SWEET MORNINGS
MAMAN
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Benjamin Sormonte and Elisa Marshall, Maman first opened its doors in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood as a cozy and instant “home away from home.” Maman has since grown into a beloved international brand, complete with multiple locations, creative partnerships and a bestselling cookbook titled Maman: The Cookbook: All-Day Recipes to Warm Your Heart, and now marks its milestone 50th cafe in Dallas. Located in Preston Center, the Dallas outpost channels Maman’s signature South of France-inspired look, pairing sun-washed interiors with the cafe’s cult-favorite pastries, sweets and coffee drinks, plus a handful of Dallas-exclusive menu items. Order the weekend-only Eggs Ratatouille (especially fitting with Feb. 14 falling on a Saturday this year), then linger over lattes before taking home seasonal Valentine’s treats. 4004 Villanova St.
Maman’s special Valentine’s Day cookies
Photo courtesy of brand
ROSE CAFÉ
Anchoring the ground floor of The Terminal at Fitzhugh and Buena Vista with direct access from the Katy Trail, Rose Café is the kind of place where coffee, breakfast and a long walk naturally go hand in hand. Chef Sotear Tep’s background in both high-volume cooking and dietetics shapes the entire menu. Her dishes are lighter, nutrient-focused and rely on technique (herb-infused stocks, citrus and controlled roasting). Many recipes are inspired by her grandmother’s cooking but adapted with a healthier approach. Breakfast options like chia seed pudding, granola yogurt bowls and overnight oats with fresh fruit are all guest favorites. Fresh juices including beet, carrot-ginger, orange and green are squeezed daily with no additives or added sugar. 4205 Buena Vista St.
Rose Café’s granola yogurt bowl with Greek yogurt, house granola and fresh fruit is served all day with matcha lattes and handcrafted coffee drinks.
Photo by Beckley
FRIENDS FIRST
MIRADOR
On Feb. 14, Mirador will offer evening dinner service from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., featuring an abbreviated menu with chef-driven highlights. Lighter, vegetable-forward dishes keep the mood fresh, while the new ’Tini and Rosé Flights add a festive finish. The celebration kicks off a night early for Galentine’s Day on Feb. 13, and continues with weekday lunch all week, an easy excuse to gather friends and toast the upcoming Café Mirador opening in Fort Worth in 2026. For lunch, the restaurant will offer a special take on its current prix-fixe menu: petite portions of the Escarole Caesar, French Fries and Orecchiette, accompanied by a complimentary glass of rosé. 1608 Elm St.
Mirador’s Still Life (brunch-only) and Autumn Spritz cocktails
Photo by Dan Padgett
PARIGI
A longtime neighborhood favorite, Janice Provost’s intimate bistro continues to feel both comforting and quietly special. The menu shifts with the seasons, balancing craveable classics with thoughtful twists—from a vegetable-forward risotto to a rich wild boar bolognese that begs to be savored. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger, order one more glass and plan your return before you’ve even left. 3311 Oak Lawn Ave.
FOR FOOD LOVERS
NORMAN’S JAPANESE GRILL
For adventurous food lovers and true Texans with a bit of cowboy spirit, Norman’s is the reservation worth fighting for. One of the city’s most buzzed-about new openings this past year, the restaurant is playful and imaginative, blending Western influences with authentic Japanese raw bar and grill traditions. Inspired by the founders of Duro, Chas Martin and Benji Homsey’s deep appreciation for Japanese cuisine and culture, the menu strikes a vibrant balance, featuring immaculate sashimi, hand rolls and inventive nigiri, paired with smoky robata skewers and fire-grilled meats. 4002 Oak Lawn Ave.
Norman’s Japanese Grill bluefin otoro with Asian pear, ossetra caviar and white ponzu.
Photo by Samantha Marie Photography
MAMANI
At Mamani, romance begins in the kitchen with executive chef Christophe De Lellis, a Paris native with deep roots at Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas. His cooking is inspired by his mamani, the Italian grandmother who first taught him to cook, resulting in a menu that feels both deeply personal and quietly luxurious. For Valentine’s Day, there are two standout ways to experience Mamani. Settle into the bar, a moody, intimate hideaway perfect for lingering cocktails and lively conversation, or opt for the all-season terrace, complete with a retractable roof that sets the scene for grand yet cozy celebrations. Begin with Murder Point oysters, scallops with caviar and the Cavatelli, then linger over gelato to close the night. 2681 Howell St., #BU4
CATCH DALLAS
A favorite for celebratory evenings, CATCH Dallas delivers the kind of polished, high-energy romance that feels made for Valentine’s Day. Set inside Uptown’s historic Maple Terrace, the emerald-toned dining room sets a sultry mood for a night built around indulgence—think pristine seafood towers, artful sushi and perfectly cooked steaks meant for sharing. Whether you start with cocktails at the bar or settle in for a full dinner experience, the menu’s balance of luxury and comfort makes this a natural choice. Reservations are strongly recommended.3005 Maple Ave.
CLASSIC DATE
CAFÉ PACIFIC
A cornerstone of Dallas dining for more than 40 years, Café Pacific is the definition of casual elegance and a timeless choice for a Valentine’s Day date. Known for impeccably prepared steaks, pristine seafood and classic sandwiches with sides that are worth lingering over, the experience feels both celebratory and effortlessly refined. Reservations open 30 days in advance and are highly recommended, though walk-ins are always welcome as space allows. Dress polished, settle in and let tradition do the rest. 24 Highland Park Village
LUCIA
In the heart of the Bishop Arts District, Lucia is a must for Italian dining. Along with its warm and intimate setting, the staff is known to be polite and professional. Lucia’s menu changes frequently, offering adventurous flavors that remain timeless, with standout housemade sourdough, exceptional charcuterie and fresh, handmade pastas. Standouts include the rich rigatoni with wagyu beef shank ragù, grilled lamb tongue and the signature house-cured salumi. 287 N. Bishop Ave.
SĒR STEAK + SPIRITS
Poised above the Dallas skyline, SĒR sets the stage for an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration. The city lights provide a dramatic backdrop to a three-course prix fixe menu thoughtfully crafted by chef Aubrey Murphy, featuring seasonal ingredients and artfully plated creations. Couples can toast the evening with curated wine pairings or specialty cocktails, while intimate tables and rooftop views make for the perfect romantic setting.2201 N. Stemmons Freeway, Floor 27



