What does every girl want for Valentine's Day? Well, not much really. Sometimes just an acknowledgement that it's actually happening would be nice. So if you're trying to find an excuse not to do treat the lady in your life, believe me, it would be far easier for you to plan something - anything. And it really isn't that hard. Just a little bit of research and a little bit of thought. But, if you're having trouble, to spare you the heartache (and to give a few hints to my other half...) I've had a look through the various events for Valentines Day at Oxford restaurants. This is because a meal is the most obvious, and easiest, event to plan. For goodness sake lads, on Valentines Day Oxford restaurants dim the lights and serve bubbly wine, you just have to turn and pay.

Oh, I know there's a credit crunch, but that's no excuse. And don't even start with the 'it's just a commercial scheme invented by card companies'. It's amazing how many men turn into neo-communists when Valentines Day rolls around. Funny that the same logic doesn't apply with Sony's numerous reinventions of the Playstation, isn't it?

Anyway, going out on Valentines Day at Oxford restarants needn't be that expensive. Take, for example, the Black Boy. Sounds expensive doesn't it? But no, they're one of the cheapest of the bunch for Valentines Day at Oxford restaurants. They're offering a three-course meal for £24.95 per person, in both the day and evening. Cafe Rouge is equally cheap and their offer is on from Thursday February 12 to Sunday February 15. Again it's a three-course meal for £24.95. Bella Italia are offering a similar deal with three courses for £29.95 including a sparkling cocktail.

For something a little bit kitsch head to the vegetarian-friendly restaurant, the Pink Giraffe. It's hosting a Sex in the City theme night where, upon arrival, you'll be given a glass of Cosmopolitan, naturally, plus nibbles, followed by a three-course meal. You also get a mini box of Valentines chocolates, a giraffe and gorillas nougths and crosses board game, or a pair of ceramic giraffes. Weird, yes, cute, yes, will she like, yes.  It's £28.95 and you get a 10 per cent discount if you book the late-night sitting.

Italian restaurants always work a treat on Valentine's Day and luckily Oxford has an abundance. Particular favourites of mine include Jamies Italian (although you don't want to join that queue on Valentine's Day), Camino Italian and Rococo. Or you could have a look at our Recommended Italian Restaurants for more ideas. Or if you and your partner are in a partying mood you could head down to the Escape. They're offering a three-course meal for £27.50 per person, which includes entry to the club.

But by far the best of the bunch of events for Valentines Day at Oxford restaurants and, I'm sorry guys, the most expensive, is at the Mal Brasserie. It's £45 per person but, if you're a seafood fan (which I am. Are you picking up this hint?), there are oysters, langoustine, lobster and prawns, plus a rack of lamb, oyster veloute, the list of treats goes on...But, if there's nothing here which you think will tickle your fancy you can always check out our Recommended Romantic Restaurants section. Good luck!