Valentines Day is coming up my friends and while I love eating out, I usually recommend staying in and just cooking for that special day. BUT if you absolutely need to go out and deal with the masses, here are some great Valentines date pairings to help keep things simple. These pairings are focused on a cozy, full service restaurant(s) paired with a good bar. And when I mean bar, I mean, cocktails! On a special day like Valentines Day, I think it calls for cocktails or maybe a glass of wine. It’s a classic combination like champagne with strawberries or red wine with dark chocolates. And of course, the pairing must be walkable and within a block or two.

I’ve included links to full reviews when available. Good luck and buono appetito!

Oakleaf (Continental) or Crooks Corner (Southern) with Belltree in Carrboro

Postmaster (Southern Seasonal) or Pizzeria Faulisi (Neapolitan pizza) with Sidebar in Cary

M Sushi (Japanese) or Dashi (Ramen) with Alley Twenty Six in Downtown Durham

Mothers and Sons (Italian) or Viceroy (Indian) with Kingfisher Bar at Five Points Durham

COPA (Cuban) or Jack Tar and the Colonel’s Daughter (Modern diner) with Counting House on Main Street in Durham

The Station (American Casual) or Crawford and Son (American Seasonal) with William & Co on Person Street, Raleigh

Barcelona Wine Bar (Tapas) or O-Ku (Japanese) with Aunt Betty’s Gin and Absinthe Bar, Warehouse District in Raleigh

Cortez (Seafood) or Vidrio (Mediterranean small plates) with C. Grace Bar in Glenwood South, Raleigh

Humble Pie (Southern) or Jose and Sons (Mexican) with Circa 1888 in Warehouse District, Raleigh

Centro (Latin American) or Sitti (Lebanese) with Gallo Pelon Mezcaleria on Wilmington Street, Raleigh

Garland (Asian Fusion) or Sono Sushi (Japanese) with Foundation Bar in downtown Raleigh

Jimmy V’s (Italian) or Rye Bar Southern Kitchen (Southern) with Haymaker Bar in City Plaza, Raleigh

Brewery Bhavana (Dim-sum) or Bida Manda (Laotian) with Fox Liquor Bar or Watts & Ward near Moore Square, Raleigh

City Market Sushi (Japanse) or MOFU Shoppe (Asian fusion) with Apero in Raleigh City Market

Last Updated on February 9, 2020