perfect restaurants for Valentine’s Day in Sydney [2023]

It can be hard to find perfect Valentine’s Day restaurants in Sydney. Whether you are on a budget, want to stay close to home or need a vegan Valentine’s Day option, don’t worry, we have done the research and list of the best choices across Sydney below.

With Valentine’s day falling on a Tuesday this year, some restaurants are offering a Sunday option, perfect for those who prefer to celebrate before the work week starts. On a budget? Consider a mystery picnic.

Valentine’s Day with Water Views

If you visiting Sydney or don’t find yourself on the harbour very often, it’s hard to go past a harbourside restaurant for making an impact on Valentine’s day.

Aria

Sip champagne and watch the sunset over Sydney Harbour while you indulge in a decadent six-course Valentine’s Day Tasting at Aria – it doesn’t get any more lavish than this.

Aria Credit: Steven Woodburn

The menu features:

  • W.A black marron, sea urchin, nasturtium, radish
  • Glazed maremma duck, fig, witlof, pomegranate
  • Westholme wagyu fillet, sunchokes, mustard, brassicas

Cost: $325pp, includes Champagne on arrival
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9240 2255

Otto Woolloomooloo

On the historic wooden wharf, Otto at Woolloomooloo is offering a decadent three-course dinner with a cocktail and amuse-bouche on arrival, three-course (4 choices per course) menu and a complimentary box of chocolates to take home.

Dine alfresco at Woolloomooloo Wharf

Cost: Adults $199pp
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9240 2255

Bennelong

For a dinner to remember book the four-Course menu on offer at Sydney’s stunning Bennelong dining room in the Opera House. The set menu allows you to choose either a fish or meat main course.

Start with a Fattoush-style salad, followed by Sashimi scallops, a choice of main, wild caught fish or roasted black Angus fillet. This is followed by the famous Chocolate Crackle for dessert.

Bennelong Restaurant Sydney Lamington
Our last Bennelong dessert is a very fond memory

Cost: $250
View the menu | Make a booking | 02 9240 8000

Tequila Daisy, Barangaroo

Outdoor dining on Mexican food by the water sounds perfect to us! Tequila Daisy at Barangaroo offers an alfresco dining terrace 

Book the Fiesta menu for $79 pp and indulge as you take in the view.

Cost: : À la carte on offer 
When: from 5pm Tuesday 14 February (2hr seatings) 
View the menu | Make a booking

Kingsley’s Woolloomooloo

Celebrate Valentine’s day harbourside, basking in the sun at Woolloomooloo wharf with a 4-course set menu from Kingsley’s and a glass of Piper Heidsieck.

Kingsley’s Woolloomooloo

For the main course, choose from a whole rainbow trout or a 600g Ribeye On The Bone MB4+

Cost: $139pp
Where: Tuesday 14 February – Available for lunch and dinner
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 83222090

North Bondi Fish

Share a magical moment by the seaside this Valentine’s Day. Choose to dine on the much loved a la carte lunch of seafood specials or opt for the set menu dinner highlighting North Bondi Fish’s classics. 

North Bondi Fish view
North Bondi Fish offers Beach views Credit: Steven Woodburn

You will receive a glass of Veuve on arrival. 

The set menu includes:

  • NBF fish taco
  • Grilled barramundi, tomato sofrito, lemon
  • Dark chocolate mousse, caramelised white chocolate, fermented strawberries
  • Vegan and vego options available

Cost: Adults $130pp – Available for lunch and dinner
Date: Tuesday 14 Feb
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 02 9130 2155

Ormeggio Mosman

This year Ormeggio will offer their Valentine’s menu on both Sunday and Monday. There is a four-course menu or chose a premium menu for some extra luxury.

Cost: $180pp +$70 for a premium menu
Date: Tuesday 14 Feb
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: (02) 9969 4088

Ripples Chowder Bay

Dining on the wharf at Chowder Bay you can indulge in either an al la carte lunch or a special Valentine’s Day dinner. On offer is a special menu that starts with bread & snacks and moves into a three course set menu with choice

Surprise your Valentine by adding a special upgrade!* Two glasses of NV Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial & 4 oysters to share on arrival, $60 additional per couple.

Cost: Adults $149pp
Date: Tuesday 14 Feb – lunch and dinner
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone:(02) 9960 3000

Valentine’s Day Cruising

Gold Dinner

Take to the water for a romantic dinner as the sun sets and Sydney sparkles in the evening lights. Captain Cook have three Valentine’s Dinner crusing options this year.

For a total splurge go Gold and enjoy a six Course Degustation Dining including our famous Seared Scallops and Beef Tenderloin. Your meal is paired with Penfolds’ private bin and vintage wines to complement each course including the St Henri Shiraz.

After dinner take to the dance floor or head upstairs and enjoy views of the city from the spacious open deck.

Valentines Day Harbour Cruise

Cost: Price: $265pp ($20 early bird discount)
When: 6.30pm to 10pm Tuesday 14th Feb.
View the menu or make a booking

Valentines Day Cruise

Same boat but with a 4 course à la carte menu complimented by a glass of premium champagne and finishing the night with a cocktail and chocolate dipped strawberries.

Cost: Price: $149pp ($20 early bird discount)
When: 6.30pm to 10pm Tuesday 14th Feb.
View the menu or make a booking

Valentines Day Lover’s Lounge

Not quite ready for a romantic dinner for two? The Lovers Lounge on Ocean Deck is the perfect choice for friends, groups and first dates.

  • Summer Platters featuring fresh seafood, Charcuterie Board of Australian cheeses, cured meats and antipasto
  • Glass of premium champagne on arrival, choice between two Late-Night cocktails with chocolate dipped strawberries and live music
  • Superior lounge seating on Ocean Deck for amazing water-level views

Cost: $139pp ($20 early bird discount)
When: 6.30pm to 10pm Tuesday 14th Feb.
View the menu or make a booking

Valentine’s Day Restaurants in Sydney City

Azuma

Celebrate Valentine’s with a special kaiseki, where you and your special one will be treated to an 11-course menu which showcases different cooking techniques and flavours of Japan.

azuma valentines day
Steamed white fish with turnip dashi

Dishes include:

  • Tasmanian abalone poached in a sake infusion with yuzu
  • Steamed white fish with turnip dashi
  • West Australian Kanoko crumbed scampi w basil coulis
  • Saltbush lamb cutlet grilled w citrus chilli
  • Rangers Valley wagyu teriyaki

Cost: $250 per person
When: Only on 14 February 2023 and spots are limited. Complimentary parking is available from 5.30pm.
View the menu or make a booking

Chophouse

Treat your special someone to a beautiful dinner at Sydney steak institution, Chophouse, with a specially curated set menu and drink on arrival.

Scallops from Chophouse Sydney
Chophouse Sydney scallops Credit: Steven Woodburn

Choose from the a la carte lunch menu for lunch sittings or a 4-course shared menu dinner + glass of Chandon Brut Rose NV on arrival. Dinner set menu includes:

  • Hervey Bay scallops, caper butter, pangritata
  • Rib on the bone 700g
  • Pasture fed, Pinnacle, MB2+, MSA graded

Cost: Adults $160pp – available for lunch or dinner
Date: Tuesday 14 Feb
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 02 9231 5516

Mode Bar and Kitchen

In the Mode for love? Take your special someone on a culinary journey with a four-course Valentine’s Day menu. With a strong emphasis on seafood you will enjoy spanner crab or scallops, marron lobster bisque and a fish or duck main. Finish with this beautiful dessert. 

Raspberry & vanilla Saint Honoré
Raspberry & vanilla Saint Honoré

Want to up the romance! You can add an overnight stay to your booking. From $455 the Valentine’s package includes a bottle of bubbly, breakfast and a late check-out!

Cost: Adults $180pp Dinner
Date: Tuesday 14 Feb
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: +61 2 9250 3160

Shaffa

Spend Valentine’s Day in Shaffa’s stunning indoor courtyard. With soaring glass ceiling, exposed sandstone and stained-glass windows this is a lovely space to sit back and watch the chef’s create your dinner in the open kitchen which almost feels like a stage.

This Valentine’s day feast is a set menu offering loads of starters, 3 choices for main and 2 choices for dessert. Begin your night with a Pomegranate Bellini on arrival followed by oysters or Lentil kibbeh niyah for your starter. This is followed by what I think is Sydney’s best hummus, some eggplant labneh and house made focaccia. This combination is why I fell in love with Shaffa and why I tell everyone I know to go there soon! Two more dishes follow before its time to choose your main:

  • Murray cod, saffron Persian lemon basmati rice, dill, pistachio, lemon arak butter, crispy vine leaves 
  • Pumpkin, Ras El Shaffa, pomegranate molasses, muhammara, preserved lemon, zhug, pitzuhim
  • Beef rump cap mb4, tabbouleh freekeh, tamar, roasted selek, jus 
Shaffa Surry Hills
Shaffa’s courtyard kitchen

End the night with a decadent dessert and a satisfied smile on your face. The make fantastic cocktails and equally tasty mocktails for anyone doing Feb Fast.

Cost: Adults $120pp Dinner
Date: Tuesday 14 Feb
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 0451 810 480

ESQ

Treat you and your loved one to an evening of romance at ESQ this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy some smooth live jazz and a glass of bubbles on arrival, followed by a curated three course menu by Chef Guillaume Dubois. Make this a Valentine’s to remember!

Cost: $125pp Dinner with a glass of G.H. Mumm champagne upon arrival 
Date: Tuesday 14 Feb
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: +61 2 8023 7609

Crafted by Matt Moran at the AGNSW

After a date at the Art Gallery of NSW, guests can head to the Restaurant, Crafted by Matt Moran, for a curated two or three-course Valentine’s Day lunch. Spectacular views across Sydney Harbour provide the perfect backdrop for this romantic meal including a glass of sparkling pink on arrival. There are gluten-free and vegan options, and lots of fresh, summer dishes including:

Burrata with ox heart tomato, rock melon and basil
  • Burrata with ox heart tomato, rock melon and basil
  • Roast lamb rump, artichokes, preserved lemon, labneh and olive
  • Pineapple granita with whipped coconut cream and rum-soaked raisins

Cost: $93pp for 2 courses, 3 courses for $110
Date: Tuesday 14 Feb from 11.30am
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: +61 2 9225 1819

Valentines Day at Crown

Woodcut

Looking for something special to do for Valentine’s Day? Look no further than Woodcut. From their shared feast to some drinks and snacks at the bar, or counter dining at the open kitchen – it’s an experience to remember.

Choose from the a la carte menu and a number of special seafood dishes and Valentines Day desserts.

Cost: $160 or $220
Date: Tuesday 14 Feb
View the menu | Make a booking   

a’Mare

Chef Alessandro Pavoni has created an authentic Italian meal to help you create an elegant Valentine’s Day experience.Begin your evening with a  romantic Valentino cocktail, (Italian vodka and liquor aromatic, blood peach, almond and citrus)  followed by classic Italian dishes from the extensive à la carte menu.

Cost: $160 or $220
Date: Tuesday 14 Feb
View the menu | Make a booking   

Valentine’s Day at the Star

From amazing staycation packages perfect for an extra special romantic gesture to some of Sydney’s best dining, the Star has plenty of options on offer this Valentine’s day. 

Black Bar & Grill are offering a special menu with other key venues like Flying Fish and SOKYO and CUCINA PORTO offering their regular a la carte menu with a few special dishes designed to make the night memorable. 

Black Bar & Grill

Fine dining and a free glass of Moët & Chandon on arrival followed by a caviar tasting experience.

Valentine’s Day at Black Bar & Grill in the Star

Enjoy a luxurious and indulgent meal this Valentine’s Day at BLACK Bar & Grill. Head Chef Dany Karam and his team have created the fine dining experience of your dreams. From Mount Cook Alpine Salmon to Fillet Wagyu MBS 7+ with chimichurri, generous sides and chocolate delice, hazelnut and wild strawberry sorbet,

Cost: $195 pp
When: Dinner 14 February
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone

Sokoyo

If your partner loves Japanese food, dinner at Sokoyo is a great way to spoil them. To complement the full menu, the team have come up with two special dishes.

Sokoyo Bincho Grilled Pacific Oyster, Ginger Lime Dressing
  • Kim torotoro – $60pp Toro, tuna, and caviar
  • Lobster – Market Price Bincho grilled half lobster, Spicy miso butter, negi
  • Blackforest Chocolate Sponge – $30pp Chocolate sponge, Morello cherry, kirsch, chunky cherry ice cream.

When: Tuesday 14th
View the menu | Book

Flying Fish

Order from the main menu or add one of these specials to your evening’s celebration. 

Valentine's day restarants in Sydney- Flying Fish
Flying Fish Valentine’s Day
  • Chef’s Seafood Selection for Two – (includes glass of sparkling wine) $165
  • Valrhona Dark Chocolate Fondant – with wattleseed caramel, macadamia ice cream for two $32

When: Dinner Tuesday 14 Feb
View the menu | Make a booking

Check out our ideas of unique Valentine’s Day activities across the Sydney

Cucina Porto

This Valentine’s Day Head Chef Martino Pulito and the team at Cucina Porto have created a menu using luxe ingredients to create show-stopping dishes.

A taste of Cucina Porto Valentine’s Day menu
  • Cappon Magro, bugs, king prawns, sweet salsa verde, rice gallette – $32
  • Rock Lobster Ravioli, tomato water sauce, baby basil oil, sugar snap peas, bottarga – $45
  • Crispy Pork Belly, tomato marmellata, house pickled burned shallot – $42

When: Dinner Tuesday 14th Feb
View the menu | Make a booking

If you really want to go all out you can book a romantic getaway at the Star

After your dinner at the Star, spend the night at The Darling

Bar 83 at Sydney Tower

Indulge in a luxurious date experience this Valentine’s Day high above the city with your loved one. Enjoy a selection of succulent oysters, decadent caviar, delicately crafted ceviche, and a delectable dessert, all perfectly paired with a bottle of the premium Perrier-Jouët champagne.

Bar 83 at Sydney Tower
  • East 33 Sydney Rock oysters, gala apple, chardonnay vinegar, dill oil df, nf
  • Caviar, horseradish crème fraiche, warm crumpet nf
  • Coral trout ceviche, Tapioca crisp, coriander nf
  • Valrhona milk chocolate, passion fruit, strawberry coulis

As a special treat, each couple will receive an individually wrapped rose and a box of homemade chocolates.

Cost: $275 per couple
View the menu or make a booking

Infinity at Sydney Tower

Take your Valentine to new heights with Infinity’s Valentine’s Dinner and treat your special someone to a 3-course chef’s degustation menu, a glass of G.H Mumm Champagne on arrival, followed by a selection of oysters to share. Each couple will also receive a box of homemade truffles and a single rose to take home.

Stunning views over the city

Cost: $250pp
When: from 5.30pm Tuesday 14 February
View the menu or make a booking

Check out more Darling Harbour Dining ideas here

Lotus Dining

Sydney’s contemporary Chinese restaurants will be open across Sydney this Valentine’s Day. Treat your main squeeze to a feast at Dumpling Bar, Sydney rock oysters with lime granita and finger lime at Lotus Double Bay, or BBQ duck with mandarin pancakes and five-spice hoi sin sauce at Lotus Barangaroo.

Lotus Double Bay Credit: Alana Dimou

Whatever your level of romance, you’re sure to find a delicious dining experience to suit your taste buds with Lotus Dining Group.

Time: From 5pm
Cost: À la carte
View the menus |  Make a booking   

Chiswick

Celebrate love with a romantic planted-to-plated dinner prepared by head chef Taylor Cullen and team. Enjoy a romantic evening in their relaxed space.

Chiswick Woollahra
Chiswick Woollahra

Chiswick will offer a shared menu + champagne on arrival: 

  • Barra-masalata, vegetable crisps
  • Crispy skin ocean trout, witlof, Bruny Island olives
  • Half Chiswick lamb shoulder, beetroot, mint sauce

Cost: Adults $160pp
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 02 8388 8688

Valentine’s Day on the Northern Beaches

Insitu, Manly

Our favourite spot for bottomless spritz brunch will turn on the fun with Galentine’s Day. Insitu Manly will bring Gender Bender Bingo to the beaches, so gather your nearest and dearest for a night of laughs, prizes and special drag performance. 

InSitu Manly for bottomless Aperol Spritz

All tickets include bottomless Aperol Spritzes, a three-course shared feast, bingo and your chance to win plenty of prizes. 

Time: From 7pm
Cost: Tickets $75pp
View the menu | Make a booking   

Pilu at Freshwater

Pilu at Freshwater is a fantastic choice for a romantic waterfront Valentine’s Day. With beautiful views out of Freshwater Beach, you can finish or start your night with a lovely walk on the beach

Their 2023 Valentine meal will be a four-course menu featuring the classic Aussie surf and turf for the main. Prices do not include drinks. 

Cost: $175 per person menu. 
When: Dinner 14 Feb
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9938 3331

Public Dining Room

Along with offering the al la carte menu for Valentine’s Day lunch the team at Public Dining room will offer a special dinner with a four-course menu of canapes on arrival, a choice of entrees, main and dessert.

Cost: Adults $130
When: 6pm until 8.30pm.
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9968 4880

Valentine’s Day in the Inner West

The Fenwick

A lovely waterfront option in East Balmain just minutes from the ferry wharf. Enjoy lunch with stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Fenwick is offering a four-course set menu with sides.

2 glasses of NV Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial & 4 oysters to share on arrival, $70 additional per couple

Cost: $149 per person 
When: Dinner only
View the menu | Phone: (02) 9159 4700

Valentine’s Day in the South

Lugarno Seafood

Seafood by the water is a sure winner for Valentine’s Day and Lugarno Seafood has seen more than a few Valentine Day proposals in the past 25 years. If your partner is not a seafood lover, the menu also features beef, veal and chicken.

Cost: Al la carte menu as below 
View the menu | Make a booking | Phone: 02 9119 1809

Albi’s Taverna Cronulla

Albi’s chefs will showcase their most impressive creations over a three-course dining experience with five choices for entree and main.  Highlights on the menu include, Tiger Prawn Bruschetta, 48 hr Suvee & Roasted Lamb Shoulder, Wild Barramundi & Prawns and Tiramisu or White Chocolate Sensation (Strawberry, white & dark chocolate, coconut and meringue) for dessert.

This is a great 3 course menu with plenty of options, including a few vegetarian choices. A full vegan menu is also available.

Cost: Adults $99
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: (02) 9524 0392

Jensens at Kareela

Book in for a decadent 3-course set menu at the Shire’s much loved Jensens. Enjoy barbeque king prawns, wagyu beef or crispy skin snapper. BYO is allowed which is a budget saver!

Cost: Price: $130
When:  5pm – 8:30pm Monday 14th Feb.
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 02 9528 8433

Other cruise options include:

  • Vagabond Cruises have a 3-hour lunch cruise $145 for adults and $115 for kids (children under five free) Drinks not included
  • Oz WhaleWatching – one of the friendliest boats on the harbour, is offering a 3-hour seafood buffet including drinks for $147 for adults and $97 for kids.
  • Majestic Cruises – a Christmas banquet and drinks package $149 for adults and $130 for kids.
  • Sydney Harbour Showboat – a 3-hour banquet lunch cruise with drinks package included. Jazz duo and the views provide the entertainment. Adults $159

Valentine’s Day in the Blue Mountains

Darley’s Restaurant – Lilianfels

Head away for the weekend and enjoy dinner in the historical multi-award winning Darley’s Restaurant at Lilianfels Hotel at Katoomba

Indulge in a beautifully prepared 5-course degustation menu including a glass of sparkling wine on arrival.

Cost: $169pp
View the menu or make a booking | Phone: 02 4780 1200

Are there any budget-friendly Valentine’s dinner options in Sydney?

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

How about vegan Valentine’s Day options?

Several menus have vegetarian options,including Albi in Cronulla and Bennelong but Glebe’s Salt and Palm have a vegan set menu with the option to add a bottle of Australian organic vegan wine to your booking. See the full listing above.

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