Come Monday, February 14, love is in the air and everywhere you look around. Partners will ask how deep is your love, or just call to say I love you, as Australians can’t help falling in love one more time.
When a man loves a woman, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to spoil her with jewellery, flowers or a romantic dinner at a favourite restaurant. Those crazy in love will truly, madly, deeply celebrate their feelings with champagne, hot air balloon rides, or just hanging out at home together on the couch.
The power of love can’t be denied and love will keep us together as we move forward into a new year of hopes, dreams and expectations. For those crazy in love and wanting to commemorate their own love story, check out these venues, where endless love and fine food abound:
With a name like The Grand Palace expectations are high for this Indian restaurant on George Street in the heart of Sydney – and it doesn’t disappoint. Nestled in a basement, expect stunning décor with carved wooden pergolas, tables and archways, along with green leather chairs and a wall of trailing greenery; while the menu delivers traditional cuisine fit for royalty, with an intuitive modern twist.
Indulge romantic desires at The Grand Palace Indian Restaurant in the heart of Sydney.
An ideal spot to spoil your loved one on Monday, expect a complimentary glass of wine on arrival followed by a special set menu with offerings such as chicken tikka or tender lamb cutlets to start; before mains like lamb korma – boneless lamb simmered in a cashew nut and onion-based gravy – with rice and garlic naan. Walnut chocolate brownie and melted chocolate is the perfect finish.
Modern eatery meets Italian deli at Sirculo on Ward Place in Dural, creating a social hub for family and friends which oozes Mediterranean charm with a twist. Celebrity Chef Josh Sama has teamed up with multi-hatted Chef Avik Kanjilal to present this chic and unique space, where cool green tones blend with blond wood and an abundance of natural light, to set the scene for leisurely dining from morning to night.
Twirl your fork around linguine with King Prawns at Sirculo in Dural.
Take your partner on a romantic Mediterranean journey with an indulgent three-course Valentine’s Day dinner, with a free glass of bubbles on arrival; delve into Sydney rock oysters with champagne watermelon and caviar to begin, then twirl your fork around linguine with King prawns, confit chilli, garlic, white wine and parsley.
Whisk tastebuds away on an Italian culinary adventure while dining at Monte's, a multi-award-winning Blue Mountains iconic restaurant. Family owned and operated for more than three decades, Monte's on Great Western Highway in Blaxland radiates a welcoming warmth, encompassing a breezy alfresco area and an alluringly cosy interior.
Start your Valentine’s meal at Monte’s with a refreshing caprese salad.
Start your memorable Valentine’s meal with a refreshing caprese salad of tomato, basil and bocconcini; then devour Chef Brando’s housemade pillow-soft gnocchi and rich beef ragu with a glass of Shiraz. For an indulgent and decadent dessert, treat your better half to red velvet cake.
Sweeping views of the golf course, swimming pool and vineyards make Redsalt in Lovedale the place to see and be seen in the Hunter Valley. Crowne Plaza Hotel's signature restaurant is celebrated for its local produce, fine wine and innovative fare in a lively ambience, which turns romantic in the evenings. Executive Chef Jason Hawker brings a farmgate to plate concept to the menu, best showcased in the five-course degustation, which highlights local growers.
Love is in the air at Redsalt restaurant in Lovedale.
On Valentine’s Day, there’ll be bubbles, rose petal-themed table settings, gin cured salmon, fresh dill, cucumber, fennel and lime to kickstart celebrations; seared lamb rump, black garlic and crispy kale for the main and to finish, expect champagne and strawberry Eton mess, with rose and white chocolate.
Find Melbourne’s most romantic hidden watering hole at Life’s Too Short back vintage wine bar on Victoria Parade. Tucked away in the old bluestone cellars of the original Victoria Brewery, this petite luxe wine bar specialises in back vintage drops, paired with Australian artisan produce, fine beers, ciders and bespoke cocktails.
Sip a signature Aviation cocktail with the one you love at Life’s Too Short back vintage wine bar.
Enjoy a delicious three-course twilight dining package on Monday, with a welcome cocktail and two-hours of free-flowing back vintage house wines or beer; alongside a special menu of an artisan antipasto/seafood platter, choice of mains like burnt butter and truffle oil gnocchi, an epicurean cheese board and accompaniments.
For more loved up venues near you, click here.
