While the excitement for V-Day builds, we’ve been busy scoping out the top spots for Valentine’s Day in Brisbane, and though the romantics among you might think the way to someone’s heart is through roses, we’re well and truly convinced it’s via the stomach. So make the most of Valentine’s Day falling on a weekend (two whole days of eating? HALLO!) and take a leaf out of our guide to surviving Valentine’s Day weekend – one course at a time.
Bird’s Nest | $80pp | 13-14 February
Share the love this Valentine’s Day with a shared menu at Brisbane’s best Japanese eatery, Bird’s Nest. With live music setting the mood, start the night off by sharing a his and hers sake cocktail before moving on to enjoy the exotic flavours of Bincho grilled duck breast, miso glazed Glacier 51 Patagonian tooth fish and Sasami chicken four ways. With eight courses, including one delicious Valentine’s dessert, for once there’ll be no arguments about where to go and what to eat. With something for everyone, Bird’s Nest is the place to be to share the love this Valentine’s Day.
Communal Brisbane | Free entry | 14 February
Single and ready to mingle? Escape the sappy Valentine’s Day celebrations and hit up Communal Brisbane for their Singles Sunday Session. Why spend money on roses and chocolates when you can get champagne and oysters with the ladies? Break the ice with other like-minded singles and share a cocktail jug of their Passion in the Square, filled with vodka, passionfruit, pineapple juice, lime, mint and a little flirtation. With all the aphrodisiacs flying about, you might go home with a little more than you bargained for!
Cowch | $8.95 | 12-19 February
What could be sweeter for your sweetie than a visit to Cowch this Valentine’s Day? Giving you a special Valentine’s Day edition of the famous Naked Pop from February 12 to 19, Cowch is keeping the romance alive longer for you and your valentine. Enjoy a drink and tuck into a pomegranate Naked Pop smothered in chocolate, strawberries, whipped cream and a flake, all before exploring the romantic setting of Brisbane’s South Bank, walking it off through the arbor so you can come back for seconds later. Make this Valentine’s Day the sweetest one yet and enjoy all that’s on offer at Queensland’s favourite dessert bar.
Darling & Co | $65pp or $95pp with matched wines | 13 – 14 February
Spend this Valentine’s Day weekend indulging your darling at Darling & Co. Locally sourced and carefully considered, the My Darling Valentine set menu is ready and waiting to sweep you off your feet, with delicious dishes including the Northern Rivers veal cutlet and the darling Bombe Alaska. The many options of the ever-popular a la carte menu are available all weekend as well, making this the perfect occasion to treat your darling to that favourite meal you’ve fallen in love with. Both the a la carte and set menu options are available for a Love Lunch and a Darling Dinner Date, making the intimate dining experience at Darling & Co sure to take the romance up a notch. Only the best for you, darling.
The Fishery | Open 7 days
Nothing says ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ better than a homemade meal, cooked with love. Whip up a seafood extravaganza with fresh produce from The Fishery and celebrate the most romantic day of the year in your own style. With a premium range of whole fish and fillets, shellfish, prawns and oysters as well as an inspiring recipes section on their website, The Fishery has everything you need to impress your sweetheart with your culinary prowess this Valentine’s Day. Bonus points for aphrodisiac capabilities.
The Fox Hotel | $59pp | 14 February
If you and your Valentine prefer to skip the formality and opt for a more relaxed dining option, come and celebrate the most romantic day of the year at The Fox Hotel’s Fish Lane Bistro. With a Valentine’s Day set menu packed full of winning options as well as the full a la carte menu, you and your love can sit back and celebrate while everything else is taken care of. When you’ve had your fill make the most of the location by soaking in the view and a drink or two on Dandys Rooftop or take a romantic walk amongst the South Bank scenery. Whatever you choose to follow it with, this menu will have you feeling loved up all night long.
Libertine | $149 per couple |12 – 14 February
Immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant French-Vietnamese romance of Libertine this Valentine’s Day, with an unforgettable dining experience awaiting you and your Valentine in their heritage listed dining room (swanky Valentine’s date, much?). Complete with glowing chandeliers and decadent gold leaf contrasted by recycled timber furniture, the only way to make Libertine any more romantic is to include some sumptuous food. This Valentine’s weekend, take your pick from the specially selected Valentine’s Banquet which includes 6 delicious courses and a glass of Louis Roederer on arrival or the ever popular a la carte menu and woo your beloved with a meal to remember (no judgment if you want to keep the duck crepes all to yourself – we would too).
Milton Fruit Bowl | Open 7 days
Whether it’s a vegetarian feast or an accompaniment to the main, Milton Fruit Bowl has the best array of fresh produce to take your Valentine’s Day meal to the next level. Scope out their tried and true recipes on the ‘in season’ section of their website, and then stock up in store on all the fresh ingredients you’ll need to woo your Valentine. With organic fruits and vegetables, free-range eggs, a wide variety of nuts, herbs and spices and the ultimate Valentine’s Day staple – freshly cut flowers – there’s no doubt your love affair with Milton Fruit Bowl will continue well beyond Valentine’s Day.
Popolo | $89 per person | 12 – 14 February
Get a little Italian into you this Valentine’s Day and enjoy a specially selected set menu at Popolo. With seven courses on offer, this set menu has something for everyone, or if you’d prefer to choose your own adventure, the full a la carte menu is also available. With the gorgeous Brisbane River as its backdrop, Popolo is the perfect place to sweep your sweetheart off their feet with some delicious fare before taking a romantic stroll among South Bank’s famous bougainvillea. Pay them a visit for lunch or dinner between February 12 and 14 and enjoy a loved up Italian feast this Valentine’s weekend.
Room with Roses | $50 – $100 | 13 – 14 February
Room with Roses is the perfect place to romance your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. With a number of options you’ll be sure to find a celebration that fits your style. Enjoy irresistible high tea goodies in the great outdoors when you order a Room with Roses picnic hamper or head into the gorgeous Brisbane Arcade location to enjoy one of their Valentine’s Day options. Start the day off right with a Very Veuve Breakfast, enjoy a midday meal with the Valentine’s Day Lovers Lunch or spend a leisurely afternoon indulging in a Chocolate High Tea. No matter which option you choose, Room With Roses will leave you and your Valentine basking in the glow of the most romantic day of the year.
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