Bistro Tournesol

The first week of February annually witnesses a flower genocide. Instead of contributing to petal death, take your paramour to Tournesol, the French sunflower restaurant. This Dupont staple takes its name to heart as the sunflower motif dominates the décor. Almost always full, the sunny joint warms bleak February nights. By French bistro standards, it's relatively affordable and off-the-beaten-path enough to give you an in-the-know vibe. The spiced scallops with lemon beurre blanc, and duck confit with white bean puree, are wonderful, while the daily changing fish specials inspire tongue probing. Finish off with the better-than-coition crusted lemon tart. Wait, maybe you should skip the tart. 406 Dupont Street, 416-921-7766




Bymark

We're not condoning all subterranean activities, just some of them. Kerouac gets a pass as do the Ninja Turtles. So does the country's finest underground restaurant: Bymark. Part of Mark McEwan's epi-empire, the swank, stalwart joint is tucked away on post-business-hours ghost town, Wellington Street. Boasting stunning contemporary fare, Bymark has cool cachet to spare. Dark and hidden, it has an in-the-know-ness that belies its age. This kind of swankness doesn't come cheap, but it will pay dividends. Heart-shaped boxes and bouquets are for rockstars and sommeliers; the common folk need chic dinner joints. Bring your credit card and make sure that it has breathing room. 66 Wellington Street West, 416-777-1144




Celestin

Here's a Valentine's tip for you: plan dinner near your home. If you fail in your heart-card amorous endeavor you can quickly return to your abode for Hugh Grant and ice cream; on the other hand, if successful, long cab ride make outs are inconsiderate and sloppy. Oh, you live on Mt. Pleasant? Go to Celestin. Consistently packed with a well-tended crowd, Celestin has a covertly French air. Expect neither pencil moustaches nor nic-stained fingers. The menu relies heavily on meat and fish. Try the tender rabbit (take that, Bugs) meat ravioli, with shallots, and basil or the luscious lamb shank, so particularly tender one wonders what force is holding the meat to the bone. You're welcome. 623 Mount Pleasant Road, 416-544-9035




Chez Victor

The darkness is what greets you first. Walk into Chez Victor in the Hôtel Le Germain and a quiet shade of black envelopes you - it would suggest an old-school steak house, were the decor not so slick. Chef David Chrystian is at the helm, doling out his French-Canadian cuisine with the occasional dose of home-spun fusion. Harmony is key to Chrystian’s plates, which gravitate toward French cooking traditions. Earthy, robust flavours are staples of French cooking, but Chrystian seems right at home with lightness and subtlety. His menu offers a few beef options in different iterations. The French frou-frou attitude is brushed aside, with flavourful dishes speaking for themselves. Oh, and since it's ensconced in a hotel you can make it a one-stop Valentine's evening; just saying. 30 Mercer Street, (Hôtel Le Germain), 416-883-3431