Marietta Offerings for the Romantic Valentine's Dinner

Finding the perfect romantic dining establishment for the Valentine's Day weekend can be quite challenging. Marietta Patch turned to its readers for assistance, and we must give a special shout out to Cassandra and Brian Buckalew of the Historic Marietta Trolley Co. for these suggestions.

1. Kiosko Restaurant, 48 Powder Springs St., 678-337-7999. This unassuming restaurant sits just a couple of blocks from the southwest corner of the Square, but is worth the small trek. This is a family-owned Colombian restaurant, and it shows as they are always there preparing dishes. The Buckalews swear by the empanadas and homemade sangria. The dining room is small and intimate, perfect for this weekend.

Kiosko is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5:45 to 9:30 p.m. every Monday through Friday and from noon to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. From Monday through Thursday, the restaurant offers a special dinner for two for $35.95 that includes an appetizer, two entrees and a pitcher of sangria.

2. Shillings on the Square, 19 North Park Square, 770-428-9520. When suggesting dining in Marietta, it can be a given that Shillings will be mentioned. But for a special evening, you must eat upstairs. The view of Marietta Square is romantic enough, but on the weekends, dinner is accompanied with candlelight and a piano.

Shillings is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

3. La Famiglia Ristorante, 45 West Park Square, 770-425-9300. For an authentic Italian version of romance over the weekend, La Famiglia offers Marietta's best bet, especially with its outside tables overlooking the Square. Although the owners hail from the Naples and Florence, they refuse to label their cuisine as "northern" or "southern" Italian; they just call it Italian.

La Famiglia is open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 4 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

4. Thaicoon Sushi Bar, 34 Mill St., 678-766-0641. For the sushi or Thai lovers, this may be the perfect blend for a romantic evening. A bit unconventional for a Valentine's Day weekend, but it can still provide any necessary sense of intimacy along with fantastic food.

Thaicoon is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 5 to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

5. Blu Greek Taverna, 26 Mill St., 770-429-4096. On the same block as Thaicoon is this five-star, Zagat-rated Greek restaurant. With its quiet setting and authentic cuisine (and the inevitable thoughts of My Big Fat Greek Wedding among the non-Greek clientele), this is a great option for the upcoming weekend.

Blu Greek Taverna is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.