10 Fabulous Area Restaurants for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. 

If you are looking for a romantic setting — or, perhaps, a more laid-back and cozy atmosphere — we have got some ideas for the best restaurants to check out in the area this Valentine's Day. 

Be sure to make your reservations early for your Feb. 16 dinner as area restaurants are sure to be packed. 

Which area restaurant do you think is the best for a romantic dinner? Let us know in the comments' section. 

Montarra Restaurant

Address/Phone: 1491 South Randall Road in Algonquin, (847) 458-0505

Getting 4.5 out of five stars from reviewers on Open Table, Montarra is praised for its fantastic food, excellent service and ambiance. Montarra has wines from 10 different countries and features a menu with dishes that include a variety of seafood, steak, duck, lamb and pasta (see full menu). 

"The menu hits all the right notes; every meal we've had has been special," according to one Open Table reviewer. 

Martinis on Main

Address/Phone: 8 South Main Street in Algonquin, (847) 658-5600

Martinis on Main downtown Algonquin offers a cozy atmosphere, excellent food and service, and, of course, a variety of martinis, according to Yelp reviews.

The dinner menu includes: a stuffed filet served over caramelized onions, a rack of lamb, chicken and pineapple kabobs and spicy garlic shrimp in a cream sauce served over linguine (see full menu).

As for martinis, Martinis on Main has a long list of choices, which include everything from the classics— such as a Cosmopolitan or Appletini—to more unique options—such as a Starbucks Cafetini and a Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Sky. 

Village Vintner Winery, Brewery and Restaurant

Address/Phone: 2380 Esplanade Dive in Algonquin, (847) 658-4900

This restaurant/winery/brewery opened in Algonquin last year and is located just south of the Algonquin Commons in the Esplanade development.

Expect a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of wines and beers made in-house. Village Vintner does offer a tasting for visitors who want to sample a variety of their beers and wines. 

The menu includes woodfire pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and a variety of entrees, including: chicken pot pie, mussels, spinach manicotti and baby back ribs (see full menu). 

Cucina Bella

Address/Phone: 220 S Main Street in Algonquin, (847) 458-2504

Located downtown Algonquin, "Cucina Bella offers authentic Italian cuisine accompanied by a great selection of wine and spirits," according to Cucina Bella's website.

"A stylish, comfortable atmosphere and simple decor adorned by brick walls create a cozy feeling at Cucina Bella," according to Cucina Bella. Cucina Bella offers tapas and a variety of pasta dishes (see full menu). 

Bistro Wasabi

Address/Phone: 4590 West Algonquin Road in Lake in the Hills, (847) 515-2700

Yelp reviewers praise Bistro Wasabi as one of the best places for the sushi in the suburbs and describe the atmosphere as "warm and cozy" with "trendy modern decor." 

1776 Restaurant

Address/Phone: 397 W. Virginia Ave. in Crystal Lake, (815) 356-1776

1776 Restaurant is an eclectic neighborhood restaurant specializing in "great wines, wild game, locally sourced foods, and gluten-free dishes," according to its website. 

1776 will be offering a special Valentine's Day menu and will be offering a three-course meal for $30. You can choose from the following for your courses:

1. First Course: Your choice of cup of gumbo or mushroom soup or organic baby spinach salad with Granny Smith apple chips, fresh mozzarella, candied walnuts, guava and fresh raspberry vinaigrette
2. Second Course: Shrimp stuffed with crab meat with lemoncello butter sauce And cajun risotto or triple duck—duck confit, duck wonton and duck dumpling celery root gratin
3. Third course/dessert: dark chocolate flourless cake made with agave nectar no white sugar 

Kyoto Japanese Restaurant

Address/Phone Number: 5690 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake/
(815) 477-8300

For a wide variety of steak and sushi options, head over to Kyoto Japanese Restaurant this Valentine's Day. Reviewers on Yelp.com credit Kyoto for providing a great atmosphere, great service and, of course, great food. 

Jameson's Charhouse

Address/Phone Number: 5016 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake, 815-459/4800; 12860 Del Webb Boulevard in Huntley, 847.515.7675

With two locations in the area, one in Huntley and one in Crystal Lake, Jameson's is a great option if you are craving a steak dinner.

The restaurant also offers a variety of other options, including chicken dishes, pasta and kabobs at its Crystal Lake location (see menu) and burgers, sandwiches, seafood, ribs, pork chops, pasta and chicken dishes at its Huntley location (see menu). 

Duke's Alehouse

Looking for a more laid back atmosphere where you can enjoy some great food, drinks and some music? The Rick Embach Duo will be playing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, at Duke's Alehouse. The jazz duo recently toured with John Hughes and promises "an evening of artistry and energy."

In addition, Duke's is a certified "Green Restaurant" that grows its fruits and vegetables in its own greenhouse, utilizes local vendors and offers several vegan and vegetarian options (see menu). 

Krystal Thai

Address/Phone: 230 W. Virginia Ave. in Crystal Lake, 815-444-0004

In the mood for Thai food? Krystal Thai is tucked away in the the same strip mall as Saver's.

Krystal Thai describes its food as "a mix of contrasts and careful assortment of the most flavorful ingredients. Thai cuisine's elaborate combination of flavorings make for a brilliant harmony that truly is a seduction of the senses." A full menu can be found on Krystal Thai's website. 

An added bonus: If you'd rather stay in this Valentine's Day, Krystal Thai has delivery. 

Did we miss your favorite area restaurant? Tell us why you think it would make a great Valentine's Day choice in the comments' section.