So excited to finally be able to check out Valentine, the new restaurant/cafe/hangout spot located inside Melrose Manor.

Newly opened in December, Valentine provides a fantastic opportunity to put down the shopping bags of vintage candlesticks and needlepoint pillows and enjoy some of the best eats in the historic Melrose District.  Housed in one of Phoenix’s most popular midcentury modern furniture stores, the ambience is almost that of hanging out in a super-stylish friend’s living room.

We love that this isn’t some afterthought of a retail coffee bar– Valentine‘s staff boasts credentials from none other than the renowned Tratto and The Gladly, so we knew we were in good hands.  Guests order at the counter here and pick a table arranged among leather barrel chairs or bright teal leather booths.

The all-day menu features a variety of way-above-average bakery items, egg dishes with homemade sausage, burgers (vegan and other), munchies, and cocktails, making it an easy choice for meetups whether personal, professional, or late night.  You can sit with your laptop or check out 7th Ave. from the floor to ceiling windows and no one will bother you (my sad but true new pandemic criteria).

Photo: Phoenix Magazine

On the menu for this visit were the refreshing and creative Hiramasa Crudo, a Japanese yellowtail kingfish topped with brown butter, a tomatillo and fish sauce vinaigrette, charred golden raisins, and scallions, and a Churro Waffle for dessert.

The Churro Waffle is exactly as you would imagine, and a great pick for the little ones.  Light and fluffy and smothered in whipped cream, this dish is not for the guilt-averse among us.

We heart that Valentine is finally here and that we can finally give the team at Copper Star Coffee a break when out and about (and hungry) in Melrose.  Anyone else tried it yet???

4130 N. 7th Ave.

Phoenix

602-277-5561 tel.