A Galentine’s Night Out at Sveta: Where Fashion, Friendship, and Fabulous Cocktails Collide

If you ask me, the West Village is the heartthrob of New York City—romantic, charming, and effortlessly stylish. It’s where cobblestone streets meet trendy boutiques, and where café-hopping feels like a European vacation without the jet lag. But tucked right into this chic neighborhood is a gem that practically screams Valentine’s Day all year round: Sveta, a Ukrainian restaurant with vibes so warm and whimsical, you’d think Cupid himself designed the place.

I recently had the ultimate Galentine’s experience there, and let me tell you—it was fashion, food, and friendship goals all wrapped up in one unforgettable night.

The Vibe: Valentine’s All Year Long

Walking into Sveta feels like stepping into a love letter. Picture this: teddy bears hanging from the ceiling, extravagant cocktails with sparkles arriving at the table like couture pieces fresh off the runway, and an atmosphere buzzing with good energy. It’s Valentine’s Day, 365 days a year—but without the pressure of roses and chocolate boxes.

Galentine’s, But Make It Fashion

I planned a Galentine’s dinner with a group of fabulous women from the Graduate Women in Business Club at Baruch College—a night to celebrate admiration, support, and the unshakeable power of female friendship. The theme? Red and pink dresses because we don’t just show up; we show out. Think bold reds, delicate blush tones, and a whole lot of “Where did you get that dress?” moments.

Every single one of us dressed to impress, and Sveta knew exactly how to complement our runway-ready looks. As if the restaurant weren’t Instagrammable enough, they have a professional photographer taking portraits throughout the night. The best part? Even if you don’t buy the photos, they print them anyway and pass them around the table. It wasn’t just dinner; it was a whole moment.

The Food: Traditional Ukrainian with a Twist

Of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without diving into some authentic Ukrainian cuisine. I went for the traditional Ukrainian “Fur Coat” salad—a layered creation of carrots, beets, salmon, and topped with luxurious red caviar. Trust me, this is not your typical salad. It’s rich, indulgent, and unapologetically extra—just like the evening itself.

Love truly filled the air—not just romantic love, but love for friends, for community, and for experiences that remind you how good it feels to be surrounded by people who support you. 

The Perfect Nightcap: Pommes Frites

But wait—no perfect night in the West Village ends without a little late-night indulgence. After dinner and drinks at Sveta, we strolled three blocks to the iconic Pommes Frites, because what says Galentine’s better than Belgian fries served in paper cones?

This busy, old-world-style spot serves up crispy perfection with a side of nostalgia. With gourmet sauces like roasted garlic mayo and sweet mango chutney, we found ourselves huddled together, fries in hand, still dressed to the nines, and savoring the final bites of an evening that perfectly blended fashion with dining.

Fashion, food, friendship—and fries. Honestly, what more could you want?

So, grab your favorite dress, your best girls, and get ready for a night where every table feels like a Valentine’s date—because love isn’t just for couples; it’s for everyone who shows up and shines.