Valentines Day dining in sydney at The Star

Sydney’s Valentine’s Day Restaurant Guide 2026

Sydney’s Valentine’s Day restaurant scene ranges from $89 Italian at The Star to $300 fine dining 305 metres above the city. Whether you want harbour views, neighbourhood intimacy, or beachside dining, this guide covers verified options across Sydney with current pricing and booking details

Valentine’s Day is on Saturday 14 February 2026

Most restaurants are already taking bookings, and popular harbour-view spots will sell out by late January. If Saturday’s booked out, many venues run Valentine’s menus Thursday through Sunday.

Quick Answer: Valentine’s Day Restaurants Sydney 2026

Budget-friendly: Three Blue Ducks Rosebery ($95pp, paddock-to-plate)
Harbour views: Luna Lu The Rocks ($200pp, Opera House views)
Garden setting: Chiswick Woollahra ($150pp, seasonal menu)
Sky-high dining: Infinity Sydney Tower ($175-$300pp, 360° views)

How to Use This Guide

Prices shown are per person and verified as of 16 January 2026. Where restaurants haven’t released set menu prices, we’ve indicated cost using $ (under 100pp) to $ $$ (over $250pp).

Most venues require deposits and have strict cancellation policies—read the fine print before paying. Popular spots like Luna Lu and Chiswick fill fast, so book early if you’ve got your heart set on a specific restaurant.

Need harbour views? Check our waterfront restaurants guide for year-round options beyond Valentine’s specials.

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, book early to secure popular spots. On a budget? Try Thursday or Friday dinner, or Sunday lunch. Many restaurants now run Valentine’s menus across the weekend, which makes it easier to find a table.

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We’ve organised restaurants by price point and location to make choosing easier. Start with your budget, then narrow down by area or style. All venues listed have confirmed their 2026 Valentine’s details—no guesswork

Valentine’s Day Restaurants Under $100
(Budget-Friendly Sydney)

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank. These Sydney restaurants offer exceptional dining experiences for under $100 per person, with menus designed for romance on a budget. I also recommend checking out local restaurants in your suburb—there are probably great spots we haven’t covered, and it’s worth supporting them.

Cucina Porto

Price: $89 | Atmosphere: Warm Italian Hospitality

Chef Martino Pulito’s share-style Italian menu draws on Pugliese hospitality with Pacific oysters, citrus-cured salmon, and stuffed calamari in cherry tomato sauce.

Chocolate valentine dessert at Cucina Porto Sydney
Don’t skip dessert at Cucina Porto (supplied)

Valentine’s Menu Highlights:

  • Pacific oysters with white balsamic and chives
  • Citrus-cured New Zealand king salmon
  • Flank steak carpaccio
  • Spinach, pumpkin and ricotta cannelloni (shared main)
  • Grilled stuffed calamari with prawns in cherry tomato sauce (shared main)
  • Chocolate and passionfruit tart with mascarpone and honey cream

Optional Add-on: Glass of Ferrari D.O.C. for $17

Tip: This is most budget-friendly option at The Star Sydney, perfect for those who want Italian romance without the hefty price tag.

When: Friday 14 February 2026
Where: The Star Sydney, Pyrmont
Cost: $89 per person Make a booking

Jimmy’s Kitchen

Price: $$ | Atmosphere: Romantic Greek Taverna

This intimate 22‑seat taverna in The Rocks has sandstone walls, shelves of olive oil and preserves, and harbour glimpses towards the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It’s a cosy spot for a relaxed Greek meal.

Greek Seafood Valentines dinner at Jimmys Kitchen in the Rocks Lobster and oysters
Jimmy’s Kitchen

Valentine’s Menu Highlights:

  • Astakos Kritharaki (lobster with orzo)
  • Lamb Kleftiko
  • Saganaki Halloumi
  • Fresh seafood and grilled favourites
  • Mezze to share

Tip: Book the 5pm or 5:30pm sitting for 5% off your final bill, plus you’ll catch the golden hour harbour views.

When: Saturday 14 February 2026, 5:00pm-10:00pm (2-hour seatings)
Cost: À la carte menu
Location: Bay 9, 7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks
View menu | Make a booking

Three Blue Ducks

Price: $95pp | Location: Rosebery

Three Blue Ducks’ paddock-to-plate Valentine’s menu includes sparkling wine or beer on arrival then a four-course menu where you choose your snack, small, main, and share a dessert. Good vegetarian and vegan options throughout.

Three Blue Ducks restaurant interior with dining tables and whole fish

What’s included: Glass of sparkling wine or beer on arrival, four courses (choose one snack, one small, one main, one shared dessert)
Menu highlights: Raw beef hash brown with cured yolk, king prawns with Aleppo pepper butter, 300g pasture-raised rump cap, coal-roasted snapper
Optional add-ons: Sydney rock oysters (6 for $39, 12 for $76), fresh sourdough with roast chicken skin butter ($12)
Vegetarian/vegan: Multiple options including roast gnocchi, asparagus, chocolate tart

When: Saturday 14 February 2026
Where: 1/85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery
Cost: $95pp
View menu | Book now

The Bank Hotel – Galentine’s Day

Price: $55pp | Location: Newtown

Galentine’s Day long lunch on Friday 13 February from 3pm. Complimentary tap cocktail on arrival, then a share menu built for grazing with burrata and fennel jam, zucchini flowers with burnt honey, choice of Bannockburn chicken or stuffed roasted pepper, and pavlova with berries and lemon curd to finish.

Galentines Shared meal at the Bank Hotel in Newtown Sydney
Celebrate with the girls at the Banks’ Galentine’s Day

What’s included: Complimentary tap cocktail on arrival, share menu

When: Friday 13 February 2026, from 3pm
Where: The Bank Hotel, Newtown
Cost: $55pp Book now

High on Love at Above 319

Price: $95pp | Location: Darling Harbour Rooftop

Rooftop bar above Vibe Sydney with welcome cocktail, shared charcuterie board, and a bottle of sparkling per couple. DJ and photo booth included.

Above 319 rooftop bar at night with pink lighting, city skyline views, and Darling Harbour buildings in background
Above 319’s rooftop bar overlooking Darling Harbour

What’s included: Welcome cocktail, shared charcuterie board, bottle of sparkling wine per couple, DJ, photo booth access

When: Saturday 14 February 2026, from 6pm
Where: Above 319, Vibe Sydney Darling Harbour, 319-325 Sussex St, Sydney
Cost: $95pp Book now

Bridgeview Hotel

Price: $80pp | Location: Willoughby

Glass of bubbles on arrival, then share-style starters like scallops with miso butter and tuna crostini. Mains include pasta, fresh seafood, or 300g scotch fillet with charred corn and chimichurri, finishing with chocolate and cherry pudding with vanilla bean gelato. Set menu or à la carte available across the weekend.

Polenta starter at Bridgeview hotel Willoughby
Polenta starter at Bridgeview Hotel

What’s included: Glass of bubbles on arrival, share-style menu, à la carte also available

When: Friday 13 – Sunday 15 February 2026
Where: Bridgeview Hotel, Willoughby
Cost: $80pp l Book now

Budget-Friendly Alternative: “On a tight budget? Consider a romantic picnic with heart-shaped bagels from Brooklyn Bagel Boys or book a mystery picnic experience.”


CBD Valentine’s Day Restaurants ($100-$150)

The CBD gives you plenty of Valentine’s options within walking distance of hotels and public transport. These venues sit in the $100-$150 range and cover different styles—Japanese, steakhouse, Italian, Middle Eastern. Most require bookings, and some have strict deposit policies, so read the fine print before you commit.

Shaffa

Price: $119pp | Location: Surry Hills

Shaffa’s stunning indoor courtyard with its 10-metre glass ceiling and exposed sandstone is one of my favourite dining rooms in Sydney. Their Valentine’s menu starts with a welcome cocktail, then moves through seven shared courses including Clarence River prawns, shawarma lafonit, and traditional Middle Eastern dessert. Seats are limited.

Shaffa Valentines dinner menu with clarence River prawns
Shaffa’s valentine menu includes Clarence River Prawns

What’s included: Welcome cocktail, seven shared courses featuring Clarence River prawns, shawarma lafonit, traditional Middle Eastern dessert. Vegan and vegetarian available. Valentine’s menu dinner only; lunch has à la carte and regular set menu options

When: Saturday 14 February 2026
Where:  80 Albion St, Surry Hills
Cost: $119pp
Book now | 0451 810 480

Rovollo Restaurant and Wine Room

Price: $135pp | Location: Martin Place, CBD

Handmade pasta in a dining room with a grand ceiling mural and white-tablecloth service. Their San Valentino menu gives you five courses designed to share, including tiger prawn cocktail, yellowfin tuna crudo with bottarga, homemade focaccia with wagyu fat, wild mushroom gramigna, choice of gold band snapper or spatchcock with sides, and red velvet cake to finish.

Rovollo Restaurant Martin Place Sydney ourdoor dining area
Rovollo offers indoor and outdoor seating Credit: Christian Michael

What’s included: Five shared courses, homemade focaccia with wagyu fat, choice of fish or spatchcock main, sides
Optional add-ons: Sydney rock oysters (+$7ea), Oscietra caviar (+$75), Vintage Wagyu Striploin 500g (+$95)

When: Saturday 14 February 2026 (lunch and dinner)
Where: 25 Martin Place, Sydney CBD
Cost: $135pp (minimum 2 guests) l Book now

Mille Vini

Price: $125pp | Location: Surry Hills

This intimate wine bar has mood lighting, an Italian wine list, and a five-course San Valentino menu. You’ll work through kingfish tartare with caviar, blue swimmer crab croquette, saffron risotto, grass-fed braised veal osso buco, and their signature chocolate dome with aged rum flambé.

Mille Vini wine bar Surry Hills
Mille Vini is a local favourite

What’s included: Five courses, petit four
Optional add-ons: Sydney rock oysters (+$7ea), MBS 4+ Wagyu top sirloin 250g (+$80)

When: Saturday 14 February 2026 from 12pm (lunch and dinner)
Cost: $125pp
Where: 397 Crown St, Surry Hills
Booking note: Essential – limited tables, regular menu not available on Valentine’s Day
Book now | (02) 7252 3083

Caness

Price: $109pp | Location: Paddington

Middle Eastern tapas from the Shaffa team, with dishes coming straight off the grill from the open kitchen. Their Valentine’s menu gives you nine shared plates including Spanish tortilla sphere, Clarence River prawns with Aleppo butter, beef tartare, salt cod brandade, jamon croquettes, seared tuna, beef sirloin with Mediterranean chimichurri, and their OG halva basque cheesecake. Set menu and à la carte both available.

beef sirloin with Mediterranean chimichurri at Caness
Beef sirloin with Mediterranean chimichurri

What’s included: Nine shared plates plus dessert
Optional add-ons: Oysters with ajo blanco salsa, green gazpacho or amba granita (+$8ea)

When: Saturday 14 February 2026 | Lunch: 12-4pm, Dinner: 5:30pm-late
Where: 348 Oxford St, Paddington
Cost: $109pp l Book now

Bistro George

Price: $120pp | Location: Circular Quay

Steven Sinclair’s one‑night‑only sharing menu starts with Sydney rock oysters and potato hash with cod roe, moves to La Stella burrata with bottarga, then a choice of Eastern rock lobster tagliolini or grass‑fed eye fillet, and finishes with a citrus pavlova. There’s also a small gift to take home.

What’s included: Four‑course sharing menu and a take‑home gift
Menu highlights: Sydney rock oysters; potato hash with cod roe; La Stella burrata with bottarga; Eastern rock lobster tagliolini or grass‑fed eye fillet; citrus pavlova

When: Saturday 14 February 2026 | Two seatings: 6pm & 8:30pm
Cost: $120pp
Book now | (02) 8027 9997

ABODE Bistro. Bar

Price: $130pp | Location: Darling Harbour

Five-course sharing menu with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Brut NV champagne on arrival. The menu runs from yellowfin tuna through to O’Connor dry-aged ribeye, finishing with raspberry and chocolate slice. Optional beverage pairing available for an extra $60pp.

Plated dishes at ABODE Bistro Bar for Valentine's Day menu
ABODE Bistro Bar Valentine’s menu

What’s included: Five-course sharing menu, glass of Piper-Heidsieck Brut NV champagne
Optional extras: Beverage pairing (+$60pp)

When: Saturday 14 February 2026
Where: 150 Day St, Sydney
Cost: $130pp Book now

The Place at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Price: $150pp | Location: Martin Place, CBD

Four-course menu at The Fullerton’s restaurant with sparkling wine on arrival. The menu opens with Ōra King salmon and seared Abrolhos Island scallops, moves through black truffles with slow-cooked beef sirloin, then finishes with the hotel’s signature 32-layered chocolate cake with whipped cream and raspberries, plus petit fours with tea and coffee.

Fullerton Hotel Valentine menu plated

What’s included: Glass of sparkling wine, four-course menu, tea and coffee with petit fours

When: Saturday 14 February 2026, 6pm-9pm
Where: The Place, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, 1 Martin Place, Sydney
Cost: $150pp l Book now | (02) 8223 1110

Bottega Coco

Price: $130pp | Location: Barangaroo

Candlelit Italian dining at Barangaroo with shared plates and classic flavours. The set menu includes a Valentine’s chocolate heart.

What’s included: Italian Valentine’s menu, Valentine’s chocolate heart

When: Saturday 14 February 2026
Cost: $130pp
Where: T3.01/300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
View menu | Book now

Rekodo

Price: $150pp | Location: Barangaroo

Love Sessions runs across the Valentine’s weekend with a share-style set menu, champagne upgrades, and vinyl DJs setting the mood. The menu opens with grilled Abrolhos Island scallops in kombu butter and kingfish sashimi, then moves through spicy tuna tacos, steamed barramundi with dashi butter, and wagyu sirloin on the bone. Each couple receives a bespoke love note to leave a message for each other.

Barramundi at Rekodo Barangaroo
Credit: Alana Dimou

What’s included: Share-style set menu, bespoke love note, vinyl DJ : Valentine’s set menu or à la carte available

When: Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 February 2026
Where: Barangaroo House
Cost: $150pp I Book now

Valentine’s Day Harbour Restaurants with Views ($150-$200)

These venues sit right on the water, with views of the Opera House, harbour or a marina. Book early if you want window seats, and check each venue’s deposit and cancellation policies before paying.

Luna Lu – The Rocks

Price: $200pp | Location: The Rocks

Opera House and Harbour Bridge views with a four‑course shared banquet. The menu features oysters with caviar, Hokkaido scallops, XO lobster noodles and a 550g striploin.

What’s included: Four-course shared banquet (min. 2 guests)
Menu highlights: Pacific oysters with Oscietra caviar, XO butter lobster noodles, MB3 striploin
Optional extras: Thiénot X Penfolds Champagne Brut Rosé (+$25pp)

When: Friday 13 – Sunday 15 February 2026
Cost: $200 per person
Location: The Rocks (with Opera House & Harbour Bridge views)
Book now | Email: [email protected]

Otto Woolloomooloo

Price: $195pp | Location: Woolloomooloo Wharf

Italian dining on the Finger Wharf with marina views. A Spritz on arrival, then a three‑course choice menu. Optional upgrades include caviar, oysters and assaggi. Tables of four or more can add a bottle of Charles Heidsieck for $120.

What’s included: Spritz cocktail, three-course choice menu
Optional extras: Caviar, oysters, assaggi; champagne for 4+ ($120)

When: Saturday 14 February 2026, from 5pm
Cost: $195pp
Booking note: Full payment required plus 2.5% processing fee, non-refundable after 9 Februar
Make a reservation | (02) 9368 7488

Kingsley’s Woolloomooloo

Price: $159pp | Location: Woolloomooloo Wharf

Classic steakhouse dining on the Finger Wharf with harbour views. The Terra & Tide menu covers both land and sea — signature steaks, seafood and seasonal dishes. Wharf‑side tables have the best views at sunset.

What’s included: Terra & Tide set menu
Optional extras: Wine pairing (+$75pp), Moët & Chandon on arrival ($135 per bottle)

When: Saturday 14 February 2026
Cost: $159pp
Book now | (02) 8322 2090

The Fenwick

Price: $169pp | Location: Balmain East

Waterfront dining with Harbour Bridge views. Lunch is à la carte; dinner is a four‑course set menu with sides to share. Good vegetarian and vegan options.

The Fenwick Balmain
Balmain waterfront is dotted with historic buildings

What’s included: Four-course menu – tastes (choose from sourdough/beetroot tart/olives), Abrolhos Island scallop crudo, NZ hapuka, shared garden salad & fries, rose panna cotta
Optional add-ons: Sydney rock oysters ($8ea), Oscietra caviar tart ($25ea), Fraser Isle spanner crab ($16ea), wine pairings (classic or premium)
Dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free available

When: Saturday 14 February 2026 (lunch & dinner)
Cost: $169pp (dinner set menu) | à la carte (lunch)
Where: 2-8 Weston St, Balmain East
Book now | View menu | (02) 9159 4700 |

Premium Valentine’s Day Dining Sydney (over $150)

When only the most impressive venue will do, these restaurants deliver unforgettable experiences worthy of special moments.

Infinity at Sydney Tower

Price: $175-$300pp | Location: Sydney Tower

Mark Best and Jen Kwok Lee’s menus sit 305 metres above Sydney, with the city skyline rotating slowly beneath you. You’ll get a three-course lunch or five-course dinner, plus a rose per couple. Window seating costs $15-20 extra, though you’re spinning around anyway so you’ll see everything. Each couple will receive a rose.

3-Course Lunch includes:
Scallop, prawn & lobster ravioli / Choice of steamed coral trout OR 2GR fillet steak with pepper sauce & potato pavé / Shared sides (green salad, confit red peppers & macadamia) / Chocolate velvet heart cake for two / Elegant rose per couple

5-Course Dinner includes:
Scallop, prawn & lobster ravioli / Steamed coral trout / 2GR fillet steak with pepper sauce & potato pavé, green salad, confit red peppers & macadamia / Chocolate velvet heart cake for two / Petits fours & mignardises.

When: Saturday 14 February 2026
Where: Sydney Tower, 100 Market Street, Sydney
Cost: Lunch $175pp (standard) or $190pp (window) | Dinner $280pp (standard) or $300pp (window)
Window seating: +$15pp (lunch) or +$20pp (dinner) Book now

BLACK Bar & Grill

Price: $180 | Atmosphere: Bold Steakhouse

Executive Chef Insup Kim’s four-course menu pairs premium steaks with seafood

Plated steak dish at BLACK Bar & Grill with garnish

Valentine’s Menu Highlights:

  • Berkshire pork donut with peach and plum vinaigrette
  • Wagyu flank 9+ with café de paris butter
  • Premium steak and seafood pairings
  • Decadent dessert

When: Friday 14 February 2026
Cost: $180 per person
Where: The Star Sydney, Pyrmont l Make a booking

Sokyo

Price: $180 | Atmosphere: Refined Japanese Elegance

Executive Chef Daniel Kwak offers a refined Valentine’s tasting menu (5 or 6 courses) featuring seasonal seafood, wagyu and delicate desserts. It’s designed for sharing.

Japanese tasting menu dishes at Sokyo restaurant

Valentine’s Menu Highlights:

  • Seasonal seafood courses
  • Unagi tempura with Sokyo’s signature tempura sauce (hero dish)
  • Premium wagyu
  • Delicate desserts

When: Friday 14 February 2026
Cost: $180 per person
Location: The Star Sydney, Pyrmont I Make a booking

Chophouse

Price: $175pp | Location: CBD

Matt Moran’s steakhouse runs a four-course sharing menu built around an 800g Sher Wagyu sirloin on the bone. You’ll start with caviar and pomme dauphine, move through Moran Family Farm lonza with kiss peppers, then hit the centrepiece wagyu with sides, finishing with dark chocolate and macadamia cookie. Sommeliers are on hand to guide wine selections, with optional champagne upgrades available.

Chophouse Sydney 30 day and 100 day steak with sides
The Chophouse Sydney

What’s included: Four-course sharing menu
Optional extras: Champagne upgrade

When: Saturday 14 February 2026
Where: Chophouse, Sydney CBD
Cost: $175pp l Book now

The Charles

Price: $165pp | Location: CBD

The art deco dining room at The Charles is running both lunch and dinner sittings this year. You’ll start with Moët & Chandon on arrival, move through scallop tartlet canapé, marinated kingfish with blood plum, full-blood wagyu fillet with sauce au poivre and sides, then finish with fraisier (roasted berries, strawberry ice cream, vanilla mousse) and chocolate madeleine.

When: Saturday 14 February 2026 (lunch and dinner sittings)
Cost: $165pp See menu and book

Valentine’s Day Harbour Cruises Sydney 2026

If you want something beyond a restaurant table, harbour cruises combine dining with changing views as you pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline. Here are our picks:

Captain Cook Cruises – Sydney 2000

Price: $125-$289pp | Multiple Valentine’s options

Take to the water for a romantic dinner as the sun sets and Sydney sparkles in the evening lights. Captain Cook has four Valentine dining cruising options this year.

Captain Cook Sydney Harbour
Captain Cook’s Sydney 2000 vessel

Captain Cook runs four different Valentine’s experiences on their flagship super-cruiser Sydney 2000, all departing Saturday 14 February. Choose your timing and style – from a long lunch to premium dinner with Penfolds wine pairing.

  • Valentine’s Gold Penfolds Dinner – $289pp The top-tier option with 6-course degustation, Gold selection Penfolds wines, and live music over 3 hours. Book Gold Dinner
  • Valentine’s Starlight Dinner – $155pp Their signature evening cruise with 4-course à la carte dining, live music, and 2-3 hours on the harbour. Two departure times: 7pm Darling Harbour or 7:30pm Circular Quay. Optional extras: Guaranteed window seating (+$19pp), Valentine’s Package with champagne and cocktails (+$39pp for 2) Book Starlight Dinner
  • Valentine’s Sunset Premium Dinner – $135pp Early dining option (up to 2 hours) with 4-course premium menu and live music – perfect for catching the long summer twilight. Book Sunset Dinner
  • Valentine’s Long Lunch – $125pp Daytime option with 3-course à la carte dining and two circuits of the harbour (approx 3 hours total). Book Long Lunch

When: Saturday 14 February 2026
Vessel: Sydney 2000 (air-conditioned super-cruiser with expansive windows, outdoor decks)
All options include: Live music, 360° harbour views of Opera House and Harbour Bridge

Bondi & Eastern Suburbs Valentine’s Restaurants ($100-$200)

Beachside dining with ocean views or suburban favourites. These spots work well if you want a more relaxed feel away from the city centre.

North Bondi Fish

Price: $115pp | Location: North Bondi

Bondi Beach views with a seafood-focused seven-course set menu designed for sharing. They’re running the Valentine’s menu all day across four days, so you can do lunch, dinner, or something in between. If you’d rather curate your own meal, their à la carte menu is available all weekend too.

Whole fish on white plate at North Bondi FIsh
Ocean breezes and water views from North Bondi Fish Credit: V OFOLIVER

What’s included: Seven-course shared menu
Menu highlights: Blue swimmer crab tart, cold seafood platter (oysters, prawns, sashimi), prawn tacos, house-smoked ocean trout, whole grilled pink snapper, chips, Basque cheesecake
Dietary notes: Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free options available

When: Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 February 2026 (all day)
Where: 120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi
Cost: $115pp (set menu) or à la carte
Book set menu | Book à la carte | (02) 9130 2155

Chiswick

Price: $150 | Atmosphere: Garden Romance

Chiswick’s garden setting and plant-to-plate menu uses seasonal produce from their kitchen garden. The Valentine’s menu is four courses shared between two, overlooking the lawn.

Stracciatella-grilled-peach-marjoram-
Stracciatella with grilled peach and marjoram

What’s included: Four‑course shared Valentine’s menu with garden‑fresh seasonal produce.
Flexibility: Valentine’s set menu or regular à la carte summer menu available throughout the weekend.

When: Friday 13 – Sunday 15 February 2026
Cost: $150 per person (set menu)
Location: 65 Ocean Street, Woollahra
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 8388 8688

The Botanica Vaucluse

Price: $139pp | Location: Vaucluse

Garden sanctuary dining with a seasonal four-course menu from chefs with Quay and Bentley backgrounds. Glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé on arrival, and dinner guests get a 15-minute astrology and numerology reading. The menu is fully gluten-free without compromising on sophistication.

a table of gluten free dishes for Valentines day
The Botanica Vaucluse is offering a full gluten free menu

What’s included: Glass of NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé, four-course seasonal menu, astrology and numerology reading (dinner only)
Dietary notes: Entirely gluten-free menu

When: Saturday 14 February 2026 (lunch and dinner available)
Where: 2 Laguna Street, Vaucluse
Cost: $139pp | Book now | (02) 9072 0539

Check out Darling Harbour Dining ideas here

Valentine’s Day Restaurant FAQs

For 2026, harbour-view restaurants like Luna Lu and The Fenwick started taking bookings in early January—some are already sold out for prime-time Saturday slots. If you want a specific restaurant with Opera House views or waterfront tables, book 4-6 weeks ahead minimum.

Mid-range CBD and neighbourhood spots (Shaffa, Mille Vini, Bistro George) typically fill 2-3 weeks out, but they’re more forgiving if you’re flexible on timing.

Here’s the other pressure point: most restaurants require full payment upfront with strict cancellation policies. Otto Woolloomooloo locks in your payment with a 2.5% processing fee and won’t refund after 9 February. Read cancellation terms before you hand over your card details.

Left it too late? Try lunch sittings, Thursday/Friday dinners, or restaurants running their Valentine’s menu across four days—North Bondi Fish and Chiswick both do this.

Set menus range from $89 (Cucina Porto) to $300 (Infinity window seats), but the menu price is only part of your bill.

Wine pairings typically add $50-$100 per person. If you’re at a mid-range restaurant budgeting $150pp for food, expect your final bill for two to land around $400-$450 after drinks, service, and that extra cocktail you probably didn’t plan for.

Harbour cruises bundle everything together—Captain Cook’s options run $125-$289pp all-inclusive, which can actually work out cheaper than a restaurant once you add beverages.

Want to keep costs down? BYO restaurants (check corkage fees), lunch sittings, or Thursday/Friday dinners usually dodge the Saturday premium pricing.

Restaurants know couples want flexibility, so extending menus across four days has become standard practice in Sydney.

The 7-8pm window books out first because everyone wants it. If you’re stuck with 5:30pm or 9:30pm slots, work with it:
Early sitting (5:30-6pm): You’ll catch sunset at waterfront venues like The Fenwick or North Bondi Fish. Some restaurants (Jimmy’s Kitchen) even discount early bookings by 5%.
Late sitting (9pm+): The room’s less frantic, service often improves, and you can have drinks elsewhere first. Just check if it’s a strict two-hour seating—some venues rush late tables.
Lunch sittings avoid the dinner circus entirely. Infinity, Rovollo, and The Charles all run Valentine’s lunch with the same menu, often at lower prices.

Yes, but don’t assume every restaurant handles dietary requirements equally. Three Blue Ducks has proper vegan options built into their menu structure (not afterthoughts), and Shaffa’s Middle Eastern approach means vegetables get star treatment rather than being a protein swap.

The Fenwick explicitly lists vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free availability on their set menu. When booking anywhere else, mention dietary requirements upfront and confirm what you’ll actually get “we can accommodate” often means “we’ll remove the meat and hope you don’t notice.”

Maybe, but you’ll be scraping the barrel on Saturday evening slots. Your better options:

Check lunch sittings—many restaurants run the same Valentine’s menu at midday with better availability. North Bondi Fish, The Charles, and Rovollo all do lunch.

Try Thursday 12 or Friday 13 February—restaurants extend their Valentine’s menus but pressure’s lower.

Look at neighbourhoods outside the CBD/harbour corridor. Paddington, Surry Hills, and Balmain spots like Caness, Shaffa, and The Fenwick typically have more flexibility than The Rocks or Circular Quay.

Last resort: skip the set menu entirely and book somewhere doing à la carte. Jimmy’s Kitchen offers this option.

Depends entirely on what they’re into. If they love wine and intimate spaces, Mille Vini’s mood lighting and five-course menu with aged rum flambé fits the bill. Beach person? North Bondi Fish runs their seafood menu all weekend with Bondi Beach right there.

Don’t default to “harbour views equals romantic”—some people find Opera House restaurants overdone and prefer neighbourhood spots like Jimmy’s Kitchen, where you’re in a 22-seat sandstone taverna rather than a 200-seat tourist magnet.

The safest bet: think about restaurants they’ve mentioned wanting to try, not what Instagram says is romantic.


There’s no single answer because romance is subjective. Chiswick’s garden setting at sunset works if you want natural beauty and seasonal cooking. Luna Lu delivers if Opera House views matter. Infinity literally rotates 305 metres above the city, which is objectively impressive but might feel gimmicky depending on your partner.
The most romantic restaurant is whichever one matches how you actually like spending time together. Formal fine dining? Casual sharing plates? Waterfront or neighbourhood? Start there, not with “what’s romantic.”

More Sydney Romance Ideas

It’s hard to go past a picnic – put together all your partner’s favourite treats, and head to one of the city’s best picnic spots for a romantic dinner alfresco. Or for some extra fun, book a secret picnic.

Check out more romance ideas:

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