant and romantic Tojo’s is one of
Canada’s top Japanese restaurants
(John James Sherlock, John Sherlock Studios)The new Tojo’s features private tatami booths and rooms for an intimate evening of seduction accented by fresh seafood and the largest sake collection in the country.

Nathan Fong is a trained chef, food journalist and consultant, television and radio culinary host, and one of Canada’s premier food and props stylists for culinary print and film advertising. He is a regular contributor to Global BCTV’s Saturday Morning Chef and Fong on Food segments, contributing editor for EAT magazine and consulting food specialist for CBC Radio One.