We may not have the glow of 19th century street lamps glinting off of cobblestone streets or the rushing Seine flowing alongside us on an after-dinner walk, but French romanticism needn't be geographically hindered. The French may be snobs, but they know how to do some things right. Their food-the crisp bread, savory dishes and renowned wines is the stuff of legends, and it's often hard to come by in the Midwest. Luckily, we Madisonians have Sardine. Although it is a bit on the pricey side, the authentically French cuisine is worth the splurge. Not to mention the charming atmosphere, friendly wait staff and choice location over looking Lake Monona. Sardine is an excellent choice for fine dining that doesn't require starched collars, and who knows? It may be enough to invoke your inner Parisian romantic.
—Riley Beggin
Kabul Restaurant on State Street offers a variety of Afghani and Mediterranean dishes, and you'll find that some dishes use spices and ingredients similar to those found in Indian cuisine. If you're looking for a tried and true favorite, or are new to Afghan cuisine, try the chicken kebab. In traditional Afghan cuisine, meat is marinated anywhere between several hours to a few days before it is grilled in order to produce an incredibly tender and perfectly seasoned kabob. Served with the kabob, as well as with many other dishes, is the saffron rice. Kabul's saffron rice is warm, soft and savory with an irresistible aroma that's sure to get your appetite going. For the full taste experience, be sure to try sumac, a purple lemony spice, on the rice and kebabs. The restaurant itself offers true romantic ambience, lit exclusively by candles and the light from the kitchen. The walls are covered with photographs and artwork from the Middle East, creating an exotic atmosphere sure to stir your sweetheart's desires.
—Colin Kellogg
If you and your beau want to enjoy a romantic dinner while limiting your carbon footprint-and isn't that what we all want out of Valentine's Day?-then head to Graze on Capitol Square. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes made from produce and meat from local farms. Appetizers range from soft pretzels to oysters, and the overall menu features a plethora of options for even the pickiest Valentines. If you're looking for an adventurous meal try the Bibimbap-a Korean-inspired dish consisting of crispy rice, vegetables and a sunny-side up egg with a sauce sure to spice up any V-Day rendezvous. This ritzed-up pub boasts a brilliant floor-to-ceiling view of the Capitol and is an ideal place for an upscale, laid-back date. As a Valentine's Day special Graze is offering a three-course menu for $35 per person. It's a bit pricey for the average college student but you can't put a price on love, right?
—Jenna Bushnell
If you're feeling a little exotic this Valentine's Day, pay a visit to Restaurant Muramoto. The atmosphere caters perfectly to a romantic evening with that special someone, with red candlelight at each table and a soft glow overhead to set the mood. With an extensive menu that includes not only an array of sushi options but also delicacies such as smoked duck breast and crispy pork belly, Muramoto is sure to have a little something for everyone. For sushi connoisseurs, I recommend splitting a plate so you can sample from a variety of their rolls. Be sure to try some of their sinfully delicious cocktails, as well. Gin lovers must try the Hendrick's Pepito. I am not a huge fan of gin, but damn, this drink is delightfully refreshing and will give you a solid buzz for the rest of the meal. This Valentine's Day, broaden your horizon a little and venture to Restaurant Muramoto for a first-class evening for a reasonable price.
—Rebecca Alt
Lazy Jane's Café and Bakery has inspired me to break the cliché of a Valentine's dinner. Instead, this year I am opting for some V-Day brunch, courtesy of this quirky little bakery on Williamson Street. From its mismatched dining ware to the personal service, Lazy Jane's offers an experience rather than just a meal. The colors are bright and cheery, and eclectic art gives the place a funky vibe. To complement its unique atmosphere, Lazy Jane's offers enough baked goods to cause a serious dilemma when choosing what to order. The scones are the perfect texture to please even the pickiest customer, and their waffles are topped with fresh berries. Their menu ranges from traditional breakfast foods like potatoes and eggs to specialty baked goods and a variety of coffee drinks. This Valentine's Day, I'm looking forward to a morning at Lazy Jane's to experience their heavenly breakfast and quirky atmosphere. The homey feel of the cafe and the great food make it an excellent alternative to the been-there-done-that February 14th dinner.
—Marina Oliver
21st century relationships are dominated by cautious (or not-so-cautious-and-inebriated) text messages, Facebook "stalking" and Twitter mentions. Let's be honest, they are lacking that distinctly old-fashioned romanticism. That's where The Old Fashioned comes in this Valentine's Day. With its homey and casual atmosphere (not to mention stellar burgers), it is a perfect way to treat your loved one without making it too over-the-top and without breaking the bank. This distinctly Wisconsinite establishment offers a variety of delectable burgers, salads and infamous lazy susans. In addition, the wide variety of quality beers and cocktails will be sure to keep you chatting long into the night. They carry 150 Wisconsin beers on tap, and most of them are at an extremely reasonable price. Lucky for us, Valentine's Day falls on a Tuesday this year, when The Old Fashioned has a special on margaritas-it may be just the thing you need to celebrate your romantic evening.
—Riley Beggin
It's not the conventional Valentine's Day date locale, but Dobrá Tea could be a romantic choice. It offers seclusion and it's quirky, an easy way to impress your partner with your thoughtfulness. A date doesn't necessarily have to revolve around food. Dobrá Tea doesn't serve anything besides tea, but the list is extensive. You can get anything from a traditional Earl Grey to a black tea infused with dark chocolate. It's easy to talk over tea, and much less messy than a meal. No more worrying about sauce on your face or talking with your mouth full. The cushions on the floor and the private booths offer a romantic atmosphere. You're not surrounded by dozens of other couples and it shouldn't be as busy as the more traditional restaurants on Valentine's Day. Make a quirky choice and impress your less-conventional night. It will be a date neither one of you will ever forget.
—Sara Schumacher
Before you tweet your disgust at your boyfriend's choice of this greasy American classic for the next date, just know that this is not your typical conveyor-belt, secret paste fast-food fare. No, these made-to-order burgers are a delicious local staple that consistently win awards as the best in Madison (by The Badger Herald as well as The Daily Cardinal). You can choose from the classic, served medium-pink from Wisconsin-raised lean ground chuck to turkey, lamb, or veggie burgers for the adventurous tongue. Or, feel free to build your own from the cheese to premium selections such as crisp bacon or roasted red peppers. There's even deep-fried cod and ahi tuna for the line-crossing taste buds. Cap the hearty main choice off with classic fries, cheese curds, or Wisconsin-born Mac-N-Cheese wedges to bring your appetite full circle. A dim and strangely-intimate atmosphere, quick service, plenty of topping options and prices upward from $6 gives your date a sizeable amount of deliciousness without leaving a bullet wound in your pocket. If your love interest is an insatiable carnivore or simply sick of repetitive housing food, this North Frances Street gem is neatly hidden in plain sight next to Ian's Pizza.
—Michael Penn II
