By Derrick Warren, News Correspondent

As schoolwork continues to pile up, the prospect of planning the perfect Valentine’s Day date may have some students feeling overwhelmed.

Rushita Jampani, a sophomore marketing major, thinks the ultimate night involves choosing more than just any restaurant.

“The best restaurants for Valentine’s Day are intimate, affordable and are situated in a spectacular location,” Jampani said.

Christina Das, an undeclared freshman, said her ideal restaurant would be mellow and cozy.

“I want somewhere not crowded because it’s more intimate, and you don’t feel rushed,” Das said. “You want it to be exclusive.”

Saus, a Belgian cafe in the heart of the North End at 33 Union St., is certainly cozy. Although the menu features a number of sandwiches and salads for less than $10, a visit would be incomplete without sampling the Belgian waffles. They are served with a variety of sauces, including homemade chocolate hazelnut spread, salted caramel and berry berry. A plain waffle is $3.75. Each sauce is an additional 75 cents.

The restaurant is open noon to 10 p.m. Valentine’s Day.

For larger portions, head to the Gourmet Dumpling House, 52 Beech St. in Chinatown, where the plates are big enough to split between two people. The restaurant has everything from General Tso’s chicken to sliced beef with broccoli, both $9.95.

Although the Gourmet Dumpling House may appear lackluster on the outside, it is a hidden gem. The walls are plastered with pictures of famous guests, including actress Blake Lively and Mayor Thomas M. Menino.

Nicole Rosimos, a second-year law student, said she had not considered going to Chinatown for a Valentine’s Day date before but thought it was a good idea.

“It’s something different,” Rosimos said.

The Gourmet Dumpling House is open 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Another restaurant fit for a magical night is closer to campus. Located at 745 Boylston St. in the Back Bay, Max Brenner serves great food and great chocolate. The dimly-lit restaurant offers an intimate setting which would make a Valentine’s Day date feel all the more special.

Max Brenner’s menu has a host of things to choose from. Try the sliced and diced steak “pillow” panini, a skirt steak served with onions and vegetables, or the macaroni and cheese, which promises to be “really cheesy.” Both dishes are less than $20.

After the entree comes, take some time to visit the chocolate store in the corner of the restaurant. Max Brenner offers affordable collections such as the nine-piece bonbon love set, which includes an assortment of chocolates in a Valentine’s Day-themed box ($12.90).

Max Brenner will be open 11:30 a.m. to midnight on the special day.

Lauren Serzanin, an undeclared freshman, said she would prefer going somewhere more casual.

“An ideal restaurant is somewhere that isn’t too crowded, [somewhere] laid-back and enjoyable,” Serzanin said.

5 Napkin Burger at the Prudential Center could fit the bill. While this restaurant may be known for its burgers and fries, it also features a nightly happy hour with 50-cent wings from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. every day. The restaurant also serves a variety of sushi.