Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Do you have dinner plans? Here are some suggestions

Paul Catala
·3 min read

LAKELAND – Along with cooler weather, love will soon be in the air.

Valentine's Day is approaching, and for those looking for a nice romantic dinner date — without leaving Polk County or the kids too far behind — here is a short list of area restaurants who are putting out special menus for those special relationships.

“Ayez beaucoup d'amour (lots of love )” and “bon apetit (enjoy your meal)!”

Nineteen61, 215 E. Main St., Lakeland

Chef Marcos Fernandez at Nineteen61 in downtown Lakeland. The restaurant will offer a special Valentine’s Day a la carte menu in addition to its regular offerings.
Chef Marcos Fernandez at Nineteen61 in downtown Lakeland. The restaurant will offer a special Valentine’s Day a la carte menu in addition to its regular offerings.

Nineteen61 will offer a special Valentine’s Day a la carte menu in addition to its regular offerings. Those special dishes will include lobster bisque soup, $16, oyster maque choux, $22 and beet duck salad, $18; surf & turf, $78, fish & grits, $58; New Zealand rack of lamb, $62; Delmonico steak, $69, and seabass chimi, $58. Reservations required. See www.nineteen61.com or call information 863-688-1961.

Terrace Grill, 329 E. Main St., Lakeland

The Terrace Grill in downtown Lakeland's Terrace Hotel will offer two different Valentine's Day experiences in the main dining room and the more intimate Lake Mirror Room.
The Terrace Grill in downtown Lakeland's Terrace Hotel will offer two different Valentine's Day experiences in the main dining room and the more intimate Lake Mirror Room.

The restaurant inside downtown Lakeland's Terrace Hotel will offer a Prix Fixe, three-course menu by Executive Chef Patrick Baird. In the main dining room there will also be a free glass of champagne and music by three violinists from the Harrison School for the Arts, $75 per person. In the intimate-seating Lake Mirror Room, there will be a free glass of champagne, a private violinist, a box of chocolates and wrapped rose, one per table, $95 per person. See www.terracegrillelakeland.com/holiday-menus-and-events/ or call  863-603-5420.

Arabella’s Ristorante, 346 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven

Arabella's in downtown Winter Haven is offering a special three-course, pre fixe spread on Valentine's Day.
Arabella's in downtown Winter Haven is offering a special three-course, pre fixe spread on Valentine's Day.

The Valentine’s Day menu first-course antipasti includes among others, blue crab, tiger shrimp and white stone oyster; the second courses include a 8-ounce black angus filet, whole Maine lobster, chicken breast roulade and Pacific halibut; and dessert features sponge cake, dark chocolate cake and vanilla bean ice cream. $115 per person, reservations required. Call 863-293-1797 or for the full Valentine’s Day menu or information and reservations, see www.arabellas.us or call 863-293-1797.

Nutwood, 132 Ave. B S.W., Winter Haven

Nutwood, also in downtown Winter Haven, is offering a five-course Valentine's meal with an optional wine pairing.
Nutwood, also in downtown Winter Haven, is offering a five-course Valentine's meal with an optional wine pairing.

Valentine’s Day dinners will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 10: p.m. Chef Steven Rojas will prepare five-course dinners, each with an optional wine pairing. Cost per person is $100 per meal; $35 per wine pairing per person. Call 863-229-7770 or email info@nutwoodwh.com.

Bay Street Bistro, 211 E. Bay St., Lakeland

Bay Street Bistro has a special Valentine's pre fixe menu that includes such delights as steak tartar, Oysters Rockefeller or Lobster Thermidor, among many others.
Bay Street Bistro has a special Valentine's pre fixe menu that includes such delights as steak tartar, Oysters Rockefeller or Lobster Thermidor, among many others.

This staple of Lakeland's fine-dining scene has special Valentine's dinners that include a pre-fixe menu. Dinners include handmade bread and garlic, steak tartar, Oysters Rockefeller or charcuterie board with meats and cheeses; lobster bisque, cream of mushroom soups or strawberry salad; Lobster Thermidor, Beef Wellington, Chilean sea bass with Nantucket scallops with caviar beurre blanc, 20-ounce prime rib with onion and tomato jam. Dinners include a choice of desserts from the sweets table. $125 per person. For information, see www.baystreetbistro.net or call 863-683-4229.

Zest Bar and Grill, 315 E. Summerlin St., Suite A, Bartow

Zest Bar & Grille in Bartow will have its regular menu on Valentine's Day with special Valentine's-themed cocktails. V'z fine-dining will have a five-course menu.
Zest Bar & Grille in Bartow will have its regular menu on Valentine's Day with special Valentine's-themed cocktails. V'z fine-dining will have a five-course menu.

The restaurant will be open with a regular menu on Valentine's Day and will feature special Valentine's Day themed cocktails. V'z fine dining will have a five-course menu with limited reservations available. There will be a choice of three dual entrees with a pre fixe starter and dessert, amuse-bouche and intermezzo.  Call 863-800-3181 for reservations, prices information or see www.orderzestbartow.com or Facebook: Zest Bar and Grill.

Scarpa’s Italian Restaurant, 1833 E. Edgewood Drive, Lakeland

Scarpa's on Edgewood Drive in Lakeland is currently booked for Valentine's Day, but openings could still occur, so call to get on the waitlist. The restaurant will offer its regular menu with some Chef Specials.
Scarpa's on Edgewood Drive in Lakeland is currently booked for Valentine's Day, but openings could still occur, so call to get on the waitlist. The restaurant will offer its regular menu with some Chef Specials.

Scarpa’s will not have a fixed Valentine’s Day menu but will offer its regular menu in addition to some “Chef Specials.” The restaurant is currently booked for Valentine’s Day, but openings may occur. Call to be added to the waitlist. See www.scarpasitalian.com or call 863-937-8940.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Here are some top suggestions for romantic Valentine's dinners in Polk