Love is in the air. Yes, this Saturday brings the arrival of Valentine’s Day, and boyfriends everywhere have either made plans or are panicking. The Capital Region has its fair share of romantic restaurants. Below are 11 options you shouldn’t pass up when planning a special night on the town.
Nino’s Italian Restaurant. This small restaurant on Bluebonnet Boulevard with a farm-to-table M.O. features Italian staples like spicy salsiccia spaghetti with housemade ingredients as well as non-traditional items such as seared duck breast over pancetta. 757-9300.
Pinetta’s European Restaurant. An institution on Perkins Road, this restaurant has been around for more than four decades and features Italian, Turkish, Armenian and German dishes to go along with its casual dimly-lit tavern/wine bar feel. 387-9134.
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Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar. Refined, more upscale takes on some Louisiana favorites (rabbit, mussels and sweetbreads are just a few highlights) and a nice selection of cocktails make this Jefferson Highway restaurant worth a visit. 926-1172
Gino’s Restaurant. An Italian restaurant on Bennington Avenue that started in the ’60s, Gino’s is one of the top places for couples on Valentine’s Day. 927-7156.
Mansurs on the Boulevard. Wine Spectator gave it the 2014 Award of Excellence. A higher-end pick, this Corporate Boulevard restaurant is known for its seafood and steak specials, and the brie and crabmeat soup, of course. 923-3366.
French Market Bistro. Fine dining on Highland Road, this restaurant is known for its salads, seafood and specialty meat dishes such as the broiled lollipop lamb chops. 753-3500.
Galatoire’s Bistro. The Capital City’s location of the New Orleans fave specializes in upscale takes on classic Louisiana dishes such as duck and andouille gumbo and chicken clemenceau. The cocktails aren’t too shabby, either. 753-4864.
Bin 77. This Perkins Rowe bistro and wine bar has a menu with can’t-miss coffee demi-braised short ribs and an atmosphere that is perfect for couples. 763-2288.
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Blend Wine Bar. Located on Laurel Street, Blend’s wine selection and small plate menu keep it near the top of the list of downtown’s hidden gems. 757-5645.
Maison Lacour. A cozy restaurant on North Harrell’s Ferry Road that has been offering traditional French cuisine for nearly three decades. There’s even a dessert for lovers: “The Sweetheart,” a heart-shaped puff pastry served with ice cream on a chocolate sauce. 275-3755.
Stroubes. An award-winner in downtown Baton Rouge, Stroubes offers everything from down-home favorites like fried green tomatoes and baby back ribs to high-end fare like a pork porterhouse. 448-2830.