Where to Eat

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Vizard’s on the Avenue
Chef Kevin Vizard serves up a distinctive blend of Mediterranean-influenced cuisine at Vizard’s on the Avenue, an intimate, romantic bistro-type restaurant with huge windows and a magnificent courtyard overlooking St. Charles Avenue. Tucked inside the Garden District Hotel, this gourmet gem is a surefire way to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Try the redfish tamale with red onion and olive confit or the ever-so popular scallop flan with lump crabmeat, fried leek and an ultra-creamy crab jus. Vizard’s is amazing. 2203 St. Charles Ave., 529-9912.

Cafe Giovanni

Award-winning chef Duke LoCicero offers new world Italian cuisine at this elegant eatery just off Canal Street. Chic all the way, Cafe Giovanni is a wonderful choice for an intimate dinner or a night out with your friends. Take a bite of the Prosciutto Pinwheels and you’ll be hooked. And with your first taste of the Pasta Gambino, you’ll know you’re dining somewhere extraordinary. Afterward take a moonlit walk in the French Quarter and enjoy your time with that special someone. 117 Decatur St., 529-2154.

Ristorante Civello

Where else in this city can you get some of the best Italian food you’ve ever tasted and have it served by an opera-singing staff? Ristorante Civello, on Magazine Street, fits the bill. The restaurant engulfs you in wonderful aromas of the old country and gives off a sexy, intimate vibe with low-lighting and candles. Taste the Shrimp Soprano, fried eggplant topped with shrimp and gorgonzola sauce, the Pompano Gilberti, topped with jumbo lump crabmeat and sauce piccata, or enjoy everyone’s favorite, Fussili Alfredo! 5831 Magazine St., 899-6987.

Foundation Room at HOB
Members of this exclusive restaurant/lounge above the House of Blues on Decatur are taken on an upscale, full-service dining journey that showcases stellar cuisine and exquisite decor in a comfortable, exotic setting. The cozy corner tables are the perfect spot to snuggle with your sweetheart. After dinner, relax in the luxurious Prayer Room, which contains artifacts from the meditation room of a centuries-old Tibetan temple. On Valentine’s Day, this is the place for a truly intimate celebration. 225 Decatur St. 310-4999.

Martinique Bistro

This Caribbean-accented French bistro offers some of the finest cuisine in the city. Bring along your special someone and enjoy a romantic dinner in the lush courtyard, or inside the charming dining room. An extensive French wine list and superior waitstaff complete the phenomenal experience at this quaint Uptown gem. Highlights from the menu include fresh fish and bistro classics such as braised lamb shanks. Be sure to make a reservation because this place fills up quickly! 5908 Magazine St., 891-8495.

Grill Room at the Windsor Court
This nationally recognized restaurant melds the best of European cuisine with New Orleans’ finest ingredients to present a perfect culinary vision. The menu changes monthly, but in February, the restaurant will serve up something special for couples. After your delectable meal, take an elevator up to your room at the Windsor Court Hotel. Order up some champagne and strawberries and have the best Valentine’s Day ever. 300 Gravier St., 522-1994.

Peristyle
Peristyle is a foodie’s favorite and a romantic’s first choice. The luxurious atmosphere is sophisticated but not stuffy, and the culinary style is classic French consisting of the freshest local ingredients. Try the veal sweetbreads with goat cheese and pancetta or the pan-seared Gulf drum in almond brown-butter sauce. Complement your meal with a wonderful selection from the extravagant wine list. Be sure to reserve your table early so you won’t miss out! 1041 Dumaine St., 593-9535

Joel’s Catering
Try your best last year to cook a wonderful Valentine’s Day dinner and you burned it? Enjoy the comforts of home this year but get the food done right from Joel’s Catering. Joel’s team can provide the food you love without having to go through the fuss of cooking it. A delectable meal is just a phone call away. After all, home is where the heart is! 1201 Convention Center Blvd., 299-8400.

Fleur de Lis Catering
Fleur de Lis is a hostess’ dream come true. But just because they can throw big soirees and weddings doesn’t mean they skimp on the small stuff. Trust them for a big party as well as an intimate Valentine’s Day dinner in your own home. The food is unparalleled and the service superb. 301 Seattle St., 486-8157.

Savvy Gourmet
Have your heart set on cooking a special meal for that special someone, but you need a little help? A Savvy Gourmet cooking class is the solution. You’ll learn everything you need to know, even if you’re an absolute beginner (seriously, there’s a class called Boiling Water 101). Learn how to make exquisite dishes and which wines work best with them. If you get lazy and give up, don’t worry, they cater, too! 4519 Magazine St., 895-2665.