Oh, Valentine’s Day! Love is in the air, champagne is bubbling, and chocolate will be going on sale soon! Whether you’re in a relationship or single and ready to mingle Portland, Maine is a fantastic place to spend your Valentine’s Day. You could catch a performance or comedy show, treat yourself to a delicious specialty dinner, attend a s’mores night, or just shop the day away. The opportunities are endless! Grab your S.O. or your buddies and get out there!
Food + Drink
Is there any better way to celebrate your love than a night out drinking and dining at some of Portland’s finest? Here are our top picks on where to book for Valentine’s Day.
ALTO Terrace Kitchen + Bar – With an upscale menu that has been thoughtfully curated to connect you to the surrounding Old Port scene, a dinner out at Alto Terrace Kitchen + Bar includes anything from a wide range of plates to share, from greens and bowls, to moderate mains such as Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Bistro Filet and more.
- Book a reservation online.
Bar Futo – If you haven’t had a chance to visit Bar Futo, one of Portland’s newer restaurants opening only in December, Valentine’s Day just may be your perfect excuse to book a reservation. A Japanese restaurant rooted in binchotan-fired cooking backed by a robust sake list and an inventive and classic cocktails, Bar Futo’s ambiance exhibits both a sultry and sophisticated ambiance.
- Book a reservation online.
Broken Arrow – They’ll bring the candlelight and the five course dinner with pairings, if you bring your Valentine date! Broken Arrow is offering a five course dinner featuring refined regional cuisine that highlights local ingredients and local farms. Your choice of cocktail, mocktail and/ or wine included in the ticket. Reservations available for their dining room and bar seating.
- Book online.
Harbor Bistro & Terrace – Nestle into an evening spent in the heart of the Old Port. Redefining “hotel restaurant and bar”, Harbor Bistro + Terrace offers an elegant and unique setting in their dining room and lounge perfect for visiting and local company. The creative and beautifully presented menu features ingredients sourced from local farmers, fishermen and foragers.
- Reservations can be made online.
Paper Tiger – Add a little tropical-themed fun into your evening of romance with reservations at Paper Tiger. Cocktails and Asian-influenced Maine Seafood, Paper Tiger’s menu include small plates from Japanese Eggplant and Tuno Crudo, to large mains like Whole Roast Fish and Tom Kha Gai Rice. Ramp up the romance with their dish for two, Monkfish Ssam.
- Book a reservation online.
Petite Jacqueline – No one does romance like the French! Inspired by Co-Owner Michelle Corry’s grandmother, Jacqueline, who was born and raised in Andresy, just outside of Paris, Petite Jacqueline is a charming bistro offering classic and lively fair made with market-fresh ingredients. For Valentine’s Day think Croute aux Morilles, Magret a la D’Artagnan and Chocolate Torte.
- Book a reservation online.
Roma – While Paris may be the City of Love, Italian (and perhaps by association Italian food) is the language of love. Either way, an evening at Roma, a traditional, Italian home style restaurant located in Portland’s West End, is guaranteed romance. With pasta made fresh daily, guests can order from a selection of pasta dishes such as Mushroom Ragu, Ravioli Del Giorno, Short Rib Sugo and more. Pre-diner drinks or an evening nightcap can be enjoyed at Bramhall, an alluring speakeasy with local beers, and an extensive bourbon and rum list. Located just beneath Roma Cafe.
- Roma is booked for February 14th but is open 7 days a week and reservations for Valentine’s Day weekend can be made online.
Saltwater Grille – With a breathtaking view of the Portland skyline a romantic Valentine’s Dinner at the Saltwater Grille will be a memory that you and your partner will always remember. Fishing for a spot with a seafood-focused menu? Saltwater Grill has a selection of seafood from Clam Chowder, Bang Island Mussels, Oysters, Newburg Casserole, Grilled Swordfish and more.
- Call (207) 799-5400 to book.
Sur Lie – A semi-finalist in the 2023 James Beard Awards for ‘Outstanding Hospitality’, a reservation at Sur Lie just might be the ticket to thoroughly impressing your Valentine’s Day date! Cozy and contemporary, Sur Lie specializes in small plates made with locally sourced ingredients. If you go, take it from us, you have to have the Lobster Herbed Popover with cream of corn, tarragon beurre monté, scallion. It’s famed around here.
- Reservations for February 14th are JUST about booked, but they are open Wednesday – Saturday and accept reservations. Book here.
Woodford Food & Beverage – Off the beaten path of the typical Old Port destination, Woodford Food & Beverage, an American restaurant that draws inspiration from Maine’s natural bounty, Steak House and Brasserie classics, quality American roadside dining and bygone hospitality, is accepting reservations for February 14th.
- Make a reservation online.
Events
Comedy shows, burlesque, sip and shops, oh my! Here are 8 cannot miss Valentine’s Day-themed events happening in Portland, Maine this year!
Valentine’s Day Sip & Shop at Stroudwater Distillery
Find the perfect gift for that special someone at Stroudwater’s Distillery’s Valentine’s Day Sip & Shop hosted at their Thompson’s Point tasting room. Grab a refreshing cocktail or a delicious bite to eat as you browse through their thoughtfully curated selection of local, Maine made vendors. In addition, Stroudwater will have their own gift baskets available, suitable for any spirit-loving Valentine.
- February 11th, 2023 from 12 PM – 3 PM
Fall in Love – Portland Culinary Experience with Maine Day Ventures
All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt! Join Maine Day Ventures for a special culinary experience this Valentine’s Day as they will take you across the Old Port in this leisurely-paced, yet incredibly lively, foodie walking tour.
Educating you on local food, drink and history, on this tour you’ll sample a delectable mix of classic Maine, Maine-inspired, up-and-coming, cultural, and elevated dishes and beverages. In addition, you’ll meet the culinary artisans behind each dish, learning what inspires them and how they got their start.
- February 11th – 14th, 2023 10:30 AM tours and 3 PM tours.
- For tickets call 207-233-7485 for more information
Shaken & Stirred at Maine Craft Distilling
La Petite Mystique and company are heading back to Maine Craft Distilling to heat up your Valentine’s Day!
Sip on tantalizing Valentine cocktails and be teased by classic burlesque beauties, and glamorous drag queens. Enjoy a dinner or an evening snack while feasting your eyes on shimmying rhinestones and booty shakers!
- February 14th, 2023 from 8 PM – 11 PM
- Tickets here.
Valentines Dinner and a Comedy Show at Cheese Louise
Join Cheese Louise for a hilarious dinner and show with Portland’s own comedians! Your ticket includes two three-course meals from Cheese Louise and great seats to watch Timmy Elliot, Josh Marquis, Leah Douglas, Danny Jordan and Tom Shaw crack their best PG-13 jokes.
Your meal will consist of a shared Homemade Spinach and Artichoke dip, a sandwich of your choice, an adult beverage of your choice, and a choice between our homemade cookies or our homemade brownies.
- February 14th, 2023 from 6:30 PM – 8 PM
- Tickets here.
Hey Party People presents a Valentine’s Day Comedy Sketch at St Lawrence Arts
The live sketch comedy experience returns to St. Lawrence Arts for a very special, lovey-dovey, cutie-patootie Valentine’s Day show!
Let Cupid’s arrow shoot you in the butt this winter as you fall in love with your funny bone all over again. This show will have you tugging at your heartstrings, laughing with your loved ones, and ready to jump on stage and smooch with all the performers.
- February 14th, 2023 from 7 PM – 9 PM
- Ages 14+. Tickets here.
Valentine’s Day Mason Jar Terrarium Workshop at Terrarium
Join Terrarium, the Old Port’s jungle oasis and indoor plant shop and café, and the Maine Brews Cruise for a Valentine’s Day workshop!
Building your own Mason jar terrarium, tickets will include your own terrarium and one drink of your choice (beer, wine and non-alcoholic options all available).
- February 14th, 2023 starting at 6 PM
- Tickets here.
The best Valentine’s party will be taking place at Aura! Celebrate the season of love with good vibes, great music from the city’s best DJs, and delicious cocktails and more. If you have a signifcant other bring ’em, but if don’t come meet one! Singles can have fun too on Valentine’s Day.
- February 11th, 2023 from 9 PM – 1 AM
- Tickets here.
Valentine’s Day Beer Dinner at Rising Tide Brewing Co.
Celebrate love over a one-of-a-kind five-course beer dinner at Rising Tide Brewing Co.
Enjoy a complimentary welcome beer followed by a five-course tasting dinner thoughtfully paired with a variety of beers. Includes an Amuse-Bouche scallop with pistachio dish paired with a brown ale, a salmon dish paired with rye saison, baklava with white stout and more.
A portion of sales will support Portland Trails and their ongoing work in the Greater Portland area.
- February 14th, 2023 from 7 PM – 9 PM
- Tickets here.
