Get the Valentine’s restaurant right and you’ll be Flavour Of The Month
Go to just about any restaurant around February 14th, and you’ll see the St. Valentine effect everywhere.
One of the most enchanting ways to kindle the flame is with a romantic dinner at a thoughtfully selected restaurant. But how do you choose the perfect place for your special evening? And can you go beyond the traditional bouquet of roses for a truly unique romantic gesture?
Romance thrives on ambience, attention to detail, and sensory experiences. Candlelit tables, soft background music, and a thoughtfully curated menu work to craft the ideal environment. Better still, a cosy and private setting for couples to engage in meaningful conversations without feeling rushed.
Let’s dive into the world of romantic restaurants and explore the ingredients that make them perfect for a magical night out.
…AND WHAT ABOUT THE ROSES?
While roses are undeniably romantic, a few other creative gestures can work wonders:
Personalized Menu: Work with the restaurant in advance to see if you can create a personalized menu featuring your beloved’s favourite dishes. This thoughtful touch adds a unique and sentimental element to the evening.
Memory Lane Playlist: Create a playlist of songs that hold sentimental value for both of you. Ask the restaurant to play it during your dinner, adding a nostalgic and personal touch to the atmosphere.
Love Notes or Poems: Slip a handwritten love note or a poem expressing your feelings into your loved one’s menu or under their plate. This surprise element adds a touch of intimacy and warmth to the dining experience.
A FEW LOCAL FAVOURITES
From the traditional tried-and-tested to the excitingly experimental, the Devon dining scene has an array of choices. Check back here as we update the best eateries. And if there’s a special place you’ve enjoyed, let’s share the love – enquiries@dartvalleycottages.co.uk
GATHER, TOTNES – Locally sourced, wild-foraged ingredients, this award-winning, renowned Totnes eatery makes for a laid-back informal experience, with dishes and wines you will fall in love with (gathertotnes.com)
THE SEAHORSE, DARTMOUTH – This atmospheric yet vibrant waterside restaurant does wonders with locally sourced seafood in Italian-influenced dishes. There’s also a private dining room. In the heart of historic Dartmouth, it’s ideally located for a romantic riverside stroll (seahorserestaurant.co.uk)
THE ANGEL, DARTMOUTH – A fine-dining favourite on the South Embankment, Executive Chef Elly was a finalist on ‘Masterchef – The Professionals’, and her passion for a memorable dining experience goes far beyond the fantastic food itself (theangeldartmouth.co.uk)
BAYARD’S COVE INN, DARTMOUTH – This 14th-century traditional maritime inn delivers the perfect low-lit, accompanied by the gentle flickering of the fireplace. Styled with a contemporary twist on tradition within its solid stone walls, tantalising dishes make the best of locally landed fish complemented by thoughtfully sourced ingredients (bayardscoveinn.co.uk)
