From Saint Valentine conducting secret marriages to keep young men from going to war in ancient Rome to women being beaten with animal pelts to make them fertile, there is plenty of folklore behind the origin of Valentine’s Day. 

Today, things are much less dramatic. One recent offshoot is “Galentine’s Day,” which moves girl’s night out up a notch. And White Castle now takes reservations and decorates their burger emporiums in pink and red with balloons and tablecloths. 

Fear not, Rye celebrants, there are wonderful restaurants in and just out of town. So, whether it’s a romantic night out or dinner with best friends, here are six local dining establishments sure to set the mood.

Ruby’s Oyster Bar & Bistro

45 Purchase St., Rye

(914) 921-4266

Rubysoysterbar.com 

If you feel the charm of 1970s New York when stepping into this eatery, you would be spot on. The interior of Ruby’s Oyster Bar & Bistro was designed by the same man who designed the quintessential Balthazar’s in Manhattan’s SoHo, according to co-owner Lisa McKiernan. Ruby’s, which opened in 2001, offered refuge to New Yorkers reluctant to venture out into the concrete jungle after the events of 9/11, a bartender there recalled during a recent visit. The deep crimson color of the banquettes and walls, paired with the warm wood of the bar and floor-to-ceiling windows, make for an inviting and cozy place to dine out — perfect for a first date or a long overdue one. The menu features a rotation of oysters with special attention to the West Coast varieties. Whether you sit at the bar or pick a corner table, you’re sure to have a great time. 

Ocean Blue Prime

530 Milton Rd., Rye

(914) 881-1270

Oceanblueprime.com

Sitting atop a hill, this spacious restaurant has a bar area, a main dining room, a private dining room, and an even smaller private dining area for a more intimate dining experience. The large windows let in a warm light that makes the wine glasses twinkle against the white tablecloths, creating a space where it’s easy to forget about time. And that is not surprising considering the restaurant serves as a location for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world’s oldest and largest food and wine society, founded in Paris in 1248 and revived in 1950. All breads, pastas, and desserts are made in house and a downstairs wine cellar carries hundreds of vintages. For Valentine’s Day, Ocean Prime will feature a three-course menu for $99 per person, in addition to its regular fare. 

Rafele Rye

26 Purchase St., Rye

(914) 481-8417

Rafelerye.com

They say you can tell a good Italian restaurant by its arancini (stuffed rice balls), and the ones at Rafele Rye are small, gooey mouthfuls of joy that pair well with an expertly crafted Negroni. Chef Raffaele Ronca runs a tight ship. The restaurant has received a Michelin star for the last three years and made the Guinness Book of World Records in 2017 for the most expensive cheesecake ever sold — $4,592. The lavish dessert boasted imported ingredients, including white truffles and a few shots from a $2,500 bottle of Cognac. But not to worry, the restaurant’s everyday prices are not as exorbitant.

Oko

29 Purchase St., Rye

(914) 481-8660

Okokitchen.com

Oko is a high-end sushi spot on Purchase Street with a sleek aesthetic perfect for any date night. 

Established by celebrated restauranteur and chef, Brian Lewis, Oko is a Japanese-inspired restaurant serving local ingredients, as well as a selection of fresh fish and meats from across the Pacific. The restaurant is small and intimate with soft lighting and that sleek aesthetic modern sushi restaurants are known for. The staff operates with an attention to detail — watch them prep through the large street-front windows before opening at 5. On Valentine’s Day, this high-end sushi spot will only be serving its Omakase menu, featuring eight tantalizing courses at $150 per person, $225 with sake and wine pairings. 

Saltaire Oyster Bar

55 Abendroth Ave., Port Chester

914-939-2425

Saltaireoysterbar.com

Craft cocktails and small plates and drinks in the Oyster Lounge “at a very happy price” are two of the big draws of Saltaire. But they’re just part of the appeal. Saltaire is a class act. Owners Les and Beth Barnes designed flowing spaces that serve a variety of moods and Chef Ruben continues to enliven the menu. The Lover’s Dinner on Valentine’s Day begins with lobster bisque and ends with warm molten chocolate lava cake. Choose from among Stuffed Sole Imperial, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Stuffed Shrimp, or Surf & Turf for your main course or anything on the regular menu.  The His & Her Cocktails from resident Mixologist Santos Rubio are Lover’s Red ‘Rita and Smoked Habanero Old Fashioned. Cheers!

Modern on the Rails

1 Station Plaza

Mamaroneck

(914) 777-9300

Modernontherails.com

Location, location, location should be the motto of this eating establishment. Modern on the Rails sits in an old train station docked at the Mamaroneck Metro-North stop. The exposed brick walls and high ceilings lit by crystal chandeliers provide just the right backdrop for a romantic night out. The menu boasts Italian classics and even has a children’s menu. The restaurant bustles with the energy of commuters fresh off the train looking for a place to quench their thirst. Their Valentine’s menu is yet to be set, but will be available from Feb. 14 to 18.