Valentine’s Day 2026 is on a Saturday this year, so work is less likely to count as an excuse if you find yourself on the hook to plan a thumping-hearts-and flowers date fit for the Instagram era. But we’re here to help take the pressure off.
Around the Hamptons and Shelter Island, restaurants and hotels are offering menus and experiences that’ll leave your heart, belly, and frankly, whole body full.
Elaia Estiatorio, 95 School St., Bridgehampton, 631-613-6469
Bridgehampton’s cozy, Greek gem of a restaurant is offering a $110 prix fixe for the heart-y holiday — and, most exciting, it’s been put together by renowned chef Melissa O’Donnell. Kicked off with a glass of sparkling Greek wine, expect dishes like Cretan honey-draped foie gras, wild mushroom risotto with shaved Greek cheese, Graviera Naxos, atop, lobster tagliatelle, pomegranate glazed duck breast and more on the docket (and the winter citrus pavlova to cap it all off is not to be missed!).
Claude’s Restaurant, 91 Hill St., Southampton, 631-283-6500
Much to parents’ dismay, Valentine’s Day has become a kiddie holiday marked by baskets of presents. Take care of the kiddos on Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at this festive workshop and brunch at Claude’s Restaurant in Southampton. Crafty kids can decorate a Valentine’s picture frame with faux frosting, candles and festive charms in this collab with Color Pop Workshop (there’s a $10 per kid fee in addition to the brunch menu). Meanwhile, the adults can help themselves to the mimosa bar. Reservations recommended.
Bistro 72, 1830 W Main St., Riverhead, 631-369-3325
A three-course, prix-fixe menu is on tap for Valentine’s Day at Bistro72, the unpretentious yet chic farm-to-table restaurant set within Hotel Indigo. Start with something warm (French onion soup or calamari) or light (salad) before digging into hearty mains like a rack of lamb or filet mignon. Dessert offerings include a rich mini velvet cake or tiramisu. If that special someone is eyeing a Valentine’s weekend of romance, spend Friday, Feb. 13, at Hotel Indigo. A Valentine’s package includes an overnight stay for two and a Valentine’s breakfast in bed with an on-the-house mimosa or bloody Mary. Add a little extra romance relaxation with spa services — a couple’s massage is on the menu.
The East Wind, 5720 NY-25A, Wading River, 631-846-2335
The usual dinner-for-two is fun and all, but The East Wind has another option for couples and friend groups who find that whole thing tried and getting truly trite. The East Wind’s masquerade ball lets you don your dancing shoes and formal attire for an elegant (and mysterious) night of romance. A few clues it’ll be a blast, though: There will be a DJ, buffet dinner and four-hour open bar from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $135 plus tax per person, or get the gang together (it’s $110 per person for parties of eight or more). Extend the night and skip the Uber by booking an overnight stay. A $499 package deal scores you tickets and a room.
Desmond’s, 5720 NY-25A, Wading River, 631-846-2335
If you’re looking for something lower key, this snug Italian-focused restaurant within East Wind is serving that up in dinner-date fashion, steps away from the masquerade ball. Stare deeply into one another’s unmasked faces over a bottle of red (or white or rosé), plus a V-Day prix fixe ($64.95 plus tax and gratuity) with dishes like lobster pasta, wild mushroom ravioli, or Tuscan chicken with Fontina cheese wrapped in prosciutto.
Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-208-9200
Chocolate and wine are a Valentine’s Day power couple. Mix in ambiance that scores high for uniqueness (a backdrop of marine life, like sharks), and you’ve got yourself a date that’ll go over swimmingly. Long Island Aquarium’s annual Chocovino event includes a five-course meal, each one incorporating chocolate as well as vino from Raphael. The event takes place on Feb. 14 from 7 to 10 p.m and costs $175+ per person, or you can turn the night into a weekend getaway with a stay at the Hyatt ($529+ tax and includes two tickets to the event).
Vine Street Café. 41 S. Ferry Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-3210
Lobster Pot Pie, bouillabaisse and baked Alaska are among the soul and bone-warming dishes Vine Street Café will serve on Valentine’s Day. The cottage-style digs and amiable services will feel like a loving embrace in their own right.
Ram’s Head Inn, 108 S. Ram Island Dr, Shelter Island, 631-749-0811
Perhaps no local establishment is getting into the Valentine’s Day spirit like this Shelter Island classic, which dates back to 1929. The sweeping waterfront views are romantic 24/7/365, but Ram’s Head Inn is pulling all the (heart)stings to make V-Day 2026 one to remember. Programming includes a Murder Mystery dinner party ($95 per person, Feb, 13 — cheekily entitled “‘Til Death Do Us Part,”), a three-course dinner and cabaret (Feb. 14, $195 per person), and brunch with your dog (Feb. 15 — if you don’t have a four-legged, furry Valentine of your own, ARF is bringing 10 to meet, greet and apply for adopt if you wish). Couples can also take advantage of one- or two-night packages that include perks like Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Nick and Toni’s, 136 N. Main St., East Hampton, 631 324-3550
Surprise that special someone at this restaurant, whose white cloth-clad tables are some of the East End’s most sought-after, especially in the summer. Nick & Toni’s will make a Valentine’s Day menu available from Feb. 13-15. Special dishes include a house-made pappardelle (foie gras crema, wild mushrooms and black winter truffles) and wood-grilled rack of New Zealand lamb.
R.aire at The Hampton Maid, 259 East Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, 631-728-4184
This Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant within The Hampton Maid will toast to love on Feb. 14 with a prix fixe menu. The $95 price tag includes a bottle of Cava and amuse bouche (duck fat, smoked potato pave, caviar and tomato tartar). Mains like Seafood Casole (lobster gnocchi, mussels, clams, calamari and fennel) and paella for two offer a departure from the Italian beaten path the Island often takes. Spend the night at The Hampton Maid and snag dinner for two and next-day breakfast in bed ($520 per person).
1770 House Restaurant & Inn, 143 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-1770
This intimate restaurant with a fireplace exudes winter date night vibes at every turn. A three-course Valentine’s Day menu ($150 per guest) does, too. Think a Chateaubriand for two (bearnaise, creamed spinach and steak fries) and pan-roasted Montauk sea bass. Dessert options include a warm Valrhona chocolate chip brownie.
Pierre’s, 2468 Main St., Bridgehampton, 631-537-5110
Valentine’s is for lovers — wine lovers, that is. Head to this authentically French spot for a wine pairing collab dinner with Wölffer Estate Vineyard on Feb. 13, complete with wine host with the most, winemaker Roman Roth, there to guide you through the pairings (and, possibly, croon a tune or two to set the mood — he’s been known to bestow such talents on the lucky). The five-course pairing menu is $85 (a pretty good deal, if you ask us) and starts at 7:30 p.m.
Fresno, 11 Fresno Place, East Hampton, 631-324-8700
From Friday, Feb. 13 to Sunday, Feb. 15, Fresno will have some super special Valentine’s Day a la carte offerings for the hearts-and-flowers weekend only. From the “Two Hearts” martini for two to a half bottle of Billecart Salmon rosé Champers, you’ll toast in style while noodling over choices like spicy crab bisque, diver sea scallops curd, duck paella and roasted monkfish with chorizo stuffing. Yum!
