Among the most popular items listed on Valentine’s Day menus are meats and seafood. The holiday lends itself meals that feature lamb, veal, steak and lobster, along with purported aphrodisiacs like oysters. But for vegetarians, the specials offered at many restaurants aren’t love inducing and a simple salad is not really the optimal main course for a romantic, special occasion.

If your Valentine is vegetarian, try to check the menu of the restaurant before you make a reservation or simply as the host or hostess if they offer vegetarian options when you call. Most restaurants either have options already or have no problem making sure that a substitute for a carnivorous main course is available. If they cannot or refuse to accommodate you, it is best to change your reservations, since an otherwise lovely evening can be marred by an unpleasant dinner.

When selecting a restaurant, a steakhouse is probably not the best choice. Chinese, Thai and Italian restaurants often have many delicious dishes for vegetarians, though it might be wise to avoid very strongly spiced foods, like Indian curries or Mexican sauces, if you are planning on being in close proximity to your Valentine later in the evening. The same warning applies to garlicky dishes and extremely spicy foods, both of which have effects – strong tastes and scents - that can last for hours after you have eaten. Of course, many people also believe that strong spices themselves can be aphrodisiacs, so you might not mind a strongly flavored Valentine meal, but it is best to make sure that your Valentine is among the people who feel this way before indulging in an ultra garlicky dish.

Good dinner choices might include risottos and other creamy dishes that have a silky sensuous mouth-feel. Stir fries usually have lots of vegetables and finger foods, like vegetarian pot stickers or egg rolls, can be fun to eat as well as delicious. And of course, don't forget dessert. It's the one part of the meal where you shouldn't have trouble avoiding meat.

For more Valentine tips, also see: What to do if your Valentine… doesn't like chocolate