A table for two with your loved one and you're all set. Add some creative dishes, perhaps a good bottle of wine or a picturesque view, and the evening can become truly unforgettable. Here are some places in Italy to celebrate love.
Like any holiday, Valentine's Day has no written rules. Some people prefer to do things in a big way to impress their loved ones, with fancy restaurants and dream hotels for a fairytale night. Others prefer something intimate and simple, perhaps because they don't believe there needs to be a date on the calendar to celebrate love. One thing is certain, however: whether you opt for pizza, drinks on a rooftop, or fine dining, every February 14, Valentine's Day reminds us that surprising your partner remains one of the most authentic and romantic things you can do. But being able to surprise and excite each other again is the real recipe for love. We have tried to draw up a list of places we recommend, all you have to do is celebrate this holiday.
1.Le Marne Relais – Langhe
Nestled between Langhe and Monferrato, where the chaos of the city becomes a distant memory, stands Le Marne Relais. A delightful boutique hotel, located right inside the Mura Mura farm: 30 hectares of vineyards and orchards owned by Guido Martinetti and Federico Grom and part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World circuit. This gem of Piedmontese hospitality offers a long weekend with breakfast, couples' massages, a cedar sauna, and a hot tub with a view. The highlight of the celebration, however, is dinner at Radici Ristorante in Vigna, created by chef Mykyta Bida. The menu consists of six courses (€120 per person), all imbued with the most authentic Piedmontese tradition, yet capable of looking far beyond. Accompanying the dinner are, of course, the ‘house’ wines, with the option of adding an ad hoc pairing with Mura Mura wines, which express the true essence of the Costigliole d'Asti estate.
Strada Pasquana, 5 -14055 Costigliole d'Asti;
www.lemarnerelais.it; info@lemarnerelais.it;
Telephone: +39 0141 185 2115
2.Orizzonti Milano
In a Milan under lockdown due to the highly anticipated Milan-Cortina Olympics, we suggest heading up to the thirteenth floor of the Uptown Palace in Milan. Here, on Valentine's Day, the panoramic restaurant Orizzonti illuminates the Milan skyline with an even more romantic charm. For dinner on February 14, the casual fine dining restaurant led by chef Luca Pedata presents a 4-course fish menu (at €120). Traditional recipes are refined with contemporary techniques for an elegant finale: start with grilled yellowtail sashimi, Gorizia rose, and pomegranate, followed by risotto, shrimp, juniper, and friggitelli peppers. Then Mediterranean-style tuna Wellington. Dessert? A beetroot, chamomile, and chocolate babà, as well as petits fours with basil, yogurt, and mandarin cake. For the evening, a special selection of wines will be added to the already extensive list of over 200 labels.
Uptown Palace, Via Santa Sofia 10, Milan;
Telephone: +39 02 3051 3629;
3.Iris - Verona
The city of Romeo and Juliet, the epitome of love. It's true, there are many romantic cities in Italy, thanks to the natural historical beauty that characterizes our beautiful country from north to south. However, Verona always knows how to crystallize romance, surrounded by an aura that is difficult to replicate. It goes without saying that we recommend lunch or dinner at the 1 Michelin star restaurant located inside the 15th-century Palazzo Soave. Here, the Iris restaurant—named after the wildflower that is the symbol of the city—presents a menu created by its Executive Chef Giacomo Sacchetto. However, the journey begins in the evocative cellar, with its great historical and symbolic value, exposed brickwork, and over 800 selected labels. The journey continues up to the ground floor, where you can see the open kitchen, frescoes, and contemporary chandeliers. An intimate and charming experience with a tasting menu designed ad hoc by the chef at a cost of €200 per person and, for those who wish, a wine pairing for €90.
Via Leoni 10, 37121 Verona;
Telephone: 045 41 58021;
info@irisristorante.it
4.Hilton Lake Como
A dream worth €14,002. That's what Hilton Lake Como has in store for Valentine's Day. A “cocktail” of exclusive and unforgettable experiences. An escalation of pleasure starting with a private transfer from the airport, a stay in the Superior Rooftop Suite with its beautiful private terrace, embellished with panoramic views and a hot tub; lunch and aperitif on the Terrazza 241 and access to the heated rooftop pool; the “Celebration of Love” with the ritual for two at the Eforea Spa & Health Club, as part of the exclusive spa journey. Then, in the afternoon, a helicopter flight over the most famous places on Lake Como. Finally, a four-course dinner in your suite with Champagne. Wake up slowly in the morning with breakfast in your room and private transfer to the airport. In short, there's nothing left to do but fall in love, even more so. However, Hilton Lake Como also offers more traditional experiences. On February 14, Terrazza 241 will welcome all guests (including non-residents) with a tasting menu dedicated to love and served on the panoramic rooftop. A menu rich in elegance and refinement where you can pamper yourself with your other half and be surprised together by the beauty of the table: Gillardeau oysters; marinated Sockeye salmon carpaccio with savory cannoli, sour cream, and balsamic pearls; beetroot risotto with raw scampi, marjoram, and Gin T241; ocean moro, saffron beurre blanc, and caviar. Finally, a rose dessert, served with 70% dark chocolate mousse, chili pepper, and Champagne. C'est très chic!
Via Borgo Vico 241 - Como, 22100;
Telephone: 031 338 2611;
https://www.hilton.com/it/hotels/mxpcohi-hilton-lake-como/
5.Enoteca La Torre Rinascente – Rome
Just a few steps from Via del Corso, Enoteca La Torre Tritone, on the sixth floor of La Rinascente (inside the food hall), has a special Valentine's Day menu created by Japanese-Brazilian executive chef Ricardo Takamitsu. Opened in 2023, the restaurant offers a menu for the lovers' holiday that is consistent with its international and contemporary cuisine, featuring a wide range of influences and techniques from around the world. The dinner naturally begins with a glass of Prosecco Valdobbiadene Pianer La Colture, followed by several dishes created in collaboration with sous chef Matteo Sparvieri. There are pacchero rolls and then mixed tartare - salmon, scallops, shellfish, flying fish roe - flavored with yuzu, dashimaki, sakura mix, and guacamole. Chef Takamitsu's sushi mix selection is also included, a selection of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and rolls. The last dish, on the other hand, is definitely a newcomer to the Tritone menu: Thai pappardelle with red shrimp tartare and pepper gel. And, to finish, a dessert of your choice. A fusion journey in the heart of Rome for €65 per person (including water and coffee).
Rinascente in Via del Tritone, 61, Rome; 6th floor, Food Hall;
Telephone: 06 62202617;
https://rinascentetritone.enotecalatorre.group/
6.Lungarno Collection - Florence
The backdrop is provided by the picturesque banks of the Arno, where the Lungarno Collection group reinterprets the theme of love through three unique experiences. At Caffè dell'Oro, the elegant restaurant at Portrait Firenze overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, Executive Chef Luca Armellino designs a romantic dinner in four acts: a refined gastronomic journey that highlights seasonal ingredients and sophisticated flavors, immersed in one of the city's most iconic settings. At Picteau Bistrot & Bar, the atmosphere is relaxed and cheerful with a gourmet aperitif: seafood tapas, followed by a dish designed to be shared with your loved one and finally signature cocktails designed to harmonize with the flavors of the menu. For those who want to celebrate February 14 with a toast in front of the magical skyline of Florence, the 701 Rooftop Bar offers the 701 Love Ritual: a ritual dedicated to love that combines Boisson Rouge (a fruity and floral reinterpretation of the classic Champagne cocktail) with delicious lobster rolls.
Caffè dell'Oro: Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 2P – Florence;
Telephone +39 055 396 8912;
Reservations: +39 342 1234710; oro@lungarnocollection.com;
Picteau Bistrot & Bar: Hotel Lungarno – Borgo San Jacopo, 14 – Florence;
Telephone +39 055 396 4997;
Reservations +39 342 123 4710;
picteau@lungarnocollection.com;
701 Rooftop Bar: Gallery Hotel Art – Vicolo dell’Oro, 5 50123 – Florence;
Telephone +39 055 396 6721, +39 342 1234710;
701rooftopbar@lungarnocollection.com
7.Dalla Gioconda – Gabicce Monte (Marche)
It is a scattered hotel but also an award-winning restaurant, yet in the past (in the 1950s) it was a historic dance hall in Gabicce Monte, a village located on the last stretch of the Gulf of Rimini. Nestled between San Bartolo Park and the Adriatic Sea, this exceptional Michelin-starred restaurant welcomes the month of love with its elegance and lightness, much like the cuisine of its chef, Davide Di Fabio. To celebrate the feast of lovers, a series of dishes are served that continue Chef Di Fabio's daily story. A story where sustainability and respect for nature lead the way, so much so that he has also been awarded the Michelin Green Star, as well as official recognition as the first totally “plastic-free” restaurant in Italy. The result of a visionary project conceived together with Allegra Tirotti Romanoff and Stefano Bizzarri, who have been able to convey all their love for this land. But back to Valentine's Day, what will the dishes be? The chef will delight guests with amberjack with unripe apricot salmoriglio; green tomato rice with oil and pink shrimp; sea bass with artichokes in anchovy sauce; lobster with Bernese sauce and celery; Rossini-style frisona and diplomatico with cream and chocolate. There is a view of the sea, there is a love of nature, and there is refined, heartfelt cuisine.
Via dell'Orizzonte, 2 – Gabicce Monte (PU);
Telephone: +39 0541 962295;
8.Ozio – Rome
We are in one of Rome's most elegant neighborhoods, Prati. It is one of those areas where you only need to look up to see beautiful Umbertine-style buildings and Art Nouveau villas. It is here that, for Valentine's Day dinner, Ozio Restaurant offers a special menu with one of the most evocative views of the capital, overlooking St. Peter's Dome and the nearby Castel Sant'Angelo. The restaurant, located on the seventh floor of the Hotel Orazio Palace (4L Collection Hotels), is owned by Roman sommelier Paolo De Angelis and, for February 14, offers a romantic signature menu at a cost of €75 per person (excluding drinks). For the occasion, executive chef Salvatore Testagrossa has created a signature menu with the option of wine pairing: the wine list includes around 400 labels, including 160 champagnes. The menu opens with a grilled mortadella mousse and tempura shrimp praline, followed by red shrimp tartare. Then there is risotto with squid ink, sole alla mugnaia, and Pak-Choi in three textures. Raspberries and walnuts, on the other hand, make up the dessert in a tartlet. You can dine in the restaurant or on the eighth-floor rooftop, where the taste of dinner will be accompanied by a breathtaking view of Rome.
Hotel Orazio Palace; Via Orazio, 21, 00193, Rome;
Tel: 06 8715 5229;
9.Avenida Calò - Rome
We don't know why, but Valentine's Day dinner (almost always) makes us think of an elegant location with gourmet dishes. I say almost because this image mistakenly excludes a considerable number of gourmets who enjoy authentic cuisine, more accommodating locations, and relaxing atmospheres. And then, who said that pizza, for example, can't be sophisticated? This is demonstrated by Avenida Calò, the Roman enopizzeria opened by award-winning master pizza maker Francesco Calò who, after his success in Austria, has landed in the capital, in the Olympic Stadium area. The dough is that of a contemporary Neapolitan pizza, and the flour blend was developed by the pizza maker himself - “Farina Intensa” - with a considerable percentage of bran to make the dough elegantly rough. On Valentine's Day evening, couples in love can enjoy a tasting menu in the dark, but by candlelight: six courses plus a pre-dessert and dessert for €80 per person (drinks not included). There will be no shortage of excellent wines to choose from, with over 130 labels selected by Francesco's wife, Chiara Maggio, who pairs each pizza with the perfect bottle. And who better than such a well-established couple to organize the ideal Valentine's Day?
Viale Pinturicchio, 38/40/42 – Rome;
Tel. 06 89238209;
10.Yezi at Art'Otel - Rome
Romantic fusion. This is what Yezi, the pan-Asian restaurant inside the Art'Otel Rome Piazza Sallustio, has to offer. A lively dining room full of cosmopolitan charm, with its open kitchen overlooking the large imperial table. The atmosphere is decidedly evocative, thanks to the international-style furnishings, but what really sets it apart is the gastronomic range that spans from East to West. On the evening of February 14, Yezi invites you to experience an evening far from the usual clichés, paying homage to sensory harmony and the sharing of new dishes, different from the regular à la carte menu. It does so with a menu designed for the occasion at a cost of €70 per person (excluding drinks). The ideal evening for those who want to rediscover themselves through the cuisine of Head Chef Giordano Gianforchetti: small bites such as oysters with yuzu jelly and wasabi tobiko; gochujang octopus skewers; and the inevitable dim sum, such as Hong Kong-style shrimp gyoza and scallop dumplings. Each course is designed to be savored together, transforming dinner into a moment of shared intimacy, where the pleasure of taste becomes part of an even greater story. The ideal place to sip excellent drinks while sitting at the Yezi Bar counter.
Via Collina 23, 00187 – Rome;
Reservations: +39 06 8384 8288
11.San Baylon at Palazzo Ripetta - Rome
A palace dating back to the 1600s nestled in Rome's Tridente district, as well as an independent 5-star hotel affiliated with Relais & Châteaux, where art meets Italian elegance and hospitality. It is against this backdrop that the restaurant at Palazzo Ripetta—San Baylon—and its Executive Chef Christian Spalvieri celebrate love. The chef's philosophy is expressed in a clear statement: “The real star at the table is taste,” and he does so with two tasting menus. “Sorgente” (Source), a nod to tradition and familiar flavors with soft egg and black truffle, plin with white ragù and grilled beef, for €80 per person. “Ascesa” (Ascent), where each dish meets passionate yet always elegant creativity: pumpkin parfait; raw white fish; Carnaroli rice with black cabbage, blue cheese, and almonds; tagliolino in aromatic broth, bell pepper, and cuttlefish, ending with red mullet with a variation of carrots, for €110 per person. Finally, a signature dessert created by the Pastry Chefs of Palazzo Ripetta and the option of adding a wine pairing to enhance each course.
Via di Ripetta 232, 00186 Rome;
Telephone: +39 06 3222381;
sanbaylon@palazzoripetta.com
12.Hotel D'Inghilterra - Rome
Just over a year after the major renovation that marked its new beginning, the Hotel d'Inghilterra – Starhotels Collezione (5 stars) – lights up for the most romantic holiday of the year and welcomes guests to the intimate setting of Cafè Romano, its restaurant on the ground floor. A retro opulent lounge, with the charm of someone who has seen memorable stories and encounters pass by. The kitchen, led by chef Andrea Sangiuliano, offers a philosophy inspired by the rich tradition of Roman cuisine and Italian classics. A menu (at a cost of €80 per person) where the sea is the main source of flavor: red prawn carpaccio, paccheri pasta with lobster, seared tuna, and Cupid dessert. The ideal place for an intimate dinner in the heart of Rome, with live music to make the evening special. For those who would like to start with a special aperitif, the Cafè Romano Lounge Bar offers two drinks created for the occasion by Bar Manager Angelo Di Giorgi: Raspberry Kiss, sophisticated and romantic, with fresh raspberries, Ciroc Vodka, rose sweetness, and lemon essence; and Pink Passion, elegant and delicate, with Mionetto 00 prosecco, Seedlipe spice 94, passion fruit sweetness, and lemon essence.
Via Bocca di Leone 14, Rome (Piazza di Spagna);
Telephone +39 06699811
13.Oro Bistrot - Rome
Perhaps one of the most breathtaking views in Rome, overlooking the Altare della Patria and the Imperial Forums. One of those places that remind us of the majesty of the Eternal City. Inside the NH Collection Fori Imperiali, Oro Bistrot combines gourmet recipes with interesting mixology, making it an excellent pit stop from aperitif to after dinner. There is a more intimate restaurant area and then the terrace bar, which is livelier than ever in all seasons. To celebrate the feast of lovers, there is a special dedicated menu (€135 per person). There is yellowtail with mandarin and jalapeño and risotto with saffron, black cabbage kimchi, and karkade, to name just a couple. The cuisine created by Executive Chef Natale Giunta and Resident Chef Kerim Montinaro continues along the same lines, offering modern fine dining that draws on local tradition and embraces international influences.
NH Collection Fori Imperiali, Via di S. Eufemia 19, Rome;
Tel. 349 889 2632;
