Valentine’s Day has become a night where one wrong dinner location can define the entire date. Between the pressure to dress your best and impress your date, picking where to eat can feel more stressful than romantic.

Whether you’re going out with your significant other, in a situationship or just using the day as an excuse to dress up and eat good food, choosing the right restaurant can make or break the night. Thankfully, Fresno has no shortage of great spots.

As someone who loves finding new places to eat, I have put together a list of my top three date night spots in Fresno for Valentine’s Day. After all, it is Cupid’s special day.

1. The Annex Kitchen

The Annex Kitchen, located at 624 E. Olive Ave., easily takes the top spot on my list and for very good reason. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in Fresno with a 4.6 star rating on Yelp and, due to this, reservations tend to fill up quickly.

The dim lighting and constant buzz of conversation make this restaurant feel lively without being overwhelming. The Annex Kitchen also has a large bar with endless options for drinks. There will definitely be something for everyone to sip on while they enjoy their dinner.

The Annex Kitchen is the kind of place that feels fancy without feeling uncomfortable. Because of that, it is perfect for a date, as it still has that “sophisticated” element without being too intimidating. You don’t feel forced to dress a certain way, but it still feels like a step up from just a casual dinner.

I ordered the wood-fired Margherita pizza for $19, and, while it was simple, the flavor was incredible. Beware that they do not offer ranch, but trust me when I say the pizza did not need it. The crust was crispy, the cheese was perfectly melted and the fresh basil brought everything together. Pizza is also a great dish to share, which automatically makes it more date-friendly.

Overall, The Annex Kitchen is a safe choice for Valentine’s Day. You’re almost guaranteed good food and an even better vibe.

2. Elbow Room

Elbow Room, located at 731 W. San Jose Ave., is a Fresno classic that offers more than just an average date night. It has a very welcoming vibe, which helps ease any date-night nerves. It’s the perfect blend of casual and classy, which makes it an ideal spot for a romantic night out. Elbow Room can get really busy around Valentine’s Day, so reservations are needed if you want to avoid long wait times.

The warm lighting and relaxed vibe give an inviting feel right as you enter. It’s the kind of place where you can arrive dressed up or in jeans and still feel comfortable. There is no pressure, which makes the experience genuine, especially on a date. At the Elbow Room, you really can focus on enjoying each other’s company.

I ordered the parmesan-crusted focaccia grilled cheese for $18 and it was not just a basic grilled cheese. The bread was crispy and the cheese was mouthwatering. The whole dish just felt like comfort food in my opinion. It’s filling without being heavy, which makes it a good option if you want to enjoy dinner without feeling rushed.

Elbow Room reminds couples that a great date night doesn’t need to be anything too fancy. All you really need is a solid meal and the right person. It’s perfect for a night that feels elevated but is still relaxed and fun.

3. Willow Osteria

Willow Osteria, located at 851 W. Olive Ave., is easily the most elegant restaurant on this list. If you’re looking to impress your date or just go above and beyond this Valentine’s Day, this is the place for you. Like The Annex Kitchen, reservations can be hard to get, especially around Valentine’s Day, so planning ahead is important to ensure your night is truly special.

The restaurant has an upscale interior with soft lighting that sets a romantic mood. This is definitely a “special occasion” place, which makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day. It’s the kind of place where you slow down and really take in the experience.

I ordered the spicy rigatoni for $29, and it was phenomenal. The pasta was full of fresh flavors. It was also extremely filling, and I ended up taking about half of it home, which really helped justify the higher price in my opinion. The portion size and quality made it feel worth the splurge.

Willow Osteria is perfect for couples looking to dress up a little and make the night feel extra special. It’s not an everyday spot for most, but that’s exactly what makes it a strong choice for Valentine’s Day.