“These restaurants know how to set the mood,” website OpenTable says.
TAMPA, Fla. — Valentine’s Day is over a week away, and some of you lovebirds may be putting the final touches on how to surprise your significant other.
You may already have reservations set for two, candy and flowers ready to gift your loved one or something even more special planned.
However, it’s understandable not knowing what you have in mind yet for Valentine’s Day, as finding the most romantic spot can be tricky.
Well, if you’re in the Tampa Bay area, three local restaurants were listed among the 100 most romantic in the U.S. by OpenTable.
“These restaurants know how to set the mood,” the website says. “Celebrated by diners for romance, they’re the certifiably swoon-worthy spots people choose when the night matters most.”
If you’re looking for a nice steak and wine dinner, Bern’s Steak House, located on South Howard Avenue in Tampa cracked the list as one of the country’s most romantic spots.
Having been open for 70 years, the restaurant features “perfectly” aged steaks, one of the largest wine collections in the world and an internationally famous dessert room.
Prime steaks are cut to order and vegetables are grown locally on the Bern’s farm. And if you prefer seafood, the restaurant’s menu has 20 choices of caviar.
Another Tampa steakhouse making the top 100 list is Charley’s Steak House, located in the area of West Cypress Street.
The local family-owned restaurant has been open since 1998, featuring USDA Prime and Choice Angus steers, aged 4 to 6 weeks for peak tenderness, hand-cut daily by the managers and flame-grilled over Florida citrus and oak wood in a custom 1,200-degree pit.Â
And for the true steak lovers who enjoy a drink with their meal, Charley’s Steak House has a T-bone-shaped bar.
The Black Pearl, located on Main Street in Dunedin, is the one Pinellas County restaurant to join the 100 best in the U.S.
The modern American and French establishment features food made fresh with locally sourced ingredients, with dishes such as White Truffle Lobster Risotto, Braised Petite Colorado Lamb Shank and Maple Leaf Farms Duckling.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day festivities, from Feb. 6-19 the restaurant is serving its 8-course prix fixe dinner at $135 per person. Additional wine pairings to the courses will be offered at an additional charge.