Picking the ideal Valentine’s Day date spot can be stressful, so why not take a recommendation from the professionals? While some chefs might like to cook a meal at home on Valentine’s Day, others take the opportunity to break from being in the kitchen and enjoy someone else’s culinary skills. We’ve covered where chefs go out to eat on their days off, but what about for a special night out? We asked Pittsburgh chefs where they like to take their special someone, or what their favorite takeout meal is to celebrate not having to be the one chopping, mincing, and braising. For a bartender’s take, also check out where Pittsburgh bartenders go out for drinks.
Pittsburgh Chefs Share Their Valentine’s Day Date Night Spots
Jamilka Borges (Lilith)
“We love EYV, Balvanera, and Dish. And of course, I love Lilith every time I have the chance to eat there as a date spot instead of working.”
Kate Lasky & Tomasz Skowronski (Apteka)
“Honestly, the most real answer is Ali Baba takeout with a bottle of Riesling at home. The trick is to order as if company is coming over- but they’re not. Just two people ordering: Mujaddara, Mohomara, sleek, fatoosh, spinach pies, and a baba ghanooj – all large when there’s the option.”
Roger Li (Umami, The Parlor, Allegheny Wine Mixer)
“I like Morcilla and Dish for date night.”
Nathan Hobart (Morcilla)
“I like The Vandal for a date night because of the small intimate vibe and the hyper seasonal menu. Also the awesome beverage program, usually I will opt for bar seating if it is available.”
Gary Marshall (Gari Shoyu)
“Somewhere small/low key for Valentine’s Day, like Chengdu or Fet Fisk. I don’t know if Senza is rocking for Valentine’s Day but they would be on there too. Or something a little on the bougier side, like maybe gi-jin or Golden Gai.”
Story by Emma Riva
Photo by Tom O’Connor, courtesy of Lilith
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