Valentine’s Day gets its fair share of criticism for being a Hallmark holiday dripped in consumerism.
And, hey, there’s no shame in sitting this one out (didn’t we just celebrate Christmas?). Yet, if you and yours are all, “Put me in coach,” you’ll need a place to play.
Even though Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year, which might pose a hurdle for couples who have to work late or have a long commute — let your panicked heart be still. Some East End spots are offering weekend events so you can still celebrate with sweetie on your own time.
Not sure where to start? Consider this your guide to Valentine’s Day 2024 in the Hamptons.
Fresno Restaurant, 11 Fresno Place, East Hampton, 631-324-8700
Tucked away from buzzy Main Street, Fresno’s dining room with exposed wooden beams, candlelit chandeliers and simple decor gives way to rustic elegance and laidback romance. If you and your better half like celebrating with bubbles, Fresno is offering 25 percent off half bottles of Billecart-Salmon Champagne rosé for Valentine’s Day, perfect for toasting to your past and future. While the regular à la carte menu will be available, special additions are slated to include a luxurious truffle cauliflower soup with crisp shiitakes, filet mignon served with foie gras and a bittersweet chocolate terrine that begs you to save room for dessert.
Nick & Toni’s, 136 N. Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-3550
Though a table at the Italian-Mediterranean East End stalwart is a hot ticket each summer, in the colder months, Nick & Toni’s still delivers. This year’s V-Day prix-fixe menu promises to provide romantic vibes on Valentine’s Day proper, and the specials from that lover-ly menu will be available a la carte from Friday, February 16, through Sunday, February 18 as well. The cost is $125 per person, plus tax and gratuity and all diners will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling rosé. Menu items are geared up to consist of spinach ricotta tortelini with black truffles, roasted burrata served with flatbread and garlic chips, grilled rack of lamb that takes a refreshing turn courtesy of mint pesto. For dessert, consider ordering the tartufo, which is big enough for two. But be warned: the caramel truffle, chocolate and hazelnut gelato and almond biscotti crumbs are so swoon-worthy you may be tempted not to share.
Page at 63 Main, 63 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-1810
This white tablecloth establishment on Sag Harbor’s bustling Main Street has large windows that’ll let the starlight (or at least street lights) shine through on Valentine’s Day night. Take it in along with one another’s company as you dig into a special menu full of made-in-house dishes. Hot and sour salmon soup with ginger, garlic, onion, green chilli and lemongrass prove that opposites really do attract. Mains like surf ‘n turf pairs land and sea to perfection featuring a 6-ounce filet mignon and scallop, and a grilled Egyptian spiced veal rib chop served with a side of mashed potatoes is made to warm you up from the inside out on a cold evening.
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, 290 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk, 631-668-2345
There’s more than couples massages to lure lovers out to this renowned spa splurge at The End. Gurney’s, with its stunning Atlantic views, has even more toast-worthy options for you this Valentine’sDay. Scarpetta Beach, an airy waterfront dining room that serves Italian-inspired classics, will offer a four-course prix-fixe menu ($160). Seared diver scallops, prime sirloin and a cinnamon panna cotta are among the options designed to take tastebuds on a ride from start to finish. If a date on the 14th is a no-go, Gurney’s has a sparkling alternative — literally. The spot is teaming up with local bubbles purveyor, Sparkling Pointe of the North Fork, for Pointe Perfection: A Sparkling Wine Pairing Affair at Gurney’s. The five (count ’em, five) course menu includes a truffle lobster roll, Peconic Bay oysters, crispy duck breast sourced from Balsam Farms and a sorbet — all paired with Sparkling Pointe bubbly.
1770 House Restaurant & Inn, 143 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-1770
At $95, the three-course prixe-fixe menu curated by chef Michael Rozzi makes for a delicious bargain. But don’t mistake “bargain” for “skimping.” The 1770 House Ora King salmon gravlax with baby beets, caraway crema, quail egg and everything bagel crumble puts a very Long Island twist on an appetizer. Speaking of local, diners can enjoy it by ordering a roasted Long Island duck breast with spiced parsnip, baby spinach, brandied cherries and Kishu mandarin for a main. Desserts include the house-favorite, rich-tasting sticky date cake. Served with toffee sauce and vanilla gelato, its heaven on a plate for sweet tooths. For those looking to splurge, guests can choose from a global selection of sparkling wines to pair with their meals as part of a “bubbly toasts” add-on.
Almond, 1 Ocean Road, Bridgehampton, 631-537-5665
Almond’s “Shades of Red” menu ($80 per person) for Valentine’s Day is equal parts festive, colorful and delectable. The dishes on the four-course menu each have an ingredient that is — you guessed it — a shade of red, from Will’s iced oysters (served with a pink peppercorn mignonette) to blood orange and chocolate for dessert with Ian’s salt-baked fingerlings and red onion crème fraiche in between.
Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-208-9200
Looking for something a little on the unexpected side? How about an under-the-sea adventure complete with wine and chocolate at Long Island Aquarium. The menu incudes salad with chocolate-dipped bacon, chocolate-braised short ribs and a decadently rich layered chocolate gateau. Each course is paired with a wine from Peconic’s Raphael Vineyards. Make a weekend of Valentine’s Day by booking a “Sweetheart Sleepover” at the Hyatt next door. A hotel package is $509 and includes dinner and an overnight stay,
