15 Charming Places To Eat, Drink And Spark Romance This Valentine’s Day

The big day of romance is in less than a week, and if you haven’t made plans yet, don’t worry! There’s still plenty of wonderful places to eat and drink this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re looking for a romantic high tea, a fancy three course dinner, or just some cocktails to set the mood, we’ve got you covered. Check out this list for some awesome places around Melbourne to eat and drink this Valentine’s Day.

1. Studley Park Boathouse

What’s more romantic than a blissful boat ride down a gentle river? Head to this boathouse in Kew and share a picnic charcuterie hamper, then, row gently down the Yarra. The boat ride and picnic hamper is priced at $85 for two people, and is available from 12pm to 5pm.

Learn more here. 

2. Bar Margaux

Enjoy an evening of romance at Bar Margaux on Lonsdale Street. Their sommelier has curated a selection of delicious rosé, to keep you blushing pink. To eat, there will be cured Tasmanian salmon, slow-cooked duck breast and white chocolate mousse. A vegetarian menu is also available.

Valentine’s at Bar Margaux will cost $130 per guest. Learn more here. 

3. Aria Bar & Lounge

Head to Aria Bar & Lounge at The Langham for a romantic afternoon tea. Nibble on dainty treats like chocolate-dipped strawberries and Madeleines with ruby chocolate, and savour a selection of lovely sandwiches.

Cupid’s Afternoon Tea is available from February 9 to 16. More info here. 

4. Mr Miyagi

Eat and drink your way through a six course menu at Mr Miyagi this Valentine’s Day. There will be favourites like Salmon Nori Taco, Miso Mushi Bao and Ramen Gnocchi, as well as a cocktail on arrival. During the evening, your choice of French sparkling, wine or beer will be free flowing.

Then, the evening will end with a dessert that will make your heart melt. The Finisher is a tempered pink chocolate shell, with white chocolate parfait, fluid strawberry, salted ruby chocolate crumbs, strawberry jelly and Yukies pink meringue kisses.

Mr Miyagi has also teamed up with local florist Everbloome. Pre-order a preserved bouquet for $49, and it will be waiting on your table for you to arrive.

This six course dinner in Windsor is $149 per person. Bookings are available via their website.

5. The Westin

Relax in the Lobby Lounge at the Westin and try some specially crafted cocktails. Then, share the “All You Need Is Love” dessert, with raspberry confit, burnt butter hazelnut crunch, dacquoise and raspberry crémeux. Pair it with the “Beating Heart” cocktail, made from Cariel Vanilla Vodka, pomegranate liqueur, raspberry puree and lemon juice.

The two cocktails and decadent dessert will cost $55. Learn more here. 

6. State of Grace

Spoil yourself with a scrumptious four course menu at State of Grace on King Street. The menu includes St Helens oyster with finger lime, Cured Ora King Salmon, Wagyu Striploin and Coconut Panna Cotta. You will also receive a glass of Chandon Brut on arrival. Seating times are at 6pm and 8:30pm and cost $100 per person.

Find more info here. 

7. Repeat Offender

Savour a six course maritime menu across two romantic evenings at Repeat Offender. At this Elwood restaurant, enjoy a complimentary glass of French bubbly. Then, dive your way through the menu, with delicious oysters, hand-dived scallop ceviche, poached lobster tail and more. Finish your meal with a caffeinated Melbourne Chai Latte, topped with edible flowers and orange blossom.

Bookings are essential and cost $125 per person. Seating commences at 6:30pm, and dining will proceed at 7pm. This romantic meal will take place on both Sunday February 13 and Monday February 14.

More info here. 

8. Black Star Pastry

Does your lover have a sweet tooth? Black Star Pastry will be serving up their famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake, in a special heart-shape form. This cake was originally designed for a wedding, so you know the flavours will be all about the romance. Expect rose-scented cream, almond dacquoise, watermelon, strawberries, pistachios and dried rose petals.

This cake will be available February 12 to 14, and costs $40. Pre-orders are available now. 

9. Oriental Tea House

Oriental Tea House is bringing back their iconic Dumplings for Dating for Valentine’s Day. In this fun board game, you’ll pose questions and dares to each other in pursuit of your own Happily Ever After.

There will be eight dishes to share, including a variety of handmade dumplings and delicious side dishes. End the night on a sweet note with white chocolate dumplings. You will also receive a cocktail each, and your choice of beer, wine or sparkling.

This experience costs $86 per person and bookings are required. This game is available to play from the 14th for one week only. Play it in either their Chapel Street or Little Collins Street venues, or get it delivered to your home through Providoor. Learn more here. 

10. Overnewton Castle

Enjoy a fairy tale dinner in Melbourne’s oldest Scottish castle. This castle, which is literally a wedding venue, is ready to give you a grand and romantic evening, inside their Ballroom or Sherry Room.

Try their delicious three course menu, with your choice of entrée, main, and a delightful shared dessert. You will also enjoy a glass of beer, white, red or bubbly wine on arrival. Feast under shining chandeliers and elegant interiors, while overlooking four acres of lovely English gardens.

This romantic meal costs $75 per person, and will run from 7pm to 10pm on Valentine’s Day. Click here to learn more.

11. Lagoon Dining

Feast on six savoury dishes and a delicious dessert at this restaurant on Lygon Street. Go on a flavoursome journey, from Humpty Doo barramundi with salted Hunan chilli dressing, to sticky rice with sweet fatty pork and kaffir lime leaf. Then, finish the night with chocolate parfait, PX cherries and peanut praline.

This Feed Me menu on Valentine’s Day costs $130 per person. Bookings are available now. Otherwise, you can get it delivered via Providoor.

12. Storyville

So, you’ve already made plans to eat this Valentine’s Day, but what about to drink? Kick on the night at this enchanting bar in Melbourne’s CBD, and spark some romance under the glowing mushrooms. For $99 a couple, you’ll receive two magical cocktails per person, a VIP table booking, and a red rose for your love.

Learn more here. 

13. Trinket Bar

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s, this Flinders Lane bar has got you covered. Enjoy share plates of pizza, haloumi, squid, croquettes and cannoli, as well as a cocktail for each person. This will be $50 a person. Bookings are available now. 

14. Rendezvous

Enjoy the day with a beautiful Valentine’s high tea at this hotel on Flinders Street. Set under the romantic Grand Vestibule, you’ll receive a special cocktail on arrival, and leave with a surprise gift. At the high tea, you’ll also go into a draw to win a night at the hotel. The high tea will run from 2-5pm, from February 11 to 14. This costs $69 per person. Bookings are available now. 

If dinner is more your style, arrive after 5pm and enjoy a three course meal. You’ll receive a cocktail on arrival, as well as amuse bouche, an entree to share, your choice of main and a dessert to share. You will also receive a gift to take home, and enter the draw for a night at the hotel. This dinner costs $79 per person, and will take place from February 11 to 14, after 5pm. Learn more here. 

15. Cannoleria

During the week of Valentine’s, create the perfect mood at home with the Cannoleria Valentine’s bundle. Take home a DIY Cannoli kit, with six large cannoli shells and limited-edition flavours. Then, set the mood with a limited-edition cinnamon and orange cannoli scented soy candle. This bundle costs $38, and is available in-store and online for delivery from February 11.

Find more details, like store locations and delivery info, via the Cannoleria website.