Core Insights - OpenTable has released its list of Canada's Top 100 Romantic Restaurants for 2026, based on over 900,000 diner reviews and various metrics [1][19] - There is a cultural shift in how Canadians celebrate Valentine's Day, with 51% indicating it is now about all types of relationships, not just romantic ones [5][8] - Group dining is increasingly popular, with significant year-over-year increases in larger party sizes for Valentine's Day and Galentine's Day [4][6] Group 1: Valentine's Day Dining Trends - Nearly half (49%) of Canadians plan to dine out on Valentine's Day, but 40% find it challenging to secure a reservation, spending an average of 2 hours and 14 minutes searching [2][6] - Dining on Valentine's Day in 2025 saw a 46% increase year-over-year, with a 54% increase during the Valentine's Day weekend [7] - More than half (53%) of single Canadians would consider going to a restaurant for a first date on Valentine's Day, rising to 65% among Gen Z [7][8] Group 2: Changing Celebrations - 37% of Canadians plan to celebrate Galentine's or Palentine's Day, with 59% intending to do so over a meal out [4][5] - The rise in group dining is evident, with a 65% increase in parties of four and an 88% increase in parties of six for Valentine's Day 2025 [4] - Gen Z is a driving force behind the shift in celebration styles, with 59% planning a Galentine's or Palentine's Day celebration, which is 22% above the national average [5] Group 3: Spending Behavior - 33% of Canadians expect to spend more at restaurants for Valentine's Day this year compared to last year [6] - Galentine's Day in 2025 saw a 53% year-over-year increase in dining at restaurants priced $51 and above [6] - The Top 100 Romantic Restaurants list includes various dining options, from intimate settings to group dining spaces, catering to the evolving preferences of diners [5][10]