Love is in the air with this romantic round-up of where to wine and dine this Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day looming once again, we’ve decided to don our cupid wings in search of best spots to spend the most romantic date night of the year. Whether you’re in the mood for some aphrodisiac decadence or are simply keen for a pared-back night out with your special someone, Brisbane’s finest eateries are out to prove their love with exclusive menus and experiences. Here’s our list of Brisbane’s best dining destinations this Valentine’s Day – curated for casanovas and cynics alike.
Bacchus, South Brisbane: Bacchus Restaurant’s chef de cuisine Manuele Erriu and his culinary team have developed a seven-course menu that’s all about luxury. Feast on aphrodisiac-infused flavours like delicate sashimi with Japanese hongarebushi, an indulgent champagne lobster risotto and succulent duck. Finish the feast with the Lychee Rose dessert, which is created using raspberry mousse, pistachio and matcha. Love birds can embark on this top-tier culinary journey at Bacchus for $200 per person. Book here.
The Boatshed, Toowong: This riverside eatery is firing up its famed steak menu for a classic pub-inspired dinner. From 5:30 pm, The Regatta will be serving up its three-course Valentine’s set menu. Start with bubbles on arrival and enjoy Western Australian lobster mornay and char-grilled beef tenderloins while taking in the coveted river views from the dining hall. Book here.
Vertigo, New Farm: Love is one of life’s best adventures – that’s why Brisbane Powerhouse is hoisting diners to new heights this Valentine’s Day. This vertical-concept restaurant swaps your typical terra firma venue for one in the sky, equipped with suspended tables and harnesses. With a menu from Bar Alto, the four-course Valentine’s Day experience invites for an unforgettable evening, where you’ll be able to savour the sunset over the cityscape. Take your love sky-high with this one-of-a-kind experience for $250 per person. Book here.
Sono, Hamilton: Portside institution Sono is your home of traditional Japanese delicacies this Valentine’s – it’s offering an exclusive menu slinging lots of its heralded sashimi, sushi, Japanese Kuroge wagyu and more. For $185 per person, dine amidst this classical bamboo-battened hall and even settle in at sunken irori tables before taking a unique culinary journey, with a la carte and teppanyaki options on offer. Book here.
Opa Bar + Mezze, Brisbane City: This riverside destination is serving up a romantic escape to Santorini this Valentine’s Day with its Aphrodite-approved menu of Greek dishes. Refresh yourself riverside with a complimentary frozen Opa cocktail before savouring authentic Greek flavours reimagined with a few contemporary twists. Set to the score of a live bouzouki player, celebrate the ultimate date night with the comforts of the Mediterranean – complete with water views. Book here.
Massimo Restaurant, Brisbane City: Nestled on the banks of Eagle Street, Massimo Restaurant & Bar is toasting to lovers this Valentine’s Day with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival. This Abuzzo-inspired eatery is known for its take on the delicate coastal cuisine of Southern Italy, with delicious seafood pasta, an array of oysters and deletable share plates. Book here.
Southside, South Brisbane: This Fish Lane institution has curated a special five-course menu for this year’s Valentine’s Day, turning up the heat with its famous pan-Asian flavours. For $99 per person, discover highlights from its kitchen like duck sang choy bao with bamboo and smoked hoi sin, as well as masterstock wagyu brisket with black garlic and pickled mushroom. The venue’s palm-frond-lined restaurant makes for the ultimate romantic destination (akin to a tropical escape), so you’ll certainly impress with this option. Book here.
Fosh, Hamilton: Lobsters are red, the ocean is blue, and Fosh has romance ready for you. Fosh’s Portside location and river views pairs perfectly with its menu of freshly caught delights – from caviar bumps to Southern rock lobster in garlic-herb butter. Begin the evening with a complimentary glass of Moet on arrival and then choose from Fosh’s extensive selection of line-caught seafood. Book here.
Rich & Rare, West End: West End’s new Manhattan-inspired steakhouse lives up to its namesake with an impressive menu of 15 unique steaks. This romantic venue is the perfect date-night backdrop, but its the rare cuts from Queensland to Japan (as well as a medley of fresh seafood) that will really capture the heart of your beloved. Start your meal with a complimentary glass of Veuve on arrival and match your meal with a premium selection of wines, whiskeys, and cocktails. Book here.
Maeve, South Brisbane: The Maeve team has lovingly curated a three-course shared set menu paired with a premium wine experience. Hidden away up a stairwell on Grey Street, this European-inspired wine bar boasts an impressive list of rare bottles to try alongside a considered selection of delectable small plates. Book now.
Allonda, Newstead: This Italian-inspired eatery is celebrating Valentine’s Day this year with a four-course menu that heroes elevated flavours and classic dishes. The simple set menu includes starters like beef tartare, followed by tomato risotto with ricotta-stuffed zucchini flowers and a main of succulent steak frites. For $99 per person, you can revel in Allonda’s intimate atmosphere and toast to the most romantic night of the year. Book here.
Mosconi Restaurant and Wine Bar, Fortitude Valley: In honour of Valentine’s Day, Mosconi’s three-course set menu (available for $125 per person) boasts plenty of Italian flavour, expressed via a versatile offering. Vegetarians will rejoice with dishes like the burrata, peas and pistachio, and cacio e pepe linguini. You’ll also find house specialities such as confit-duck raviolo, blue swimmer crab and black Angus eye fillet. The venue’s European-inspired, candle-lit interior – complete with a secluded mezzanine – is one of the most romantic settings you’ll likely find in Brisbane. Book here.
Rothwells, Brisbane City: Let Brisbane institution Rothwells host of your love story this Valentine’s Day, with a romantic evening spent in the high-end restaurant’s historic setting. For $175 per person, experience an exclusive four-course Valentine’s menu that’s led by the centrepiece dish – the infamous Rothwells beef Wellington. The menu will be paired with a complimentary glass of Barrat-Masson ‘Grain d’Argile’ Extra Brut champagne on arrival. So sit back, sip bubbles, feast on the steakhouse’s succulent cuts and cures, and celebrate love in this ultra-suave setting. Book here.
Como Restaurant, South Brisbane: This latest addition to South Brisbane is honouring Valentine’s Day with delicate dishes from its carefully curated set menu and vino from its well-researched wine list. Set within the restaurant’s ruby-red surrounds, this romantic repast will feature oysters with finger lime and Como Restaurant’s signature plates (like its champagne lobster spaghetti), available for $110 per person. Book now.
Donna Chang, Brisbane City: Bring the heat this Valentine’s with an evening of Sichuan flavours and opulent dining at Donna Chang. Enjoy a decadent Valentine’s Day banquet of Asian-inspired delights curated by head chef Lyndon Tyers for $138 per person. Although the romantic menu is being kept under wraps, Donna Chang’s regular banquet menu features the likes of cumin-spiced lamb buns, prawn and scallop wontons with black vinegar and chilli, steamed market fish with ginger and shallot, and red braised pork belly with shiitake. Book here.
City Winery Cellar Door, Brisbane City: This wine wonderland of The City is celebrating V-day with the ultimate evening of wine, cheese and chocolate. For $95, you’ll experience cheeseboard accompanied by a curated wine tasting expertly paired by City Winery’s team. For dessert, continue your wine experience with a luxurious chocolate board to reach new depths of flavour. Discover the story behind each bottle and toast to your love with the seductive sips from City Winery’s cellar. Book here.
Emporium Hotel, South Bank: The coveted Brisbane hotel and it’s Signature Restaurant is treating you this Valentine’s to a four-course meal made featuring the best of local produce. For $180 per person, lean into the luxury setting with dishes like reef fish crudo, lobster ravioli with oscietra caviar and a decadent dark chocolate dessert. You could even turn your dinner date into the ultimate staycation with Emporium’s Valentine’s Retreat package as well. Book here.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.