However you feel about Valentine’s Day as a holiday, it’s most certainly a great excuse to enjoy an indulgent meal at a local restaurant. But if you’ve waited until now to make a reservation, you’ll find that many restaurants are booked up for the popular culinary-centered holiday.

I’ve received a number of messages and emails over the past few days from readers hoping for recommendations. So, I’ve perused the special Valentine’s Day menus (and double checked the reservation rosters) to create this short list of restaurants known for offering guests a stellar experience.

Here are five of my top picks for a memorable Valentine’s Day dinner, even if you’re a little behind in your planning.

For more ideas, check out our guide to some of the most romantic restaurants in the city as well as our guide to great winter date night spots.

1. Brandywine

W61 N480 Washington Ave., Cedarburg,
(262) 618-4683
brandywinecedarburg.com
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What’s better than a romantic drive to Cedarburg followed by a beautifully orchestrated meal in an historic building which dates back to the 1860s? That’s what you’ll find at Brandywine where Chef Andrew Wilson prepares locally inspired fare that’s served with a side of gracious hospitality.

For Valentine’s Day, Brandywine is offering a special three-course dinner featuring seasonal dishes for $65 per person. Reservations can be made online.

Menu

• Amuse: Chevre tart, apple, speck, kumquat, hazelnut
• Choice of salmon crudo with carrot, grapefruit, green olive, celery; OR roasted squash soup and apple salad with maple cream, pleasant ridge reserve and baguette OR short rib ravioli, parsnip puree, caramelized onion, veal jus
• Choice of roasted lamb shoulder with mint creme fraiche, farro, delicata and lamb jus; OR maitake mushroom lasagna with herb pasta, black garlic besciamella and pistachio pesto; OR seared whitefish with shrimp, potato, spinach, lemon and brown butter
• Choice of citrus cheesecake, dark chocolate, blood orange whipped cream; OR coffee budino, shortbread crumble, toasted meringue

2. The Dark Room

Saint Kate Arts Hotel
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 431-1211
saintkatearts.com/dining/the-dark-room 
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“Peer behind a bookcase to reveal a secret passage to a night you will never forget in The Dark Room…”   If you’re looking for an air of mystery and intrigue, along with an expertly prepared meal, The Dark Room is among the best places to find it. This speakeasy-esque restaurant is likely among the least well known in the city (since it’s only open for rare events); but it offers a unique, photography-themed environs, excellent service and dishes from Chef Paul Funk.

For Valentine’s Day, The Dark Room will be open for a special “Love in the Dark” dinner featuring four decadent courses and wine pairings for $200 per person. A limited number of reservations are still available for Friday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. Make your reservation online.

Menu

• Sea Bass Crudo: Caviar, blood orange, achiote chili oil, fennel and marcona almond gremolata; paired with Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut 
• Diver Scallop & Saint Kate’s House-Cured Bacon: Green apple, pomegranate, squash and maple; paired with: Harford Court “Lands Edge” Pinot Noir 
• Cask Smoked Prime Ribeye Cap: Sherry braised shallots, caramelize pea tendrils, gruyere potato stack, foie gras hollandaise and truffle; paired with Orin Swift Abstract; OR Broiled Maine Lobster Tail: Celery root ‘risotto’, poached lobster claws, tarragon roasted tomatoes, cognac crème Fraiche sauce, and truffle; paired with Groth “Hillview” Chardonnay 
• Salted Chocolate Caramel Tart: Honey whipped goat cheese, toffee-walnut crumble; paired with a raspberry chocolate espresso martini

3. Saffron 

223 N. Water St., (414) 539-4980
saffronmke.com
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If you’re among those for whom there’s little better than the warming spices and rich flavors of well-executed Indian fare, a trip to Saffron in the Third Ward is an absolute must. Its modern interior is well-appointed and sufficiently luxe for an intimate date night and its food… well, each dish is bold, fragrant and inventive and features a notable percentage of locally sourced ingredients. Even better, the service is warm, friendly and accommodating.

For Valentine’s Day, Saffron is offering a special, pre-fixe three course menu featuring new menu releases. Each guest will receive an appetizer, entree and dessert option with complimentary champagne. Vegetarian options are available. The dinner is $75 per person. Reservations can be made online.

4. Third Coast Provisions

724 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 323-7434
thirdcoastprovisions.com
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It’s tough to beat delicious food in an opulent space, and that’s exactly what’s in store at Third Coast Provisions, where even a seat at the bar feels like a little well-deserved luxury. That, paired with beautifully executed dishes by Executive Chef Andrew Miller and Chef de Cuisine Mike Meinzer, is the formula for a perfect night out.

For Valentine’s Day, Third Coast Provisions will be offering a four-course tasting menu for $119 per person. Guests can add expertly paired wine selections for $49 per person or a pre-dinner caviar and champagne toast (with brioche, creme fraiche and chives) for $29 per person.  Reservations can be made online.

Menu

• Amuse: Rose petal tea, lavender cookie and oyster on the halfshell with citrus beet granita
• Sea scallop ceviche with tequila cream, cilantro and trout roe
• Steamed mussels with pickled ramps, garlic, pink peppercorns and crisp baguette OR braised pork belly with foie gras torchon, jus, caramelized mushrooms and mushroom oil
• Skirt steak with black truffle, ramps, potato pave and beef jus OR Arctic char “Tokyo style” with herb salad, potato latke and dill
• Chocolate passion fruit tart or lemon poppy pound cake

5. Three Brothers

2414 S. St. Clair St., (414) 481-7530
threebrothersmke.com
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If you’d enjoy an evening of warm hospitality and soul-filling fare, look no further than the James Beard Award Winning restaurant Three Brothers, which has welcomed guests in celebration of myriad occasions for over 65 years. 

Normally closed on Tuesdays, the family-owned and operated restaurant will be welcoming guests to celebrate their love on the evening of Feb. 14.. In celebration of the occasion, Three Brothers will offer a variety of specials, including small plates, a very special entree special (to be revealed) and two delicious homemade desserts. Reservations are required. Make yours by calling (414) 481-7530 Note: Three Brothers is cash (or check) only. 

Specials

• Blue cheese torte with pear jam ($11)
• Serbian style tamale featuring a whipped airy corn base and a filling of rice and sheep’s milk cheese ($9.50)
• Roasted cevapcici (Serbian sausage) in grape jus served over polenta ($13)
• Chocolate walnut torte ($10)
• Apricot meringue cake ($10)