Bend is a pretty romantic town most of the time. I don’t just mean our cute cafes, bars and private little nooks dotted throughout the city limits, but we’re also surrounded by some of the most beautiful lakes, mountains, trails and waterfalls on the planet. But, as a very dedicated food writer who eats out a lot — both alone and with friends — I think I’ve decided that the most romantic thing of all is food.
The combination of the cuisine, cocktails, vibes of the space, music, service and the person you’re with… all of it creates an alchemical breakdown where all of your senses start nuzzling each other and luxuriating in the gift of experiential pleasure. Finding those moments where all the pieces combine to create perfection is something I’m always searching for. With that said, here are a few meals coming up for Valentine’s Day that I’m sure will be special experiences, as well as a few that I love going to, anytime, whenever I need a fat plate of great vibes.
Yoli
I have had more than one of the best meals of my life at Yoli, and the multi-course pop-up meals are truly special in a way I find hard to quantify. Last year, I went to the French pop-up and not only was it insanely, decadently romantic, but easily one of the two or three most extraordinary meals I’ve ever had. For Valentine’s Day this year, the Korean-inspired menu sounds even better. Just one of the courses is Gilgeori Toast: warm brioche, foie gras mousse, Maine lobster tail, egg and sweet tomato kimchi. The menu is $150 with an extra $50 for wine pairings with each course.
1133 NW Wall St., Ste. 100, Bend
Reservations: yolibend.com/menu–reservations.html
Iris at Juniper Preserve
An Asian-inspired, five-course meal out at the gorgeous Pronghorn Club sounds like a very romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day. We’ve heard some amazing things about the new food program out at Juniper Preserve, so an expertly curated Asian fusion meal — with lobster ravioli, filet mignon and chocolate-covered strawberries — sounds romantic as hell.
Riverhouse Lodge
Leave it to the film critic to make this recommendation, but a Valentine’s dinner and movie night featuring a screening of “The Princess Bride” should make for a great evening. With cocktail seating and a multi-course meal promised to “awaken your senses,” the Riverhouse Lodge has long been one of Bend’s most romantic destinations (especially for a staycation), so this sounds like a treat.
3075 N Hwy 97, Bend
6:30-9pm // $79
Reservations: bendticket.com/events/valentines-day-dinner-a-movie-2-14-2025
Maragas Winery
I’ve done theater with veteran actor Alastair Morley Jaques and can confirm that he’s one of the finest to ever come out of Central Oregon — his embodiment of Edgar Allen Poe is must-see. “Poe’s Twisted Love” will not only feature his embodiment of Poe, but also a four-course meal from the always incredible Mundrelli’s Italian Kitchen. Nothing says I love you like an achingly doomed gothic romance.
15523 SW Hwy 97, Culver
Doors 5:30pm, dinner 6pm, theater 7pm // $90
Reservations: maragas.com/product/valentines-dinner-theatre
Portello Wine and Spirits
There’s something so inherently romantic about flamenco guitar, so an evening of wine, a “unique a la carte menu,” cocktails, champagne and classical guitar and flamenco from Richard Fitzgerald should be insanely sexy. With a menu featuring an ahi crudo tower and lobster ravioli (just to name a few), this sounds like a very special evening.
2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend
Bos Taurus
One of the most decadent restaurants in Bend is curating a prix fixe dinner featuring a red shrimp crudo, a Wagyu tartare and a Sanchoku New York strip (among many other amazing plates). This will definitely be one hell of a meal for the foodie in your life. Wine pairings optional.
163 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend
5-11pm // $150
Reservations: bostaurussteak.com/upcomingevents/event-one-ct9e6
Taj Palace is doing its Valentine’s meal again, featuring vegetarian and meat dishes done with love. (I’ve gone to this several times and the lamb curry is to die for.) Flights Wine Bar is also hosting a “Lady and the Tramp” dinner featuring spaghetti and meatballs and some bubbly included.
I could go on and on with all of the events happening on Feb. 14. The romance in Central Oregon is also palpable in incredible restaurants like Ariana, Bosa, RBC, The Jackalope Grill, The Blacksmith and so many others — it really is hard to go wrong, regardless of the time of year. Make food a part of the romance in your life and you’ll always be full. Of food. And romance. You get it.
This article appears in The Source Weekly February 6, 2025.
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For a great Valentine’s Day food idea, check out Wild Petals Provisions for a heart-shaped Charcuterie board.