As the new candy hearts mural in the Gulch signifies (get ready, Instagram), Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
And while the city is flooded with restaurants offering tired prix fixe menus that aren’t actually great deals, there are a few select one-off dinners and menus that make venturing out on the overly commercialized date worth exploring.
Still dead set on a reservation elsewhere? Stay tuned tomorrow for a list of last minute reservations around town on February 14. Or, you know, just stay at home that night and splurge another evening. And remember to be kind to your servers and bartenders, on this insane date and every day.
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Seven Actually Cool Valentine’s Day Dining Options to Consider in Nashville
A few non-cringey V Day dining options around town this week

Lou x Pre-Valentine’s Day Italian Dinner at Dino's Bar
While technically the night before Valentine’s Day (which is honestly a better time to celebrate), Dino’s is hosting a takeover by lou — and it looks like a bang-up evening of throwback Italian vibes.
On Thursday, February 13, from 5 until 9 p.m. (beginning with apertivo hour from 4 to 5), walk in on a first come, first served basis for an Italian dinner for 2 at the beloved East side dive bar. $35 gets chopped antipasto, garlic toast and red sauce, plus choice of spaghetti or eggplant parm for two people — a deal you won’t get anywhere else unless you take advantage of those reservations at Waffle House or White Castle (no judgment here).
Add ons for extra cash include shrimp cocktail, arancini, strawberry cheesecake, and of course martinis and half carafes of red wine.
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Taste of Tyger at Biscuit Love (Hillsboro Village)
40 seats are available for this one-night only dinner, taking place at the Hillsboro Village Biscuit Love space on Valentine’s Day night. $60 a person gets you broccoli salad, beef short ribs, and sea salt caramel apple blondies from Chef Tyler Stewart and Chef Khary Williamson. Silent auction-style prize giveaways are also happening throughout the evening. Tickets are available here.
Valentine’s Day dinner at D’Andrews Bakery & Cafe
D’Andrews After Dark is a dinner series created by owner and executive chef, David Andrews. And February’s just happens to fall on Valentine’s Day.
Andrew uses the dinners to recreate parts of the Gotham menu, both savory and sweet, while he melds in his Southern culinary roots. Throughout the dinner, guests will enjoy storytelling from David’s years spent as a New York chef.
Tickets, priced at $125 per person, are available here.
Omakase at O-Ku Sushi Nashville
Celebrate the day by splurging on omakase for two at Germantown sushi spot O-Ku
O-Ku-style! Head to Germantown for a romantic evening and enjoy $150 omakase for 2, a Valentine’s roll and specialty cocktails. Bonus: looking for a Galentine’s Day spot? Grab your girls and head to happy hour for ½ off rolls from 5-7 p.m.! Make a reservation here.
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Five Points Pizza East
No prix fixe menus or kitschy stuff here. Just a waved corkage fee for the occasion at one of the city’s favorite pizza purveyors. Bring in that favorite bottle, order some garlic knots, and split a pizza without all the fuss.
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Nelson's Green Brier Distillery
Family-style dinner is a great excuse to try more food, and in this case, more whiskey. The Nashville-based distillery is hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner of shareable dry-rubbed BBQ Brussels sprouts, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and duck with stone fruit reduction, with seatings at 5:30 and 6 p.m. The evening ends with a dessert bar, and a cocktail or spirit will accompany each course. Tickets are $75 per person and are available here.
Rosepepper Cantina
There might be no better celebration (or escape from the holiday) than with a 64-ounce margarita and a heart-shaped platter of tacos at the East Nashville Mexican restaurant. Whether with a newfound love interest, a 50-year marriage, or a solo fiesta, the $69.95 meal deal is a strong move. Add a big bowl of chorizo-crowned queso with flour tortilla chips for $5 more. Plus, you can selfie outside with the best restaurant sign in the city.
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