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We’ve found the perfect spots around the world for a swoon-worthy Valentine’s Day dinner. All you have to do is secure that reservation.
The biggest date night of the year is approaching, and it’s the ideal chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Dining out on Valentine’s Day has become a timeless tradition for couples to celebrate their love. When it comes to a truly romantic dining experience, all the elements must come together in perfect harmony: the tantalizing aroma of world-class cuisine, attentive service that anticipates your every need, and the unique ambiance that sets the stage for a night filled with love, laughter, and bliss.
Make it extra magical by choosing a venue that resonates with your memories. Whether your love story began over a particularly special date on the beach, a shared passion for French cuisine, or an appreciation for classic Italian dishes, below you will find some of the most romantic and charming places that will make your evening unforgettable.
Make your loved one fall even harder for you by booking a Blacklane car service. Imagine the surprise and delight on their face when they see a luxury car waiting for them at the doorstep.
Also, traffic can be incredibly congested on this special day, making it difficult to get to your destination on time and in a relaxed state. With a personal chauffeur, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the luxury of being driven around in style. When you download the Blacklane app, you’ll get access to local chauffeurs who’ll whisk you off to your preferred location with ease.
Girafe, Paris, France
Let’s start with Paris, known as the “City of Love”. This is a destination where lovebirds from all over the world come to experience moments of pure romance and passion that they will cherish forever.
Tucked cozily into the Cité de l’Architecture, Girafe offers the perfect blend of stunning Eiffel Tower views, luxurious 1930s décor, and delicious seafood-centric cuisine.
As soon as you step inside, you’ll be transported to the romantic Paris. The brass fixtures, stunning chandeliers, plush velvet cushions, and masterfully crafted design by world-renowned French architect Joseph Dirand, contribute to an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance. The majestic marble bar at one end of the restaurant also adds a touch of grandeur to the ambiance.
But the real showstopper is the rooftop terrace, where you can take in the Eiffel Tower in all its glory. This is truly the epitome of Paris destination dining, making it the perfect spot to celebrate your love or pop the question to your loved one.
When it comes to the menu, seafood is the star of the show. The lobster spaghetti, spicy yuzu tuna, and sesame seed sea bass are all standout dishes that offer an interesting and different take on French food. The bar, meanwhile, focuses on exquisite renderings of cocktail classics, alongside an indulgent and ambitious wine menu. So, if you are in Paris and in love during this time of the year, don’t miss out on visiting this gem.
Aroma, Rome, Italy
As the day of love has roots in Roman history, it sounds quite fitting to celebrate it in its origin, Rome. With its winding streets, historic palaces, grand monuments, and picturesque bridges, it is one of the most romantic cities on the planet.
Imagine being swept off your feet and whisked away to a terrace overlooking the Colosseum, where the only thing more captivating than the view is the exceptional cuisine and unparalleled service at Aroma Restaurant.
Aroma embodies a luxurious aura with its warm earth tones and plush seating. The lighting is carefully chosen to create a soft and romantic ambiance. The decor showcases a harmonious blend of traditional and modern styles, featuring striking chandeliers, and vintage artwork.
Chef Di Iorio’s culinary offerings are intimately linked to the local terroir and ingredients sourced in the surrounding region. His unique take on classic Italian cuisine is sure to impress and leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
One of the standout dishes is the gin-infused pork, where the delicate flavors of the pork are elevated by the subtle yet distinct gin infusion. The lasagnette with quail and mushrooms is another must-try dish, the combination of the tender quail and earthy mushrooms nestled between layers of delicate pasta will transport you to culinary heaven. For dessert, indulge in a rich chocolate brownie paired with light-as-air lavender marshmallows. The contrast of rich chocolate with the floral notes of lavender creates a unique and memorable dining experience. And with sommelier Alessandro Crognale’s cellar selections, featuring over 600 different labels, including a particular focus on champagne, you’ll have the perfect wine to complement your meal.
Take your love story to new heights at this Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s the perfect spot to add a little extra sizzle to your romance.
Clos Maggiore, London, Uk
Talking about romance, Clos Maggiore sets the bar high. Nestled in the heart of London, the restaurant exudes an air of enchantment, making it the perfect destination for a special night out.
The restaurant’s interior is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The ceiling is adorned with an enchanting canopy of cherry blossom trees, creating a sense of being outside while still being cozy and warm inside. The soft lighting and candlelight create an inviting ambiance, setting the stage for a truly romantic experience.
Get ready for a culinary adventure as head chef Marcellin Marc takes you on a journey through the delicious flavors of Provence and Tuscany. The dishes are expertly crafted and each one is more delicious than the last. The menu changes seasonally to ensure that guests are getting the best of what’s available in terms of taste and quality. Highlights of the menu include the pan roasted organic Irish Sea trout, cooked to perfection and served with a delicate balance of flavors. The oven roasted filet of Iberico pork is a must-try dish for meat lovers, the rich and robust flavors are elevated to new heights with the oven-roasting technique, resulting in tender and juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
Intricate desserts include the iconic caramelized Valrhona light milk chocolate mousse paired with burnt honey ice cream, Armagnac jelly, chocolate mousse, and English raspberries & meringue with light tarragon cream and basil sorbet.
The restaurant’s wine list is equally impressive. Sommeliers will guide you through the extensive list of wines, which features some of the best bottles from around the world. From champagne to fine red wine, they have it all and will help you choose the perfect wine to enhance your dining experience.
Eleven Madison Park, New York, USA
This iconic New York City restaurant, located just south of the Theater District, offers an epicurean experience that will be etched in your memory for a lifetime.
As you enter the Art Deco building through the revolving doors, you’ll be struck by the grandeur of the main dining room with its 10-meter-high windows overlooking Madison Square Park. The vaulted ceiling, marble floors, and impeccable attention to detail set the stage for a truly unforgettable evening.
Chef Daniel Humm, who has recently introduced a plant-based menu, demonstrates a theatrical flair in his presentations. Delicacies such as freshly baked, crisped vegan rolls presented with faux butter and a quenelle of tonburi, mimicking caviar, plated with horseradish cream, are sure to impress. Desserts such as a frozen cherry blossom and rose confection dressed with strawberries are equally accomplished.
Each table is assigned a Maitre d’, or the captain, who will reach out a week before your reservation to inquire if you’re celebrating a special occasion or if there’s anything they should know to make your experience even more unique. This is a place of lasting memories, where luxury and romance combine to make every visit memorable.
Bix, San Francisco, USA
Get ready for a night of jazz, martini, and culinary delights as you enter the doors of Bix, where San Francisco’s past meets its present in a celebration of style and taste!
With grandiose ceilings, low lighting, and ornate decor, the ambiance of this swanky two-story spot resembles a vintage supper club, reminiscent of The Great Gatsby and Cotton Club; think of black and white attire, red lipstick, stilettos, and crisply ironed shirts. It’s no wonder that Bix has been featured in a number of movies.
Just like the interior, the menu is a playful blend of the old and the new, featuring some iconic items like steak tartare blended tableside and is served with wedges of malty dark bread, and the decadent Maine lobster spaghetti, best enjoyed with a glass of William Hill Chardonnay. But don’t be fooled, Bix also has some classic moves up their sleeve, like the clubby chicken hash, a dish that’s been on the menu since day one (which was 1988!).
Don’t forget to save room for a sweet finish to your meal with Bix’s delectable dessert options. Gold St. foster is the epitome of indulgence and a must-try. We also recommend trying the warm chocolate brioche bread pudding with chantilly and hot fudge. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
Musaafer, Houston, USA
This restaurant has an intriguing story and concept. Before opening its doors in Houston in 2020, the culinary team behind Musaafer, led by executive chef Mayank Istwal, set out on a journey through India to gather inspiration for their menu. They explored the local ingredients and preparations from different regions of India, including saffron picking in Kashmir, rice brews in Nagaland, bebinca in Goa, and the iconic pandhra rassa in Maharashtra. The word Musaafer, meaning “traveler” in Hindi, comes from these adventures. It evokes the spirit of wanderlust and carries a sentimental association with travel memories, including encounters with people and lingering scents and flavors. This is what inspires Musaafer’s team to create everything they do.
The restaurant’s 10,000-square-feet space, located in the upscale Houston Galleria, is a feast for the eyes. The interiors take inspiration from India’s grand palaces and bustling spice markets, featuring majestic artwork, antique rugs, and ceilings adorned with handcrafted lampshades. It features a “Traveler’s Room” that has been designed like a market, complete with folk motifs, sculptures, and a 14-seat social table. Guests can also dine in the “Diwan Lounge”, an outdoor courtyard dining area or on a mezzanine inspired by “Sheesh Mahal”- a majestic palace in India.
Chef Mayank Istwal‘s menu is a true masterpiece, blending his international fine-dining experience under celebrity chef Luke Mangan with his burning passion for Indian cuisines and delicacies.
From traditional street food like Pani Puri to more elaborate dishes such as Nalli Nihari (lamb shank), the menu is sure to please any palate. It also features whimsical items such as the Mishti Doi with its faux yogurt mushrooms and freeze-dried raspberry and pomegranate, that add a playful touch to the high-end dining experience.
Get ready to raise a glass (or two) to the masterful cocktails of lead mixologist Himanshu Desai. From the Adraki Sutra, a unique blend of vodka, ginger, turmeric, lemon juice, and orange bitters, to the Teekha Peru, a creative take on the popular Indian drink, all are meant to elevate your meal to new heights.
Save room for one of the decadent desserts, such as Qubani Ka Meetha with fennel sorbet, and Shahi Tukda which is served with Tahitian vanilla ice cream. Savor every sip and bite with your loved one for a night filled with romance and excitement.
Don Julio, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Typically, you don’t think of a steakhouse as a romantic location but when it comes to Don Julio you better think again because Cupid’s arrow just found a new target!
Located in the heart of Palermo Soho, this rustic-chic steakhouse is a true gem. The warm, welcoming atmosphere is perfect for a cozy dinner with your loved one, while the open kitchen and wood-fired grill add a touch of excitement to the dining experience. The menu is centered around traditional Argentine flavors, with an emphasis on high-quality beef, cooked to perfection on the grill.
Start your meal with a selection of homemade empanadas, filled with savory beef, chicken, or spinach and cheese. For your main course, indulge in a mouthwatering cut of beef, cooked to your liking, and paired with traditional chimichurri sauce. Vegetarians can also enjoy a delicious selection of grilled vegetables, which will delight your taste buds.
Another highlight at Don Julio is the traditional Argentine dessert, dulce de leche. This sweet caramel treat is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating the perfect balance of flavors. To finish off your meal.
The combination of traditional Argentine flavors, a cozy atmosphere, and the best cuts of beef in the city, make this steakhouse a must-visit destination for any romantic occasion, particularly Valentine’s Day.
Terraço Itália, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Soaring above the city, in one of the tallest buildings in Brazil, lies the exclusive terrace experience of Terraco Italia. As you step inside, you’ll find a dining area, lounge, and a piano bar, all offering spectacular views of Sao Paulo from 150 meters above the streets. The walls of the Piano Bar are mostly made of glass, allowing you to take in the stunning panoramic view of the city even while indoors. But the true gem of this spot is the outdoor terrace – an even more breathtaking vantage point of the city that will take your breath away. The space is decorated with vintage leather chairs and crystal chandeliers, adding to the elegant Italian Deco design features throughout.
The cuisine served here is of the very highest class, showcasing Tuscan chef Pasquale Mancini’s expertise in traditional Italian cooking.
The must-try items on the menu are the homemade pasta dishes, made fresh daily, with spaghetti carbonara and fettuccine alfredo being particular favorites among diners. But the menu doesn’t stop there – it also offers a wide variety of seafood and meats, expertly cooked with the perfect blend of seasonings, herbs, and spices. And all the dishes are complemented by an extensive wine list and live music to create an atmosphere that can’t be beaten.
On romantic dates like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, expect to be wowed by the chef’s specially curated dishes. For those looking to make an impression, a dinner or a drink at Terraco Italia is a classic choice in Sao Paulo and it is no surprise that it has been the site of many marriage proposals.
Florilège, Tokyo, Japan
Consistently ranked among the top ten of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, this intimate, 22-seat counter restaurant is the creation of young Japanese chef Hiroyasu Kawate.
Florilège is not a white-plate fine dining restaurant you come to expect with Michelin stars, but a stand-alone unique creation that transports you into another realm for a few hours and leaves you with a lingering memory. Located in the trendy Shibuya district, the restaurant is a hidden gem, shrouded by ornamental trees that create a feeling of otherworldliness, as if you are Alice going down the rabbit hole.
The restaurant interior is designed to resemble a theatrical stage. The walls are elegantly clad in ash and charcoal shades, contrasted by a pop of vibrant lava red in the carpeting. The dim lighting adds to the drama of the ambiance. The kitchen is the centerpiece, with its open design allowing diners to watch the chefs in action from their slightly elevated seats that are arranged around the kitchen.
But the drama doesn’t stop here. The menu, which changes every two months, features Japanese dishes with a French flair. From the signature “sustainability beef” to “AYU sweet fish”, and the imaginative chocolate omelet dessert, each plate is like a haiku – minimal, slightly unrhymed, and full of imagery. All the well-thought dishes offer a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and presentation, complementing each other perfectly, and are ideal for sharing.
Florilège is all about mindful consumption, minimal waste and sustainability. So, celebrating Valentine’s here is a win-win situation!
Lokanta 1741, Istanbul, Turkey
Valentine’s in Istanbul? Yes, please! From its gorgeous scenery to its rich culture, there’s just something special about Istanbul that makes it a must-visit for lovebirds. And where better to experience the best of both worlds than Lokanta 1741.
The way that leads to this restaurant is an experience in itself. This beautiful contemporary eatery is situated in the historic Cağaloğlu Hamam, a traditional Ottoman bathhouse. As you make your way through the bathhouse, you’ll find yourself losing track of time and space. The grandeur of the traditional Ottoman architecture casts its spell on you, leaving you feeling ready for a feast of the soul.
The restaurant is a two-storey building with a romantic roof terrace that boasts a magnificent view over Istanbul’s old town. The combination of the captivating view and the historical ambiance is sure to make your dining experience a memorable one.
Chef Durukan Özgen’s menu features culinary classics dating back to 1741. The menu offers a variety of traditional Turkish appetizers, mezes, pides, seafood, and kebab dishes that have been reimagined with a creative twist. Don’t miss out on the highly recommended Tirit Kebab and the traditional baked rice pudding infused with a touch of lavender scent. Alongside the delicious food, the restaurant also offers Ottoman-inspired cocktails and a carefully curated local wine list, all to complement your scrumptious meal. Finish the night with a leisurely stroll in the Sultanahmet neighborhood for a fairy-tale ending.
Eauzone, Dubai, UAE
If you’ve any doubts about romantic scene-setting, just go to this warm, refined-with-a-hint-of-tropical vibes spot.
Eauzone is a tranquil oasis nestled between the beach and an aqua-tiled pool, bathed in the blue of the sea and the sky. It features shaded wooden decks and private floating gazebos, surrounded by calm waters and tropical palm trees. The unique setting creates a sense of being in the Maldives.
During the day, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual, but as evening approaches and the stars come out, Eauzone transforms into a sophisticated island paradise, with gleaming lanterns casting a warm glow and shimmering lights reflected in the surrounding waters.
The menu perfectly complements this paradise-like atmosphere, showcasing the best of pan-Asian cuisine. It features a blend of dishes from different cultural roots, including French foie gras ballotine, Japanese sashimi and tempura, Italian risotto and tiramisu, and Thai green curry. However, our top picks are the angus beef tartare, Chilean sea bass, and the lobster sweet and sour.
Reserve space for dessert as the lemon tart, sake cappuccino, and the rich chocolate mousse with a hint of Rocoto Chili will be sure to satisfy and offer a delightful conclusion to the night.Eauzone is located within the magnificent One&Only Royal Mirage hotel, and we suggest arriving early to take a leisurely walk with your loved one through the resort’s charming gardens and wooden walkways and snap a couple of romantic shots. That’s Amore!
