Green Scene
Valentine’s Magic: Explore Pittsburgh’s Food, Arts and Treasures
by Rosa Colucci
February 10, 2025
Photo credit: RevivalonLincoln.com
Photo credit: RevivalonLincoln.com
A Special Night Out
Revival on Lincoln
Originally built as a single-family home at the turn of the century, this stunning repurposed Neoclassical mansion is the perfect setting for a romantic experience. Share a lover’s kiss beneath its grand columns, surrounded by preserved beauty. Gorgeous chandeliers, stained glass windows, hardwood floors, and an elegant bar. It's an ideal venue for any occasion.
On the menu, enjoy a three-course prix-fixe meal for two, featuring both protein and vegetarian options. You can also join us for a charming afternoon tea on Saturday, the 15th, where you'll indulge in artisan teas, sandwiches, scones, and delightful desserts.
Tastings, Smallbites and International Flair
Pittsburgh Winery
If wine and chocolates are your thing, get tickets for Pittsburgh Winery’s “Valentine’s Day Chocolate & Wine Pairings” followed by a Strip District stroll at The Terminal.
Kaya (menu)
A few blocks up at 20th and Smallman, Kaya brings a taste of the Caribbean Islands to Valentine’s with a Prix Fixe dinner for two that includes Calamari, Braised Oxtail, Halibut and Dulce de Papaya. Combined with their fantastic cocktails and laid-back vibe, you can’t go wrong.
Barcelona Wine Bar (menu)
Vegans and vegetarians will find lots of options at Barcelona Wine Bar offering a full tapas menu of options, large plates (including Paella Verduras: Cauliflower, Butternut Squash, Garlic Aioli) and a gorgeous Olive Oil Cake with Sea Salt among the dessert offerings. All set in a gorgeous sophisticated space.
Photo credit: @TaliaPGH on Instagram
Talia
Treat yourself to one of the finest Italian restaurants in town at Talia. Owner Julian Vallozzi’s contemporary twist on rustic Italian Cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Nick Senske fills the soul and senses with authentic cheeses, insalatas and fresh pastas (including gluten-free) that are spectacular. Piatti Grandi offerings include a mushroom parmesan tagliatelle, veal cutlets and a fresh seafood catch of the day.
Eddie V’s
Take a stroll in Mellon Square and admire the Flemish-Gothic architecture of the Union Trust Building. Make sure you go inside to view the lobby and the stained glass dome from the Rotunda. If you are lucky, you might score a seat at the bar of Eddie V’s to listen to live jazz (dinner reservations are full). Don’t forget to check out the lobby of the Omni William Penn Hotel and then venture down a few floors to the Speakeasy, where high-backed red velvet boots and Prohibition Cocktails rule the night.
City Winery
Wine, food and live music are on the menu at City Winery with a 7:30 p.m. performance by "Grateful for Biggie." This tribute show blends the magic of the Grateful Dead with the iconic sounds of Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls). Make early reservations for dinner and wine pairings to experience a night that hits all the right notes.
Cultural District
If the arts are on your schedule, the Cultural District is full of options.
- The Harris Theatre is presenting Art House Classic Films: Beauty and the Beast, (1946)
- The Greer Cabaret has “A Sweetheart Soiree, Burlesque” on tap
- The thought provoking “Trouble in Mind” is on at Pittsburgh Public Theater.
- Romance arrives at the Benedum in the form of “Romeo and Juliet” with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (with live Orchestra)
- The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents “Dvorák’s New World” with Maria Dueñas, violin.
Nature Lovers
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Spend Valentine's Night at Phipps, where you can experience the conservatory beautifully illuminated in red, enjoy classical music, and tour the "Orchid and Bonsai Show." For first-time visitors, the conservatory is home to an impressive collection of art, including stunning glassworks by Dale Chihuly, Hans Godo Fräbel, and Jason Gamrath.
Citiparks
A great day of freebie’s can include a weather-permitting hike in any of the Citiparks or even farther out at North or South Park.
National Aviary
Over at the National Aviary, the Valentines Brunch is sold out, but you can still visit and meet all of the cool animal encounters. Penguins, Rainforest Friends or Flamingo Fest. Seriously, one of the best times you will ever have.
Most importantly, spread love.
Rosa ColucciRosa Colucci is a Features Writer, Color Educator and Consultant who loves animals, the environment and a good bakery.
