Overview
There aren't many better excuses to treat your significant other, your best pals, or even yourself, to an indulgent and memorable dinner than a day dedicated on the calendar to all things love, lust and romance. However, with so many V Day deals and specials being spruiked on every corner, it can be hard to narrow down your options and find the perfect spot to celebrate February 14th this year. So, we've done the groundwork for you and compiled a list of the best places to eat and drink this Valentine's Day.
From degustations worth the splurge, to places still offering à la carte, to spots slinging great deals you can't pass up, these are the bars and restaurants worth booking a table. However, spots are filling up fast, so you'd best get moving.
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For Fancy French Fare: Harriot, CBD
If you're looking to take things up a notch this V Day, head to French bistro, Harriot, for a special set menu priced at $175 per person. Sip on champagne as you snack on a selection of small plates specially designed by Head Chef James Kelly, before sampling the likes of bluefin tuna with fermented porcini, polenta ravioli with corn and truffle and duck with plum and rainbow chard. Finish sweet with Valencia orange sherbert with makrut lime, buckwheat ice cream, grilled cherries and chocolate.
For a Pumping Pasta Party: Marameo, CBD
Head to the city's pasta palace, Marameo, this Valentine's Day for a generous set menu featuring many of the restaurant's crowd favourites. Start with scallops in garlic butter and mortadella and salami gnocco fritto, before moving on to crab linguine and slow-roasted lamb shoulder. For $85 per person, you'll also get to indulge in tableside tiramisu.
For Those Who Don't Want a Set Menu: Daphne, Brunswick East
While set menus are certainly a great option for celebrating, if you want to keep things casual this Valentine's Day, head to Hannah Green's new and highly acclaimed Daphne in Brunswick East. With a business-as-usual à la carte offering, you and your date can choose from a selection of snacks, such as mortadella skewers and beef tartare, before sharing hearty mains like calamari cavatelli and roast chicken with blistered grapes.
For Prosecco, Pizza and Pistachios: Figlia, Brunswick East
Whether you're trying to impress your partner or planning a rowdy night out with your gals, you can't go wrong with prosecco, pizza and pistachio-crowned cherry sorbet. Beloved neighbourhood pizzeria Figlia is offering a hearty set menu this February 14th, including cacio e pepe arancini, prawns with anchovy butter, scallop ravioli and your choice of pizza, for $100 per person.
For a Romantic Evening of Seafood Snacks: Apollo Inn, CBD
One of Melbourne's best bars, Apollo Inn, is putting on a show this Valentine's Day with a thoughtfully curated menu showcasing seasonal produce and seafood for $90 per person. Expect oysters and scallops with caviar, beef tartare with flatbread, and crème caramel to finish on a sweet note. The low-lit, intimate space is about as romantic as you can get, so we won't be surprised to see these tables book up before you can even get to the website.
For a Wine-Forward Experience to Remember: Circl Wine House, CBD
Arguably one of Melbourne's best cellars, Circl Wine House is the ultimate destination for the oenophile in your life. The Circl of Love: A Valentine's Dinner is sure to impress those who love fine wine and good food with a produce-driven four-course menu being offered for $150 per person. And it would be criminal not to go for one of the wine pairing options, including the Alternatives of the World ($85), Welcome to Australia ($175), and Icons of Europe (+$250).
For a Fiery Vietnamese Feed: Firebird, Windsor
High Street's hot-and-spicy Vietnamese diner, Firebird, is slinging a fresh, vibrant feast this Valentine's Day for $88 per person. Expect oysters with pineapple mignonette, smoked mussel báhn mí fingers, snapper tartare and beef carpaccio. The star of the show is the 14-day dry-aged, fire-roasted duck, served with an orange and burnt ginger relish.
For a Gluten-Free Feast that Won't Leave You Wanting: Rufio, St Kilda
This 100% gluten-free Latin fusion restaurant in St Kilda draws gluten-free diners from across town. The smoky, bold menu includes fresh ceviche and chargrilled steaks, which pair perfectly with Rufio's lineup of creative margaritas. Remove the stress of any mixed-up dietary requirements this Valentine's to ensure a smooth, and romantic evening.
Feature image: Apollo Inn.