Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and if you're planning to head to a restaurant, it's best to make your reservation early. A special setting and meal will help make the day perfect, and fortunately, the Quad Cities have several restaurants that fit the bill.
  
Our real estate agents recommend the following restaurants for their must-try Valentine's Day dining experiences:

• Hemisphere Bistro – 2504 E. 53rd Ave., Bettendorf, IA 52722
  True to its name, Hemispheres Bistro, which you'll find in Bettendorf, offers a modern menu that gets inspiration from all over the globe. Fresh ingredients create healthy, flavorful dishes that are served in a relaxing environment perfect for Valentine's Day. The menu has a variety of beef, pork, poultry, seafood, and lamb options, as well as finishing sauces, including bearnaise, bacon jam, fig gastrique, and Szechuan peppercorn. To splurge, try the Wagyu 12-ounce NY Strip or the 10-ounce Teres Major. And to make your meal even more special, order cocktails or wine to sip as you relax and spend time together.
• Monarch – 4750 E. 53rd St., Suite #100, Davenport, IA 52807
  Located in Davenport, Monarch has created a unique, elevated dining experience popular for special occasions. The focus is on using simple ingredients to create traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. Try the American Sturgeon Caviar, which the restaurant has designated as "The most interesting thing on the menu." Nonna's Pork & Beef Bolognese, a customer favorite, has organic tomato sauce, pork and beef Italian sausage, and hand-made Pappardelle pasta. The chef recommends adding Serrano chilis to the dish. The Petit 6 Ounce Filet and Crab is also recommended and has Iowa beef topped with an ounce of jumbo lump blue crab.
• Bass Street Chop House – 1425 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265
  For a casual yet refined Valentine's Day dining experience, head to Bass Street Chop House, located alongside the Mississippi River in Moline. The menu is meat-centric, with Prime USDA steaks, delicious Berkshire pork chops, and ocean-fresh seafood served. The steak is a definite star, and each has been aged for 28 to 32 days to bring out its maximum flavor and tenderness. 
• Rastrelli's – 238 Main Ave., Clinton, IA 52732
  Rastrelli's has a long history of serving tasty Italian and American classics in an old-world setting. Located just around the corner from Clinton homes for sale, the restaurant is known for its salad bar that includes freshly cut crisp veggies, pickled herring, fresh fruit, bread pudding, Rastrelli's special chips, and much more. It makes the perfect accompaniment to dishes such as Chicken Cacciatore, a tender chicken breast that's boiled and smothered in Pinot Grigio wine, tomatoes, herbs, garlic, and fresh veggies. Steaks are also popular at the restaurant, and they're hand-cut from Naeve Family Beef.
• Pepper Sprout – 378 Main St., Dubuque, IA 52001
  With brick-walled surroundings that make you feel cozy, Pepper Sprout is an upscale bistro that serves creative American fare. It's a comfortable setting that encourages you to relax and enjoy your meal and drinks but also feels special enough to celebrate a holiday. Customers crave the Grilled Beef Tenderloin, served with roasted garlic rosemary butter, sour cream, and mashed potatoes. Pork Shankey, slow-roasted pork shank served with sauerkraut and finished with a homemade mustard sauce, is also popular. You'll find Pepper Sprout in the Old Main District close to Dubuque homes for sale, just across from the Port of Dubuque.
• Orchard Green Restaurant Lounge – 521 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, IA 52240
  Orchard Green Restaurant Lounge, located in Iowa City, offers fine dining that befits Valentine's Day. It has an intimate, more casual area in the downstairs lounge, but if you're looking to make your evening more special, make a reservation for the upstairs dining room. Entrees include Sea Scallops, Braised Duck, Pan Roasted Chicken, Filet Mignon, Bouillabaisse, and many other delicious options. And don't forget to treat yourselves to a dessert such as Belgian Chocolate Flourless Torte, topped with ganache and raspberry puree.
• Midtown Reserve – 319 7th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
  The intimate setting at Midtown Reserve creates just the right atmosphere for you and your significant other to celebrate Valentine's Day together. Located close to Cedar Rapids homes for sale, the steakhouse offers fine dining fare, including USDA prime steaks sourced from Braveheart Foods, which uses sustainable practices. Treat yourselves to a Bone-In Ribeye, New York Strip, or Filet, and add scallops, shrimp, crab cakes, or lobster tail to create an even more decadent dish. Entrees have suggested wine accompaniments listed on the menu or try a craft cocktail like the Coconut Lavender Martini.
• Maxwell's On the River – 119 W. Mississippi Drive, Muscatine, IA 52761
  Situated in the heart of downtown inside The Merrill Hotel and near Muscatine homes for sale, Maxwell's On the River has sweeping views of the Mississippi River. Its menu highlights new American classic food and drink, with signature dishes including the Half Chicken, which consists of boneless crispy skinned chicken along with heirloom beans, greens, potatoes, and tomatoes. If you're in the mood for steak, try the Ribeye, which is hand-cut and seasoned with a steakhouse dry rub along with an herb butter finish.
• The Drake on the Riverfront – 106 Washington St., Burlington, IA 52601
  With views up and down the Mississippi River from nearly every dining seat, The Drake on the Rivertfront, located in Burlington, has a special setting. Steak, barbecue, and pasta dishes are well represented on the menu, which features Wood Fired Salmon, Bayou Chicken & Shrimp Pasta Bowl, Filet Mignon, a BBQ Sampler with ribs, brisket, burnt ends, and shrimp.

Contact us today if you'd like to become a resident and experience everything this area has to offer. Our agents are happy to show you homes for sale that suit your lifestyle as well as your budget.