Whether you're keen to keep it classic and shovel pasta with your boo thang by candlelight or are chasing something a little different this year, we've put in the hard yards and rounded up a bunch of awesome Valentine's Day date ideas along with Perth's most romantic Valentine's Day dinners for 2023.
From saucy salsa lessons to divine degustations, here are the best things to do this Valentine's Day in Perth.
If you're really keen to impress someone special, why not surprise them with a dreamy flower delivery or something unique from one of Perth's coolest gift delivery services too?
Valentine's Day Date Ideas In Perth
Head To A Fringe Show
What better place to spice up your V Day plans than at Fringe World where you have over 500 amazing events to choose from and a bunch of fun venues to grab a pre-show cocktail at. If you’re trying to make your partner swoon, why not head to this cool Candlelit Valentine’s Concert with Simone Craddock, or if you’re looking for something a little steamy for your cheeky date, you can’t go past the titillating cabaret circus extravaganza Happy Endings or head to the award-winning annual 12 Films Heart Short Film Festival for a free night out in the Northbridge Piazza.
Lace Up Your Dancing Shoes
If you're up for a bit of fun, you can't beat a spicy salsa lesson. The Leederville Precinct has three hours Latin seduction on offer this Tuesday 14 February hosted by one of WA's finest instructors, Liliana, from Ritmo Caliente Dance Academy. It's just $5 for new students so we suggest you go for dinner and drinks too.
Snuggle Up At An Outdoor Cinema
You're absolutely spoilt for choice around this time of year, with so many awesome outdoor cinemas worth a look. Moonlight Cinema, hosted on the lawns of our iconic Kings Park, has a stellar lineup of romantic flicks running this Feb. Somerville Movies is home to the coolest indie films and the most magical setting beneath the pines. And Rooftop Movies has an unbeatable atmosphere and throwback films.
Hit The Ice Rink
It may be hot out, but there is a way to escape it all. Just throw on a beanie and hold hands as you skate around Cockburn Ice Arena. You'll be glad to hear Tuesday is cheapskate night, so it'll only set you back $15 each for two hours of fun. There's also a rinkside bar attached so you can enjoy a well-earned post-skate beverage while you're there.
Get Your Hands Dirty At A Pottery Class
We can write off a The-Notebook-Style kiss in the rain because it's summer here in Australia, and we can also write off a Dirty-Dancing-Esque lift because we aren’t dating Patrick Swayze. But we WILL NOT write off a Ghost-Style sensual pottery venture. Not Yet Perfect Pottery Studio in Applecross runs regular wheel throwing and wine classes that are definitely worth a crack (pun intended) for your next date night. Afterwards, you can head to The Rowing Pavilion or the Raffles Hotel for riverside bevs and bites.
Channel Your Inner Picasso With Wine
Whether you're artistically blessed or struggle with basic stick figures, a good old paint and sip class is always a good time. Aided of course by a glass of vino in hand, these art classes include all the equipment you need and a qualified artist as your instructor. So all you really have to worry about is looking cute and turning up on time. Scope out Perth's best paint and sip classes and get booking.
Go Commando (Sort Of?) At Perth's Best Escape Rooms
If you thought building Ikea furniture was the ultimate relationship test, we’re here to prove you wrong. Escape This in Northbridge has a steamy Pirate Island room, and if you ask us there is nothing more romantic than being surrounded by darkness, fog, and of course, skulls and crossbones. Alternatively, you could say “I love you” with a high stakes attempt at Escape Hunt in Fremantle, we recommend the Spy Mission room for that sexy Ocean's 11 vibe (George Clooney and Brad Pitt not included). Otherwise, these Perth Escape Rooms are worth checking out too.
Throw Darts While Sipping Cocktails
The number one rule of Flight Club is to talk about how you had your first ever decent Valentine’s date here. Because honestly, is there anything more romantic than challenging your hand-eye coordination? Book in for a game of darts at Flight Club this Valentine’s Day for you and your special someone now. It just so happens to be half price on Tuesdays.
Get Physical At Maniax
Break the ice or the monotony of your usual date night with a relaxing and romantic session of axe throwing. Head to Maniax where you can throw hatchets for two hours and be treated to a drink on the hours post-throw. Located in Northbridge, why not mosey on down to dinner and drinks after? Find some of the best eats within walking distance here.
Glow Big Or Glow Home at Mini Golf
As much as we love a dimly lit bar and romantic dinner date on Valentine's day, we just can't pass up the opportunity to be both a human glow stick AND Tiger Woods this Feb 14. Five minutes south of Fremantle you’ll find Glowing Rooms, where you can do glow-in-the-dark mini-golf or VR escape rooms. With floors and walls painted by specialised artists and some magic glasses, you’ll soon be putting your way through some amazing glow-in-the-dark landscapes.
Stroll Through Perth’s Galleries
Whether you're into art or not, there’s something pretty romantic about strolling through gallery exhibitions and soaking up the cultural sights with someone. Plus, they also provide plenty of great conversation starters along the way—yay for avoiding those nervous awkward silences. The Art Gallery of WA has some great exhibitions running and a stunning rooftop bar with epic views over the city. There’s also the nearby Perth Institute of Contemporary Art, which can also be paired with a glass of wine and an epic grazing board at Picabar.
Get Jazzy With It
If you enjoy the smooth, romantic tones of the Saxophone (or should we say Sexyphone?): This valentines day, go straight to The Ellington. Park up with vino and then dance your absolute heart out to the most intimate, lively jazz you’ll experience in Perth. If you’re continuing the night, why not head to The Bird or Pica Bar? Both are open until the early hours and the perfect place to do that cringey slow-dance your parents used to do after a few wines.
Soak Up Some Sun With A Picnic Basket
I think everyone who’s ever been on a picnic has said “we should do this more often” so why not do it this Valentine’s Day?! You really can’t go wrong at these stunning spots. Otherwise just pick a spot that is sentimental for you and your boo thang, or walking distance from home if you plan on sharing a few bevvies together. To make life easier, you could always grab a pre-prepared picnic package. Old Bridge Cellars has teamed up with Tapas Addict to give you a beaut little grazing board and wine combo perfect for your V-day picnics (order here by 12pm Monday 13 Feb). You could also get a bouquet of flowers and aperitivo drinks delivered from Little Posy Co. Oh and if you're open to celebrating on another night, the good folks at Hadiqa are throwing together these gorgeous Moroccan picnic baskets for you to enjoy up on their rooftop terrace.
Indulge In A Boujee Staycay
If things are getting serious a luxe little staycay at one of Perth’s best hotels is the perfect way to max out on those honeymoon phase vibes. From boutique beauties such as the Hougoumont Hotel in Fremantle, the unmatched heritage charm, and sophistication of the COMO The Treasury or the uber-trendy Alex Hotel, there’s no denying Perth has an irresistible selection on offer.
Perth's Most Romantic Valentine's Day Dinners
Naber + ||||
Leederville
Dim the lights and tuck into a delectable three-course share menu courtesy of Chef Jacob Rutherford at Naber + ||||. This Leederville gem is dishing up a special Valentine’s version of their popular $99 Wine & Dine deal that’s guaranteed to set the mood.
Core Cider House
Pickering Brook
Feel like celebrating early? Head to Core Cider Sunday 12 February and soak up the serene orchard vibes, with two romantic Valentine's day options to choose from. Go for a charming sunset picnic at Dragonfly Ponds from 4pm til 7pm or head in at 6pm for a three course dinner in either the orchard or terrace outdoor dining spaces.
Shui
Subiaco
Subi's hottest new restaurant should definitely be on the top of your V-Day dinner list if you're keen to win your date over with lip-smacking eats and killer cocktails. Chef Leigh Power is whipping up an insanely good modern Asian banquet for two paired with cocktails courtesy of Beverage Manager Phillip Weber.
Lucy Luu
Mount Hawthorn
Freshly shucked oysters, tempura soft shell crab salad, truffle fried rice, sashimi king salmon and scallops…are you feeling the love yet? Because damn, Lucy Luu sure knows how to get the feels going with this three-course Valentine’s Day feast. She’s even thrown in a glass of bubbles on arrival. We love Lucy.
Besk
West Leederville
The lovemakers at Besk are setting the mood this Valentine’s Day with a delicious share-style dinner from Head Chef Tom Bidois down in their underground cellar. You can throw on drink pairings for $50 each or flex your own wine-pairing skills by selecting something special from their bottle shop.
Servo
Leederville
The five-course tasting experience at Servo will see you delving into non-stop delights from the venue's moreish share-style menu. With a complimentary glass of Idee Fixe NV Brut Rose on arrival, you can confidently kick the date off on a high. If things go downhill from there, that's on you.
Brika
Perth
Why not celebrate love with an authentic Greek feast at Brika? This mouthwatering set menu includes delish dishes such as charcoal smoked eggplant dip, charred lamb ribs, chicken souvla and roasted peach with halloumi, plus you’ll be treated to a glass of bubbles.
Miss Chow’s
South Perth
Miss Chow’s is rolling out an extra fancy degustation this Feb 14th full of the highest quality local produce. Pair this with sparkling views of the city skyline and your special someone and tell me you’re not in love.
The Garden
Leederville
Love birds can fly right on into The Garden for a special $65 three-course dinner with max outdoor ambience this Valentine's Day. Just tack on the Endless Loves drinks package if you're keen for endless frosés too.
Old Young's Kitchen
Swan Valley
Chef Rohan Park's putting on a decadent four-course feast infused with hyper-local produce and unique native ingredients at their Swan Valley stunner, Old Young's Kitchen. Wander through the lush kitchen garden then settle in for a special Old Young's cocktail on arrival—it's bound to impress the pants off your date.
Tiny's
Perth CBD
Tiny's is firing up the romance this Tuesday 14 February with a lip-smacking four-course Valentine's feast and optional wine pairing, all kicking off with oysters and pickled mango mignonette no less. This one will set you back $70 a head, but we reckon it's worth it.
Volare
Maylands
So you can’t afford to whisk your lover away to Sicily this Valentine’s Day? Don’t sweat. Once you’re sipping cocktails in Volare’s charming courtyard, you’ll feel like you’ve sailed into the European Riviera for the night. We’ve already fallen head over heels for this four-course Valentine’s Day cocktail dinner menu.
Tradewinds
East Fremantle
It’s hard to argue with a five-course rooftop dinner that kicks off with bubbles and oysters. Especially when it’s backed up by western rock lobster, scotch fillet and petit fours. Book a table overlooking the harbour and cue the romance.
El Grotto
Scarborough
Dial up the heat with a saucy Mexican date night at El Grotto. They've got a special cocktail just for the big day, and all their usual tacos, tequila and good times.
Planet Royale
Northbridge
Not into the fancy stuff? Planet Royale is giving you the cheesy Valentine's Day dinner dreams are made of this year. A heart-shaped pizza, a watermelon love cocktail jug and arcade games—I mean, if that's not love I don't know what is.
Varnish On King
Perth CBD
Varnish is pulling out all the delicious stops this Valentine's Day. The intimate underground whiskey haunt is putting up a three-course share style menu packed with drool-worthy bangers like grilled tiger prawns, pan-fried chicken supreme and crispy fried potatoes, but honestly the allure of the free-flow drink upgrade is what's really got us hot under the collar.
Silks Restaurant
Burswood
Any dinner that starts with a pink flamingo cocktail is alright in our books, but Silk’s romantic Asian banquet has plenty more worth drooling over. Just think: wagyu beef with xo sauce, crispy cod with garlic sauce and wok fried chicken with spicy BBQ sauce, topped off with the most adorable heart shaped dessert for two.
Epicurean
Burswood
Epicurean’s lavish lunch or dinner buffet is a surefire way to satisfy every craving. With a stack of cuisines and first class cooking stations on offer, plus, an extra special Valentine’s Day dessert station, multiple trips to this buffet are definitely encouraged.
Hearth
Perth CBD
The Ritz-Carlton’s luxe restaurant Hearth is a pretty romantic spot to enjoy Valentine’s Day, and this year they’re going all out. On arrival, you’ll be treated to a glass of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Rosé, before enjoying an intimate five-course menu created with WA’s finest produce. Not to mention, you can choose to pair this culinary journey with wines from Margaret River’s Voyager Estate. Why not book a room at the Ritz too?
Modo Mio
Burswood
The old school romance of Italy is hard to beat, so why fight it? Go all in with a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner at Modo Mio accompanied by good wines and even better company.
Bistro Guillaume
Burswood
This Valentine’s Day, why not say oui to an indulgent Parisian-inspired lunch or dinner at Bistro Guillaume. With gorgeous interiors and breathtaking views, the venue is as pretty as a picture. Throw on some champagne and a little salted caramel tart to finish and your date will be well and truly swooning.
Want more? Check out our full list of Perth date ideas.
Image credit: Supplied, Moonlight Cinemas, Not Yet Perfect, Flight Club, Lucy Luu, Brika, Old Young's Kitchen, Volare, Silks, Hearth