Valentine's Day: a day for couples, romance, dates, and mostly importantly, food. As someone who's sadly never celebrated this holiday with a significant other, I've always thought the last thing was what V–Day should be all about. Think chocolate strawberries, decadent fudge brownies, and creamy pasta—it sounds heavenly. But given the ongoing health and safety restrictions facing restaurants, the options for safe dining experiences are limited. Instead, a number of restaurants in Philly are offering meal kit alternatives to some of their most popular dishes. If you're on the lookout for a romantic dinner with your love, try recreating your favorite dishes from the comfort of your home. Cooking = romantic = perfect V–day activity.
Olly & Gigi Pizza
This pizzeria is offering DIY pizza kits for you to channel your inner pizza guru. The kit comes with not one, not two, but three raw pizza doughs, so don't worry about not having enough to eat. Since it also comes with sauce and toppings, feel free to customize them with your significant other and make this year's quarantined Valentine's Day a cheesy but memorable one.
Hudson Table Philadelphia
This restaurant is bringing back their high–end meal kits for Valentine's Day. The menu includes lobster bisque, champagne truffles, beef bourguignon, and a creamy Roquefort cheese pasta bake. They also have pasta, fried chicken, and so many other options to choose from. Pick one up for your other half and prepare for a fancy yet comfortable dinner.
Jezabel's Argentine Café & Catering
You can enjoy an intimate cooking date with this DIY dinner. Register for a unique hands–on cooking class to learn how to make empanadas and dessert over Zoom. Just pick up the empanada dinner kit before the virtual class and get ready to impress your significant other.
Oyster House
For the couples out there who go crazy over seafood, this is the one for you. Consider a "Shuck Buddies" kit that comes with two dozen premium oysters, shucking tools, and instructions on how to expertly shuck oysters (aka a guide to impress your date). Or pickup the "Shell–a–bration" seafood platter that includes oysters, scallop crudo, jumbo shrimp cocktail, littleneck clams, and a lobster. It also has two individual–sized bottles of champagne, so try out this Valentine's dinner.
Zahav
Want to show off your new knife skills from all those Netflix cooking shows you've been watching? Now's your chance with Zahav's meal kits. Go give it a shot with the lamb shoulder kit that includes the restaurant's acclaimed hummus and a selection of vegetables to go with it.
For the people who don't know how to use a stove, try out these less labor–intensive options:
While a four–course dinner on the rooftop through reservations is one option, Attico Rooftop in Center City is offering four–course, ready–to–eat dinner packages as an alternative. The package menu includes steak, lobster, or surf–and–turf. It also comes with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, so order online.
While SliCE isn't offering meal kits, pick up one of their heart–shaped pizzas if you're in the mood for some themed cuisine. Also, test your luck with their giveaway of a gold–dipped rose with pie.
If you're looking for a boozy option, consider ordering from Wine Dive to set the mood for this Valentine's Day. From rosé spritzers to chocolate truffle shots, this wine bar is sure to be a romantic addition to your dinner.
Take this Valentine's Day to treat your partner—or yourself, we don't judge—to a meaningful and delicious meal. Whether you order takeout or add in your personal touches with a meal kit, the thought—and taste—is sure to please.
