Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching, and reservations at romantic restaurants are sure to fill up quickly. Book now, or risk spending February 14 in the doghouse.

Birch & Barley: Flickering candlelight will add a romantic glow to this Logan Circle hot spot, offering a five-course dinner tasting menu ($55 per person; beer pairings, $20 extra) and a three-course dessert tasting ($14 per person); the New American's regular à la carte selections will be available as well (seatings from 5:30 PM; 202-518-7549).

Bistrot Lepic: This Upper Georgetown retreat will provide an evening-in-Paris backdrop for amour, along with a four-course menu featuring lobster and lamb (5:30–10 PM; $69.50 per person; 202-333-0111).

CityZen: At this sophisticated New American in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, a sumptuous six-course tasting menu will be served ($150) as an option on February 12 (the 13th is sold out), and exclusively on the 14th. Meanwhile, its sleek lounge will become a “Sin Den” (think Arabian tents, flickering candles), serving deluxe tapas-style fare such as oysters, lobster and guinea hen all three nights (6 PM and 9 PM reservations; $350 per couple; 202-787-6006).

Co Co. Sala: Lobster, caviar, goji berry and, of course, chocolate – ingredients that are said to stimulate passion – will be the focus of a five-course menu at this sexy Penn Quarterite (seatings begin at 5 PM; $65 per person; 202-347-4265).

Firefly: The sparkly decor at this Dupont Circle boîte will provide a romantic setting for an indulgent five-course meal beginning with a glass of complimentary bubbly and an egg deviled with caviar and tuna tartare (offered February 12–14, along with a limited bar menu, starting at 5:30 PM; $75 per person; 202-861-1310).

Inn at Little Washington: Woo your sweetie at this classic New American with an extravagant menu that includes black cod, lobster, lamb and beef two ways, not to mention three desserts (seatings 4–5 PM and 7–8:15 PM; $265; 540-675-3800).

Nora: This romantic Dupont Circle carriage house will host three nights of Valentine's celebrations with a four-course menu featuring lobster, filet mignon or vegetarian ravioli (February 12, 5:30–10:30 PM, $85 per person; February 13, 4:30–10:30 PM, $115 per person; February 14, 4–10 PM, $115 per person; 202-462-5143).

PassionFish: Four-course menus ranging from $50–$70 provide bait for lovers on Valentine’s Day at this Reston seafooder. It will also offer solos a chance to hook up (or drown their sorrows) over unlimited cocktails and hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening at a singles’ mixer on February 13 (7–10 PM; $70 per person; 703-230-3474).

Poste: This Penn Quarter New American will help couples celebrate with flights of sparkling rosé wines to accompany its regular dinner menu February 12–14 (seatings start at 5 PM; $19–$35; 202-783-6060).

Roof Terrace: Swoon-inducing views from atop the Kennedy Center will backdrop a decadent “From Russia With Love”–themed four-course dinner that kicks off with a vodka or sparkling wine cocktail and a taste of caviar (seatings start at 5 PM per person; $49.95 per person; 202-416-8555).

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