Your Valentine’s Day dining options just got better. Indoor dining resumes Monday February 1st and outdoor dining is getting more creative.
With the indoor dining regulations now in place for February, you can now enjoy a variety of different eateries indoors and outdoors. Whether you want to go to one of Detroit’s namesake fancy eateries, or you’d rather enjoy one of the city’s newer outdoor dining experiences, Detroit’s got you covered this Valentine’s Day.
1. San Morello
Bedrock is starting a new outdoor initiative to give Detroiters a socially distanced ways to eat, shop, and drink. With this strategy, guests can hop from one pergola–open-aired covered archways–to another with any of the local participating restaurants, and there are a few of them. San Morello is one that’s serving a romantic takeaway package, or couples can dine in one of the heated patios spaces. You just need to make a reservation online for either. The Valentine’s Day menu offers five courses of Italian cuisine, starting with an antipasti and ending with a dolce.
Where: 1400 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
2. BESA
BESA is an upscale restaurant in Downtown Detroit, perfect for a romantic night out. The idea behind the cuisine is “a taste of the Adriatic” with food inspired by the Mediterranean and continental Europe. Most of their dishes are a mix of land and sea, with dishes on their dinner menu like Seared Octopus, Whole Brazino, Scorpion Fish, and Double Cut Lamb Chops. They’ve also set up their heated pergola for guests to dine outside.
Where: 600 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
3. Mink
Mink is doing something special this Valentine’s Day by offering guests a romantic pre-selected 6-course menu. The menu starts off with a fresh oyster duo, followed by Harissa braised butternut squash and mushrooms for the second course. The third course are garlicky fried calamari, followed by a Surf and Turf, composed of beef tenderloin and prawn. For the last course, they’re doing a Cherry Gâteau Basque, which is a dish from the Northern region of France. They’re also offering fresh oysters by the half dozen to add on. Make sure to call ahead for reservations, as the seating is limited for everyone’s safety. The menu comes out to $85 per person and is available the week of February 11th-14th.
Where: 1701 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216
4. Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails
Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails is a botanical-themed restaurant serving up modern American cuisine. Their menu usually rotates depending on the season because of their local farm-to-table approach. They’ve also got a lot of meals perfect for 2 on their menu right now, like the Ricotta Agnolotti for 2 and the Lamb Burger for 2. Plus, they’ve got 2 different meal kits for guests to enjoy 2 servings of 3 of their different dishes. For dessert, they’ve got a tiramisu for 2.
Where: 15 E Kirby St D, Detroit, MI 48202
5. The Lodge at Berkley Common
The Lodge at Berkley Common is the perfect place for a cozy wintry evening, all socially distanced of course. They’ve even got new Igloos to enjoy your dinner for two or a night out with the girls. They’ve got a whole variety of dishes to choose from the menu like Pork Shank, Chorizo Tofu Stew, or Seared Ahi Tuna Crudo Salad. Their cocktail menu is just as unique, with drinks like their “Scarlet Letter,” a cocktail with beet syrup, chartreuse/lemon/basil, and your choice of spirit. Reservations for the restaurant or the igloos are available on their website.
Where: 3087 Twelve Mile Rd, Berkley, MI 48072
6. Enjoy dining in an outdoor luminary at Armando’s Mexican Restaurant
The new outdoor luminaries coming to Detroit are based off of Mexican lanterns. The enclosures are perfect for 2-6 people, and are designed to hold in heat and withstand Detroit winds. There are three local Mexican eateries in Detroit’s Mexicantown that are embracing the luminary this winter for a unique dining experience, but there are up to 15 luminaries that will be built throughout February. One of the first restaurants to have their luminary set up is Armando’s Mexican Restaurant, serving authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, tortas, and more.
Where: 4242 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
7. Wright & Co
Wright & Co is one of Detroit’s nicest restaurants with a stunning view of downtown. A James Beard-nominated restaurant that crafts foods around the concept of shared plates. Sounds perfect for a romantic evening. They’re only open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so if you’re interested in a Saturday night Valentine’s dinner to avoid the crowds, this may be a good option. They’ve got a globally-inspired menu like their Spanish Octopus or Pork Belly Sliders. You could also splurge and get the Bison New York Strip.
Where: 1500 Woodward Ave floor 2, Detroit, MI 48226
8. Black Pearl Ann Arbor
Black Pearl in Downtown Ann Arbor will be staring up indoor dining reservations on February 1st, but guests can still enjoy the innovative greenhouses they’ve got set up outside. Black Pearl’s speciality seems to be their fish, as they’ve got a lot of delicious looking plates on the menu. Their Blackened Swordfish comes with poblano hash, chimichurri, and grilled lime, while their Fjord Trout has crispy skin, beet quinoa and an assortment of veggies on a bed of arugula. They’ve also got beef, like their Bayou Burger or their Filet Mignon, so everyone can dine happy. Check out their website for reservations.
Where: 302 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
9. La Dolce Vita
La Dolce Vita is an authentic Italian eatery with delicious antipasti and pasta dishes perfect for enjoying on a night out. Start your meal off with an appetizer of beef tenderloin or escargot, enjoy a second course of zuppe or insalate like their Minestrone soup or Caprese salad, finish with a bowl of Ravioli D’Argosta, which is a lobster and saffron-stuffed ravioli, and if you still have room, finish it off with an espresso in an authentic Italian way.
Where: 17546 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203
10. Lumen
Lumen is open for indoor dining reservations starting February 3rd and is the perfect choice for a restaurant with modern American food and downtown views. For dinner, vegetarians can enjoy the Lentil burger or Vegetarian Bolognese, while meat lovers can go for the Wagyu Short Rib. For cocktails, you could go for a signature and complex “Detroit Sour” with house made single-barrel Elijah Craig, Vermouth, Lime, Tres Amigos bitters, and Malbec float.
Where: 1903 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
11. East Eats
EastEats is Detroit’s new socially-distanced dining venue where guests can choose from a variety of different food options and enjoy from the safety of a dining igloo. They’ve got a special going on this Valentine’s Day with an event called, “DOME Is Where The Heart Is” where, for $60 per person, guests can get an entree and choice of two sides with a complimentary bottle of champagne.
Where: 1018 Navahoe, Detroit, MI 48215
12. Detroit Fleat
For something casual but equally as fun, try Detroit Fleat, where guests can enjoy a Food Truck Park and “boozery” in the outdoor air. They’ve also got their own food options inside their restaurant where guests can order Jerk Chicken Tacos or Garlic Romano Brussel Sprouts. What sets Detroit Fleat apart though is their permanent and rotating food trucks, ranging from the permanent Pita Post, who serve Mediterranean food, to Detroit BBQ Company, a rotating truck that serves BBQ and sides.
Where: 1820 E 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220