Whether you're planning a romantic dinner for two or a laid-back evening with friends, Baldwin County's restaurants offer a variety of options to make Valentine's Day special.
While longtime …
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Whether you're planning a romantic dinner for two or a laid-back evening with friends, Baldwin County's restaurants offer a variety of options to make Valentine's Day special.
While longtime favorites like Ivey's in Robertsdale, Jesse's in Magnolia Springs (and now Fort Morgan), Hope Farm in Fairhope and Local + Company in Foley are well-known choices, there are plenty of other highly rated spots that have earned praise from both locals and visitors.
From fine-dining establishments with expertly crafted seafood and steak dishes to cozy cafés serving up fresh, locally inspired fare, these restaurants stand out for their atmosphere, service and memorable menus. Many have earned five-star reviews for their creative offerings, from indulgent pasta dishes to expertly prepared Gulf Coast specialties. Whether you're in the mood for an intimate candlelit dinner or a more casual outing, there's a restaurant to match the occasion.
With so many excellent options across Baldwin County, finding the perfect place to celebrate is easier than ever. No matter your plans, these restaurants promise great food, warm hospitality and a dining experience that will make Valentine's Day one to remember.
Avenue Pub brings a fresh twist to pub classics with handcrafted food, local beer and signature cocktails. Originally established in Tuscaloosa in 2014, the Orange Beach location opened in 2021 with the same commitment to house-made dishes and community-focused dining. Guests enjoy favorites like shrimp tacos, fish and chips and gourmet burgers, with a waterfront setting that makes for a relaxed dining experience.
Big Daddy's Grill offers laid-back dining with fresh seafood, burgers and Southern favorites served riverside on Fish River. Known for generous portions and bold flavors, the menu features seafood baskets, sweet potato fries and its signature Big Daddy hamburger. Guests praise the consistently fresh food, friendly service and unbeatable views, making it a must-visit for casual, delicious dining.
Sushi lovers know how crucial it is to find the right spot in town. If you asked around, the locals will tell you to go to Big Fish for the best sushi rolls, nigri and sashimi. The menu includes Asian-inspired seafood dishes, sushi, a full bar and a vast selection of wine, and everything is always made fresh in an open-air kitchen. Dress code is trendy fashionable (i.e., no tank tops). They do not take reservations, but there is plenty of space to grab a drink while you wait.
BOLO Steak & Seafood, the sister restaurant to OSO at Bear Point Harbor, offers chef-driven dishes and craft cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on high-quality ingredients and a locally inspired menu. Guests rave about the steak, seafood and house-made oysters, calling the flavors unforgettable.
For a Cajun-inspired date night with waterfront views, Boudreaux's Cajun Grill in Daphne serves fresh Creole cuisine, including blackened alligator and Voodoo Pasta with blackened chicken. Locally owned and known for its scratch-made dishes, the restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and sunset views over Mobile Bay.
A small, family-oriented restaurant in Silverhill specializing in authentic Cajun cuisine, burgers, po'boys and fresh seafood. Since opening in 2013, Café Acadiana has become a go-to spot for Cajun flavors and Southern comfort food, known for its fresh ingredients and welcoming atmosphere.
A 1950s-style diner in Summerdale, complete with checkerboard floors, neon signs and a jukebox playing classic rock 'n' roll. The menu features burgers made from in-house ground beef, creamy chicken salad croissants, milkshakes and sundaes. Many guests are repeat customers once finding this gem.
Maybe you want a nice dinner at home without doing all the cooking. Fire Smoked Fish Company specializes in house-smoked fish, meats and gourmet dips, offering fresh, made-from-scratch options for takeout. Locally owned by Army veteran Richard Brookman and his wife, Amy, the business first opened as Brookman's Smokehouse in 2020 before rebranding in 2024. Known for quality and bold flavors, the shop's specialties include smoked Atlantic salmon, smoked yellowfin tuna dip and the signature 2-inch-thick Big Daddy Pork Chop. Customers can pre-order for next-day pickup or schedule orders ahead for vacation visits.
A Foley favorite for Southern home cooking, Hattie's serves up scratch-made classics like fried chicken, pork chops, smothered meatloaf, Salisbury steak, collard greens and house-made cakes and ice creams. The menu also includes Po'boys, seafood and a newly added brunch selection.
A casual fine dining experience with signature cocktails and standout dishes like Pan-Seared Red Snapper with Meunière Sauce and Black & Bleu Filet Mignon. Reservations can be requested via text. Check them out on Facebook for the latest updates on what's on the menu.
Lauria's Italian Bar & Bistro serves up a mix of Italian favorites and inventive dishes, such as the Smoked Gouda BLT and Buffalo Chicken Flatbread. Guests praise its fresh ingredients, flavorful Alfredo and house-made bruschetta. With friendly service, handcrafted cocktails and a cozy atmosphere, Lauria's is a hidden gem worth discovering.
For over 30 years, Louisiana Lagniappe has been known for Gulf seafood with a Creole flair. The attire is casual, yet an upscale waterfront dining experience is provided for the entire family. Try their limited-time Two Can Dine w/ Wine specialty menu for $59. Reservations are recommended.
If you prefer a cozy meal at home, Magnolia Meat & Grocery offers fresh, locally sourced meats and house-made specialties. Dine in for lunch or grab a take-home dinner featuring handcrafted sausages, bacon and more. For a special experience, check out their new Friday Steak Nights.
For an upscale Valentine's date, Plane & Level Coastal in Fairhope offers handmade pastas, fresh seafood and carefully curated wines. The restaurant's coastal Italian-inspired dishes and intimate ambiance have earned praise, with some diners comparing the experience to dining in Rome. Reservations are recommended.
For a health-conscious Valentine's outing, Press & Co. in Olde Towne Daphne specializes in organic, cold-pressed juices and superfood-rich meals. Sunday brunch features live music and customer favorites like Italian Avocado Toast, gluten-free banana pancakes and Lavender White Chocolate Lattes.
For an early Valentine's treat with a side of Southern hospitality, Reileigh's Daybreak Cafe in Lillian is a community favorite. The small-town charm, friendly service and classic Southern breakfast offerings make it a great way to start the day. Locals recommend the Southern Eggs Benedict or the Southern Delight Breakfast Platter.
Southern cooking and comfort food in Bay Minette, featuring a large menu with options like Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, Philly Steak Sandwiches, fried pork medallions with rice and tomato gravy and desserts like Blueberry Cobbler Cheesecake. Dine-in and takeout available.
Fine, locally sourced coastal cuisine in a rustic, fine dining atmosphere located in Point Clear. From appetizers like the fresh Gulf shrimp stack or beef spring rolls to fresh fish entrees and their popular chateaubriand, the cozy, white-tablecloth interior is topped only by their exceptional service. Reservations recommended.
A family-owned Italian restaurant in Gulf Shores, offering traditional Italian dishes and specialty pizzas like Shrimp or Chicken Alfredo Pizza and Smoked Salmon Bruschetta. The menu includes handmade pasta, chicken Milanese, lamb chops and tiramisu.
A small but beloved spot, Vitolli's Pizzeria has been a staple in Robertsdale since 2007. Try the Cheesy Bread and the Punch & Judy pizza for a filling meal. The family-run eatery serves up delicious, homemade Italian fare, including fresh salads with their signature Creamy Italian dressing.
Dine with the King of American Seafood as Executive Chef Brody Olive curates a menu of authentic Gulf Coast cuisine amid an intimate setting and panoramic Gulf views. Voyagers features a seasonal menu consisting of local produce, sustainable seafood and organic meats reflecting the flavors of the region. From dry-aged steaks to fresh appetizers and decadent desserts, no detail is overlooked. Each member of the staff is readily available to provide recommendations on daily specials or the perfect wine with which to pair an entrée. Reservations recommended.
Are you hungry yet? No problem. Though this is a roundup of ideas to treat your Valentine, the best thing about these restaurants is that they are great to visit any time of year. So what are you waiting for? Grab a bite now!
If you check out any of these spots, we want to hear about it. We also know this list is not exhaustive and that people crave different tastes. Email whisper@gulfcoastmedia.com about your go-to restaurant and the dish you can't resist.
