Valentine’s Day is coming up, and with it comes an excuse to try out those restaurants in downtown Evanston that are just a little bit too expensive for your everyday budget. From sushi to Italian to Tapas, the nicer fare in Evanston will guarantee a fun Valentine’s Day, whether you go with that “special someone” or with a friend to celebrate being single.
Todoroki
Located on Davis Street, Todoroki is a hibachi and sushi restaurant that isn’t entirely out of budget. Loved for its lively hibachi chefs and all-you-can-eat sushi served in a boat, Todoroki is fun for both group dates and more intimate one-on-one celebrations. Favorites include the Hibachi platters, the Spider Roll, and more. For a nice dinner, Todoroki will run about $15-$25 per person.
Bravo
Bravo serves “Italian classics with a twist” and prides itself on its old world cooking techniques and high quality ingredients. With both call-ahead seating and reservations, Bravo provides a quieter, softly lit atmosphere for a sweet Valentine’s evening. If you’re over 21, they also offer relatively inexpensive drink specials in the bar only, a great option if you’re not out to spend the money on dinner but want to spend time off-campus to celebrate. Entre prices range from $10 to $20 for pasta, chicken, fish, flatbreads, and more.
Symphony’s Café
Located up north on Central Street, Symphony’s is an adorable bistro that calls itself “Evanston’s finest tradition.” With classic dishes like salmon, grilled chicken, and sesame-crusted tuna spiced up by seasonings and dressings, dishes here will please all palettes. Dessert is also decadent, with prices low at $5-$6 but delicious choices ranging from key lime pie to carrot cake. Bring your date here for a cute night at a hip restaurant a little off the beaten path!
The Cellar
The less-expensive cousin of lauded restaurant The Stained Glass, The Cellar serves funky global tapas with dishes as simple as Caesar salad and as unique as Bacon-wrapped dates and a lamb burger on a pretzel bun. Plates are small, and the wine selection is great, making it a fun option to split with a significant other and a way to try a variety of options if your tastes differ from your date. Small plates range from $7 to $15, making sharing several an easy solution!
Tapas Barcelona
Tapas, as it is fondly referred to by most students, is located the closest to campus of any of the nicer restaurants, on Chicago Avenue between Church and Davis. Serving Spanish dishes from soup and salad to pizza and paella, Tapas presents an adorable and friendly atmosphere for a more low-key but still delicious and celebratory date! Prices range from $5 to $8 per dish, making it easy to share many things.
Union Pizzeria
The fact that “the Union” is a little bit further from campus makes it an ideal Valentine’s spot away from the hustle-bustle of downtown Evanston! Located on Chicago by Dempster Street, the cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and combination of upscale dishes and relatively reasonable prices make it a hit for special occasions. A downside is that no reservations are taken, so coming on a big holiday is always a gamble, but the large space has room for many and getting a table is never too difficult. Favorite dishes include a burger for $11, wild mushroom pizza for $14, and a Caesar salad for $10.