We can all agree Valentine’s Day is lame. We end up fighting each other for reservations to eat underwhelming and overpriced prix fixe menus, convincing ourselves it’s worth it only in order to not disappoint your partner. This year, let's not swim upstream. Let's have a Valentine’s Day meal we actually enjoy with food we actually want. Below are 8 dishes that fall outside of the Valentine’s Day convention, but will impress your partner more than the heart-shaped pizza you were considering.

This article is just a small taste of the 🔥 dishes on 8it. Hit the green button at the bottom of this article to explore all NYC’s top dish recos, new dish drops and food pop-ups on the 8it app.

Thick Slab Pastrami Bacon
Hometown Bar-B-Que

Who doesn’t want a hot slab of meat on Valentine’s Day? This thick juicy cut is definitely bacon but gives pastrami as well. Pair this with anything else on Hometown's menu (you can’t really go wrong) and your date will never want a prix fixe little gem salad ever again.

This dish is recommended by: Chef Carl Ruiz

Floyd’s Goan Fish Curry
Sona

There are only a few dishes where you can always taste love and curry is definitely one - this dish at Sona is no exception. This elevated take on a traditional dish from Goa includes clams in a coconut curry sauce and a touch of bitterness. It will be love at first bite.

This dish is recommended by: Eater

Banana Cream Pie
Joe Allen

If you take a unconventional approach to Valentine’s, or just date night in general, and subscribe to the F*ck First method then you will probably be down to eat your desert before dinner too. If that's the case you need to try this cream pie! The banana cream pie at Joe Allen is stuff of legend. This neighborhood bar/restaurant has been pumping out pies for almost 60 years pleasing everyone who is lucky enough to get one. Don't listen to your mom, this dessert won’t spoil your dinner!

This dish is recommended by: Eater

Beijing Duck
Hwa Yuan Szechuan

The ambience and service are both impeccable at this upscale Chinese restaurant, but don’t sleep on the eats at this Chinatown mainstay has been pumping out bangers for celebrities and plebes alike for decades. Its most famous must dish is the Beijing style duck; the tedious and thoughtful preparation of this duck delivering crispy skin over perfectly moist meat. Served with homemade crepes, pears and hoisin sauce this is the perfect way to use your hands on Valentine’s Day.

This dish is recommended by: The Infatuation

Mozzarella Sticks
Bernie’s

Hot cheese coming at you quick. If your partner is going to judge you for eating mozzarella sticks (as your main?) on Valentine’s Day then THEY are not 8it Worthy. These big fried bites of deliciousness will forever change your idea of what a mozz stick can be. Don’t get burnt (by your partner either), as these guys are coming in hot!

This dish is recommended by: La La & 8it NY

Pork Buns
Momofuku Noodle Bar

A little belly and buns on Valentine’s Day? Yes, please! You will be saying, “Thank you sir, may I have another?” upon eating these soft, tender, crunchy and slightly sweet bites. Filled to the brim with pork belly, scallion and cucumber with a drizzle of hoisin - this is a perfect combo, hopefully like you and your Valentine's Day date!

This dish is recommended by: Thrillist

Plain Pie
Patsy’s East Harlem

This old school New York mainstay is one of the last surviving coal fire pizza shops in the city. Take your partner here to split a whole plain pie. Yeah maybe that's a lot of food, but if they see it through and finish the whole pie, you will know this one isn’t afraid of commitment

This dish is recommended by: NYTimes, Infatuation & Serious Eats

Chiang Mai Chi Dog
Little Grenjai

This place is literally built on love. Husband Trevor met his now wife Sutathip on the third day of his three month food exploration trip to Thailand. He then convinced her to move to NY with him where they eventually got married and opened up this ode to Bangkok’s streetcarts, graduating from a pop-up. This dog is a perfect mix of American and Thai culture with a homemade sai oua sausage dressed Chicago style. Food brought these two together and their food can help bring you and your partner closer as well.

This dish is recommended by: Grub Street