Q Haute Cuisine
The impressive and chic moniker alone should impress your date and if it doesn’t, I have two words for you: high maintenance. Located alongside the beautiful Bow River, it’s the perfect place to go when one is dressing up to dine and willing to lay their plastic on the line. Once the valet whisks your car away, the doorman will point to the luxe dining room where the maitre'd will greet you and lead you to your table (located by the romantic fireplace if you’ve reserved ahead of time, hint hint). Ingredients here are fresher than the gossip on Page Six; fish is flown in daily, the veal is milk-fed, prime grade and the beef mignonette melts in your mouth. Last (but never least), the desserts are home-made. Prepare to wine and dine your lover in pure elegance – it’ll be an evening to remember. 100 La Caille Place South West, 403-262-5554




River Café
The ambient atmosphere of a rural Rocky Mountain fishing lodge is evident upon arrival at the River Café. The interior is decked out with fly-fishing tackle, birch bark accents, rawhide light fixtures and twig chairs - all in tribute to Bow River’s pioneer past. An open-hearth fireplace and panoramic views enhance the charm of this Prince’s Island gem. The food and views here are superb, albeit the menu is a bit pricey. But, it is Valentine’s Day and Hallmark would want you to spend your hard earned dollars, right? If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, seafood lover, or a guy in the doghouse, this place is perfect for your V-Day dinner! Prince’s Island Park, 403-261-7670




Rouge Restaurant
If you in the mood for an historical atmosphere, Rouge can accommodate. Located just outside of downtown Calgary on the banks of Bow River, the Cross House has a selection of dining rooms to recreate turn of the century romance, be it in the Parlor, the Atrium, the Master Bedroom or the Dining Room. Expect classic French cuisine with a global influence on the menu that will have your mouth watering upon arrival. For Valentine’s Day, you can indulge is the four-course dinner for $80. The menu includes delicious classics like sable fish, and a plethora of decadent chocolate desserts for afterwards. 1240 8th Avenue South East, 403-531-2767




Saint Germain
Tried, true, and coitus-chance enhancing, French bistros are the standard for Valentine's dinner. You don't have to put much thought into it, which is nice. Sure, you could buy a baguette, some brie, and a bottle of Baby Duck (wait, that can't be French, can it?), but that reeks of I-live-with-my-parents anti-cool. Germain does traditional black-and-white-horizontal-striped-sweater cuisine (Foie Gras, Duck Confit, etc.) with dependable zest, flare and tongue bud titillation. Try the tuna tartar to start and follow it up with the braised ewe shoulder or seared beef strip loin. Okay, then head home for sexual healing – yeah, I went there. 115 12th Avenue SW, 403-290-1322