5 Great Olympia Restaurants for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show your special someone how much you care. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner along the waterfront, an intimate get-together downtown, or a romantic night in with high-end delivery, there are countless places in Olympia that make for an excellent Valentine's Day treat. We asked our agents for five great restaurants to celebrate the occasion:

Gardner's Steakhouse

Family-owned and operated since 1983, Gardner's Steakhouse has become one of the premier places to dine in Olympia. Located just off the waterfront, Gardner's mixes a high-class ambiance with the freshest, local, and seasonal ingredients.  The rustic hardwood floors, exposed beams, and famous stainglass window gives the historic building that houses Gardner's a beautiful backdrop to an elegant meal. 

Just make sure to get on reservations early. There are 11 set tables in this exclusively quaint steakhouse. 

Ricardo's Steak & Seafood

Located in the Woodland Square Loop and Huntamer Park area, Ricardo's is the place to go for award-winning dry-aged beef and seafood cooked to perfection. One step into this intimately lit steakhouse immediately takes you to a romantic space in seconds. 

And then there are the cocktails.

Ricardo's bartenders take pride in presenting modern twists and classic drinks. The list of flavorful Manhattans and Martinis in only outdone by the most unique Gin & Tonic concoctions. If spirits aren't your thing, Ricardo's provides a plethora of perfectly paired wins for your palette. 

The Cove

Our agents might be a little bias (after all, The Cove is owned and operated by our very own Justin Hjelm), but The Cove lives up to the hype. 

Newly open in Downtown Olympia at the end of 2022, The Cove offers a mixture of high-end dining with a casual sports bar feel. The carefully crafted menu highlights the unique flavor of the Pacific Northwest, with twists on classics like geoduck chowder. If you're looking for a small restaurant that gives you a lighthearted dining experience that still feels classy, The Cove is the perfect place to visit this Valentine's Day. 

Dockside Bistro & Wine Bar

Another waterfront gem is the Dockside Bistro and Wine Bar. Owner and Executive Chef Laurie Nguyen has created a menu that captures the flavor of the Northwest with a splash of European and Asian elements.

The boardwalk location along the waterfront provides the perfect intimate setting for locally-sourced, all-natural food, and the warm candle-lit wine bar offers the perfect complement to your romantic dinner setting. 

Basilico Restorante Italiano

Serving authentic Central and Northern Italian cuisine since 2005, Basilico Ristorante is a haven for a slowly savored meal in the middle of downtown Olympia. Their hand-made pasta, ravioli, and sauces are matched only by the ambiance, which takes guests back to Italy for a beautifully romantic trip to the Mediterranean. 

No matter where you go for Valentine's Day, the key is to enjoy the moment and make the most of your time together. Relax and savor the flavors of the food, and don't forget to make a toast to your love. There's something for everyone from French bistros to Italian trattorias, tapas bars, sushi bars, and steakhouses. So get ready to have a romantic night out and celebrate the one you love!