Athena The Greektown restaurant offers a three-course menu for two including saganaki, a Greek salad, and a skewer combo of filet mignon and jumbo shrimp. Also available Friday and Saturday; $59 per couple. 
212 S. Halsted, 312-655-0000, athenarestaurantchicago.com.
Balsan Chef Jason McLeod’s four-course tasting menu features oysters, agnolotti with lobster, fennel, and orange, short ribs with sunchokes and winter truffles, and a Vacherin with chocolate and banana. The regular menu is also on offer, as are wine pairings for an additional $40. Also available Friday and Saturday. $60 per person. 11 E. Walton, 312-646-1400.
Big Jones On Valentine’s Day and Saturday 2/13 a five-course tasting menu featuring duck rillettes, she-crab soup, seared steelhead or New York strip with butter-poached blue prawns and potatoes, and a choice of calas, hot rice fritters with port wine chocolate fondue and frozen Asian pear salad, or red velvet cake is $55 per person; a three-course prix fixe is also available for $38 per person. 5347 N. Clark, 773-275-5725, bigjoneschicago.com.
Bistro 110 An a la carte French-themed menu including Maine lobster bisque with salmon caviar and grilled venison chops with parsnip puree and red wine sauce. For dessert a champagne cocktail trio pairs with three desserts. Also available Thursday through Saturday. 110 E. Pearson, 312-266-3110, bistro110restaurant.com.
Bistro Bordeaux From February 13-20 the restaurant is offering dinner by the light of 200 suspended votive candles; on Valentine’s Day and Saturday 2/13 a four-course prix fixe menu featuring foie gras with coquille Saint Jacques, chicory salad, herb-roasted beef or skate wing, and a dark chocolate terrine is $59 per person. The regular menu will also be offered, along with specials on wine. 618 Church, Evanston, 847-424-1483, lebistrobordeaux.com.
Blind Faith Cafe A four-course “Veggie Lovers” menu including a roasted beet napoleon, a soup of winter truffles and French green lentils, Gardein (a meat substitute) in rose petal-chocolate sauce with velvet stem mushroooms and black barley pilaf, and a dessert trio of champagne granita, chocolate truffle, and glazed rose petals. Also available Saturday. $45 per person, $60 with wine pairings. 525 Dempster, Evanston, 847-328-6875, blindfaithcafe.com.
Brasserie Jo “Jour de la Saint-Valentin” at Brasserie Jo features a four-course prix fixe menu including foie gras and oxtail terrine, cream of celeriac soup, and New York strip au poivre. $49 per person. 59 W. Hubbard, 312-595-0800, brasseriejo.com.
C-House Special three-course menu featuring mushroom bolognese with hand-cut pasta, ricotta, and chanterelles; grilled hanger steak with escarole, bacon, and figs; and coconut semifreddo with blood orange sorbet and candied coconut. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine comes with dinner. Also available Friday and Saturday. $49 per person. 166 E. Superior, 312-523-0923, c-houserestaurant.com.
Carnivale Specials include a 32-ounce prime rib eye for two, chocolate empanadas, and Dom Perignon by the glass. A stilt-walker will hand out complimentary flowers “to the ladies,” and live music will be provided by Los Guitarristas. 702 W. Fulton, 312-850-5005, carnivalechicago.com.
Ceres’ Table Three-course menu including surf and turf and chocolate souffle tart. Also available Friday and Saturday. $50 per person. 4882 N. Clark, 773-878-4882, cerestable.com.
Chen’s A special Valentine’s/Chinese New Year menu includes a sushi tuna rose appetizer and the Dragon and Phoenix entree (crispy chicken and shrimp sauteed in white wine) for two, chocolate cake, and a glass of wine. $25 per person. 3506 N. Clark, 773-549-1280, chenchicago.com.
Cyrano’s Bistrot & Wine Bar A “sharing-oriented” four-course prix fixe offering a “symphony of appetizers” including oysters and duck liver mousse with truffles; a choice of lobster bisque or a green salad with hearts of palm and aged chevre; a choice of entree from a list including dayboat scallops, grilled escolar, filet mignon, grilled duck breast, and rack of lamb; and a dessert sampler including creme brulee, chocolate mousse, and caramel cake. $59.95 per person; wine pairings are available for an addition $30. 312-467-0546, cyranosbistrot.com.
David Burke’s Primehouse Three-course menu including choices of Kobe beef sashimi with mushroom chips and truffle mayo, miso-glazed scallops with lobster fried rice and Thai peppers, tiramisu creme brulee, and complimentary take-home desserts. Also available Saturday. $75 per person. 616 N. Rush, 312-660-6000, davidburke.com/restaurant_primehouse.html.
Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen Three-course dinner for dine-in or carryout with options including soup or salad; braised lamb shank, pan-seared salmon, or stuffed Cornish game hen; and pistachio-crusted molten chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream and raspberry coulis. Dawali is not currently BYO, but a fountain drink or Arabic coffee or tea comes with the package, which is also available Saturday. $50 per couple. 4911 N. Kedzie, 773-267-4200.
Deleece Three-course prix fixe menu including lobster bisque, truffle-crusted cod, and chocolate fondue to share. $80 per couple, $100 with wine pairings. 4004 N. Southport, 773-325-1710, deleece.com.
Deleece Grill Pub Three-course prix fixe offering a choice of red-and-white soup or seared scallop salad with basil and avocado, grilled lobster tail with foie gras butter sauce or beef tenderloin with a shallot demi-glace, and chocolate fondue to share. $80 per couple; beer pairings add another $20. Also available Friday and Saturday. 3313 N. Clark, 773-348-3313, deleecegrillpub.com.
DMK Burger Bar Among other things, this special includes a burger of your choice, a strawberry milkshake to share, a pair of cupcakes, and the “real champagne of beers”—Three Floyd’s Gumball Head. $24 per person; also available Saturday. 2954 N. Sheffield, 773-360-8686, dmkburgerbar.com.
Elate A special menu for two: mushroom consomme with ricotta gnocchi and truffles served with roasted apple salad with pork belly and spinach, lobster and filet mignon with poached fingerling potatoes and baby vegetables, and chocolate four ways. $85 per couple. 111 W. Huron, 312-202-9900, elatechicago.com.
Everest A seven-course prix fixe degustation menu centers on beef consomme and Alsatian bone marrow quenelles—a dish chef Jean Joho’s father traditionally made for Joho’s mother on Valentine’s Day. Also available Saturday. $135 per person, $233 with wine pairings. 440 S. LaSalle, 312-663-8920, everestrestaurant.com.
Fiddlehead Cafe In place of the regular menu, the Lincoln Square restaurant is offering a three-course prix fixe for $49 ($66 with pairings) with your choice of items including lobster and crab bisque with truffled lobster oil, oysters Rockefeller, duck confit crepes, or an artisan cheese and charcuterie board; roasted chicken, ahi Wellington, diver scallops with cauliflower puree, beef tenderloin, or rack of lamb ($7 surcharge); and chocolate mousse cake or a trio of sorbets. 773-751-1500, fiddleheadcafe.com.
Hearty A Valentine’s Day brunch beginning at 9 AM features special items like rosewater pancakes with port syrup and creme fraiche, build-your-own sweet crepes for two, and a Rose Bellini, made with Pacific Rim sparkling Riesling and an organic rose-hip liqueur. At dinner a three-course prix fixe, with items also available a la carte, includes beef fillet seared in Metropolis coffee and creamy lobster bread pudding for $42 per person. Dinner also available Saturday. 773-244-9866, heartyboys.com.
In Fine Spirits Chef Marianne Sundquist’s five-course prix fixe menu features a winter salad with baby arugula, mission figs, speck, and goat cheese mousse; potato and Brie chowder with caviar; ricotta gnocchi; slow-braised short ribs with potato-truffle puree; and oatmeal risotto with apples, golden raisins, and spiced whipped cream. Also available Saturday. $55 per person, $75 with wine pairings. 5420 N. Clark, 773-334-9463, infinespirits.com.
Jacky’s on Prairie Six-course Casablanca-themed menu including a “We’ll Always Have Paris” amuse—cremeux de bourgogne, vanilla-scented rose petals, and strawberries—along with vichyssoise, oysters and pearls, and passion fruit-strawberry mille-feuille. Also available Saturday. $70 per person, $95 with wine pairings. 2545 Prairie, Evanston, 847-733-0899, jackysonprairie.com.
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club A special menu celebrates the opening of the movie Valentine’s Day, so entrees include, for instance, the “Patrick Dempsey,” spiced Cornish rock hen with saffron risotto and roasted tomato puree. Also available Friday and Saturday. 3700 N. Halsted, 773-525-1111, kitkatchicago.com.
Knew Four-course prix fixe menu including an appetizer of Komodo oysters with red beet horseradish, black truffle, and microgreens; heart-shaped ravioli with ricotta and mozzarella cheese, lobster chunks, and lobster chipotle cream sauce; and heart-shaped puff pastry with chocolate ice cream and raspberry. Also available Friday and Saturday. $55 per person. 2556 W. Fullerton, 773-772-7721, knewrestaurant.com.
Koi Sushi & Chinese As at sister restaurant Chen’s, a special Valentine’s/Chinese New Year menu includes a sushi tuna rose appetizer and the Dragon and Phoenix entree (crispy chicken and shrimp sauteed in white wine) for two, chocolate cake, and a glass of wine. $25 per person. 624 Davis, Evanston, 847-866-6969, koievanston.com.
Le Colonial In addition to the two-course menu, a “special aphrodisiac menu” can be requested at the bar only. $50 per person. 937 N. Rush, 312-255-0088, lecolonialchicago.com.
Marigold A four-course “Kama Sutra tasting menu” that comes with a copy of the book is $60 per couple ($80 with wine). Also available Friday and Saturday. 773-293-4653, marigoldrestaurant.com.
The Money Shot This unfortunately named new restaurant and lounge is offering a four-course prix fixe menu with your choice of baked goat cheese or shrimp Dijon, tomato bisque or pear salad, salmon or filet mignon, and a dessert of house-made chocolate truffles and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Also available Saturday. $35 per person, $60 per couple. 5695 N. Lincoln, 773-293-7943, themoneyshotchicago.com.
Nacional 27 Two prix fixe options offered at two different seatings: the first three courses (5-7:45 PM; $45 per person), the second five courses with a cava toast (8-10:30 PM; $75 per person). Diners can choose from a large menu of tapas and main courses. Salsa dancing follows. Also available Saturday. 325 W. Huron, 312-664-2727, nacional27.net.
Naha In addition to its regular menu, Naha, open on Sunday in honor of the occasion, will feature pithiviers, almond cream-filled puff pastries baked to order and served on miniature pedestals. 500 N. Clark, 312-321-6242, naha-chicago.com.
N9ne Steak House The “Sweetheart Special” menu is designed for sharing; dishes can also be ordered a la carte. $60 per couple. 440 W. Randolph, 312-575-9900, n9negroup.com/#/steakhouse/main/.
NoMi A three-course menu with wine includes Burgundy truffle and foie gras creme brulee. $105 per person. 800 N. Michigan, 312-239-4030, nomirestaurant.com.
O’Donovan’s Dinner specials include a six-ounce filet mignon and homemade tiramisu; a “Be My Drunken Valentine” menu of drinks specials is also available all weekend. 2100 W. Irving Park, 773-478-2100, kincadesbar.com/odonovans/home.asp.
Osteria Via Stato A “Famous Italian Dinner Party” menu will be served family style with food that includes antipasti, pasta, sides, and main courses such as braised beef short rib. Italian wine pairings optional at different price levels. Also available Saturday. $38.95 per person. 620 N. State, 312-642-8450, osteriaviastato.com.
Park Grill Selections from a special a la carte menu—including loup de mer en croute with black rice, baby bok choy, and pickled shiitake mushrooms—can be paired with the Pink Fuzz, a cocktail of Gruet rosé and pink peppercorn puree. Also available Saturday. 11 N. Michigan, 312-521-7275, parkgrillchicago.com.
People Lounge “Aphrodisiac-laden” a la carte selections include poached lobster with blood orange sauce and a chocolate tart with chestnut-chocolate chip ice cream and date-port reduction; Segura Viudas cava is on special at $19 a bottle. 1560 N. Milwaukee, 773-227-9339, peoplechicago.com.
Petterino’s A three-course meal features dishes inspired by musical theater—such as a Sweeney Todd savory meat pie. Also available Friday and Saturday. $29.95 per person. 150 N. Dearborn, 312-422-0150, petterinos.com.
Quince Chef Andy Motto offers a four-course tasting menu featuring crispy pork dumplings with serrano pepper viniagrette, organic salmon spaetzle with pearl and cippolini onions, braised short ribs with blue cheese pierogi and red-wine sauce, and a chocolate molten cake. The vegetarian option features liquid cauliflower ravioli with eggplant caviar and herb butter, mushroom Soup with black truffle, winter squash agnolotti, and organic apple water-black pepper custard with manchego. Both come with an aperitif of cava and are $65 per person, with a la carte wine pairings by the whole or half glass on offer. Also available Saturday; on both nights a dozen roses can be ordered from Flowers, Flowers at 20 percent off with free delivery to the restaurant. 1625 Hinman, Evanston 847-570-8400, quincerestaurant.net.
RB Grille A three-course prix fixe menu also includes a beer or a glass of wine. Also available Saturday. $40 per person. 1 W. Grand, 312-755-0189, rbgrille.com.
Rhapsody Though seating begins at 5 PM, a special “Eight After Eight” eight-course prix fixe menu is available after 8 PM. A three-course prix fixe is also available all weekend. $65 per person, $95 with wine pairings. 65 E. Adams, 312-786-9911, rhapsodychicago.com.
Ria Executive chef Justin McLeod offers a four-course prix fixe including lobster with rainbow chard and turnips and almond baba with passion fruit mousse and sauternes granite. Also available Friday and Saturday. $110 per person, $185 with wine pairings. 11 E. Walton, 312-880-4400.
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar The kitchen will be closed, but from 7 to 11 PM Rootstock is offering a cheese-and-chocolate pairing along with your choice of wine or beer. $25 per person. 954 N. California, 773-292-1616, rootstockbar.com.
Sabor Saveur Chef Yani Sanchez offers a three-course prix fixe menu of Mexican-French fusion starting with stuffed volovan with lobster tinga and Mornay sauce. Also available Friday and Saturday. Sun 2/14, 5-9 PM. $37 per person. 2013 W. Division, 773-235-7310.
Saluté Wine Bar A three-course prix fixe menu is 20 percent off before 6 PM. Options for dinner include a trio of oyster shooters, red wine risotto with butter-poached lobster and braised fennel, and Frangelica s’mores. A special dessert package for two is offered after 10 PM. Also available Saturday. $50 per person, $70 with wine pairings. 46 E. Superior, 312-664-0100, salutewinebars.com.
Sola The restaurant is offering “aphrodisiac” Valentine’s Day dinner specials; the featured dessert is chocolate pavé with almond crust, lychee-raspberry-rosewater gelee, and candied rose petals. 3868 N. Lincoln, 773-327-3868, sola-restaurant.com.
Sushi Taiyo A special four-course menu—also celebrating Chinese New Year—is served all day and comes with a complimentary glass of champagne. $99 per couple. 58 E. Ontario, 312-440-1717, taiyochicago.com.
Tavern on Rush Four-course prix fixe includes lobster consomme en croute and baby arugula with black mission fig salad, though diners will also have the option of ordering a la carte from the regular menu. Also available Friday and Saturday. $49 per person. 1031 N. Rush, 312-664-9600, tavernonrush.com.
Taxim A four-course prix fixe revolves around “aphrodisiac” ingredients—figs, honey, almonds—and includes a free drink and roses “for the ladies.” Seatings at 6:30 and 8:30 PM. $45 per person. 1558 N. Milwaukee, 773-252-1558, taximchicago.com.
Tocco Sunday brunch service launches on Valentine’s Day with an Italian menu including dishes like raviolo all’vovo—ricotta and eggs—and Nutella-filled crepes. 1266 N. Milwaukee, 773-687-8895, toccochicago.com.
Trader Vic’s Three-course prix fixe menu including individual first and second courses with a dessert to be shared: a dark chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and caramel-thyme drizzle. Also available Friday and Saturday. $80 per couple. 312-642-6500, tradervicschicago.com.
Uncommon Ground on Devon Three-course prix fixe including homemade thyme fettuccine, duck confit and goat cheese salad, and blood orange shortcake. Musical guest Paulinho Garcia plays from 8 to 10 PM. $35 per person, $50 with wine pairings. 1401 W. Devon, 773-465-9801, uncommonground.com.
Vie Chef Paul Virant is offering a five-course prix fixe menu. Also available Saturday. $95 per person, $130 with wine pairings. 4471 Lawn, Western Springs 708-246-2082, vierestaurant.com.
Zealous Chef Michael Taus offers a five-course prix fixe menu featuring ahi tuna with avocado mousse and caviar, butter-poached lobster with braised short rib and chilled vichyssoise puree, seared Wagyu, mango sorbet with herbal chai soup, and a dessert duo of red velvet cake with mignardises. $85 per person. 419 W. Superior, 312-475-9112, zealousrestaurant.com.
Zocalo A four-course tasting menu includes a cocktail and appetizers and dessert to share. Also available Friday and Saturday; live music on Sunday from 6-9 PM. $75 per couple. 358 W. Ontario, 312-302-9977, zocalochicago.com.