The best restaurants in Hamden for Valentine’s Day dining

Looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Hamden this year? We’ve got some great suggestions! First, you may want to impress your valentine with a bit of history on this holiday: One legend contends that St. Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men - his crop of potential soldiers - Valentine defied this unjust decree and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. It is believed that while Valentine was in prison, he fell in love with a young girl - who may have been his jailer’s daughter - who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today.

If you’re looking to treat your sweetheart to dinner, here are our favorites that should suit all tastes and budgets:

Ristorante Luce: You can’t go wrong with a good Italian meal for Valentine’s Day! Ristorante Luce (formerly Raffaello’s) was founded in 1992 by Ralph and Anna Iannaccone, and is located in the Mt. Carmel section of Hamden. Thirteen years and several awards later, they are still an institution in the area, serving fine regional Italian cuisine.

Taste: Situated right on the Hamden/North Haven border, Taste features creative American cuisine, a sophisticated wine list and an inviting atmosphere. For an upscale yet local dining experience that will impress your date, and prices that are fairly reasonable, check this place out.

Sono Bana: Sono Bana won “Best Sushi in New Haven County” seven times, but it is not exactly known for its atmosphere. For a romantic night in, serve your date some of their fresh sushi. We recommend watching the “Sex and the City” movie for inspiration on how to creatively present the meal at home.

Residents of Seramonte apartments in Hamden will find the convenient location on Mix Avenue is within close proximity to a myriad of dining options in addition to the ones listed above, as well as shopping in case a last-minute gift is needed. These spacious Hamden apartments also welcome pets, in case your Valentine has four legs and fur!