Reserve Valentine’s Day Tables Now At Arlington's Top Restaurants

ARLINGTON, VA — Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, and if you haven’t made reservations for dinner out at one of Arlington’s best local restaurants, do it now.

About 39 percent of U.S. adults plan an evening out to celebrate Valentine’s Day, according to a National Retail Federation survey. Because Feb. 14 falls on a Saturday this year, Arlington restaurants will likely be busy through the weekend, as well as a day or two earlier than the holiday.

Bar Chinois National Landing: Start the night off with a celebratory glass of bubbles and then enjoy a three-course dinner at the French-Chinese fusion hotspot at its Arlington location for $55. Start with options like the fan-favorite Red Chili Wontons, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Walnut Shrimp or Popiah de Canard. For a main course, guests can choose from Char Siu Chicken Rice, 1970's Garlic Noodles, Misozuke Salmon Rice or Black Pepper Duck. End the night with a sweet treat, choosing from the Matcha Creme Brûlée or Chocolate Cheesecake. Bar Chinois is located at 244 19th Court South #105, Arlington, VA 22202. Call 703-416-6769.

Valentine’s Day with Heart-Shaped Pizza: Paisano’s is celebrating love with the return of its fan-favorite heart-shaped pizzas, this year with a bold and spicy twist. For a limited time, any large make-your-own pizza can be crafted into a heart shape. For the first time, Paisano’s Hot Honey Pizza is also available to be transformed into a heart-shaped pie. This sweet-heat favorite features New York-style pizza sauce, pizza cheese, cup-and-char pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and a drizzle of hot honey. Perfect for your Valentine’s or Galentine’s celebrations. Heart-shaped pizzas are available Feb 9-15, at all 40 Paisano’s locations across the DMV, including two locations in Arlington: Crystal City, 3650 South Glebe Road #185; and Pershing, 2201 N Pershing Drive, Suite F.

Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery: Everything's coming up sweet for Valentine's Day at Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery at 1515 North Courthouse Road in Arlington. from Wednesday, Feb. 11 through Saturday, Feb. 14. Get buttery, Sweet Tart Sugar Cookies adorned in pastel colors — just like the nostalgic ones in the box with romantic messages — and eat your heart out with decadent Truffle Bites. The beloved Cruffin, created first in D.C. by Chef Guas is making a comeback for Valentine's Day [and Mardi Gras,] all dressed up for this loving occasion with silky Strawberry Cream crowning the Cruffin –promises to make hearts flutter.

Many, but not all, local restaurants handle reservations through OpenTable, an online service. Romantic restaurants typically fill up a week before Valentine’s Day.

Here are a few still accepting Valentine’s Day reservations, according to OpenTable:

• Ruthie's All-Day
• Lyon Hall
• The Liberty Tavern
• Medium Rare
• The Salt Line
• Ambar