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What To Eat & Where To Dine This Valentine’s Day In Melbourne 2024

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While some may argue Valentine’s Day is a sham—we are in the camp that backs everyday displays of affection—you probably landed here to find something sweet for your partner/situationship/friend/relo. From giant dumplings and fancy tangy cheese, to rooftop flicks and underground bars, we’ve wrapped up your guide to all things eat, drink, do Valentine’s Day in Melbourne for 2024 into three bite sized servings.

Starting with romantic restaurants, here's our take on Valentine’s Day in Melbourne:

Sending love from abroad or can’t get to your lover on a Wednesday? This is a job for Melbourne’s best flower delivery services.

  1. Ronnie’s

A hot and saucy Valentine's Day in Melbourne at Ronnie's.Image credit: Ronnie's | Supplied

Ronnie’s is spicing things up this Valentine’s Day with a chilli-doused limited menu in collaboration with Australian-produced Bippi. We’re talking fried mac and cheese bites with Bippi Sriracha mayo; local mussels drowning in chilli, tomato, white wine and garlic; and green and cheese lasagne that packs a punch. For added zing, try a glass of the prosecco with Bippi poaches peaches. Bookings right this way.

  1. Lona Misa 

Lona Misa, one of Melbourne's most romantic restaurants perfect for Valentine's Day.Image credit: Lona Misa | Supplied

Love is on the menu at Shannon Martinez’s Lona Misa with a five-course indulgent dining experience crafted by Head Chef Pamela Tomio. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Taittinger rose champagne on arrival before tucking into the decadent evening. Coming in at $120 a head, make a booking here.

  1. Poodle Bar & Bistro 

Several plates from the Valentine's Day menu at Poodle.Image credit: Poodle Bar & Bistro | Supplied

Romantic dinners are on at Poodle Bar & Bistro. Impress your date with porcini profiteroles, pinot jelly brioche, and white chocolate mousse (just to name a few). Two options at $80pp and $100pp, bookings can be made on Poodle’s website here.

  1. Grossi Florentino

Wine and dine your Valentine's Day date at Grossi, one of Melbourne's most romantic restaurant.Image credit: Grossi Florentino | Supplied

Add some Italian flair to your Valentine’s Day at one of Melbourne’s best Italian restaurants, Grossi Florentino. Dine as you wish then romance it up with an add on Birichino cocktail or a classic Pesche Piemontese dessert for just $28 a pop. Be on the safe side and make your booking at Grossi Florentino via their website.

  1. 400 Gradi

Love is on the menu at 400 Gradi this Valentine's Day in Melbourne.Image credit: 400 Gradi | Supplied

What’s 400 Gradi famous for? Pizza. What's pizza made for? Sharing. What's the key to a playful date? Sharing (some mighty fine) pizza. We think you get the picture. Hit up 400 Gradi for their three-course set menu at $60pp at their Brunswick, Essendon, Mornington, Eastland and Mildura outposts, and $85pp at Crown.

  1. Mr. Miyagi

A spread of Valentine's Day dishes from Melbourne restaurant, Mr MiyagiImage credit: Mr. Miyagi | Supplied

Go all out at Mr. Miyagi with a seven-course Feed Me feast. Dig into the massive pork, ginger and chive dumplings on the menu, and we reckon you might fall in love with the Valrhona chocolate mousse. Oh, and a frosé will be waiting for you on arrival. Book your hot date here.

  1. Shadowboxer 

The exteriors of Australian wine bar and one of the best restaurants for Valentine's Day, Shadowboxer Image credit: Shadowboxer | Simon Shiff

Southside wine bar Shadowboxer is dishing up a four-course dinner special this Valentine’s Day. Some menu highlights include shaved raw wagyu on a brown rice cracker, whipped Squacquerone (fancy tangy cheese) with fermented plum and roasted hazelnut, and a dark chocolate and buffalo ricotta ganache. Right this way to make your booking.

  1. Purple Pit

A cleverly crafted cocktail for Valentine's Day in Melbourne at Purple PitImage credit: Purple Pit | Supplied

This new underground bar is putting on a four-course set menu completely with tipple pairings for Valentine’s Day. At a reasonable $75 per punter, ramp up the romance at Purple Pit with dishes like appellation oysters, smoked salmon caviar and chocolate mousse. Snag a seat here.

Want to eat and drink without the Valentine’s Day stamp? Right this way to Melbourne’s best breakfastsMelbourne’s best restaurants and Melbourne’s best bars.

  1. Piccolina

A person unwrapping a love heart shaped gelato ice cream for Valentine's Day in MelbourneImage credit: Piccolina | Supplied

Beloved ice creamery Piccolina is sweetening the day by scooping chocolate-dipped love heart gelato pops. Get it in classic vanilla or opt for strawberries and cream. Available at all stores across Melbourne from now until Feb 14.

  1. Yo-Chi

Outside Yo-Chi, a sweet treat for Valentine's Day in MelbourneImage credit: Yo-Chi | Supplied

For Valentine’s Day in Melbourne, top your usual go-to frozen yogurt cup with loved-up chocolate dipped strawberries. Available at all Yo-Chi stores right across VIC.

  1. Fly High In A Hot Air Balloon Over The Yarra Valley

A hot air balloon flying over the Yarra Valley for a romantic Valentine's Day option in MelbourneImage credit: Red Balloon | Supplied

Despite the slightly cruel early wake up, hot air ballooning will guarantee to send sparks flying for Valentine’s Day with stunning sunrise views of the Yarra Valley. Make it a package deal with a champagne buffet breakfast at Balgownie Estate, and you’ve got yourself a swanky romantic morning. All in the one spot here.

  1. Catch Bridesmaids On The Big Screen For Galentine’s Day

A rooftop cinema overlooking a busy road for a romantic date night on Valentine's Day, Lido On The RoofImage credit: Lido Cinemas | Supplied

If you’ve recently ditched true love or threw it away long ago, Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn are throwing on a rerun of Bridesmaids for Galentine’s Day. Arrive an hour before the film starts, set up your deck chair and enjoy a drink with a view. Book in advance here or try your luck on the night.

  1. Bust Your Best Moves At Stella’s Singles Party

A women holding a glass of champagne, ready for a Valentine's Day singles party in MelbourneImage credit: Stella | Supplied

For those ready to mingle, South Yarra’s Stella is throwing a love party with Hendricks Gin. Fly in solo from 5:30pm, grab your welcome cocktail and get mingling. It’s up for $49 a ticket, purchase yours here.

  1. Get Steamy At Alba With Couples Bathing

A person relaxing in an outdoor thermal pool at one of Melbourne's most romantic dates for couples, AlbaImage credit: Alba | Supplied

Run away with your other half to a wellness oasis—Alba—this Valentine’s Day. For a modest $380 for two, pop on the provided bathrobe and access: all 22 tranquil geothermal springs, the steam room and sauna, plus the cold plunge pool. When it’s time for a bite, head over to the Karen Martini-led restaurant for two-course lunch or dinner, and your choice of tipple. Now repeat after me: breathe in, breathe out, and book now.

Want a romantic weekend getaway instead? Check out Melbourne’s most luxe hotelsVictoria’s best Airbnbs and Victoria's best glamping.

And if you’re hunting for a pressie, check out our non-lame cringe-free gift guide.

Header image credit: Piccolina (supplied)

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