The Helmand
Perfect for any occasion, The Helmand is packed with customers every time we visit. The intriguing Afghan menu is filled from top to bottom with things you can't pronounce, spell or remotely understand, and even after you're finished eating, you still won't really comprehend what you just consumed. Luckily, you'll love it so much, it won't matter.
The cuisine is significantly less expensive than the other restaurants on this list, and the mood inside is much less formal. Diners sport everything from jeans to dresses, and the lighting scheme changes from room to room. If you're looking for a more laid-back Valentine's Day experience, this would be an appropriate choice. —Jen Bunty
Ixia
Wispy white drapes, fluffy loveseats and sparkling chandelier lighting make this place way hotter than your bedroom. The finely appointed tables accommodate even the most formal of couples, and group couches stylishly cushion the clan of singles that opted to spend Valentine's Day together, rather than weeping into a pint of Haagen-Dazs while watching "The Notebook."
The unique menu of modern fusion cuisine matches perfectly with the ornamental and extravagant decor of Ixia, and the bar is known for its deliciously potent martinis. As a Valentine's choice, Ixia's stunning attributes also make it a fabulous "get out of jail free" card for those who notoriously screw up throughout the year. But be warned—bring your lover here once, and a clump of $5 supermarket flowers and a half eaten box of chocolates will never woo again. —Jen Bunty
Jack's Bistro
Maybe we only find Jack's so desirable because every foodie in the city is attracted to the unassuming neighborhood restaurant. Or, maybe it's the innovative menu and succulent sous-vide entrees. Or maybe it's just the s'mores. Yeah, we definitely get all dreamy-eyed thinking about a bottle of red and sharing some s'mores.—Mark Gross
Kali's Court Mezze
For bringing sexy back with an especially intimate experience, there's no better choice than Kali's Mezze in Fells Point. The mood is undeniably smokin', with softly lit candles, instrumental Mediterranean music and tantalizing Greek aromas floating throughout the open restaurant.
Although it's comprised of two floors of tables and booths, seating is still limited at Kali's Mezze, making the experience more private for you and your honey. Upstairs, the opportunity for group dining is possible, but tight. If you roll in five-deep without a reservation, you might as well just roll right out—unless you plan on parking it on the floor.
As a tapas (small plates) restaurant, Mezze is also perfect for the intimate sharing of dishes. You'll quickly catch yourself engaging in the corny, clichéd "no, I love you more" behavior that you swore you never would—including, but not limited to, cooing as you feed each other and snuggling close while you pick from each other's plates.
Gentlemen, beware: This hot spot retains a heavy supply of tall, dark Mediterranean stud muffins, and trust us when we tell you that the lighting, music and general steamy mood of Mezze work just as well for them as they do for you. —Jen Bunty
Meli
Clearly, Kali's Restaurant Group knows romance. Not one, but two of its restaurants make our list. And for good reason. No single ingredient may be as sexy as honey, and Meli (which is how the Greek reference the sticky, sweet aphrodisiac) incorporates it into its menu (and its decor) in a variety of ways. No matter to us how you decide to incorporate honey into your romantic evening. We won't judge.—Mark Gross
Peter's Inn
We're not suggesting Peter's Inn for the obvious innuendo. Though, it does make us chuckle. True, Peter's is a little bit divey from the front, but inside…well, it's still a little bit divey. The eclectic decor—our favorite wall decoration shows Jesus blessing a big rig, and it's painted on black velvet, of course—is homey (in a lovingly dysfunctional way), and the close quarters encourage swooning diners to lean in and whisper descriptions of dinner. "Delicious." "Enchanting." "Succulent." "Are you gonna eat that?"—Mark Gross
Sotto Sopra
The large painted murals and vertical mirrors in this Mount Vernon love shack are perfect for the more independent and artsy pair. The tall candlesticks and long maroon drapes are somewhat reminiscent of an opera house, and the ultra-dim lighting will make you look better to your baby than you have in years.
The set-up is less secluded than some of the other restaurants on the list, with adjacent tables and booth-sharing, but chatting with the couple at the table next to you could be the perfect solution to the awkward silence in a brand new relationship or the "I already know everything about you" boredom of a super old one.
Single and cynical? Never fear—Sotto Sopra is one of the most group-friendly venues on this list. Its large and typically crowded bar area is adjacent to a few round tables, which could easily house a group outing.
The cuisine is Italian, which is sexy any way you look at it, but there are some American dishes for patrons with less adventurous taste buds. Frank Sinatra is on repeat, and the combined elements make Sotto Sopra a total aphrodisiac, promising molti baci. —Jen Bunty
XS
With multiple levels, XS is bound to afford even the shyest couple a place to indulge in pda. How fortunate for the rest of us, right? At any rate, we don't typically spurn true love, just when it's in…excess.—Mark Gross
Ze Mean Bean
Mean things aren't romantic. And beans certainly aren't. Heck, even the word "Slavic" leaves something to be desired. Don't count out Ze Mean Bean, though. Its cozy interior, seasonal menu and occasional live jazz all work to warm hearts. Besides, nothing says romance like pierogi.—Mark Gross
The Black Olive
A perfect pick for the health food-oriented couple, The Black Olive offers seafood and organic produce. Large cases of fresh fish and scallops tease your taste buds when you walk in the door, and the small tables and intimate corners let you and your love feel completely alone. You can even reserve a private room for the evening.
The Greek influence is evident in the interior, with large fish sculptures and wood carvings. If you visit with a group, the bar remains casual and relaxed.
Just be sure to prepare emotionally for a heavy load of raw seafood imagery, heads and eyeballs included. You wouldn't want to pull a Stan Marsh on your Valentine's Day date, would you? —Jen Bunty
Thanks to metromix.com.
