With February 14 just around the corner, the countdown is on for the most romantic day of the year.
Whether you're looking for something low-key or want to go all out this Valentine's Day, there are plenty of special meals and deals at restaurants across Dubai. Here’s a look at some dining packages to sweep your Valentine off their feet.
Save: Dh500 or less a couple
Cinemacity
For a date night that's a little bit different, head to the licensed dine-in movie hall Cinemacity.
On February 14, couples can pay Dh300 to catch a movie while cosying up on plush recliners at the VIP theatre, and enjoy a large popcorn, two drinks, two appetisers, two rolls and a dessert (or Dh350 for hard beverages). There’s also the option to upgrade to a set menu of Japanese fusion tapas for an extra Dh500 at Azul Lounge.
Monday, February 14; 1pm-midnight for Azul Cinema and 5pm-midnight for Azul Lounge; Downtown Dubai; 052 519 9771; info@cinemacity.ae.
Eve Penthouse & Lounge
The rooftop venue is offering a three-course menu under the stars, with a welcome drink followed by two more beverages. Begin with a focaccia platter, followed up with a choice between a chicken, lamb and vegetarian main. There will be a flourless cake to complete the meal. Dress up for your night out for a chance to win a brunch voucher for two.
Monday, February 14; 5pm onwards; Dh400 for two; Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights; 056 398 7255
Ikigai Resto + Bar
If high-quality Japanese food is your Valentine's weak spot, head to Ikigai, which will be serving a sharing-style three-course meal and a bottle of grape. Begin with dishes such as mushroom tacos and crunchy kale salad with wafu sauce, before moving on to a Valentine's Day-themed sushi tower. Mains consist of mixed grilled robatayaki with ancho chilli sauce and grilled black cod. End with the Mount Fuji dessert platter, complete with an ice-cream sandwich. Outdoor seating is available.
Monday, February 14; from 7pm; Dh450 a couple; first floor, Millennium Place Marina; 04 550 8114; reservation@ikigaidubai.com
Indochine
Want the chance to try select new dishes? French Vietnamese restaurant Indochine, which is known to be a popular date night spot in Dubai, has put together a limited-time Valentine's Day menu which is available along with the a la carte menu. Try some one-off dishes such as the crystal truffle dumplings (Dh70); scallop crudo (Dh76); followed by brand-new main dishes like the chateaubriand for two (Dh325); steamed red Snapper with scallions and ginger oil (Dh165); and pan-roasted poussin with prawn mousseline (Dh145).
Monday, February 14; all day; prices above; DIFC; indochinedxb.com
Kojaki
If a trip to Expo 2020 Dubai is on the cards on Valentine's Day, spoil your significant other with a visit to the Korean restaurant in the Opportunity District. Chef Jin Chul Kim has curated a menu featuring four delectable dishes with authentic Korean flavours. Indulge in tteok kkochi, a Korean-style rice cake skewer served with yuzu miso sauce; grilled Chilean sea bass with basil miso, eggplant and hajigami; buldak kkochi, a Korean-style chicken skewer with leek and gochujang chilli sauce; as well as ssamjang yang galbi, Korean miso marinated lamb cutlet topped with yellow chilli sauce. To end the evening on a sweet note, Seoul in love, Kojaki’s heart-shaped chocolate dessert, will be served with fresh strawberry.
Monday, February 14; noon-11pm; Dh475 a couple; Opportunity District, Expo 2020 Dubai; 052 500 9299
Lobby Lounge, The Ritz Carlton, Dubai
Start your Valentine’s Day celebrations early in the day with a romantic afternoon tea. This one has an assortment of traditional scones and finger sandwiches, plus cakes, choix, and paired tea infusions and hot beverages, and the option to upgrade to a pink sparkling package. While away the hours alongside some live entertainment.
Friday to Monday, February 11 to 14; 12.30pm-5pm; Dh195 a person; Jumeirah Beach Residence; 04 318 6150; ritzcarlton.com/Dubai
MasterChef, the TV Experience
The restaurant has a "lovers sharing-style" three-course set menu, plus a bottle of grape for Dh450. Begin with appetisers such as dragonfruit ceviche with hibiscus foam; octopus carpaccio with smoked paprika; and beef tartar in bone marrow with crispy potato. For mains, choose from cod au alioli gratin; rib-eye with broccolini and mash potato; and mushroom truffle risotto. Desserts are an indulgent chocolate fondue with strawberries and a creamy tiramisu.
Monday, February 14; from 7pm; Dh450 a couple; ground floor, Millennium Place Marina; 04 550 8111; reservations@masterchefdxb.com
Nova Restaurant and Lounge
The dinner-and-show venue has a three-course sharing menu at a price worth falling in love with. The meal begins with a light salad, followed by small bites including sushi and bruschetta. Appetisers include baked or fried oyster and crab tacos, while mains feature a lobster tortellini and strip loin steak. Dinner ends on a sweet note with a vanilla strawberry cream pie. All this, plus a bottle of grape and entertainment in the form of a live saxophonist and singer for Dh350.
Monday, February 14; 6pm until later; Dh350 a couple; Address Dubai Marina; 045784444; www.novarestaurant.me
Punjab Grill Dubai
Tuck into a five-course menu at the fine-dining Indian fusion establishment. There are vegetarian alternatives for every course, so guests can start with a roast pumpkin soup or crabmeat dumpling soup, before tucking into chilli cheese kulcha or chicken and cheese kulcha. Mains include avocado kofta drenched with saffron and rose korma, tandoori salmon or pulled lamb. End on a sweet note with chocolate cake or strawberries and cream.
Friday to Monday, February 11 to 14; for lunch and dinner; Dh475 a couple; The Oberoi, Dubai, Business Bay; 050 194 1107
Rumba
The vibrant beachfront Cuban bar and restaurant has put together a meaty Valentine's Day package for two. On February 13 and 14, couples can tuck into slow-cooked beef cheeks, smoked brisket and Argentinian grass-fed strip loin or rib-eye, as well as a bottle of grape, all for Dh380.
Sunday and Monday; February 13 and 14; from 8pm; Dh380 a couple; Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah; 04 570 8111; www.rumba.ae
Social Distrikt
The newly opened food hall is upping the romance with a series of packages for every palate. There's The Mexican, with a platter to share and free-flowing tacos; The Japanese with an edamame appetiser, Japang box with fries to share, two temaki rolls and free flowing uramaki; and The French with 180g steak and frites per person. All deals come with beverage pairings, and you'll also be treated to a view of The Pointe's dancing fountain.
Monday, February 14; any two hours between 8pm and 11pm; Dh400 for The Mexican and The Japanese (per couple) and Dh270 for The French (per couple); The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 052 515 8995
Street Diversions
A restaurant with no roof and live entertainment. What's not to love about Street Diversions, which is located in the Souk Madinat Jumeirah amphitheatre. It is ringing in Valentine's Day with a fun-filled movie night at a free outdoor cinema, which will screen the original A Star Is Born (1937) at 7pm, accompanied by a three-course dining option. After the film, live performances from Street Diversions’ in-house cast of performers will entertain every 30 minutes until after midnight. For those dining, the culinary options include edamame, vegetable spring rolls, tofu bao, one choice between three mains, and either honey cake or ice cream.
Monday, February 14; from 7pm; Dh299 a couple for the dining package; Souk Madinat Jumeirah; 056 303 0380; street-diversions.com
Timo, Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel
Feast on a barbecue dinner even as a violinist adds a special touch to the evening. The restaurant at Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel has terrace seating for those who want to make the most of the good weather as they tuck into hearty salads and a selection of grilled meats.
Saturday, February 12; 6pm-10pm; Dh200 a person with soft drinks; Al Jaddaf; 04 596 2222
Wavehouse
For a fun and low-key Valentine's Day affair, why not challenge your significant other to a spot of bowling? The entertainment hub has put together a package of two bowling rounds, two mains and two beverages for Dh300 a couple. There will also be live music after 7pm.
Monday to Sunday, February 14-20; from 7pm; Dh300 a couple; Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah; 04 426 1000; www.atlantis.com/dubai.
Spoil: Dh500 to Dh1,000 a couple
Ammos Greek Restaurant
The Mediterranean-inspired venue channels a Greek island vibe, and is offering a romantic Valentine's menu that starts with a selection of oysters with shallots, and a salad with strawberry compote and passion fruit vinaigrette. Generous mains include a choice between lobster pasta and sea bream papillote, and dessert is semifreddo vanilla on a biscuit base with red fruit sauce.
Monday, February 14; 7pm-11pm; Dh990 per couple; Rixos Premium Dubai JBR; ammosgreek.com
Bombay Borough
If you think one day is not enough to celebrate love, you aren't alone. The DIFC venue has created a seven-course Valentine's Day dining experience that will be available from Friday, February 11, to Sunday, February 20. Covering the flavours of India are dishes such as cocoa coffee boti tacos, citrus and fennel sorbet, truffle-scented malai chicken, beet and carrot chops, and apricot mutton dum biryani. Some vegan dishes are part of the offering, and there's a limited-time themed beverage menu to boot.
Friday to Sunday; February 11 to 20; noon-12.30am; Dh595 a couple for food only, with beverages from Dh45; Gate Village 3, DIFC; 04 327 1555; www.bombayborough.com/dubai.html
Cassette x The Courtyard Playhouse
If dinner with a show is your idea of a Valentine's Day well spent, Parisian bistro Cassette has teamed up with improv centre Courtyard Playhouse for a night to remember. Starting 5.30pm onwards, guests can expect a romantic three-course meal with dishes such as pan-seared diver scallops, wild mushroom risotto; roast beetroot gnocchi or beef fillet with mushroom puree; and chocolate raspberry tart. Afterwards, they can head next door to catch an improv night running from 8pm to 10pm featuring a performance of Valentines Special: First Kiss where players will entertain with scenes based on audience suggestions. There will even be an opportunity for guests to come on stage to try their hand at acting.
Monday, February 14; 5.30-10pm; Dh300 per person; Al Quoz; 04 349 1966; info@cassette.ae
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai - Jumeirah Beach
The hotel is pulling out all stops with a barefoot beach dinner. Couples can expect a welcome drink, photo booth, personalised helium balloons, a red carpet lit up with lanterns and live acoustic music. You and your partner can then enjoy the sunset and Ain Dubai views from a table on the beach, plus dishes whipped up by executive chef Kevin Coey.
Monday, February 14; 5.30pm onwards, dinner starts at 6.30pm; from Dh599 a couple; The Walk, Dubai Marina; www.dubaijumeirahbeach.doubletree.com
Fi’lia
Drink in the views from the 70th floor at Fi’lia, which is celebrating the most romantic night of the year with a set menu beginning with antipasti, including herbed mixed cheese, baked in crunchy dough and drizzled with honey; and tomatino, a salad with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese. Diners will then be treated to an Instagrammable dish of vongole – a pink pasta with clams – followed by an artichoke pizza and a gorgeous Australian Wagyu with gremolata dressing, broccolini and potato puree. End on a sweet note with dolce – a mascarpone and berry melting heart accompanied by berry sauce and strawberry gelato.
Monday, February 14; 6.30pm-11.30pm; Dh700 a couple; SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences; 04 607 0770
Kinara By Vikas Khanna
The celebrity-chef-helmed restaurant has put together a Love Kinara four-course menu. Indulge in dishes such as tandoori king oyster mushroom with truffle cream and caramelised figs; slow-cooked octopus; khajur paneer with date stuffing; signature lamb shank curry; and, to end the meal, a silky-smooth cardamom chocolate mousse and raspberry sauce. Outdoor seating is also available, and the package includes a bottle of bubbly.
Wednesday to Monday; February 9 to 14; Dh750 a couple; JA Lake View Hotel, JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Beach Dubai; 04 814 5604
Level 43
Fall in love over sparkling views of the Dubai skyline at this sky-high venue. For Valentine's Day, the team have curated a set menu including heart-shaped shrimp sushi, with ikura and passionfruit mayonnaise; Australian Wagyu beef tenderloin with cheesy garlic mashed potatoes; and a mix grilled seafood platter with salmon, shrimp, scallops and calamari. For vegetarians, options include heart-shaped sushi with sweet sriracha; and fettuccine pasta with porcini mushroom, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and pink sauce. End the evening with a heart-shaped raspberry cheesecake with mixed berries. All ladies dressed in red on Monday, February 14 will get a complimentary beverage.
Monday, February 14; from 7pm; Dh750 a couple; Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai; www.level43lounge.com/
Seafire Steakhouse
A sharing-style set menu priced at Dh900 for two will start couples off with gigas oysters and short rib dumplings with smoked burrata and truffle. Next indulge in a Hokkaido scallop Rossini, and surf and turf, featuring aged Wagyu striploin and lobster gratin. To wrap up the meal, there will be a decadent chocolate coffee mousse. A jazz band will provide the soundtrack for the evening.
Monday, February 14; 6pm-11pm; Dh900 a couple; Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah; 04 426 1000; www.atlantis.com/dubai
Splendido Social Bar and Kitchen
The Italian restaurant is giving couples the chance to dine under the stars on its Tuscan-style terrace, while serenaded by live jazz tunes. If that doesn’t sound romantic enough, there's also a San Valentino menu featuring dishes such as poached oysters, octopus carpaccio and handmade tagliatelle with lobster bisque.
Monday, February 14; 7pm-11pm; Dh795 a couple; The Ritz Carlton, Dubai, The Walk, JBR; 04 318 6150, email dine.dubai@ritzcarlton.com or visit ritzcarlton.com/Dubai
Tamoka
The new beachfront destination at The Walk, JBR, is dialling up the heat with a sharing-style sunset menu for Dh395 per person. Taking place at Tamoka Beach, couples can feast on Ostra Atlantic oyster with scotch bonnet salsa, anticuchos (skewed beef tenderloin, herbs, and crispy onion), tinga de pollo or shredded chicken buns, caviar and more. The menu, available from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, is complemented by free-flowing beverages and a romantic table set-up. The a la carte menu will also be available.
Monday, February 14; 5.30-7.30pm; Dh395 per person; The Ritz Carlton, Dubai, JBR; 043186099 tamokadubai.com
The Courtyard, Vida Creek Harbour
For Dubai skyline views under the stars, head to this al fresco space that will have a DJ and expansive buffet, which features everything from oysters and mezze to a barbecue grill and hearty mains such as rib-eye steak and peri-peri prawns.
Monday, February 14; 8.30-11.30; Dh599 a couple for three-course menu with soft beverages; www.vidahotels.com
Torno Subito
Impress your loved one with a six-course menu that includes plenty of celebrity chef Massimo Bottura's signature dishes. Diners will be treated to a welcome drink and themed table decor before enjoying a set menu that takes in carpaccio, ravioli, ricotta spinach e tartufo, Wagyu cheek and a creamy pink cheesecake. Enjoy these with a table on the terrace, or, if you want to make it even more special, in a private beach cabana.
February 14; 7pm onwards; from Dh999 a couple for food only; W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah; 04 245 5800
Splurge: Dh1,000 and more a couple
Atlantis The Palm
It doesn't get more exclusive than a candlelit cabana on Atlantis, The Palm’s Royal Beach or Imperial Club Beach. Limited to only six couples, guests will be treated to a seven-course set menu – complemented by a bottle – including fresh Gillardeau oysters, lobster soup and Wagyu sirloin. The evening ends on a sweet note with a molten chocolate cake and smoked caramel petit fours. There will also be live entertainment as you dine under the stars.
Monday, February 14; 7pm-10pm; prices start at Dh7,000; Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah; 04 426 1000; www.atlantis.com/dubai
Aura Skypool
If you fancy a swim under the stars, the world’s first 360-degree infinity pool is just the place. On Monday, February 14, the space will keep its doors open until 11pm. Couples can expect a rose on arrival, followed by a welcome beverage, and sharing platter with oysters, caviar, edamame, duck, miso salmon, barbecue beef short ribs and more. End the evening on a sweet note with a rosy dessert shaped like a heart accompanied with vanilla cream and a mixed berry compote as you’re serenaded by a violinist.
February 14; 8pm-11pm; Dh1,600 for prime seats, Dh1,200 for second-row seats; The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah; auraskypool.com
Akira Back Dubai
For a romantic nine-course dinner to remember, head to Korean-American chef Akira Back's eponymous restaurant. On offer is a sharing menu with signature dishes such as seared foie gras, hamachi pizza, Akira sashimi, A5 saroma Wagyu short rib and chocolate souffle. Enjoy these from the window or terrace seating, with the Dubai skyline glittering in the background.
Monday, February 14; 7pm onwards; Dh2,800 for window or terrace seating; W Dubai – The Palm; 04 245 5800
Ce La Vi Dubai
The sky-high venue is turning up the heat this Valentine’s Day by teaming up with Floward to create contemporary floral arrangements that guests can take home. The space will be decorated to impress, and even its famous swing – with a Burj Khalifa backdrop – will be given a floral makeover. Couples can also expect portrait artists roaming about; live music from 7pm to 10pm by a pianist and singer; and chef Howard Ko’s delicious a la carte dishes.
Monday, February 14; 7pm onwards; Dh1,000 minimum spend for indoor seating, Dh1,500 for outdoor seating; Level 54, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai; 04 582 6111; celavi.com
Drift Beach Dubai
If food is your focus, this indulgent four-course menu is one to consider. Begin with a king crab tortellini amuse bouche, followed by foie gras escalope and beet-cured salmon. For mains, enjoy either a veal tenderloin, Dover sole or tagliatelle with asparagus carbonara and fresh black truffle. Wrap up the meal with a dark chocolate fondant with cherry and almond ice cream. All this, plus a rose, chocolate box, live music and a romantic riviera-style ambience for Dh650 a person. For those looking to go all out, the beach club has a private cabana experience; for Dh20,000 a couple, you can enjoy a personalised romantic set-up with a table for two on the terrace, and a dedicated host and chef between 2pm and 11pm.
Monday, February 14; 8pm-11pm; Dh1,300 a couple; One&Only Royal Mirage; 04 315 2200
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
Another spot for romantic beachside dining is Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, which will give couples the opportunity to dine among a sea of candles in their own cabana. As guests relax over their romantic touches, such as the flower arrangements, they can enjoy fire dancing shows and live music. The three-course menu includes sharing-style starters with a seafood platter (featuring oysters, lobster, king crab and scallops), a choice of mains such as grilled sea bass and Wagyu beef with black truffle, plus a strawberry and cream dessert. The package includes complimentary access to the resort's pool and beach, to use on the couple's next visit.
Monday, February 14; 7.30pm-10.30pm; Dh3,500 a couple with soft drinks; Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, Pearl Jumeirah; 043766290; dubai.nikkibeach.com
Nobu
A six-course Omakase set menu at the world-famous restaurant takes in a welcome drink followed by Nobu signatures including salmon tataki, a selection of sushi and rolls, Wagyu tenderloin and Chilean sea bass. A black sesame, chocolate and raspberry tart makes for a fitting finish, while a DJ will be on hand to keep you entertained.
Monday, February 14; 6pm-11pm; Dh1,390 a couple; Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah; 04 426 1000; www.atlantis.com/dubai
Ossiano
For the utmost luxury, and perfect for anyone looking to pop the question, Atlantis The Palm's famous underwater restaurant has put together a series of packages, complete with a mermaid show. There will be a seven-course menu to indulge in at the seafood restaurant. Ladies will be given a special Tiffany & Co gift at the end of the meal and there will be a mermaid taking centre stage in the aquarium. To cap it all, a diver is on hand to greet guests with personalised messages.
Monday, February 14; two seating times: 5.30pm and 9:30pm; packages are from Dh5,000 a couple; Atlantis The Palm; 04 426 1000; www.atlantis.com/dubai
L’atelier de Joel Robuchon
The restaurant dedicated to the famed French chef is inviting couples to a "rendezvous with a Saint Valentine’s tasting menu". Couples can embark on a culinary journey beginning with dishes such as king crab a delicate avocado emulsion and tomato water; Royal Oscietra Caviar over a crispy poached egg with smoked salmon. The next course includes langoustine enveloped in ravioli and accompanied by truffle, foie gras sauce and green cabbage; and miso-marinated black cod. Then you have a choice between suckling lamb chops with thyme and caramelised quail stuffed with foie gras and truffle mash potatoes. For a sweet end to the meal, there will be a pre-dessert of ice cream, passion fruit and basil coulis, followed by the main attraction: Le Fraise, Joel Robuchon’s signature dessert.
Monday, February 14; 6.30pm-midnight; Dh1,400 a couple; Gate Village 11, Podium Level, DIFC, Dubai, UAE; 04 297 7729; atelier-robuchon.ae
Time Out Market
Time Out Market Dubai will be launching an exclusive Chef’s Edition dining series, kicking off on Valentine’s Day with Chef Reif Othman. On February 14, Chef Othman’s menu will feature an eight courses, with a Japanese-Chinese fusion twist for the occasion, all for Dh650 per person, kicking off at 7pm. Meanwhile, across the Valentine's Day weekend, the market will host a flower trolley from Florette for those who want to pick a rose (or dozen) while UAE musician Carl Frenais will be having live performances 7pm to 10pm on February 14. For the family, there will be children’s face painting on Sunday, February 13 from 2pm to 4pm. There will also be a love-infused pop-up with an Instagram-worthy mural, and postcards that encourage people to write something for that special someone while at the market.
Saturday to Monday; Feb 12-14; Dh650 per person for the chef's dining series; Downtown Dubai; www.timeoutmarket.com/dubai/en/
