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Love at first bite: How to prepare your restaurant for a successful Valentine’s Day in 2026
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Love at first bite: How to prepare your restaurant for a successful Valentine’s Day in 2026

By: Niyati Budhiraja
Social and Community Engagement Specialist
January 12, 2026 clock Calculating time...
Valentines day restaurant ideas and marketing tips

Valentine’s Day (February 14) is coming fast, and diners are ready to celebrate big. 

With the holiday landing on a Saturday this year, expect packed tables, longer seatings and strong demand for takeout. Guests are planning memorable experiences and are willing to spend more to make the night special. FYI, Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest dining days of the year, second only to Mother’s Day. 

This is your chance to turn romance into revenue with smart planning and creative ideas. A clear plan will help you manage traffic and increase revenue, so let’s get started!

Insights from 2025 data from the Retail Council of Canada / Caddle panel:

  •     85.2 per cent of shoppers spent the same or more than in 2024, up from 83.6 per cent

  •     56 per cent made a dedicated shopping trip for Valentine’s purchases, up from 51 per cent in 2024

  •     41.1 per cent dined out, making it the top spending category

  •     73.5 per cent preferred in-store shopping; 13.6 per cent shopped exclusively online

  •     39 per cent found shopping inspiration from in-store product displays; 28.7 per cent from flyers; 28.1 per cent from social media

  •     28.2 per cent planned purchases 2–4 weeks before the day12.1 per cent planned last-minute shopping a few days before20 per cent of Canadians celebrated Galentine’s Day

Insights from 2024 data from Leger360:

  •     Canadians celebrating Valentine’s Day spent an average of $97.80 each

  •     Men spent $111, while women spent $80.80

  •     65 per cent of spenders bought for their partner, 22 per cent for family, 21 per cent for children, and 10 per cent for themselves

  •     48 per cent shopped for gifts, 40 per cent dined out, and 32 per cent did something special at home

Valentines day restaurant ideas and marketing tips

Valentine’s Day marketing ideas for your restaurant

Design a special occasion menu

Create a prix fixe or tasting menu that feels exclusive to the event. Include dishes guests associate with indulgence, such as steak, lobster, sushi or pasta. Add a vegetarian or gluten-free option, so no one feels left out. Keep the menu short to simplify prep and service. Use high-quality photos of these dishes in your marketing emails and social posts. If you offer delivery, make sure these items travel well. Test packaging early so food looks appealing when it arrives.

Add festive touches to plates and packaging

You do not need to reinvent your menu. Small details make a big impact. Shape desserts into hearts or add a drizzle of caramel in a heart pattern. Use pink or red containers for takeout. Add a sticker with a Valentine’s message like “Made with love.” These touches create a memorable experience and encourage guests to share photos online.

Use playful names for dishes

Guests enjoy menus that feel fun. Rename dishes with romantic or witty titles. Examples: “Brie Mine Charcuterie,” “Fondue for Two,” “Tortellini in Love.” Keep names short and easy to read. Add these names to your social posts and email campaigns. A creative menu makes your restaurant stand out and sparks conversation.

Offer small perks and promote early

Give guests something extra. A complimentary dessert, a welcome cocktail or a box of chocolates can make the evening special. These perks cost little but create strong value. Promote them early on social media and email. Include clear language like “Reserve now and enjoy a free dessert.” Early promotion helps you manage inventory and staffing.

Highlight premium add-ons during booking

Show upgrade options when guests book online. Examples: wine pairings, premium seating, dessert boards or a champagne toast. Guests are willing to spend more on Valentine’s Day. Offering upgrades during booking locks in extra revenue before service and reduces last-minute changes.

Give loyal guests first choice

Invite repeat customers before opening reservations to the public. Send a personal email or run a targeted ad. Use language like “Reserve your Valentine’s table today.” Focus on guests who visited in the last six months. Update your floor plan for smaller, paired seating to accommodate couples.

Valentines day restaurant ideas and marketing tips

Personalize your email campaigns

Generic emails get ignored. Segment your audience and tailor your message. Address guests by name. Send different emails for dine-in and takeout customers. Example: “Your Valentine’s table is waiting” or “Celebrate at home with our Valentine’s kit.” Personalization makes guests feel valued and increases bookings.

Make booking links simple and direct

Avoid confusion. When you promote Valentine’s Day in an email or ad, link directly to February 14 on your reservation page. Do not send guests to today’s date. This small step improves conversion and reduces frustration.

Add Valentine’s messaging to your booking page

Update your reservations widget with a Valentine’s banner or image. Include text like “Reserve now for February 14.” Make it clear you are ready for the holiday. Guests should see Valentine’s details as soon as they land on your booking page.

Create a dedicated Valentine’s Day landing page

Build a landing page on your website with your Valentine’s menu, reservation link and online ordering in one place. Use keywords like “Valentine’s Day restaurant” and your city name in the URL and page title. Add alt tags to images for better search visibility. This improves SEO and makes booking easier for guests.

Get local coverage for your specials

Reach out to local blogs and news outlets. Share your Valentine’s specials and delivery options. Include high-quality photos and booking links. Local media can help you reach new guests who are searching for Valentine’s ideas.

Thank guests with a personal note

Print simple postcards and add a short note from the owner. Drop cards in check presenters and takeout bags. Include a promo for future events or delivery. A handwritten signature adds a personal touch. This small gesture builds loyalty and encourages repeat visits.

Add a sweet surprise with local flair

Partner with a local chocolatier and offer a wrapped chocolate for each guest. Highlight the partnership on social media. Guests appreciate local touches and unique experiences. It also supports another local business, which strengthens community ties.

Sell meal kits for at-home celebrations

Offer cook-at-home menus for guests who want a cozy night in. Include easy instructions and finishing touches like a dessert that bakes in 10 minutes. Package items neatly and include reheating steps. Promote these kits on social media and email. This option helps you capture revenue from guests who prefer to stay home.

Attract solo diners

Not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day with their partner. Many people choose self-care or a quiet night out. Solo diners represent an opportunity to fill seats and build loyalty.

  •     Offer a “table for one” prix fixe menu with smaller portions and a dessert

  •     Promote experiences like wine flights or tasting menus that work well for individuals

  •     Create a welcoming environment with bar seating or cozy nooks

  •     Share social posts that highlight self-love and solo dining options

  •     Include perks such as a complimentary mocktail or dessert for solo guests

Solo diners often book last minute. Keep flexible seating and promote availability on your reservation platform.

Valentines day restaurant ideas and marketing tips

Marketing timeline to get you started

  •     Four to six weeks out: Announce prix fixe menus and prepaid experiences

  •     Two to three weeks out: Promote Galentine’s Day and weekend events

  •     Week of: Release last-minute tables and highlight takeout bundles

Start planning now. Promote early. Offer premium experiences. Extend celebrations from February 13 to 15.

Learn how Moneris can help you deliver a smooth payment experience for your guests. Click here for details.

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Sources:

https://leger360.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Leger-X-CP_-Valentines_Day-1.pdf

https://www.retailcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025_Caddle_-RCC-Valentines-Day_final-Jan-31.pdf

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/from-first-dates-to-double-dates-opentable-declares-that-valentines-day-2025-will-break-all-the-rules-302362097.html

https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/consumer-trends/more-restaurant-tables-going-singles-groups-valentines-day

https://merchants.doordash.com/en-us/blog/busiest-days-for-food-delivery

https://restaurant.org/education-and-resources/resource-library/restaurants-to-play-big-role-on-the-mother-of-all-dining-out-days/

https://www.opentable.com/restaurant-solutions/resources/mothers-day-insights

 

Author Profile

Niyati Budhiraja

Author Profile

Niyati Budhiraja is a word nerd who turns tricky business talk into fun, simple and genuinely helpful content. She writes features on inspiring Canadian businesses, crafts easy-to-follow guides and shares smart tips to help small businesses feel confident and supported. When she’s not writing or dreaming up her next blog idea, you’ll likely find her hunting down the city’s best hot chocolate.

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