Happy Valentine’s Day! 

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with those you love is a sweet treat, no matter where you do it. But if you want to spend a little time discussing life and love over a fabulous Valentine dinner at an upscale restaurant where the service is always stellar, try one of these fine Austin establishments. I personally recommend each and every one.

The Capital Grille

If there is anything not to like about The Capital Grille, I’ve yet to find it. Although you will be plenty happy with your choice of any spot on this list, The Capital Grille is still my #1 choice for a celebration dinner in Austin.  For reservations, check here.

Photo The Capital Grille on Instagram

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Mike and I both agree that Eddie V’s has an outstandingly reliable menu of celebration dinner favorites, but I also recommend the restaurant’s happy hour choices. If your Valentine prefers a light dinner with a beautiful glass of red wine, head to either of Eddie V’s two Austin locations and enjoy the filet mignon on brioche buns. Not only are they delicious, but they’re bargain-priced. For reservations, check here.

Photo Eddie V’s Prime Seafood on Instagram 

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

When it comes to pairing wine with dinner, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar claims a certain level of expertise; however, they also have a known standard of excellence with all their menu offerings which appear at your table as perfection on a plate. Someone in the kitchen makes sure they “obsess over every detail so that you’ll savor every bite.” I absolutely love Fleming’s for celebratory occasions and romantic dinners, both at the Domain and downtown locations. For reservations, check here.

Photo Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse on Instagram

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Over the years that we lived in Amarillo, we had a favorite celebratory restaurant. It was downtown, where the wind whipped around the buildings by day and also by night. In my mind, it seems like it was dead of winter every time we dined at this favorite place of ours, but it probably wasn’t, and who cared? The parking was ample, and the food was fantastic.

When the kids graduated from first one school and then another, when we had a big birthday, or when something that happened called for somewhere over-the-top, we made a reservation, dressed up and enjoyed a festive dinner together.

Here in Austin, there’s a homey place downtown that reminds me of that one we left behind. It’s called Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and it was designed by Ruth herself to feel like a place where traditions are born. “Insist on making a toast,” is part of the philosophy of the place, so when you go, have a few words ready for the raising of your Valentine glass. For reservations, check here.

Photo of Chocolate Duo at Ruth’s Chris Steak House on Instagram

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Can anyone anywhere adequately describe the pork chop at Perry’s? Maybe, but I’m definitely struggling to find the words. Just know that if you’re going to Perry’s for a steak, you’ll probably change your mind. This will occur about the time the host has walked you zig-zaggy through the other tables, giving you time to catch a whiff and a glance at what everyone else seems to have already known about and ordered. This is not your average pork chop, ladies and gents. It’s not your Mama’s, your Daddy’s, or your grandmother’s either. You just have to try it to know why. For reservations at Austin’s one and only Perry’s location, check here.

Photo Perry’s Steakhouse on Instagram

Truluck’s 

If Truluck’s had a menu that consisted only of its Shrimp Cocktail and house-made five-layer Carrot Cake, it would be enough for me. Have you tried them? If not, now is the time, my friend. Now is the time for love and shrimp cocktail….or love and carrot cake. Your Valentine will be a puddle of mush after dinner at Truluck’s, I’m telling you. Can you tell I’m speaking from experience? For reservations at either of the Arboretum or downtown locations, check here.

Photo Truluck’s Restaurant on Instagram

Happy Valentine’s Day to you, my friends and loved ones. May the desires of our hearts be fully satisfied as we love one another today and every day.

Encouraging a life filled with everyday intentional adventure, discussed with love over a delicious dinner,