YOU MAY HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO CONVINCE YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNER THAT STAYING IN IS THE NEW GOING OUT ALL JANUARY. HOWEVER, WE’RE NOT AT ALL SURE THAT’LL WASH ON VALENTINE’S DAY.

Even if you or your date is a whizz in the kitchen, we reckon letting someone else take care of the prep and deal with the dishes while you enjoy a drink is probably more conducive to romance. Our friends at Trevaskis Communications, who look after some of Liverpool’s most highly acclaimed restaurants, gave us a sneak peek at these excellent Valentine’s options. If you spot a favourite, we recommend booking early. Pretty soon the best restaurants in the city will be all booked up, so we think it’s perfectly fine to book your dinner before helping your friends find their Valentine’s inspiration. Well they do say all’s fair in love and war…

Valentine’s Eats:

IL FORNO

Treat your special someone to a true taste of Italy this Valentine’s Day at this award-winning Duke Street restaurant. Three courses of the eatery’s authentically prepared Italian cuisine are just £29.95 on its Valentine’s Day menu, which sees its famous heart-shaped focaccia bread return. The homemade Italian-style bread makes a satisfying starter, topped with half tomato and half Italian mozzarella cheese – and it’s sure to delight your other half. To sweeten the deal, couples who book from the Valentine’s Day menu between 12noon and 4pm on Sunday 14 February will receive a free glass of prosecco each.

Book now to avoid disappointment at www.ilforno.co.uk, as space is always limited.

SAPPORO TEPPANYAKI, DUKE STREET, LIVERPOOL

With roaring flames and heart-shaped sushi, the unique Sapporo experience is sure to dazzle your other half this Valentine’s Day. Feast on four courses of theatrically-prepared fine Asian cuisine, as Sapporo’s talented chefs chop, cook and present you your meal (priced just £29.95) right in front of you. The dining experience begins with an appetiser of fresh soup, followed by a choice of six starters including heart-shaped sushi; mains ranging from Sapporo’s famous chicken teriyaki to vegie-friendly spicy tofu and green bean tempura salad; and indulgent desserts such as the legendary white and milk chocolate spring rolls.

You can view the full Valentine’s Day set menu and book online at www.sapporo.co.uk, or phone: 0151 668 0177.

CHEZ LE COQ, BOLD STREET

A swanky option for chicken-loving people. For a romantic meal out, opt for quirky French-inspired rotisserie Chez Le Coq. The small but spirited Bold Street restaurant serves up French rustic cuisine with an American twist in a bright and inviting atmosphere. Its signature dish – chicken, of course – is locally-sourced and free-range, providing a healthy, independent alternative to the high street chains. Sweet toothed partners are likely to delight at Le Coq’s indulgent dessert list. We recommend the toffee crunch brownie or The Latino – a peanut butter, fudge, chocolate and banana milkshake.

CRUST, BOLD STREET

Vegan, vegetarian and meat-loving pizza enthusiasts are sure to love Crust’s Valentine’s Day offering. Not only is Crust one of the city’s hottest new pizza places, but it’s also becoming quite the destination for Liverpool’s vegan and vegetarian crowd. Its Valentine’s Day menu doesn’t disappoint. Just £20 each will get you and your significant other three courses of authentically prepared Italian cuisine, with some great vegan choices available for good measure. Surprise your vegan love interest with a tofu salad starter, main of fresh handmade spelt tagliatelle pasta with courgette and yellow cherry tomato, and a fruity homemade gelato dessert.

Meat eaters and vegetarians can enjoy a large selection of other Italian goodies such as meats and cheese imported from Italy; Nutella topped pizza; and even Crust’s already quite famous black dough pizza. The tinted dough, made using vegetable charcoal, is said to be detoxifying without changing the classic pizza base taste. Even better, all women ordering from the Valentine’s Day menu will receive a free glass of sparkling wine or a fruit punch cocktail. All this will be enjoyed on Crust’s ground level, which will be turned into a romantic candlelit venue especially for the Valentine’s Day weekend.

For more information, go to: www.crustliverpool.co.uk

BAKCHICH, BOLD STREET

Casual meets quirky at beloved Bold Street eatery Bakchich. If casual eats are more your other half’s thing, try Lebanese street food venue Bakchich on Bold Street.

The quirky, colourful eatery is intimate but relaxed, and with a menu packed with small plates and mezze meant to be shared, it’s the ideal way to snuggle up next to that special someone while enjoying some truly tasty food. Bakchich also has many vegetarian and vegan options and serves halal.

For more information, go to: www.bakchich.co.uk

For related features, please pay a visit to our food & drink page.