Here’s where to head for a degustation dinner with your bae, drinks with a Tinder date or a sugar hit with your sweetie.
EAT
New Zealand’s best-looking celebrity chef has designed a delicious set menu for lovers on Valentine’s Day. Book for one of two sittings (6pm – 8pm or 8.30pm – late) to experience Josh Emett’s glorious seafood platter, or for a slightly more casual dining experience, pop into the Deck at Ostro for a lobster combo with mini Moet Rose. (1)
Head chef Fred Wong has also created a special menu for Valentine’s Day, which pairs his signature beautiful plating with modern Japanese flavours and an unbeatable chocolate egg dessert. Book for the special menu, or dine a la carte on the night. (2)
Although it’s a hot favourite of Aucklanders (with good cause), Amano’s vast size and half-bookings, half walk-in policy means that if you have left it late to book a dinner spot for Valentine’s, and are happy to spend time chatting over a drink, it’s a safe bet for an amazing night. (3)
Could you choose a more romantic restaurant for dinner on Valentine’s Day than Ortolana’s garden courtyard backed by the fairy lights of The Pavilions? It’s a tough question, but we’re going to say no. (4)
DRINK
For those with a taste for the high life, Tommy’s are pulling out all the stops this Valentine’s Day with candlelight, caviar, champagne and lobster on the menu. (5)
Up on the open-air rooftop at Seven, they will be serving up dumplings and love-inspired cocktails all night long. (6)
The tropical tiki-hut styled bar at Talulah seems like the most appropriate place for a date on a humid midsummer Auckland evening. Look out for the special Valentine’s cocktail on their drinks list. (7)
With its hard-to-find downstairs entrance, moody lighting and epically talented bartenders with a reputation for showing their guests a good time, Caretaker is a safe bet when it comes to impressing someone you’d like to get to know a lot better. (8)
DESSERT
At Miann, there’s no end to treats that look almost too good to eat, but for February, their Cake of the month is the Raspberry Heart – a luscious glossy raspberry mousse heart filled with vanilla sponge and pistachio cream. (9)
The luxurious chocolate-box interior of Milse is a perfect place to settle in on Friday night, whether with a pal or a romantic partner. They’ve got a decadent Valentine’s special in the works – keep an eye on our social media for full details. (10)
As an authentic French patisserie, La Petit Fourchette has an incredible counter of takeaway treats, as well as a full menu of gloriously decorated made-to-order cakes, gateaux and tarts. (11)
