Still figuring out Valentine’s Day? Lucky No. 11 Arizona picks to save the plan
There you are, scrolling through what feels like a never-ending list of Valentine’s Day events…and it hits you. You have nothing planned! Take a deep breath. You may feel you’ve missed the boat, but call this your Lucky No. 11. Arizona Valentine’s Day roundup. We’ve curated seven standout dining experiences and four unforgettable alternatives for couples who want something memorable, meaningful or refreshingly different.
From cozy neighborhood favorites and chef-driven prix fixe menus to rescued pig cuddles, live saxophone serenades and world-class equestrian competition, these Arizona Valentine’s Day ideas prove romance doesn’t have to look just one way.
Need more? Read more: 10 swoon-worthy Valentine’s Day resorts in Arizona
Romantic Valentine’s Day dining in Arizona
32 Shea (Phoenix, Arizona)
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A cozy neighborhood favorite offering an approachable, thoughtfully curated Valentine’s dinner that feels intimate, relaxed and genuinely special without being overdone.
Valentine’s highlights: Valentine’s Day dinner on Saturday, February 14 featuring a dinner-for-two experience for $50 including gratuity. The prix-style offering includes a shared appetizer, two individual entrées, a shared dessert, two glasses of sparkling wine and a fresh rose at the table. Live music sets the mood from 5:00–7:00 p.m. February also brings limited-time cocktails available throughout the month, including the Raspberry Chocolate Espresso Martini and the Chocolate Pistachio Old Fashioned.
Good to know: Valentine’s Day dinner is served from 3:00–8:00 p.m. and reservations are required. The full menu remains available at the drive-thru window.
Website: 32shea.com
Copper & Sage (Goodyear, Arizona)
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A relaxed yet elevated neighborhood favorite offering a thoughtfully curated prix fixe menu that feels indulgent without feeling overdone.
Valentine’s highlights: Copper & Sage celebrates Valentine’s Day with a $44 per person dine-in menu featuring shareable starters like fried green tomatoes with chèvre and balsamic reduction, bourbon deviled eggs with bacon jam and pecans, ahi poke, or bacon-wrapped dates. Entrée options range from grilled Scottish salmon with maple-glazed sweet potato to Cajun chicken alfredo, blackened fish tacos, and angus short ribs with cheddar grits. Dessert selections include French Market beignets or a cast-iron campfire brownie topped with marshmallow and vanilla ice cream.
Good to know: Valentine’s cocktails include the Chocolate Raspberry Martini (Tito’s, Chambord, Kahlua, raspberry, mint | $12) and the Frey Ranch New York Sour (Frey Ranch bourbon, house elixir, pomegranate, cabernet | $15).
Website: copperandsageaz.com
Marcellino Ristorante (Scottsdale, Arizona)
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A classic, old-world Italian dining experience where candlelit ambiance, live music and handmade cuisine set the tone for a timeless romantic evening.
Valentine’s highlights: Valentine’s Day dinner on Saturday, February 14 from 4:00–9:30 p.m. featuring a special chef’s choice menu alongside à la carte options. Guests can enjoy decadent starters like carpaccio di tonno, gamberi e feta or bufala mozzarella with prosciutto, followed by handcrafted pastas such as porcini fettuccine, cacio e pepe or spinach and filet mignon tortelloni. Entrée options include filet mignon, lamb chops al balsamico and branzino, with a velvety panna cotta drizzled in rich chocolate sauce to finish the evening. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., live music by Felix Sainz on classical guitar and vocals adds to the romantic atmosphere.
Good to know: Live music begins at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended for Valentine’s Day dining.
Website: marcellinoristorante.com
Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria (Cottonwood, Arizona)
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A scenic Verde Valley escape pairing hilltop views, farm-to-table cuisine and wine-forward dining just outside Old Town Cottonwood.
Valentine’s highlights: Valentine’s menu available after 4:00 p.m. from Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15 featuring a five-course chef’s choice tasting menu for two priced at $150 with an optional $45 wine pairing. Guests can also choose from à la carte starters, entrées and desserts, all crafted with seasonal farm-to-table ingredients.
Good to know: Reservations are strongly recommended for Valentine’s weekend dining. The special menu is offered in the evening only.
Website: merkintrattoria.com
Nobu Scottsdale (Scottsdale, Arizona)
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A sleek, elevated dining experience where artful presentation and globally inspired flavors set the stage for a modern, unforgettable Valentine’s celebration.
Valentine’s highlights: Offered Valentine’s weekend, Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15, Nobu Scottsdale presents its Valentine’s Omakase for Two. This multi-course menu showcases signature Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influence, beginning with a celebratory prosecco toast and Yonten Mori sashimi tasting. A chef’s selection of sushi follows, along with Hearts of Palm with Salmon, Lobster Yuzu Miso and Japanese Mirai Beef, ending with a decadent Japanese Chocolate Cake. Throughout February, diners can also enjoy the Cocktail of the Month, Rhubarb Rendezvous, a Valentine’s-inspired sip featuring El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, rhubarb and ginger liqueur, strawberry rhubarb shiso shrub, yuzu juice and Pellegrino sparkling water.
Good to know: Located just outside the Luxury Wing entrance at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Reservations are recommended for Valentine’s weekend dining.
Website: nobuscottsdale.com
The Italiano (Scottsdale, Arizona)
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A modern Italian favorite offering customizable, romance-forward dining experiences designed to feel personal, indulgent and thoughtfully curated.
Valentine’s highlights: Throughout February, couples can book elevated Valentine’s experiences through The Italiano’s Love Concierge, available with 48 hours’ advance notice. Offerings include the Lovers Seafood Tower for two served with prosecco, Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Prosecco, the Chef Joey Art of Love Dinner Kit for a romantic night at home and a Valentine’s Table Scape featuring florals, prosecco, candlelight and romantic décor available February 12–15. The restaurant will also offer a special Valentine’s Day dessert, Strawberry Pistachio Divine, available for in-house dining February 13–15.
Good to know: All Love Concierge experiences require 48 hours’ advance notice and limited availability. Reservations and special requests can be made via email.
Website: theitaliano.com, Book Love Concierge: love@theitaliano.com
Virtu Honest Craft (Scottsdale, Arizona)
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: An intimate, thoughtfully curated dining experience where chocolate takes center stage in unexpected and elegant ways, making it ideal for couples who appreciate creativity and culinary storytelling.
Valentine’s highlights: On Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14, Chef Gio Osso presents a specially crafted three-course prix fixe menu that weaves chocolate into every phase of the meal. From the opening amuse bouche through choice-driven first and second courses, an intermezzo and decadent dessert options, each dish showcases inventive flavor combinations using a variety of chocolate elements. To elevate the experience even further, each female guest is welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling rosé and a beautiful red rose upon arrival. The prix fixe menu starts at $125 per person, with an optional wine pairing available for an additional $75 per person.
Good to know: This is a prix fixe Valentine’s weekend experience and reservations are highly recommended.
Website: virtuscottsdale.com
Unique Valentine’s Day experiences in Arizona (no prix fixe required)
Better Piggies Rescue – Hogs and Kisses: Date Night (Phoenix area, Arizona)
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A joyful, feel-good alternative for couples skipping overpriced prix-fixe menus in favor of something memorable, meaningful, and unexpectedly romantic.
Valentine’s highlights: Better Piggies Rescue invites couples to Hogs and Kisses: Date Night on Saturday, February 14 from 4–5:30 p.m. The early evening experience includes a guided sanctuary tour highlighting bonded piggy couples, cozy cuddle time with rescued pigs, champagne or sparkling apple juice, and a rose for each guest’s sweetheart. Equal parts heartwarming and playful, the event offers a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate love while supporting animal rescue.
Good to know: Tickets are $40 per person, with all proceeds supporting long-term animal care. Space is limited and reservations are required. No walk-ins will be accepted.
Website: betterpiggiesrescue.org
Desert Ridge Marketplace – Valentine’s Moment Worth Stopping For (Phoenix, Arizona)
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A relaxed, walkable Valentine’s experience designed for couples who want something simple, romantic, and memorable without committing to a formal dinner.
Valentine’s highlights: Desert Ridge Marketplace invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Romantic Floral Phone Booth photo op, complete with a working phone to call someone special. On Saturday, February 14 from 6:00–9:00 p.m., the property sets the mood with a live saxophonist performing throughout the evening, creating an effortlessly romantic soundtrack for a post-dinner stroll, casual date night, or spontaneous Valentine’s moment.
Good to know: The experience is free to enjoy and does not require reservations, making it an easy add-on to any Valentine’s Day plans.
Website: shopdesertridge.com
Global Champions Arabians Tour (Scottsdale, Arizona)
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A glamorous, culture-forward alternative to traditional Valentine’s dinners, pairing world-class Arabian horse competition with an elegant, international atmosphere.
Valentine’s highlights: Taking place Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15 at WestWorld under the Big Tent, the Global Champions Arabians Tour returns to Scottsdale with three full days of competition and festivities. More than 200 elite Arabian horses compete across multiple categories, judged by an international panel evaluating athletic performance, breed conformation, and presence. Qualifying classes run Friday and Saturday, with championships and closing ceremonies on Sunday. The refined setting, impeccably groomed horses, and well-dressed crowd create a naturally romantic backdrop for Valentine’s Day weekend.
Good to know: This is a spectator-friendly event with programming spread across three days, making it easy to plan a daytime date or full weekend outing. Tickets and event details vary by day.
Website: scottsdaleshow.com/shows/scottsdale-arabian-horse-show
OdySea Aquarium – Fish & Sips: Valentine’s Day Edition (Scottsdale, Arizona)
Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s: A playful, adults-only twist on date night that trades crowded restaurants for cocktails, live music, and immersive aquarium vibes.
Valentine’s highlights: On Friday, February 14 from 5:00–9:00 p.m., OdySea Aquarium hosts its first-ever Fish & Sips Valentine’s Edition, inviting adults to explore Arizona’s top indoor attraction after hours. The evening includes aquarium admission, one complimentary drink per guest, live music by singer-songwriter Rick Hale in the Deep Ocean Lounge, and cameos from OdySea’s Animal Ambassadors, including Pip & Polly the penguin mascots. Guests can enjoy behind-the-scenes access to OdySea Voyager, Valentine’s-themed animal enrichment at marquee exhibits, interactive moments like the “Hissing Booth” snake photo op, and multiple bars serving cocktails, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, and food for purchase.
Good to know: Advance tickets are $49.95, day-of tickets are $54.95, and passholders can attend for $14.95. Ticket price includes one complimentary drink and access to all special programming. This is a 21+ event.
Website: odyseaaquarium.com
