By Lesley Grimm
Flowers, candy and cards are all very nice touches on Valentine’s Day, but nothing guarantees romance quite like a candlelit table for two. Brooklyn has a growing and impressive lineup of restaurants serving up mouth-watering feasts this V-Day. To help you decide, we have selected a smattering of our favorite eateries. We’ll take your taste buds on a sweeping tour of our borough. We begin in Brooklyn Heights, where neighborhood newcomer Tenda Asian Bistro (118 Montague Street, (718) 855-8688) serves up a tasty mix of Thai, Malaysian and Japanese cuisine. To celebrate this lovestruck holiday, Tenda invites you to sample four different varieties of sake, and it’s all compliments of the house. Manager Mendy Lam recommends that you inquire about specials at their sushi bar. Main course meals range from $12-$18. A few blocks away, Jack the Horse Tavern (66 Hicks Street; (718) 852-5084; www.jackthehorse.com) offers a special prix fixe four-course dinner for $65, served with a romantic dessert and a glass of Italian Rose Prosecco. Bartender Damon Dyer is shaking up some new cocktails “for the lovers out there.” Reservations are recommended. While meals are pricey, the view from The River Café (1 Water Street; (718) 522-5200; www.rivercafe.com) will give you goose bumps. Perched on the East River and overlooking the twinkling Manhattan skyline, this ultra-glam restaurant is perfect for that very special occasion. A four-course Valentine’s Day dinner is $185 per person. In Carroll Gardens, get the royal treatment at the acclaimed Royal’s Downtown (215 Union Street; (718) 923-9866; www.royalsdowntown.com). To celebrate Valentine’s Day, they’re offering a three-course prix fixe dinner for $75 dollars. Try their Dry-Aged Prime Strip Loin or King Salmon Agrodolce and finish with a Frangelico and Caramel Royal Cheesecake. Hopping down to hip Park Slope, we arrive at Two Boots Brooklyn (514 2nd Street, (718) 499-3253, www.twobootsbrooklyn.com) where you’ll have a Cajun-Italian-good-time. A special menu includes heart-shaped pizzas and the oh-so-tempting “Oyster Orgy.” Their bar is busting out a lineup of Valentine’s cocktails too. Try “Spin the Bottle” or “Cupid’s Arrow.” Entrees range from $12-$20. If you’ve got a hankering for something sweet, then don’t leave Park Slope without stopping by the Cocoa Bar (228 7th Avenue; (718) 499-4080; www.cocoabarnyc.com). On the 14th, groove to live jazz between 8 and 10pm. Choose from sweet satisfying desserts, specialty coffees and wines, or for $20, sip on a glass of Montaudon Brut and sink your teeth into a pair of chocolate-covered strawberries. Owner Liat Cohen says their berries are “large and luscious.” Moving to the South Slope, we arrive at Kitchen Bar (687 6th Avenue; (718) 499-5623; www.kitchenbarny.com), which proudly proclaims itself a “cultural center for the hungry.” New head chef Paul Warthen presents a delectable new menu. We’re told his braised short ribs are divine. Pick from their special Valentine’s Day fare, and enjoy a complimentary glass of dessert wine and a housemade chocolate truffle. Entrees range from $12-$16. For a very different experience, head next door to Bar BQ (689 6th Avenue, (718) 499-4872, www.brooklynbarbq.com). Okay, so a barbeque joint may be an unconventional choice for Valentine’s Day, but the food here will have you licking your fingers. If your date isn’t afraid of plastic forks and messy ribs, then this could be the perfect alternative. Bar BQ’s pulled pork sandwich is “hands down” their signature dish. It’s served up with a side for a pocket-pleasing $7.50. Down in Dyker Heights, Ristorante Vaccaro (6716 Fort Hamilton Parkway; (718) 238-9447; www.ristorantevaccaro.com) is a family-owned restaurant specializing in southern Italian food. Dine in charming old-world surroundings, and choose from an extensive and affordable menu. Bay Ridge’s famous restaurant rows won’t disappoint. The rookie Ridgite this Valentine’s Day is My Thai Cafe (7803 3rd Avenue; (718) 833-1700). Their menu combines Malaysian, Thai and Singaporean delicacies. Try their Mango Chicken for $11 or Coconut Jumbo Prawns for $25. This is a great date spot for second-shifters. They’re open every night until 2a.m. To add a little rhythm to your night, My Thai will host a DJ on the 14tth. The Colandrea brothers welcome you to the New Corner Restaurant (7201 8th Avenue; (718) 833-0800; www.newcornerrestaurant.com). Learn why customers have been coming back since 1936. On Valentine’s Day, New Corner offers a four-course prix fixe menu, ranging in price from $28 to $38 per person. In Sheepshead Bay, Il Fornetto (2902 Emmons Avenue; (718) 332-8494; www.ilfornettorestaurant.com) boasts romantic and cozy waterfront dining. This Valentine’s Day, they’re rolling out a three-course prix fixe menu for $37.95 per person. Finish off your meal with their homemade Warm Chocolate Cake, with a rich liquid center. Another great choice for Bay diners is Maria’s Ristorante (3073 Emmons Avenue; (718) 646-6665). This Valentine’s Day, Maria’s offers a four-course prix fixe menu for $65, and that includes a glass of champagne and a sweet-smelling rose. Restaurant buffs say their Seafood Fra Biavolo is hard to beat. Brooklyn seafood lovers can turn to their old-faithful Jordan’s Lobster Dock (2771 Knapp Street; 1-800 404 CLAW; www.jordanslobsterdock.com) where the food is always fresh and delicious. You can beat the summer crowds and there’s free parking. No tipping allowed! Finally, there are two restaurants we must note in Marine Park. Buckley’s (2926 Avenue S; (718) 998-4222) is a casual choice. They’ll serve specials-to-share for around $50, or try their famous prime rib for $28. Reserve a table early at Michael’s Restaurant (2929 Avenue R; (718) 998-7851; www.michaelsofbrooklyn.net). Live piano music and candles set the mood. Their impressive menu features Italian and Continental dishes. Their V-Day prix fixe complete dinner package runs from $45-$65. This list is by no means exhaustive. Brooklyn has just too many fantastic restaurants to mention them all. Whatever you decide, be warned that February 14th is one of the most popular dining days of the year. Make your reservations now to nab your favorite spot. Remember, prix fixe menu prices may not include tax, tip or drinks. Here’s hoping ol’ Cupid — and these restaurants — work their magic.
