How to score an excellent Valentine's Day reservation

There are the natural planners of this world, and then there's the rest of us -- filing our taxes on April 14 and making Valentine's Day plans the night before.

But this year, we're going to do better. We're going to do our research way ahead of time, we're going to compare prix fixe menus, we're going to book a fantastic Valentine's Day reservation for our beloved, and it won't even be stressful. That's all because we've tapped experts in fine dining to offer their best tips for snagging an impressive reservation.

After all, "Valentine’s Day is definitely the Super Bowl of dining out," says Caroline Potter, chief dining officer of OpenTable, the reservation service used by more than 40,000 restaurants. Here's what you need to know:

You still have time!

At two weeks out, we're still in prime booking time. But should you feel inspired to get proactive about booking, only to drop the ball for another week, you'll still be in the clear.

"The good news is that 60 percent of people book a week prior to Valentine’s Day, but 40 percent book the week before, so there’s still plenty of terrific options," Potter says.

Why that 9 PM reservation might actually be your best bet

That sweet 7:30 PM dining slot at your city's most romantic spot? It'll be a tough one to snag. Instead, consider one of Potter's number one reservation tips: Dine early or dine late. There are unexpected benefits to both.

Per Potter, an early reservation means never getting that, "We're out of [the dish you were planning to order]" from the waitstaff. Though Potter's quick to stress that restaurants are generally on the ball for Valentine's Day, it's a good note to keep in mind. Plus, early dining means more time for post-dinner activities.

As for late reservations? Potter says the 9 PM spot we've all overlooked is actually an excellent way to go.

"They’re not looking to turn that table again, so you can kind of linger," Potter says. "The staff starts to relax a little bit, the pacing is a little more chill. You can finish your meal with a chill cheese plate and a digestif."

As for that pre-reservation time block? Potter suggests dropping by a classic bar for a pre-dinner drink.

Make it a double (date)

Potter's secret to getting the primetime Valentine's Day reservation at the restaurant of your dining dreams? Book a table for four.

"There are, at some of these in-demand...classic restaurants, there's more availability at some of them for parties of four," she explains. "If you can sync up with another couple or your parents or a couple of friends...there's definitely more availability."

Planning to wait 'til the last minute? Day-of is still doable

If you're looking day-of for a reservation, all hope is not lost.

"I'm an eternal optimist," Potter says. She recommends downloading the OpenTable mobile app and scouring the pages of your favorite restaurants. After all, we're in the midst of flu season and last-minute cancellations do happen.

But if you have your heart set on a specific restaurant, there's no harm in picking up the phone. Just ask Whitney Sanchez, associate director of guest relations at Union Square Hospitality Group, the Danny Meyers-led restaurant group that includes Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe. She tells us Feb. 14 "is the second busiest reservation day of the year (falling just behind Thanksgiving)."

"Sometimes, we’re able to fit people in a pre-theatre slot or something of the sort that may not be available online," she wrote us via email.

"You can always get added to the waitlist as well –people cancel close to the date, we actively monitor our waitlists and do call that list as soon as something opens up...A lot of people make multiple reservations and decide day of. If you call, you can likely snag their spot -- or at least find out if there is a wait going on for walk-in tables or at the bar."

And when all else is lost, just dine in. That's what Caviar, Seamless, and yes, your oven are for.