Overview
Ahhh, it's the most (forced) romantic time of the year, Valentine's Day! Sure, Valentine's Day might be a heavily commercialised holiday that plays into mass consumerism and social pressures, but couldn't we all use a little extra love and TLC right now? So why not lean in and make it one to remember?
Love is in the air, and you're on the clock to find something to do to impress the significant other in your life. While dinner and drinks are a reliable option, use our handy guide of the best things to do this Valentine's Day to find something exciting to do this year. And even if you think V-Day is lame, you're as single as a Pringle, or are planning to spend the day with mates or glamming up for Galentine's Day, these are still pretty great deals worth checking out. Cupid called, and he said spots are filling up fast, so book ahead and score extra brownie points this Valentine's Day.
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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 Romantic Movie Under the Stars: Moonlight Cinema, Botanical Gardens
Perennial favourite summer to-do, Moonlight Cinema at the Botanical Gardens is turning up the heat this February with a dedicated Week of Romance. A curated line-up of loved-up films, spanning feel-good rom-coms to darker stories of obsession and desire, is in store for those wanting to spend an evening under the stars. Catch the highly anticipated Wuthering Heights on Valentine's Day, but we suggest booking your spot ASAP before it sells out.
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 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 an Interactive Dessert at a Glam Hotel: W Melbourne, CBD
This year, W Melbourne, one of the city's most glammed-up and design-forward hotels, is offering three distinct Valentine's Day experiences, all with the same romantic ending. Whether you choose to go for refined Italian dining at Lollo, an intimate omakase at Warabi, or casual cocktails at Curious, you'll get to experience the signature interactive dessert moment designed for Valentine's Day. The Heart's a Mess dessert features an edible rose cracked over the dish upon serving.
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 a Galentine's Day High Tea: Mary Eats Cake, Montrose and Brunswick
Make Valentine's Day all about the gals this year with Mary Eats Cake's high tea experience. Whether you're celebrating with best friends, family members or soul mates, do it with lamington scones, pink champagne cocktails and unlimited specialty teas. The experience is available at the stores in both Montrose and Brunswick from Wednesday, February 4th, to Sunday, March 1st.
Feature image: Kristoffer Paulsen, Harriot.