Dining out on Valentine’s Day can be great, but it can also be a bit rough when every restaurant is packed with parties of two. Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, so that may deter some people from making it a big evening out, choosing to celebrate at home instead, or it may cause people to celebrate on Saturday evening instead.

If you still haven’t made your Valentine’s Day plans, here are some suggestions for Valentine’s Day dinner with your sweetie in Central Florida. I have actually been to the restaurants listed in “My Pick.” I am planning to try the others, in case you couldn’t tell…

MY PICKS

California Grill – Always a great meal.  The restaurant is located in the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort.  It provides great ambiance and a great view of the Magic Kingdom nightly fireworks show when the skies are clear.  The restaurant lights dim and the music is piped in.

The Main Gist:

Cuisine: American, Seafood, Sushi. Menu available here.

Hours: Dinner and Sunday Brunch.

Prices: $30 and over.

Dress: Casual, but no tank tops, swimsuits or cover-ups, hats, cut-offs, torn clothing, or clothing with offensive language and/or graphics.

Reservations: Highly recommended.  Online here or call (407) 939-5277.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood – I’ve only been here once, but it was a great experience.  I had a seafood appetizer and entree.  The desserts were amazing.

The Main Gist:

Cuisine: Seafood, Steak, American. Menu available here.

Hours: Happy Hour (daily from 4:00-7:00 p.m.) and Dinner nightly.

Prices: $50 and over.

Dress: Business Casual.

Reservations: Online here or call (407) 355-3011.

Moonfish – I have had many good dining experiences at Moonfish and one less than stellar experience that may or may not have come on Valentine’s Day a few years ago.  But, I won’t hold that against them.

The Main Gist:

Cuisine: Seafood, Steak, American. Menu available here.

Hours: Happy Hour (daily from 4:30-6:30 p.m.) and Dinner nightly.

Prices: $30 and over.

Dress: Smart Casual.

Reservations: Online here or call (407) 363-7262.

The Melting Pot – An old favorite for our family that recently became new again. Fondue makes dinner more exciting and interactive.  It also makes dinner take longer, so allow yourselves enough time to enjoy the eating experience, especially if your evening will continue into the post-dinner hours.  Like a movie or something.  Get your head out of the gutter.

The Main Gist:

Cuisine: Fondue. Menu available here.

Hours: Dinner nightly.

Prices: $30 and over.

Dress: Business Casual

Reservations:  There are two locations in the Orlando area: I-Drive/Sand Lake (407.903.1100) and Longwood (407.862.8773).  Try booking online here or by phone.

PLACES TO TRY

The Osprey Tavern – I have not tried this place, clearly, but it has gotten good reviews and I plan to try it soon.  It is located in Baldwin Park.

The Main Gist:

Cuisine: Contemporary American.  Menu available here.

Hours: Closed Mondays, Happy Hour (Tuesday-Sunday 5:00-6:30 p.m.), Dinner, and Sunday Brunch.

Prices: $30 and under.

Dress: Casual.

Reservations: Online here or call (407) 960-7700.

The Palm Restaurant – This restaurant is located in the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel at Universal Orlando.

The Main Gist:

Cuisine: Steak, Seafood, Italian.  Menu available here.

Hours: Dinner nightly.

Prices: $50 and over.

Dress: Casual.

Reservations: Online here or (407) 503-7256.

Hamilton’s Kitchen at the Alfond Inn – This restaurant has always gotten great reviews and I would like to try to outside seating sometime soon.  Maybe next time we go to the Winter Park Farmers’ Market.

The Main Gist:

Cuisine: Contemporary American. Menu available here.

Hours: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner daily. Sunday Brunch.

Prices: $30 and under.

Dress: Casual.

Reservations: Online here or (407) 998-8089.

However you end up spending Valentine’s Day, I hope it is with someone special.