Dinner and a movie: Valentine's date staple

Dinner and a movie is a tradition for any date, and it works for Valentine's Day too. You just need the right restaurant and the right movie to make it special.

We have a selection of restaurants for you, with a range of styles and price levels, in a separate article, but which movie should you pick for your "dinner and a movie" date?

This year, there are not as many good date movies available for Valentine's Day. Many of the heavy-hitting Oscar contenders are a bit too heavy and hitting, with searing dramas the norm, and the light romantic comedies are mostly a bit too light-headed to be worthwhile. However, we do have some suggestions for good date movies. After you select a romantic restaurant using our handy list of recommendations, you might want to consider these movie suggestions.

"Hmmm...what should we see..." Atonement: A tragic, romantic film, "Atonement" is also part mystery and a lushly beautiful historical film set in 1930s England and moving forward to WWII. Keira Knightly and James McAvoy star as two young people, of very different social classes, who are swept up in events following a false accusation made by her imaginative younger sister. Directed by Joe Wright, who also directed "Pride and Prejudice," with a screenplay by Christopher Hampton ("Dangerous Liaisons"), based on the best-selling novel by Ian McEwan, it is also nominated for seven Oscars. This is the pick for those who like tragedy, drama, romance and history.

Juno: A movie about teen pregnancy does not sound much like material for a comedy or for a date movie, yet "Juno's" hilarious, rapid-fire dialog and down-to-earth story make this Oscar-nominated comedy a must-see. Ellen Page as the title character is marvelous, but the film is surprisingly wise, with a bit about finding true love as well. "Juno" is a very funny film and a good date movie choice for a couple with a sense of humor.

Diving Bell And The Butterfly: This film seems unlikely too on the surface, but this wonderfully imaginative French drama about the high-powered editor of a fashion magazine who is struck down by a paralyzing stroke, is actually an uplifting and dryly witty story about life and love. This is the choice for the couple willing to think, and read subtitles.

Let's Get Lost: For some people, nothing is cooler than the late 1950s era of the Beat generation and cool jazz. For those who cannot get enough of the Beats or who love jazz, this re-release of an award-winning documentary about jazz musician Chet Baker is just the ticket. Baker has been described as the "James Dean" of jazz, a brilliant talent that lived fast and died young. This is a good pick for the serious-minded or jazz fans who find the late'50s and early '60s the coolest.

U23D: If you and your honey are fans of U2, this is a movie experience not to be missed. The new 3D movie technology used in this film goes far beyond the zooming-things-out-at-the-audience trick to bring you an experience that is getting eerie close to being at a real concert.

27 Dresses: This is the traditional romantic comedy option about a woman who is always a bridesmaid. It is not quite "Four Weddings and a Funeral" but Katherine Heigl's appealing performance does a lot to lift the movie. This is the movie for those who want something light.

Cloverfield: OK, this is the most offbeat choice, but might work as a date movie if you are both fans of science fiction and producer J.J. Abrams. The all-handheld camera might make some queasy and some monster movie fans have complained about not getting a good look but hey, he does go back for the girl, and that is romantic, is it not?

"I'm starving, let's get some dinner." Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. While most have covered the basics - chocolates, flowers, a nice greetings card - deciding what to do Valentine's Eve can be a tough decision, since everyone wants to make it a night to remember.

One choice for the night out is to have dinner and see a movie. There are plenty of places to take that special someone on Valentine's Day, even if that special someone is you. Ranging from traditional to unique, the following restaurants are sure to make anyone's Valentine's Day very special.

Fitz's American Grill and Bottling Works: Tired of those fancy and frilly restaurants that seem to plague every Valentine's Day and drain the bank account dry? Try a new, more casual approach with Fitz's, located in the Delmar Loop. Relax and enjoy a burger, have a delicious salad, or choose one of the many other entrees. Want more? After dinner, take your date to the Tivoli theatre for some popcorn and a movie. This has all the ingredients for a perfect evening - and everyone's bank accounts will be intact.

Lombardo's: For those looking for a more traditional approach this Valentine's Day, look no further than Lombardo's Italian restaurant. In business since 1934, the Lombardo family knows how to do Italian. The extensive menu has everything any Italian fan could desire, from a delicious Portobello Mushroom appetizer to an exquisite Veal Parmigiano. For those on a budget this Valentine's Day, Lombardo's provides excellent Italian cuisine at reasonable prices. For more information, visit the Lombardo's website at http://www.lombardosrestaurants.com/.

Monarch Restaurant and Wine Bar: For those looking for unique cuisine this Valentine's Day, enjoy Monarch Restaurant and Wine Bar. This gorgeous restaurant located at 7401 Manchester features meals from France, Asia and the American Southwest. The menus change seasonally to offer the latest in international dining. The menus provide a more formal dining experience, while the bistro and wine bar provide a more casual dining experience. The bistro cuisine is lighter to accent the many varieties of wine available in Monarch's wine cellar. For a full menu, visit http://www.monarchrestaurant.com/.

Melting Pot: Located in the Delmar Loop, this restaurant offers a different take on Valentine's Day. It is perfect for both young couples as well as older couples. It offers a quiet atmosphere, perfect for couples looking for a low-key Valentine's Day. There are fondues for every taste, including cheese, meat, vegetarian and chocolate. The most notable would be the fiesta fondue, made of high quality salsas and cheeses. The Melting Pot is perfect for Valentine's Day and for any other occasion!

Top of the Riverfront: Located in the heart of downtown at the Millennium Hotel, this rotating restaurant is perfect for those "dizzy" with love this Valentine's Day. It offers a first class menu and a view of St. Louis unlike any other.

This would be a perfect location for a dinner at sundown. Be sure to bring your wallet with you - the menu items can get a bit pricey. However, many argue that the view is well worth it. Great for a Valentine's Day splurge.

The Gardens at Malmaison: Enjoy this charming restaurant among the rolling hills of St. Louis. It began as a barn in 1843, and in 1926 it became "The Old Barn Inn".

Now it is a fabulous French restaurant. The menu at this unconventional restaurant changes with the seasons. The winter menu offers an excellent grilled Cornish hen in a mustard demi-glaze sauce. This restaurant is four-diamond rated (AAA), so it is sure to please.

Cyrano's: This romantically decorated restaurant in Webster Groves not only has the right look for Valentine's Day, but has good food at a much more affordable price than the plush Monarch.

Cyrano's has a good selection of date worthy options, although it is not a long menu. It does offer great dessert, coffees and drink options, so if you are going out only for dessert, not the whole meal, this is the spot.

This restaurant is the latest incarnation of an old St. Louis romantic favorite, with various locations and owners but now owned by the same people as BARcelona and Roxane in Clayton and Boogaloo in Maplewood. Cyrano's is located at 603 E. Lockwood and the website is http://www.saucemagazine.com/cyranos.