February 4th, 2010 by Staff – Comments (11)
Valentine’s Day is a special time to really show what you are made of to your spouse. This year we are really challenging you to go above and beyond to express one thing…that’s Love. We know that Tulsa isn’t the city of love, however, there are many locally owned romantic restaurants that are sure to make your Valentine’s weekend or evening a memorable one.
We have collaborated with one of our friends and fellow Tulsa bloggers Tasha – Tasha Does Tulsa to bring you some of our favorite and most romantic restaurants in Tulsa. If you haven’t visited Tasha’s blog…it is your guide to fighting boredom in Tulsa. Be sure to bookmark her website and visit it at least a few times a week to figure out best ways to take advantage of this amazing city we live in.
Bodean Seafood – Fine Dining
$ Denotes Price (1 being lowest, 5 being highest price).
Stonehorse Cafe ($$$)
“Wonderful wine list and all their food is made from scratch: from sauces, pastas to ice cream. The meat is always of utmost quality and seafood is very fresh. Located in Utica Square, so perfect for a nice walk before or after dinner.”-Tulsa Food Blog
“It’s easy to get cozy at Stonehorse. It’s even easier to get an unforgettable dinner at this Utica Square Cafe – everything, and I mean everything, on the menu is outstanding.” -Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations: The Bleu Salad; Pizza Margherita; Anything made with Stonehorse’s housemade sausage; Bread Pudding
Saturday: 11am-11pm
(918) 712-7470
1748 Utica Square
The Brasserie ($$$$)
“Very classy French restaurant. The food is prepared with great attention to detail & atmosphere is superb. Very top-notch wine list.” – Tulsa Food Blog
“The French know love, sure, but they also know food. Get French-inspired cuisine by one of Tulsa’s top (and hottest) chefs in a chic, old-world atmosphere.” – Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations:Alsatian tarte flambe; steak tartare; brioche French toast; Steak Frites
10am-9pm; open for brunch
(918) 779-7070
3509 S. Peoria Avenue
In the Raw ($$$)
“Oklahoma company that offers an amazing sushi experience. Great sushi but a little pricey. South location is located on a hill with a great view.”-Tulsa Food Blog
“There’s a reason this swanky sushi joint is always packed. It’s got the food and the atmosphere to make your V-Day special.”-Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations: Volcano Roll, Spider Roll, Macadamia nut Halibut
Saturday night 5pm-12am; Sunday open at 5pm
61st & Sheridan: (918)524-0063
6151 S. Sheridan on the Hill
Brookside: (918)744-1300
3321 S. Peoria Avenue on Brookside
Palace Cafe ($$$)
“Very private booth seating, perfect low lighting. Everything from gourmet lobster corndogs to daily catches and steaks. The chef here has a good outlook on food and is opposed to processed food.” -Tulsa Food Blog
“Palace Cafe offers the most romantic dining atmosphere in Tulsa, hands down. The food, as scores of natives know, is some of the best in the region.” – Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations: Smoked Grilled Salmon and Gourmet Lobster Corn-dogs
Saturday: 5pm-10pm Brunch: 9am-2pm
(918) 582-4321
1301 E. 15th Street
Caramel Dessert Bar ($$)
“The chocolate chip cookies are to die for! This is the perfect place to come after you have a nice dinner and want something sweet. Dinner on Brookside? Make it a 2-step date night. Dinner…then Caramel!” -Tulsa Food Blog
“Chef Durano and her wide selection of sweets brings a warm glow to Brookside’s Center 1. Have a dazzling dessert for Valentine’s Day (I love the dark chocolate mousse cup), but be sure to snag a few chocolate chip cookies for the road.” – Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations: Shareable Caramel Cheesecake, chocolate chip cookies or Dessert for Two: includes a plateful of different desserts, gelatos, fruit and chocolate.
10am-9pm
(918) 938-7977
3410 S. Peoria Avenue
Lucky’s ($$$)
“One of our favorite restaurants in Tulsa, run by a husband/wife team of culinary geniuses. These two have brought an unmatched sense of style and beautiful quality food that has kept us coming back time and time again.” – Tulsa Food Blog
“Find the most innovative fine dining menu in town at Lucky’s on Cherry Street. Be sure to have a glass of the many biodynamic wines available at the bar with dinner.”-Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations: Grilled Flatbread, Asian Style Porkchop, Bacon Wrapped Halibut, Lucky’s Cheeseburger
Saturday: 5pm -11pm Sunday: 11am-3pm
(918) 592-5825
1536 E. 15th Street
Sonoma Wine Bar & Bistro ($$$)
“This is an awesome place to go for a light dinner and drinks. It has a very pleasant atmosphere with one of the best wine lists in Tulsa. The Chef pays so much attention to detail and the food is phenomenal.”-Tulsa Food Blog
“The wine list at Sonoma is built to be the best – and one of the largest – in town. Plus, the food could stand up to what’s available in Sonoma County any day.” -Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations: BBQ Salmon Tamale, White Pizza, Tomato Bisque Soup.
Saturday: 11am-11pm Sunday: 11am-9pm
(918) 747-9463
3523 S. Peoria Avenue
Tucci’s ($$$)
“This is one of Tulsa’s hidden treasures. The food is so fresh, and the pizza to die for! I couldn’t believe how fresh the ingredients on the pizza were. Great place for a lunch date & dinner reservation.”
Recommendations: Chicken Florentine Pizza, Pasta l’Arabiata
Saturday open at 5pm
(918) 582-3456
1344 E. 15th Street
Ti Amo ($$)
“Wonderful atmosphere…and very romantic. The live music really sets the tone for the evening. The food is standard Italian and is located in a beautiful location downtown and also in South Tulsa. We recommend the Downtown location.” – Tulsa Food Blog
“There’s a reason I went to Ti Amo for dinner before my high school prom, and while the food is fabulous, the atmosphere is the epitome of le romance – especially at the cozy, underground downtown location.” -Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations: Ravioli Fritti, Penne Toscana, Chicken Marsala
Saturday: 5pm-10pm Sunday: 11am-9pm
Downtown: (918) 592-5151
219 S. Cheyenne Avenue downtown
South: (918) 499-1919
6024 S. Sheridan Avenue
Bodean’s Seafood Restaurant ($$$$$)
“Two times a day seafood is flown in from the coast. This is the most upscale restaurant in Tulsa. Beautiful atmosphere. This is a great place for a very special occasion and is sure to impress the one you love!! Voted by TIME magazine as one of the top restaurants in the nation.” -Tulsa Food Blog
“THE freshest seafood in town, available as it’s flown in daily to family-owned Bodean’s. If you’d rather dine at home, check out Bodean’s fish market, facing 51st Street.” – Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations: Sesame crusted Gulf Yellow Fin Tuna, Pecan wood grilled Costa Rican Mahi Mahi. If cooking at home: The Maine lobsters are so fresh and make a perfect meal…any of the seafood at Bodean’s Market is top-notch.
5-10pm
(918) 749-1407
3376 E. 51st Street
Garlic Rose ($$$)
“The food is superb and has a fantastic presentation. Make sure to park around back and walk through the courtyard. Going to this restaurant gave me an out of Tulsa, out of country experience. We like to call ahead and ask for a spot by the fireplace. We recommend the Brookside location, however the Riverside location is very nice and if not too cold, a walk around the river’s edge is quite romantic. There is actually a bench swing for two by the river.”-Tulsa Food Blog
Recommendations: Baked Brie, Complementary bread w/ roasted garlic and Canneloni.
Riverside: (918) 392-5550
9904 Riverside Parkway on the river
Brookside: (918) 746-4900
3509 S. Peoria Avenue on Brookside
McGills ($$$$)
“Very traditional, reminds me of a clubhouse that you would find at a country club. The wait staff is very attentive and professional, taking care of every need. Intimate setting with a warm inviting feel. Great place to get a steak.” – Tulsa Food Blog
“McGill’s is the place to be for those of you who equate V-Day with a glorious steak dinner. If you’re feeling really fancy, check out McGill’s on 19 at Hard Rock Casino in Catoosa. ”
Recommendations: Pasta Lobster, Coconut Beer Shrimp and Crab Cakes
Friday and Saturday, 5-11pm
South: (918) 388-8080;
6058 S. Yale Avenue in South Tulsa
North: (918) 742-8080
1560 S. 21st Street in Midtown
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: (918) 384-7500
I-44 and S. 193rd E. Avenue in Catoosa
KEO ($$)
“Very modern, sophisticated restaurant with a very classy open feel. The 2 of the main walls are glass, so you are able to people-watch from inside the restaurant. The owners are fabulous…Zahidah grew up in Asia and brought back many of her families recipes to Tulsa. Her and Bill make a great team. The food is very unique and full of flavor…great place for cocktails or a nice date.”-Tulsa Food Blog
“KEO is home to some of the most artful and innovative dishes in Tulsa, not to mention the most authentic to Asian culinary traditions. If a swanky atmosphere is a must-have this V-Day, KEO is your spot.” -Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations: Spring Rolls, Keo Sampler, Thai Green Curry, Pad Thai, Banana wonton w/ vanilla bean gelato, anything from the sake menu
Friday and Saturday, 11am-11pm
(918) 794-8200
3524 S. Peoria Avenue
ShoGun Japanese Steakhouse ($$$)
“At Shogun, it’s all about the entertainment. Chefs cook the food on a hibachi grill right in front of you and your party. All chefs have gone through extensive training in order to make this a fun evening for you…the food is awesome….a lot of food! Grab a drink at the bar while waiting for your reservation.” -Tulsa Food Blog
“Some couples like their food served to them. Others prefer their food tossed at them, and only after it’s sliced, diced and cooked right in front of them. For you, there’s ShoGun.” -Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations: Hibachi Sesame Chicken, Shogun Special
Friday and Saturday, 5-10pm; Sunday, 5-9pm
(918) 254-2134
6808 S. Memorial Drive, No. 224
The Chalkboard ($$$)
“This place has some of the best brunch in Tulsa. It is located in the beautiful Hotel Ambassador Downtown. The European style goes right along with the food and creates a wonderful place to spend the evening.”- Tulsa Food Blog
“The Chalkboard is a bonafide Tulsa tradition. The lunch is good, dinner is great and brunch is legendary. It tastes even better after a night’s stay in the Hotel Ambassador, which houses this celebrated cafe.” -Tasha Does Tulsa
Recommendations: Eggs Benedict, Mimosas, Atlantic Salmon, Chicken Kiev
Dinner on Saturday, 5-10:30 and Sunday, 5-9pm Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 11am-2:30pm
(918) 582-1964
1324 S. Main Street
Tags: Asian · Bakery · Bars · Best of Tulsa · Brookside · Brunch · Cherry street · Dessert · Downtown · English · European · Extras · Fine Dining · French · Gourmet · Holiday · Japanese · Lunch · Seafood · South Tulsa · Steak · Steakhouse · Sushi · Utica Square · Vegetarian · Wine
11 responses so far ↓
sarah Feb 4, 2010 at 3:22 pm
What a great post! You guys are always on top of it!
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Josh Anderson Feb 4, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Now I just need a girl to take
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Amanda Feb 4, 2010 at 11:25 pm
While I personally think the most romantic Valentine’s dinner is one shared at home, away from the sea of 2-tops that inevitably washes through town each Feb 14th, if you do venture out there are a couple of other menu items I would certainly recommend.
I eat steak at home. I love to sear a beautiful bone-in ribeye over some super-hot charcoal and enjoy it at my own dinner table. If I am going to eat a steak out, and particularly a filet it is quite likely going to be at the Palace Cafe. Their wood-fired grill makes all the difference, and their steak is fantastic.
I love KEO. Try their Malaysian Rendang (beautifully braised and spiced beef in a lettuce cup)and the Red Curry. Both awesome. I also love the Ahi Poke, but then again Raw tuna is always a favorite of mine.
Speaking of tuna, while I love Bodean and shop at the fish market at least once per week, I have never has the seared Ahi dish pictured above. I’m thinking it’s time to rectify that. Looks fantastic!
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Brian Schwartz Reply:
February 6th, 2010 at 10:35 am
So is the rendang really good? I have had beef rendang in many Indonesian and Malayan restaurants in New York and have always been disappointed; it’s too dry. I know there is not supposed to be any sauce or gravy but the meat should be succulent, like a good Cuban ropa vieja.
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Amanda Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Well it just depends on what you are used to and like. I won’t lie, my favorite Rendang comes from my Great-Grandmother’s dutch oven at home but when I tried it at KEO I thought it was great, best I’ve had in a restaurant. It’s worth giving it a try!
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Brian Schwartz Reply:
March 9th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
I finally got there today and of course I tried the rendang. The meat was indeed succulent, and I wish Indonesian restaurants used their technique. But the spices were different from the Malay style. They used Indian curry powder and Thai spices, a lot like the Thai Masaman curry. So basically it’s the chef’s own spin on beef rendang, not a traditional rendang. It sure was good though.
Christine Feb 5, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Our absolutely favorite is McGill’s and you nailed it with the Pasta Lobster…only I strongly suggest you prepare to share it with your honey because it’s so rich!
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BillDay.com › Notes from 2010-02-05 Feb 6, 2010 at 12:00 am
[...] most romantic restaurants http://www.tulsafoodblog.com/asian/tulsas-most-romantic-restaurants from @tulsafood [...]
Brian Schwartz Feb 6, 2010 at 10:32 am
Thank you Tasha for these great pithy comments. How often, reading Tulsa blogs, have I thought “¡Yo quiero Tasha Ball!”
Two important points:
1) If you don’t make reservations NOW, or preferably yesterday, you won’t get a place. Valentine’s Day is always jammed.
2) As you said above, most good restaurants are closed on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, though some that are usually closed Sunday might be open on Feb. 14. I phoned Stonehorse — just out of curiosity, since I don’t plan to go out alone Sunday night though I might go out alone for brunch — but they will be closed.
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JK Feb 8, 2010 at 9:04 am
I agree with Amanda that the most romantic Valentine’s Date can be a night at home! It has become a tradition for us for my husby to plan our special V Day meal and we get cozy in the kitchen for a Cook Together Night.
When we do go out, Tucci’s is definitely one of my fav date spots. We tried LXI the other night and it’s also a great place for romance. Plan to spend the whole evening there!
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Erica Feb 18, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I was sad to see that Biga didn’t make it on the list. The food and atmosphere are great- you get to read all those signed, empty wine bottles that line the walls while you wait for your food, and on Valentine’s Day they bring you a lemoncello shot at the end of the meal.
If you go, you must try the mussels- DELISH!
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