The right Valentine's date-place for every level of commitment

If you're just testing the waters with a Tinder match, Caretaker is an ideal spot for a getting-to-know-you cocktail. You can learn a lot about a person from what they order when the mixologist offers bespoke concoctions (and also from the way your date orders it).

You've decided you're pretty into your new boo, so after a few casual catch-ups, it's not too intense to step things up with a dessert date for two at Miann or a surprise box of chocolate treats, delivered to their door.

At Cafe Hanoi, there's a three-course set menu every day over Valentine's Weekend (12, 13 and 14 Feb) that's special without being wallet-crippling. For $55 per person, you can enjoy two entrees (including their legendary raw kingfish with lemongrass), two mains (including the roast half-duck with bitter spiced orange sauce and steamed greens) and a Vietnamese dessert platter to finish. For an additional $25, add a cocktail on arrival and a glass of still or sparkling wine.

Or, take your pick from one of Hipgroup's four restaurants at Britomart – Amano, Ortolana, The Store and the brand-new Andalusia-inspired Alma. They're not offering Valentine's Day menus, but they're always outstanding places to eat.

The Valentine's menu at Mr Morris (for lunch and dinner) is an elegantly romantic meal for two. Starting with snacks to share over a glass of Taittinger Prestige Rose, the offerings include crayfish with mushroom and sorrel; duck breast with kumara miso and onion and a dark chocolate dessert with rose Turkish delight, plum and raspberry. $120 per person.

Ostro also has a four-course menu to enjoy overlooking the harbour. For $120 per person, you'll start with a flute of Veuve Cliquot on arrival, followed by delicious starters, your choice from four classic entrees and four mains, finishing with one of two desserts or a cheese platter.

If you're looking to go all-out, the ultimate lovers' escape is found at The Hotel Britomart. The Taste of Romance package ($499 for two) starts with a Taste of Kingi menu over bubbles for lunch or dinner under the shimmering chandelier at Kingi, followed by a night at the hotel (with a complimentary room upgrade) and a late checkout the next morning (you can even order up breakfast in bed from Kingi if you can't be bothered leaving the room – price additional). Or, if you're only up for a meal, book Kingi's a relaxed four-course meal of raw bar morsels, shared antipasti, shared mains and icecream,  accompanied by bubbles on arrival.