We think the best way to dine out on a holiday is to let the kitchen order for you. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, so book your tables fast; it’s going to be a busy night for restaurants. Here are our picks of the best tasting menu options around town for those seeking a food-focused February 14.

300 East, Dilworth
If your ideal Valentine’s Day puts dessert first, this is your reservation. To us, 300 East has long held the position of the best desserts in town. Their tasting menu provides three dessert options, including a chocolate cake with red wine poached pear and streusel, a Mexican vanilla, hibiscus, and strawberry crème brûlée, and an éclair with satsuma, kumquat, and white chocolate. 3 courses, $55 plus tax and tip.

Bar Marcel, SouthPark
This SouthPark restaurant will serve classic fine dining fare for a more traditional Valentine’s Day dinner. Options include steak tartare, duck breast, and scallops. 3 courses, $65 plus tax and tip.

Bardo, South End
With one of the most innovative menus in town, Bardo is a date night destination for food-lovers any day. On holidays, executive chef Mike Noll serves a curated experience. Seatings take place at 5:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 9 p.m. 5 courses, $75 plus tax and tip.

Barrister’s, Gastonia
Ryan Allen, now executive chef at Barrister’s in Gastonia, showed off his talent at our Meet the Chef Dinner at Reid’s Fine Foods. With dishes such as crab with a black garlic crème fraiche and caviar, his special Valentine’s Day menu looks like it will be worth traveling for. 4 courses, $48 plus tax and tip.

Dogwood Southern Table, SouthPark
Our go-to date-night spot, Jon and I have spent many holidays at the bar at Dogwood. We’re not alone. Thanks to the restaurant’s consistently good service and a dependable kitchen, it has become a go-to for many people. The Valentine’s Day menu includes many of the restaurant’s signature dishes, plus some special additions. 4 courses, $99.

The Stanley, Elizabeth
Known for planning his menu around ingredients and seasonality, chef/owner Paul Verica and his son Alex Verica are serving a tasting menu with optional beverage pairings. You can expect the duo’s signature cuisine of dishes that seem familiar but take on some surprising or inventive twists. 5 courses, $85 plus tax and tip, beverage pairings an additional $45. —Kristen Wile

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