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.
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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.
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Lona Misa
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.
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Poodle Bar & Bistro
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.
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Grossi Florentino
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.
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400 Gradi
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.
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Mr. Miyagi
Image 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.
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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.
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Purple Pit
Image 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 breakfasts, Melbourne’s best restaurants and Melbourne’s best bars.
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Piccolina
Image 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.
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Yo-Chi
Image 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.
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Fly High In A Hot Air Balloon Over The Yarra Valley
Image 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.
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Catch Bridesmaids On The Big Screen For Galentine’s Day
Image 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.
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Bust Your Best Moves At Stella’s Singles Party
Image 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.
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Get Steamy At Alba With Couples Bathing
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 hotels, Victoria’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)