Typically, Italian food, with its abundance of rosey coloring and natural compliment to red wines, rules for romantic occasions like Valentine's Day. If you're willing to step outside of your comfort zone, though, there are a variety of ethnic restaurants in Silver Spring with great ambiance for an extra special date night.

• Mandalay Restaurant & Cafe, 930 Bonifant St., 301-585-0500

This pleasant Burmese restaurant will have flavors similar to that of Chinese, Indian and Thai dishes.

But this Silver Spring haunt with a planned expansion into the District is really famous for its ShweJi dessert, which was named as one of "26 Reasons to Love Washington," by Washingtonian magazine. It's a cake made of coconut, raisins and Cream of Wheat and the owner said it was influenced by an Indian dish. Best of all, it's only $3.49.

• Samantha's, 631 East University Blvd., 301-445-7300

"I think it is a beautiful little restaurant," said one patron. "The decor is very nice. It is a very pleasant place to eat."

As for what to order, the Zarzuela Andaluza is a combination of seafood simmered in white wine, garlic and Spanish herbs, and it's just under $20.

Meat lovers are fond of the Carne Asada, a 10-ounce certified Angus beef skirt steak that is marinated and grilled. It is served with a salad for $14.95. 

• Siu's Asian Bistro, 12271 Tech Road, 301-680-8830

For the sushi lovers in love, this Asian bistro (not to be confused with the Asian Bistro downtown) is the place to go. The pan-Asian restaurant offers an array of specialty rolls, including the Verizon Roll, which is named for the Verizon Wireless employees who frequent the White Oak restaurant. It's shrimp tempura, cucumber and avocado inside, with crabmeat and spicy eel on top.

Where are you planning to go for Valentine's Day? Where are the most romantic restaurants in Silver Spring?

Read more about Silver Spring Eats restaurant profiles.