Forget the roses and boxes of chocolates. The best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is to share a romantic dinner with the one who stole your heart. This week’s Patch Picks features the five best places to savor the holiday. All of these restaurants are offering their special menus throughout the entire weekend.

1. The Melting Pot of University City

Nothing says romance like dipping fruit into a fondue pot of chocolate as you share this special dessert together. But before the dessert, the four-course dinner starts with a choice of three cheese fondues. For the second course, choose from a variety of salads. The entrée course includes six items from lobster tail and filet mignon to ravioli, shrimp and pork. The fourth course is a choice of decadent chocolate fondues and is accompanied by a complimentary champagne toast. The four-course meal costs $65 per person. Reservations required: (314) 725-4141.

2. Brio Tuscan Grille 

The chefs at Brio have created a special menu just for Valentine’s weekend. Choose from mouth-watering entrees such as ricotta-filled pasta, fresh fish (flown in that day), and three 2-oz. beef medallions. Each of these one-of-a-kind entrées is served with its own specially prepared accompaniments, created specifically for Valentine’s Day. And don’t miss these extraordinary martinis, also created just for this weekend: Flirtini and Cinnamon Chocolatini. Brio’s regular menu will also be available, including its signature dessert Torta Di Ciccolata. For reservations, call (314) 432-4410 and mention Valentine’s Day.

3. Trattoria Branica

Enjoy a three-course dinner of an appetizer, soup or salad, and entrée, in a cozy and romantic setting. Appetizers include shrimp scampi, eggplant parmesan, and chicken tortellini, among other selections. For an entrée, the choices are plentiful with such scrumptious sounding names as Filetto Impanato, Strip Gorgonzola, Chicken Spiedini, Grilled Salmon and much more. And don’t forget to save room for the homemade tiramisu. These Valentine’s Day three-course dinners are $38.95 per person. Reservations are required:  (314) 432-8585

4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Reservations are booking quickly for this special romantic menu prepared for two. Start with a delightful, and low-calorie, cocktail of Belvedere vodka, orange juice, raspberry and Mionetto Prosecco. Choose from the Filet Mignon and Crab-stuffed Shrimp or New York Strip Steak & Shrimp Scampi. Both entrées are served with sides and a choice of salad. Finish the evening with a red velvet cake with chocolate-dipped strawberries. Fleming’s regular menu will also be available. Call (314) 567-7610 or reserve online.

5. Tony’s

No list of romantic places would be complete without Tony’s, where the ambiance makes you feel as though your table is your very own intimate dining experience. In addition to the regular menu, Vince Bommarito, Jr. is preparing a prix fixe dinner for two. The three-course dinner will include an appetizer, entrée, and special dessert created just for the weekend: a tri-chocolate torte of white, milk and dark chocolates. Diners will also receive complimentary heart-shaped cookies to enhance the Valentine’s Day experience. Call for reservations:  (314) 231-7007.