Le Crocodile


First off, don’t worry they don’t serve crocodile here. You won’t have to be concerned about seeing a pair of massive jaws at an adjacent table…well, unless your neighbor is particularly ugly. Valentine's requires a shot of French and this sure-to-please fare delivers. While Le Crocodile opened its sweet doors over two decades ago, the French dining room has retained its ageless charm. The sophisticated interior weaves together deep yellow walls, and French artwork. Ornate furniture and fixtures contribute to the opulent feel. Michel Jacob’s restaurant constantly lures in top visiting celebs and foodies, so your date will feel happily spoiled. 100-909 Burrard Street, 604-669-4298




Diva at the Met


The title suggests that this Howe Street eatery will be filled by pop diva’s belting out their number 1 hits between bites of gourmet cuisine. Sadly, it’s unlikely that you’ll see J-Lo or anyone of her ilk at this restaurant, but the gourmet food will be well represented. The chefs infuse passion into each dish, serving only the freshest cuisine and demanding adventurous palates from their clientele. Their special Valentine’s Day menu contains unbelievably orgasmic entrées and succulent sweets to satisfy your appetite. Fortunately, you can always book a room for a post-climactic nap.
645 Howe Street, 604-602-7788




Figmint


When you think February mint, you think cinnamon heart, but you should think of the mighty fig. A hip and stylish joint, Figmint is indeed the real deal. It didn't take long for FigMint to make a significant impact on the West Coast foodie scene. Far removed from the downtown core, Executive Chef Lee Humphries' eclectic plates make it worth the sojourn. This self-taught young chef has brought an opulent sensibility to his menu. Like the décor, the fare at FigMint is romantic and elegant. This is should provide the exact atmosphere necessary to make your loved one forget about all the terrible things that you’ve done since last Valentine’s Day. A little wine should help move that process along as well. One thing to keep in mind when ordering: avoid the hotel-resto clichés (i.e. beef tartare) in favour of the creative signature dishes, intriguing salads, and blissfully puzzling desserts. 500 West 12th Avenue, 604-875-3312




Fuel Restaurant


As far as restaurant titles go, you have to at least give this one points for honesty. At the end of the day, all food is just fuel for the body…or on Valentines day, fuel for love (did you see that one coming?). Regardless of your end goal, you’ll get plenty of great fuel in this place. A hyper-talented young chef, Robert Belcham has built a menu that plays it both ways: offering simple, delicious dishes as well as often-successful forays into innovation. It's not that easy to make simple food properly, but Belcham and his crew are turning out wonderful, uncontrived dishes with an unquestionably quirky charm. The menu is sure to attract foodies on V-day, but it should be noted that the dining area is not the most romantic room in the city. A simple beige and brown color scheme with stained wood screens surrounds a large wrap-around bar overlooks the kitchen, encouraging diners to interact with the chefs and the kitchen crew. It’s not exactly a private space designed to facilitate lovin’, but if you value food over corny romantic niceties, then Fuel Restaurant should do the trick. 1944 West Fourth Avenue, 604-288-7905