Valentine's Day. The day of love, the day of expensive flowers and the day of desperate, last-minute dinner reservations. As much as some of us don’t want to admit it, we all love the idea of getting dressed up, indulging in some mid-week bubbles and being treated to that culinary experience we've been lusting after all year long.
This year, Valentine’s Day is turning up the heat so, luckily for all you star-crossed lovers out there, we’ve rounded up the best feasting affairs on the Gold Coast that you’ll want to undress with your eyes. Dim the lighting, cue the James Blunt and give your lover that look. Here are our top picks for the best restaurants to hit up on the Gold Coast this Valentine’s Day 2023.
Five-Course Degustation at Citrique
Surfers Paradise
Keen on seafood for Valentine’s Day (or any day, really)? Then you’ll want to hit up the iconic seafood-lovers restaurant, Citrique at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa this Valentine’s Day. Indulge in traditional French dining, with a decadent five-course degustation menu, curated by Executive Chef Paul Smart and his team of culinary experts. Upon arrival, you’ll find a glass of Moët & Chandon in your hand, before you tantalise your tastebuds with scallop and yuzu pearls, King George whiting, roasted duck breast and chocolate rose and raspberry sorbet to top it all of. There’s no doubt this is one of the best places to feel the love on Valentine’s Day.
Where: Citrique Restaurant, JW Marriott Resort, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $129 per person; $178 per person (with wine pairing)
For more information, click here.
Lovers Feast at Bazaar
Surfers Paradise
What makes it a feast for lovers? To start, champagne on arrival. The rest is up to you and your heart’s desire (or perhaps your stomach’s). Bazaar’s Marketplace Lovers Feast showcases a range of trawler-fresh seafood, slow-roasted meats, Asian delights, gourmet salads and a drool-worthy spread of sweet treats, all to be enjoyed between whispers of sweet nothings. To sweeten the deal, you’ll be treated to acoustic tunes and personalised chocolate love notes.
Where: Bazaar, QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $159 per person
For more information, click here.
Luxury Boho Picnic at Mountview Alpaca Farm
Canungra
Okay, this isn't technically a dinner date, but we'd be fools not to include this ultra-romantic and very unique Valentine's Day date idea. The luxury alpaca picnic includes a boho picnic teepee located in the secluded grounds of O'Reilly's Vineyard, a gourmet picnic hamper for two adults, a bottle of O'Reilly's wine straight from the vineyards you're sitting in, post-picnic ice cream for two and—the highlight of the event—two alpacas. Wander through the picturesque vineyard with your two cute new friends and snap some loved-up pics and get loads of alpaca cuddles. Cuddles are guaranteed because you'll be provided with two bags of alpaca food (bribery with food is totally fine, we promise).
Where: Mountview Alpaca Farm, 852 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra
Cost: $399
For more information, click here.
Romantic Dinner at Sandbar
Surfers Paradise
Cue the romantic music, love is in the air at Sandbar this Valentine’s Day. Treat your special someone to a delicious two- or three-course meal while taking in views of the Surfers Paradise beachfront. Dial up your Valentine’s Day plans with champagne on arrival and an indulgent meal that’s sure to keep you in the good books.
Where: Sandbar, 52 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $59 to $69 per person
For more information, click here.
Valentine's Day Banquet at Nineteen At The Star
Broadbeach
Screw the servo flowers, you’re headed straight to the top. For a truly mesmerising Valentine’s Day that will earn you some serious brownie points, book in for a four-course foodie affair at Nineteen at The Star. Warm your palate with shared appetisers like Queensland spanner crab and natural oysters while breathing in the views of Broadbeach’s twinkling cityscape. You’ll struggle to choose between the main offerings which boast delights like pumpkin risotto, Patagonian toothfish and fillet steak. Make sure you save a little room for the drool-worthy desserts, including chocolate meringue pie and strawberry cheesecake. If you’re looking for one of the boujee-est Valentine’s Day feasts on the Gold Coast, stop the search ‘cause you’ve found it.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Cost: $140 per person
For more information, click here.
Three-Course Dinner at Mozza Mozza
Southport
Lights on low? Check. Romance in the air? Check. Mouthwatering menu and dessert? Well, throw some freaking rose petals at it and call us Cupid ‘cause that’s Valentine’s Day on the Gold Coast sorted at Mozza Mozza. For just $75 per person, you can your beau will be treated to a three-course Valentine's Day feast with a cocktail on arrival. The Italian menu is divine and features delights like burrata and green pea pesto, blue swimmer crab spaghetti, San Danielle prosciutto and raspberry cannoli. *chefs kiss*
Where: Mozza Mozza, Southport Sharks, Cnr Olsen Avenue and Musgrave Avenue, Southport
Cost: $75 per person
For more information, click here.
Fireside Feast at The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove
Hope Island
If you and your squeeze love a good foodie experience, then this one’s for you. The InterContinental’s The Fireplace is known as one of the best foodie spots on the Gold Coast, and once you’ve dined here, you’ll quickly realise why. Begin your evening of romance with a glass of sparkling, before tucking into the three-course, woodfired menu. The feast includes loved-up dishes like Moreton Bay bugs with baby turnips and avocado puree, beef cheeks with polenta artichoke and rose and plum parfait with macadamia nougatine crunch, lemon myrtle sable and Bundaberg-infused wild peach marmalade. Translation? Very fancy. This very special menu is bound to give any food enthusiast serious heart eyes.
Where: The Fireplace Restaurant, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
Cost: $119 per person
For more information, click here.
Italian Valentine's Day Feast at Salt Meats Cheese
Surfers Paradise
Whether your love language is words of affirmation, receiving gifts, solid quality time or simply food, Salt Meats Cheese has got you and your sweetheart covered this Valentine’s Day. Attempt Lady and the Tramp-style pasta kisses with SMC’s three-course menu, which showcases traditional Italian delights and a selection of cheeses and meats (hence the name). Planning a romantic picnic or outdoor adventure? Scoop up one of their decadent grazing platters, which boasts a smorgasbord of Italian-inspired goodies including cheeses, meats, wood-fired focaccia, fresh and dried fruit and dips. Nothing sets the mood like digging into a pile of cheese, right?
Where: Salt Meats Cheese, The 4217, 10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $49 per person; $40 per grazing platter
For more information, click here.
Dinner Under The Stars at QT Twilight Cabanas
Surfers Paradise
Lap up the comfort, dial up the romance. Valentine's Day dinner under the stars is about as romantic as it gets. Spoil your QT'ie with a dinner for two in QT Gold Coast’s luxe poolside cabanas, served with a side of romance. Indulge with a glass of bubbles on arrival, followed by a romantic four-course dinner designed to be shared while you relax in your own private cabana at The Spring's poolside oasis. Why not keep the love flowing and book yourselves in for a cheeky staycay?
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $270 for two people (one cabana)
For more information, click here.
Valentine’s Day High Tea at Chapter & Verse
Surfers Paradise
Treat your sweetheart—and your sweet tooth—with a Valentine’s Day High Tea at Chapter & Verse this year. The oh-so-romantic high tea takes you on a sweet to savoury journey and is complimented with a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne. Think: raspberry macaroons, heart chocolate bonbons, strawberry & rose tart, white chocolate and raspberry mousse, ginger white chocolate friands, smoked salmon and caviar rose, prawn rolls with lemon aioli and many more loved-up delights. Seating on Valentine’s Day are between 11am and 1pm and 2pm and 4pm. Go on, skip off work early for this.
Where: Chapter & Verse, JW Marriott Resort, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $89 per person
For more information, click here.
Valentine’s Day High Tea Tower at QT Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise
Grab your lover, grab the girls, grab someone you love—these Valentine’s Day High Tea towers are made for sharing and are perfectly primed for loved-up chats over tea, bubbles or cocktails if you’re feeling spritzy. For those who love, love and have a soft spot for tiers of treats QT’s High Tea is just the celebration you’re looking for. With love as the centrepiece, these beautiful bites are yours to be devoured this Valentine’s Day.
Where: Where: Fixx Cafe, QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Cost: $59 per person (with tea or coffee); $78 per person (glass of champagne)
For more information, click here.
'Italian Kiss' Dessert at Cucina Vivo
Broadbeach
You and your date will fall in love all over again when you're transported to the gorgeous Amalfi Coast at Cucina Vivo. Delight your loved one with an evening of divine Italian flavours, before ending the night with an 'Italian Kiss'—a sweet treat designed especially by the restaurant's chefs for the day of love. Expect light Italian pastry layered with creamy crème fraiche semifreddo and lashes of macerated strawberries.
Where: Cucina Vivo, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Cost: $14 per dessert
For more information, click here.
Valentine's Day Mexican Fiesta at Crafty's
Biggera Waters
Looking to add some spice this Valentine's Day? Look no further than Crafty's Mexican Fiesta this V Day. Order off the fixed menu for $50 per person or take your picks from the specials menu, with a variety of tacos paired with an entree and dessert. Plus, you'll get a rose-flavoured margarita or glass of champagne on arrival to really get you in the mood.
Where: Crafty's Sports Bar, Harbourtown, Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Cost: $50 per person for set menu
For more information, click here.
If you’re really looking to level up the love this Valentine’s Day, why not treat your special someone to a romantic getaway. We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the most romantic stays on and around the Gold Coast.
Image credit: JW Marriott Gold Coast, Mountainview Alpaca Farm, Clayten Fowler Photography, Brooke Darling Photography and Kaitlin Maree Photography