By Haven Hathaway By Haven Hathaway | January 17, 2025 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Feature, Guide, Guides,
With Valentine’s (and Galentine’s) Day just around the corner, here are our favorite hot spots for you and your flame.
The Post Oak Hotel Couples Spa Experience
The Post Oak Hotel spa is the ultimate indulgent escape with lavish touches of elegance and beauty at every turn. The festive delight of your dreams is the couple’s rendezvous, sprinkled with romance and pure bliss. Imagine a 90-minute Warm Tigga Couples Ritual where the Tiaga Massage candle melts into a warm, velvety oil, followed by a gentle exfoliation and massage that leaves your skin feeling like pure silk. You even get to take home the Tiaga Massage candle. Extend your stay and complete your romantic getaway with a night at The Post, where five-star luxury and romance collide in the most breathtaking way. 1600 W. Loop S, 5th Fl.
Treat yourself to a night of gourmet magic, whether a cozy candlelit dinner or a jaw-dropping feast to impress your guests. Let Takeachef whisk you away on a culinary adventure right in the heart of your home. With 161 culinary geniuses in Houston, you can customize your request, check out chef profiles, chat with your favorite, book your dream menu and savor every bite. It’s time to indulge!
Looking for a truly out-of-this-world experience? Cue River Oaks District’s MAD. Seamlessly blending Spanish gastronomy with Madrid’s iconic nightlife, the eatery’s menu spotlights innovative tapas and small bites, wood fire-cooked rice, fish and meats, craft cocktails and a stellar wine cellar. Inside, the moody yet whimsical space is designed by Barcelona-born Lázaro Rosa-Violán and features funhouse mirrors, original Picassos, a Salvadore Dali sculpture and more. Reserve your spot now for a far-from-traditional Valentine’s Day dinner. 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. C180
From the masterminds behind Michelin-starred and award-winning concepts, including Le Jardinier and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Tavola stuns Houston’s dining scene with savory bites and a romantic atmosphere. Stop by this upscale Italian eatery for lunch or dinner on Valentine’s Day—or squeeze in a nightcap at the lively brasserie-style bar. 1800 Post Oak Blvd. Ste. 100
As the sun rises or sets, take your season of love to new heights with a hot air balloon ride. Air Carriage Over Texas has the ultimate experience waiting for you in Houston, right at the San Marcos Regional Airport. Pilot Art Moller has crafted a flight like no other–safe, unforgettable and most of all fun. This ride is a total of three and a half hours, with an hour soaring above the world. Get ready to dive into a movie lovers paradise with this one-of-a-kind experience.
Nestled in the heart of the buzzy Montrose neighborhood sits one of the city’s most highly-anticipated restaurants, The Marigold Club. Beckoning with a bevy of awe-inspiring dishes in opulent environs, the latest concept from Good Night Hospitality packs a punch - on and off the plate. Featuring flavorful dishes, including the Kaluga Caviar sandwich, Crescent Island Duck Wellington and tuna tartare, the exquisite eatery also features a bespoke sundae service, with executive chef Austin Waiter leading the charge. “Guests will get to experience little pieces of all my favorite parts of London sprinkled throughout the menu while enjoying an ice cold martini paired with a killer raw bar program that utilizes seafood our team researched and sourced fresh from the bays of the East Coast,” enthuses Waiter. 2531 Kuester St.
Like the perfect espresso, an Italian opera is rich, bold and unforgettable. Luckily, you don’t have to leave Houston to experience its magic. Head to Jones Hall for a romantic evening that feels like it’s straight out of a postcard with the production of Viva Italia! Opera Beyond Words. Music director Juraj ValĨuha and the orchestra will perform thrilling overtures and interludes from Madame Butterfly, Macbeth and more, finished with Rossini’s beloved William Tell Overture. 615 Louisiana St.
No partner, no problem! Grab a group of friends and head to Studs for the ultimate bonding experience.“We were excited to bring Studs to Houston’s buzzy Rice Village shopping district,” says Studs co-founder and Chief Brand Officer Lisa Bubbers. “Getting a new piercing is exciting and sharing it with a loved one makes it even more memorable. Galentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for best friends to get matching ear piercings and shop our new Valentine’s collection of earrings.” At the appointment, expect an expert ear piercing with needles, complementary and personal consultation, an array of cute, high-quality piercing jewelry and so much more. 2567 Amherst St.
Sometimes, you have to say “shuck it” and try someplace new. Luckily, Houston hosts a bevy of splashy eateries to entertain, and we have flagged the one at the top of our list. Ladies and gentlemen, might we introduce you to Clark’s Oyster Bar. Summoning with palette-pleasers including oysters from both the East and West Coast, signature seafood dishes, clams and a cold bar for the books, this resto packs the ultimate punch. With a flagship location in Austin and another in Aspen, Co., Clark’s Houston is guaranteed to have discerning diners buzzing in no time. 3807 Montrose Blvd.
It’s time to spice up your love life with a dash of luxury. Buckle up for a fun joyride in the fleet of Auto Exotic Rental luxury cars, from the suave Rolls Royce to the sleek and stylish Porsche. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop onto their collection of sports cars, including the Ferrari, Lamborghini, Austin Martin and Maserati, all in different shades of cool. Want to give someone an unexpected treat? Snag one of their sweet gift cards. 1717 St. James Place
Nestled nicely in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, this beloved hotel is the ultimate staycation, boasting 32 suites in three unique stay experiences, extravagant hotel amenities, a sculpture garden, mouthwatering dining options and so much more. “With over 100 years of history and a collection of more than 425 pieces of art and sculpture,” shares co-owner Dan Zimmerman, “La Colombe d’Or is one of the city’s most elegant spaces for a romantic dinner and getaway.” During your stay, don’t forget to check out the hotel’s rotating events—from a posh Art Salon to weekly HIIT classes and so much more. 3410 Montrose Blvd.
What’s more romantic than a delicious wine list and even dreamier dessert menu? Rosie Cannonball serves up European-inspired fare—showcasing local vegetables, pizzas and pastas, simple seafood and locally sourced meat cooked over live fire. Our favorites? The Cavatelli Alla Bolognese with lambrusco bolognese and parmigiano reggiano is an absolute must, but if pizza's more your style, we recommend the Cacio E Pepe baked with white sauce, formaggi al pepe and pecorino. 1620 Westheimer Road
Transport yourself to an Italian paradise as you enter the simple yet elegant restaurant Bari. Located in the River Oaks District, the posh eatery is layered with classic Italian fare, including signature dishes like roasted branzino, Pasta Vongole, Pappardelle Bolognese, Insalta di Prosciutto and more. Take a bite out of this must-visit spot; we promise you will thank us later. 4444 Westheimer Road
Photography by: Photo by Sweet Lova/500px/Courtesy of Getty Images