Valentine's Day dinner: how to book well

To get a good table on Valentine's Day, book early, check whether the place runs a set menu or fixed sittings and choose a room that suits the two of you. Popular places fill weeks ahead, and the format of the evening can be quite different from a normal night. Knowing that in advance avoids disappointment.

Book early

Aim to book as soon as the date is on your radar. Small rooms have few tables, and they go first. If the day falls on a weekend, the pressure is higher. If you leave it late, try an earlier or later time, or the evening before or after.

Set menus and sittings

Many places run a set menu on the day, and some run two sittings, with a fixed time for each. This helps the kitchen but changes the pace. Check what the menu includes, whether drinks are extra and when you need to leave. If you want a long, slow evening, choose a place that does not rush you, or book the later sitting.

Choosing the room

A good room for a date is one where you can hear each other. Read recent ratings for comments on noise, lighting and seating. A table by the window or in a corner can make a difference; you can ask when you book.

On Mosey, people tag places for a date night. Look at which places carry that tag and read what they say. You can also see recent photographs of the food and the room.

Deposits and cancellation

Some places ask for a deposit on a busy day. Read the terms. If your plans change, cancel as early as you can so that the table is freed.

Dietary needs

Tell the place at booking if either of you has an allergy or a diet. A set menu can often be adapted with notice.

If you are too late

If everywhere is full, look for alternatives. A late lunch, an early dinner or a table at the bar can be just as nice. Or cook at home and book somewhere on another night. Joining a waitlist is also worth it, because cancellations happen.

Keep it simple

The evening is about the two of you. A place that is calm and well run beats one that is trendy and loud. Choose somewhere you will both enjoy, not somewhere you think you ought to.

Gift ideas

A gift voucher for a place you both like is a thoughtful option if you cannot get a table. It gives you something to look forward to and no pressure on the date.

Choosing between a set menu and ordering freely

A set menu takes the pressure off choosing and can suit a nervous evening. Ordering freely suits a couple who like to share and who dislike being told what to eat. If the place offers both, ask which the kitchen does best on a busy night. Often the set menu is the more reliable choice on the day itself, because the kitchen has planned for it.

Small touches that matter

Arrive on time, put the phone away and ask the server for a recommendation. If you want a card or a flower delivered to the table, tell the place when you book. Something small and well timed is better than something large and awkward. And if the evening goes well, say thank you to the staff.

More to read

For a related guide, see planning a date night out.