This Valentine’s Day, skip the chocolates and flowers to splurge on a gastronomic experience at exceptional restaurants close to home.

ENTE Restaurant, Wiesbaden

ENTE (the German word for duck) is a Michelin star winner and the place to dine on fowl expertly prepared as foie gras, duck stew and platters for two. The kitchen also makes sumptuous meals utilizing beef, lamb, pork and fish.

Choose specialties separately, or go for all the frills of prix fixe and pick four to seven culinary creations. The knowledgeable sommelier will help you navigate a list of several hundred wines for one that suits both your palate and the delights on your plate.

ENTE is located in Hotel Nassauer Hof on Kaiser-Friedrich-Platz, a six-minute walk from Wiesbaden’s Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme. Start your day together by relaxing at the thermal spa and end at ENTE. For opening hours, reservations and more, visit www.nassauer-hof.de/en/restaurant-ente.

La Corona, Ansbach

La Corona is a bistro and wine bar that has joined the Slow Food campaign to emphasize the importance of breaking from hectic schedules for nourishing, delicious cuisine from responsible sources.

Observing the motto “Grosse Weine, kleine Sünden” (great wines, little sins), the chefs at La Corona concoct modern presentations of indulgent fare. The evolving selection will surprise you; perhaps you’ll have a duet of lobster and veal, Nebraskan beef or arctic char.

La Corona is open Thursday to Saturday evenings; other arrangements can be made for large groups. Find parking tips, contact details and sample menus at www.lacorona.de. To learn more about Slow Food, head to www.slowfood.org.uk.

Uwe’s Tomate, Kaiserslautern

For a night on the town, book a table at Uwe’s Tomate, located in the Kaiserslautern Fußgängerzone. The restaurant’s fusion cooking style is influenced by French, Italian and German recipes. Classic entrées include fish-filled ravioli, balsamic-glazed rack of lamb, grilled duck and pepper steak.

Order à la carte or a set menu; you’ll get a better deal and the opportunity to try something new with the latter. Eat a mouthwatering prelude of foie gras, truffled pasta or tuna carpaccio, followed by fresh meat, seafood and perfectly paired sides. For a sweet finale, share crepes, chocolate mousse or Kaiserschmarrn.

Uwe’s Tomate is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Directions to nearby parking garages are listed on the restaurant’s website, www.uwes-tomate-kl.de.

YoSH, Stuttgart

YoSH is a posh Michelin-starred destination where you’ll be treated as an A-lister. Rekindle romance as you enjoy impressive food and stellar service in an elegant dining room.

Seven-course dinners and individual dishes are available. Offerings include starters of tuna sashimi, beef carpaccio and pumpkin soup with scallops. Mains of braised ox cheeks, venison, Brittany lobster, pan-seared fois gras, and American rib eye will tempt your taste buds. Nibble from the cheese board, or satisfy your sweet tooth with gooey chocolate soufflé, before grabbing a nightcap and cigar in the lounge. YoSH serves dinner Wednesday to Sunday. Book a table at www.yoshstuttgart.de.

Whether having a rare evening away from the kids, or hoping to impress on a first date, these European restaurants fit the bill.