If you agree there’s no better way to say, “I love you,” than sharing a standout meal with your significant other, you’ve come to the right place.
From fine dining to low-key neighbourhood favourites, we've found Valentine's Day options that are guaranteed to impress your partner and turn on the romance (or provide a reason to celebrate singledom with your friends).
Here are Sydney’s best Valentine’s Day dinners, treats, specials, and events to indulge in in 2023.
Valentine's Day Treats, Specials And Events
Messina Valentine's Red Velvet Hot Tub
Nothing screams "I love you" more than ice cream, right? Specifically, a red velvet gelato tub from Gelato Messina—we’re talking layers of cream cheese gelato with red velvet cake and red velvet fudge topped with cake crumbs. Our mouth is watering already. If yours is too, you'll need to pre-order on 30 January to pick up in-store anytime between 11-14 February, then by V Day you’ll be ready to say your I love yous by spoon-feeding each other gelato. Find out more here.
Pinot & Picasso Partner Aura Painting Paint And Sip
Various Locations
Pinot & Picasso, one of our fave paint and sip experiences, is hosting perfectly on-theme paint and sip events for couples and friends to celebrate this Valentine's Day. From partner-aura painting designed to create connection, an epic Galentine's Day cheeky cocktail-themed experience, and boozy brunches that will have you walking away with your own custom femme fatale artwork or on-trend textured piece, there's an activity sure to suit you. Check out what's happening here.
Heart-Shaped Strawberry Watermelon Cake
Black Star Pastry
After selling out in 2022, Black Star is bringing back its adorable heart-shaped version of the iconic Strawberry Watermelon Cake, which was first created as a wedding cake—so it's got a lot of love. With rose-scented cream, fresh watermelon, strawberries and pistachios, it's the perfect treat, even coming adorned with rose petals. Vegans can also indulge in Valentine's-themed versions of Black Star's vegan chocolate cupcakes. Pick up in store, or order online (48 hours' notice required) here.
Valentine's Day Dinners
Gildas
Surry Hills
Lennox Hastie's Basque-themed wine bar will be dishing out romance, Euro-style this Valentine's Day. Expect a three-course sharing menu of pintxos and plates alongside the new bar's long list of sherry, the top-tier Gildas martini, of course. Finish off with Gildas' new ricotta soft serve with pistachio and grilled cherry juice. Book here.
Ash St Cellar
CBD
Take a little trip to Paris at this charming laneway bistro. The Valentine's Day menu is $120pp with a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, and offers spanner crab toast, duck breast with Perigord sauce and braised wombok, and a dessert of roasted nectarine with whipped mascarpone and honeycomb. Book here.
Santa Catarina
CBD
If love looks like mezcal, get to Santa Catarina for a delightful Valentine's Day. At $90pp, guests will start with champagne on arrival before tucking into a set menu including Oaxacan guacamole, charred Yamba prawns, and a choco-flan dessert. Book here.
ESQ
CBD
Head to the historic Queen Victoria Building for an indulgent evening of romance at ESQ. Seats are $125pp and include live jazz and a glass of bubbles on arrival followed by a three-course menu including scallops in dashi beurre blanc, eye fillet with red wine jus, and a shared Valrhona chocolate tart for dessert. Book here.
The Winery
Surry Hills
It might not be the Hunter Valley, but The Winery will be bringing the big romantic vibes on Tuesday. Available for $79pp for lunch or dinner, guests will enjoy a glass of prosecco on arrival, followed by a four-course meal including oysters, haloumi in a honey dressing, grilled barramundi, and dark chocolate mousse. Book here.
Grana
CBD
Grana is wooing us this Valentine's with a $99pp set menu that includes kingfish crudo with tomato dressing and green chilli, linguine with clams and zucchini flower, and bone-in sirloin with salsa verde and lemon. Naturally, you’re going to want to hold out for dessert: Grana’s pistachio semifreddo with raspberry and rose. Head over here to book.
Lana
CBD
Also nestled in the gorgeous Hinchcliff House, Lana is getting loved-up with a ten-dish Loves Me set menu that includes the likes of Wagyu tonnato with wasabi leaf and finger lime, chilled mussel salmoriglio with green tomato, and coral trout with XO. The menu will set you back $149pp, and there'll be Loves Me More menu add-ons available too. Book here.
Shaffa
Surry Hills
Valentine's Day at Shaffa includes a pomegranate bellini on arrival, and a special four-course menu with plates like oysters with gin and finger lime, halloumi in a seasonal marmalade, Murray cod with saffron rice, and the signature coconut malabi. You can book in for $120pp here.
The Old Fitz
Woolloomooloo
Head to The Old Fitz's cosy bistro for a Valentine's Day banquet playing on whimsy and the playful nature of romance; think Sydney rock oysters with honeydew melon and aleppo pepper, watermelon ceviche, duck breast with barbeque cherry and snow fungus; and an indulgent crepe cake to finish. Bookings are $100pp and include a glass of French sparkling on arrival, with a special wine list also on offer. Book here.
RAFI
North Sydney
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Staying north of the bridge? Get to RAFI for a romantic three-course shared feast including the signature raw platter with kingfish, scallop, tuna, Sydney rock oysters, and you can add on half lobsters in cultured butter if you're really looking to impress. Seats are $130pp, and include a cocktail on arrival. Book here.
Flying Fish
Pyrmont
One for the seafood lovers, Flying Fish is serving up a chef selection of seafood for two for $165; there's Sydney rock oysters with finger lime mignonette, Shark Bay scallops with pickled desert lime, lemon myrtle and cultured cream, bay lobster with shellfish butter and garlic oil, king prawns and Jervis Bay mussels. If that doesn't tick all the boxes, a special chocolate fondant wattleseed caramel and macadamia ice cream is also on offer for dessert. Book here.
Irene's
Newtown
Indian-influenced newcomer Irene's is celebrating Valentine's with not just a day, but a week of a special $110pp menu available 10–14 February, with the option to pre-order whole lobsters ranging in size from 700 to 900 grams. As well as enjoying a spritz on arrival to get you in the mood and a dessert to finish, Irene's is also generously allowing BYO so you can crack that special bottle you've been saving. Book here.
Babylon Rooftop
CBD
This Valentine’s Day, look to the future with Babylon Rooftop’s Turkish coffee fortune teller making predictions for the year ahead for bookings of four guests or more (making it a perfect option for Galentine's, too). For $85pp, Babylon Rooftop will treat Valentine's Day diners to a one-and-a-half-hour session filled with bottomless Chandon Garden Spritz accompanied by a delicious selection of mezze between 6:30 pm and 8 pm. In the restaurant, a Middle Eastern feast is on offer for $115pp, including wood-grilled Hervey Bay scallops, halloumi with wild honey and flowers, and chocolate tahini with caramel sponge, with a glass of Taittinger on arrival. Book here.
Kittyhawk
CBD
Catch a little Parisian romance at Kittyhawk this Valentine’s Day with their $90pp special menu offering salmon rillettes, lobster raviole and blushing duck you could possibly dream of. A vegetarian menu is also available, and you and Bae will also score a glass of bubbles on arrival. If you're splashing out, there are champagne, oysters, caviar and truffle brie add-ons to really impress, and for $45pp, you can enjoy matched wines with dinner. Book here.
Shell House
CBD
As always, you have options at Shell House; there's a Lobster & Chablis Dinner in The Dining Room with two tasting menus to select from (from $195), Menzies Bar & Bistro is hosting a loved-up dinner including Moreton Bay bug ravioli and a cocktail on arrival for $165pp, and Sky Bar is hosting the house band playing interpretations of Prince hits accompanied by snacks and an arrival drink for $75pp. All three events are bound to book out, so head here to nab your reservation.
Aria
CBD
When it comes to cracking sunset views of the harbour, Aria reigns supreme. Splash out on true luxury this Valentine’s Day with the harbourside restaurant’s six-course $325pp tasting menu, including Mooloolaba yellowfin tuna, glazed Maremma quail and Ranger’s Valley Wagyu, with a glass of champagne to welcome you and your #1. Head here to reserve your table.
Uccello
CBD
If amore looks like coastal Italian cuisine and Ruinart rosé on arrival, Uccello is your spot for V-Day. The special Valentine's Day menu here includes oysters, buffalo mozzarella with nectarine and heirloom tomato, carpaccio with hazelnut, anchovy and capers, black truffle linguine, and silky tiramisu to finish, all for $175pp. Book here.
The Meat & Wine Co
Multiple Locations
The Meat & Wine Co is also celebrating the most romantic day of the year at their Bella Vista, Barangaroo, Circular Quay and Parramatta restaurants. The three-course menu plus sides will have you and your loved one feasting on chermoula-marinated king prawns, aged Wagyu tartare and premium steaks. The bougie set menu also features a glass of Lallier R.018 Brut NV Champagne on arrival (we think that’s more than enough to set the right tone for the evening). Book here.
Odd Culture
Newtown
Lovers who love wine should consider Odd Culture's Valentine's Day banquet; at $120pp, the experience includes a cocktail with Hickson Road gin, wild rosé vermouth, green chartreuse, grapefruit, and nectarine on arrival to whet the appetite, before enjoying a menu with oysters, bavette steak with rock lobster and bisque butter, and dark chocolate pudding. Odd Culture's epic wine list will be on offer for pairing, and bookings can be made here.
Chiswick
Woollahra
If down-to-earth, planted-to-plated dining is your vibe, look no further than Chiswick this Valentine’s Day. Head Chef Taylor Cullen has curated a sumptuous shared menu that includes the likes of "barra-masalata", crispy skin ocean trout and a half Chiswick lamb shoulder. The menu is $160pp and includes a glass of champagne on arrival, as well as the chance to admire the surrounding leafy grounds of the stunning property. Book here.
BLACK Bar & Grill
Pyrmont
Go all-out at BLACK with a three-course tasting experience that includes a caviar tasting paired with quail egg, potato blini and chives, salmon served with horseradish cream, yuzu kosho and crispy saltbush, and a Wagyu fillet. The exclusive Valentine's Day experience is $250pp, and includes a glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival. Book here.
The Squire’s Landing
The Rocks
There’s one thing that oysters, champagne and chocolate just can’t beat when it comes to romance: Sydney’s glistening harbour at sunset, and The Squire’s Landing is offering exactly that this Valentine's Day. For $110pp, The Rocks institution is serving up a three-course set menu featuring roasted pork belly with pickled cabbage, 300-gram sirloin with garlic pomme puree, Humpty Doo barramundi with caponata, and chai panna cotta with saffron syrup. Aside from the food and views, you and your beloved will also be treated to a glass of Chandon rosé on arrival. Book here.
North Bondi Fish
Bondi
Bondi’s favourite seafood hotspot, North Bondi Fish, is hosting a special do this Valentine’s Day. What more could you want than perching yourself in front of the restaurant’s spitting views of Bondi Beach, lapping up the salty air, and feasting on fresh seafood? For lunch, you’ll be able to take advantage of the restaurant’s a la carte menu and specials, or opt for the $130pp set menu for dinner featuring classics like NBF’s fish taco, grilled barramundi and dark chocolate mousse (with options for vegos and vegans, too). Head over here to book.
Chophouse
CBD
If steak and wine are your vibe this Valentine’s Day, get booking at Chophouse. At lunch, you’ll be treated to their a la carte menu so you can enjoy your favourites, or opts for the $160pp four-course dinner featuring kingfish crudo, Hervey Bay scallops with caper butter, and 700-gram rib on the bone. Glasses of Chandon Brut Rose NV will also be served on arrival, which is bound to only up the ante when it comes to wining and dining your loved one. Book here.
Harry’s By Giuls
Darlinghurst
If you’re looking for a little slice of Italy (sans the return airfare), treat your partner to the ultimate Milano share plate menu at Harry’s By Giuls this Valentine’s Day. For $120pp, you’ll score all the dressed oysters, eye fillet tartare, house pappardelle and prosciutto pizza you could imagine. The female-run, retro eatery has quickly risen to fame for serving up authentic Italian eats right in the heart of Sydney’s original little Italy—so you know it’ll be good. Book here.
Giuls
Surry Hills
Harry’s older sister, Giuls, is also serving up a Valentine’s Day menu that’s hard to beat. The modern Italian restaurant will be dishing up the likes of raspberry vinegar-dressed oysters, squid ink lamb ragu and Wagyu, just to name a few. For $120pp, the four-course plus sides share menu is seriously generous, so you’ll want to make sure to arrive hungry (and don’t be surprised if you leave rolling out). Book here.
For more romantic inspo, check out our hitlist of the best restaurants in Sydney right now.
Image credit: The Old Fitz (Kitti Gould), Messina, Nikki To, Lana (Steven Woodburn), Kittyhawk, Shell House, Odd Culture (Nikki To), Chophouse, (Steven Woodburn)