Romantic Valentine's Day Restaurants in Charleston, West Virginia

My husband and I love to eat in the town of Charleston, WV, and on Valentine's Day, we typically choose an Italian restaurant for dinner. We are lucky to have different restaurants to choose from that aren't chain restaurants, and the following will hopefully give you some suggestions for a romantic Italian-style Valentine's Day dinner.

Joe Fazio's-Fazio's is an Italian restaurant that is a Charleston landmark. The food is fantastic, the service is wonderful, and the mood is perfect for a Valentine's Day celebration. Food offerings include traditional fare such as spaghetti, chicken parmesan, manicotti, and fettuccini alfredo, along with steak and seafood specials. A dinner for two will likely cost $50 per couple, and that includes salad and bread. Their tiramisu is fantastic, so I highly recommend ordering it to enjoy after dinner.

Fazio's is a bit difficult to find if you aren't familiar with Charleston, but it's located on 1008 Bullitt St. You can contact Fazio's for a reservation (highly recommended) at (304) 344-3071. The hours of operation are Tuesday-Sunday from 5-10.

Leonoro's Spaghetti House-Leonoro's is well known in the Charleston area for their spaghetti sauce, as it is a good fit for nearly everyone. Their sauce isn't too acidic or strongly flavored, which makes it a wonderful base for nearly all their dishes. The menu isn't too varied, and is fairly basic (spaghetti, lasagna, etc.), but the prices are good and the food is as well.

You'll get a basket of bread, either with garlic toast or plain bread along with your meal. Their salads are unique, because they offer a tomato based dressing that is excellent. The atmosphere is fairly simple, and reservations are recommended if you plan to go on the weekend. It's a casual dining experience, so if you prefer not to dress up, there's no need to do so.

Leonoro's is located at 1507 Washington St E. You can park behind the restaurant, but be aware that spaces can be limited. Contact them at (304) 343-1851.

Soho's is another wonderful restaurant in Charleston, and it's located within the Capitol Market. My husband and I have been to Soho's to celebrate Valentine's Day before, and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner. Soho's offers pastas, pizzas, and other specialties like the cheese and roasted red-pepper ravioli, which are uniquely made and taste absolutely wonderful!

Soho's prices are on the high end, especially if you order the specials. Expect to pay $50 per couple, not considering dessert or alcohol, if preferred. Reservations are recommended, as Soho's is typically packed on the weekends. Soho's is located at 800 Smith Street in Charleston, and in order to make reservations, contact them at (304) 344-1905.

*Blossom Deli-Another favorite of mine is the Blossom Deli on Quarrier Street. It's a perfect romantic location for couples on Valentine's Day, and offers both Italian fare and additional menu items such as steak and seafood. They have daily dinner specials which (of those I've tried) were delicious and filling. The price for a couple would likely range from $50-$75, depending upon the food ordered. The specials begin at $24 per person, while some menu items are $15 per person. Either way, it's a perfect destination for a Valentine's Day dinner.

The Blossom Deli is located at 904 Quarrier Street, and you'll need to park downtown on Capitol or another street close to the location. Make reservations at (304) 345-2233. They are open from 5-10 for dinner.

*Note-The Blossom Deli is currently undergoing renovations, and is only open for lunch until April 2010.

Charleston has many romantic restaurants to offer, and what I've included are just a few favorites that will help you plan a perfect dinner, no matter your budget and preference. Enjoy!