Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner without a theme park ticket? Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort has you covered. Several CityWalk restaurants roll out exclusive, limited-time Valentine’s Day menus each year — and the three standout spots for a romantic date night are VIVO Italian Kitchen, Bigfire, and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.
No park admission is required to dine at any of these restaurants, making CityWalk one of the best options in Orlando for a special Valentine’s evening that feels like a getaway without the theme park crowds.
VIVO Italian Kitchen
VIVO Italian Kitchen is CityWalk’s go-to Italian spot and a Valentine’s Day favorite. In previous years, VIVO has offered an exclusive three-course dinner menu available over the full Valentine’s Day weekend (typically February 14–16).
Past offerings have included a shareable Love & Charcuterie board piled high with soppressata salami, prosciutto, broiled chorizo, assorted cheeses, cocoa-covered almonds, olive tapenade, fruit chutney, and heart-shaped strawberries. Entrée options have featured mushroom-stuffed Ravioli dressed in truffle burrata and champagne-strawberry beurre blanc, and a Land & Sea Chocolate dish pairing broiled lamb chops with diver scallops and a chocolate demi glace. The sweet finale? A Lychee-Raspberry Cake with white chocolate mousse, berry gelée, gold leaves, sugar pearls, and a tiny love letter cookie.
Bigfire
Bigfire brings open-flame cooking and a cozy, lodge-inspired atmosphere that’s inherently romantic. Like VIVO, Bigfire has offered a three-course Valentine’s menu over the holiday weekend in years past.
Standout dishes have included a Seafood Cocktail served over ice with snow crab claws and jumbo shrimp, a heart-shaped Heartbeet Salad with baby arugula, assorted beets, and champagne vinaigrette, and entrées like Atlantic Halibut with herb provençal crust and a Land & Sea pairing of prime beef tenderloin with Maine lobster tail sous vide. The meal wraps up with the same beloved Lychee-Raspberry Cake dessert.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
For couples with a sweet tooth, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is a dream Valentine’s destination. The steampunk-themed restaurant has gone all-in on chocolate-infused romance in previous years — from a Choccuterie Board with cocoa chili dusted goat cheese and white chocolate brittle, to a Toothsome Beef Wellington wrapped in puff pastry with cocoa nib mushroom duxelles and chocolate stout mustard.
Past Valentine’s offerings have also included a Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Milkshake and specialty cocktails like the Fleur Robotique (a prosecco cocktail with rose water and strawberry syrup) and the Big Strawberry (a bourbon Manhattan riff with dark chocolate liqueur). Both drinks have been topped with a chocolate-covered strawberry.
Harbor Nights Romantico at Portofino Bay
Beyond CityWalk dining, Universal Orlando is also hosting Harbor Nights Romantico on February 13, 2026 at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. This all-inclusive event features unlimited wine, beer, and food as guests stroll through the hotel’s beautiful Italian-inspired harbor piazza, serenaded by live music and opera singers. VIP tickets with a six-course wine pairing dinner are also available. This is a separately ticketed event and does not require theme park admission.
Tips for Your CityWalk Valentine’s Date Night
- No park ticket needed — CityWalk dining is free to access. Just drive to Universal Orlando and park in the garage (standard parking fees apply).
- Make reservations early — Valentine’s weekend is one of the busiest times of year for CityWalk restaurants. Book through the Universal Orlando app or website.
- Check for 2026 menus — While the restaurants above have offered Valentine’s specials in recent years, specific menus and pricing for 2026 may vary. Check the official Universal Orlando Blog for the latest updates.
- Combine with Mardi Gras — Universal Mardi Gras 2026 runs through April 4, so you can pair your Valentine’s dinner with the parade and concerts at Universal Studios Florida.
Whether you’re drawn to the Italian elegance of VIVO, the open-flame warmth of Bigfire, or the whimsical chocolate wonderland of Toothsome, Universal CityWalk offers some of Orlando’s most unique Valentine’s Day dining experiences. For even more Orlando theme park food news, check out our guide to Disney Valentine’s Day 2026 Treats at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Source: Universal Orlando Blog, Visit Orlando
