Celebrate your love this Valentine's Day with a romantic dinner. We've rounded up a bunch that shine, featuring delicious menus and accompanying extras for a little something special to spoil yourself and your sweetheart.
ABU DHABI
Cafe Milano, Four Seasons Hotel
Book your spot at the five-course prix-fixe Valentine’s menu at Cafe Milano, for a chance to win a romantic trip to Rome for two, including three nights at a five-star hotel. The menu includes an amuse bouche of truffle-scented cauliflower puree and burrata, and stuffed calamari for the antipasto. The third course is heart-shaped ravioli stuffed with artichokes, ginger, potato and butternut squash (pictured), while for the fourth choose between amberjack fish and lamb two ways. Dessert is white chocolate and strawberry cremeux. The a la carte menu is also available.
Details: From Dh450 per person. Call 02 333 2630
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Sontaya, The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
The romance-themed menu features starters including Greek sea bass and deep-fried taro wraps as well as blue crab consommé. Main options are crispy sea bream fillet and Indonesian roasted beef cheek curry and a white chocolate cremeux. The dinner will include live entertainment by a violinist and saxophonist.
Details: From Dh600 per couple. Call 02 498 8888
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Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace
The four-course Hakkasan signature menu is specially designed for the occasion. It begins with a Valentine dim-sum duo, followed by braised king-crab dumpling soup. The main is a choice among wok-seared spotted bass, wok-grilled Australian lamb rack and braised Boston lobster. Dessert is a peach melba brulee. Dine indoors or under the stars in cabanas on the terrace.
Details: From Dh498 per person. Call 02 690 7739
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99 Sushi, The Galleria
Indulge in a nine-course meal at the Japanese hotspot at the Four Seasons on Al Maryah Island, which the chefs say will be “love at first bite”. On the menu: hosomaki, kobe edamame, capumiso soup (with seaweed, truffle, leeks) oysters (with yuzu foam), lobster tempura (with wasabi), panko mistura maki, butterfish with truffle and fatty tuna nigri, black cod or grilled corn-fed chicken, and cheesecake with espresso, plus a bottle of brut.
Details: Dh999 per couple. Call 02 672 3333
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Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi, The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
The sharing menu is served in a dreamy setting that has tabletops decorated with rose petals. Enjoy tamaki rolls, beef tartare, surf and turf and white chocolate mousse as you overlook Saadiyat Beach.
Details: From Dh600 per couple. Call 02 498 8888
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Roberto’s Abu Dhabi, Rosewood Hotel
Chef Andrea Falcone and his team have designed a five-course Poetry and Love menu this Valentine’s Day. It begins with an amuse bouche of razor clams, and guests can choose the langoustine carpaccio or Wagyu beef tartare as a starter. Mains range from lobster spaghetti to grilled tuna fillet or pigeon with truffle. The themed dessert is a surprise that chef Andrea is keeping a secret for now. DJs Valentin and Livia will spin house music tunes all night.
Details: From Dh800 per couple. Call 02 627 9009
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Mezzaluna, Emirates Palace
Mezzaluna’s That’s Amore Valentine’s Day dinner is a lavish, four-course Italian experience that begins with a contemporary take on the classic caprese, followed by grilled scallops, your choice of sea bass or slow-cooked wagyu and a praline pudding for dessert. The meal includes one glass of sparkling beverage per person.
Details: From Dh990 per couple. Call 02 690 9000
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Verso, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residences Emirates Pearl
Verso offers couples an Italian Valentine’s Day to savour with dishes including fior di latte, lobster bisque, slow-roasted veal fillet, and rose and raspberry mousse or Sicilian pistachio gelato for dessert.
Details: From Dh599 per couple. Call 02 510 1234
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Cipriani, Yas Marina
Cipriani offers a romantic seaside setting either indoors or on the terrace under the stars, with dishes including pan-seared scallops with asparagus, saffron pasta and risotto lobster. Jazz Funk Band will offer the soundtrack for the evening from 7pm. Those attending the Yanni concert can get 20 per cent off food and beverages before the show.
Details: A la carte with no minimum spend. Call 02 657 5400
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Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Book your table for a taste of Italy at Si Ristorante & Bar, which offers signature dishes including fried king crab mini-cakes, homemade ravioli pasta with lobster, veal tenderloin stuffed with spinach and mascarpone, or a swordfish and scallop skewer. Dessert is a lemon cake.
Details: From Dh690 per couple. Call 02 697 0000
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Turtle Bay Bar & Grill, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Turtle Bay Bar & Grill offers a five-course menu with red-velvet buratta di bufala cheese and heirloom beetroot, duck consommé, sea bream a la plancha, veal with pea hummus and a choice of white chocolate and raspberry dome or yoghurt meringue and chocolate rice crispies for dessert. Dine indoors or sit by the pool on the terrace. One couple can book an exclusive table on the beach boardwalk or the private rooftop area.
Details: From Dh550 per person; from Dh1,000 per person for a private table on the beach boardwalk or rooftop. Call 02 697 0000
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55 & 5th, The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
The steakhouse will serve a four-course fine-dining experience that true romantics will enjoy. Tuck into culinary delights such as salmon gravlax, butternut soup and prime striploin, as well as unlimited sparking or house grape. A pianist will perform live sets from 8pm.
Details: From Dh850 per couple. Call 02 498 8888
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BBQ Al Qasr, Emirates Palace
The Sophisticated Expressions of Love dinner at BBQ Al Qasr is a feast of succulent cuts of meat in a beachside gazebo. The romantic dinner includes one glass of sparkling beverage per person.
Details: From Dh990 per couple for three courses; from Dh1,390 for five courses. Call 02 690 9000
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DUBAI
Maiz Tacos, Mirzam Chocolate at Alserkal Avenue
Taco Cocoa Loco is the Valentine’s Day dinner by Maiz Tacos and Mirzam Chocolates based on a spicy and sweet culinary love story between the two companies. It begins with a cocoa-nib horchata welcome drink, aged mole sauces for a starter, and mains including a roasted pumpkin taco and slow-roasted chicken. Dessert is a platter of Mirzam Chocolates truffles, sorbet and fondant.
Details: From Dh250 per couple. Call 050 392 0418
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Azure Beach, Rixos JBR
The waterfront hotspot has put together two sharing platters for V-day. The sushi lover’s platter includes saucy salmon rolls, spicy tuna rolls and tobiko rice love hearts with edible flowers. The fruit lover’s platter, meanwhile, has a selection of fresh seasonal fruit with white- and dark chocolate-coated strawberries. Both come with a bottle of rose and a complimentary beach bag.
Details: Dh295 per couple for each platter. Call 052 777 9473
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Galvin Bistro, CityWalk
Michelin-lauded chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin’s eponymous eatery has a five-course set menu “inspired by love”. Start the meal with a silken foie gras with ballontine and kumquat dressing (and a glass of Rossini). The second course is a plate of scallop carpaccio and champagne risotto. Choose from mains such as halibut (with cauliflower puree, truffle and yuzu sauce), or beef wellington (with carrot puree and hermitage jus). Dessert is a mousse made from Valrhona Ivorie chocolate served in aged balsamic with homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream.
Details: Dh650 per couple with one drink per person. Call 04 590 5444.
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Beefbar Dubai, Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC
Impress your loved one with a dinner on the sophisticated, trendy terrace of Beefbar Dubai and enjoy a set menu of Kobe beef gyoza, wagyu rolls, ceviche and spinach salad for starters; a sharing Chateaubriand with mashed potatoes for the main; and save room for dessert, which is a ispahan with raspberry, lychee and roses. Two singers will walk through the restaurant serenading the lovebirds.
Details: From Dh550 per couple. Call 056 115 1724
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Mitra, Al Seef
The licensed floating Indian-fusion bistro has a four-course dinner. Begin your meal with a refreshing watermelon and avocado blini or a lime, honey, almond and rose thandai. Starters include three options each for vegetarians (beetroot heart kababs, paneer tikka fondue and tawa soya chips with roomali crisps), and three for meat eaters (prawns with jaggery-chilli sauce, bloody Mary chicettes and lamb galouti). Mains include a raan biryani and Peshawari curry, while dessert is a sample platter of Mejdool dates with apple halwa, coconut and banana lollies, and a red velvet brownie cassata.
Details: Dh299 per couple for dinner only; Dh399 for dinner and house beverages; and Dh499 for dinner and premium beverages. Call 04 388 5555
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Gaucho, DIFC
This sumptuous candlelight dinner begins with starters such as truffle lomo carpaccio and truffle burrata, followed by a choice of mains including bife de chorizo and saffron and coconut risotto. The dessert is Torontes Gourmand, which includes chocolate truffles, dulce de leche cheesecake and passion fruit profiterole. Gaucho also has a selection of flowers from Maison de Fleurs so diners can gift their other half something special.
Details: From Dh450 per couple. Call 04 422 7898
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Nobu, Atlantis The Palm
Celebrate at the world-renowned Japanese restaurant that blends cutting-edge style with South American influences. Enjoy a special Omakase six-course set menu with the popular black cod yuzu miso, a selection of sushi and rolls and the ribeye tozasu butter. There will be music by DJ Kroft from 8pm to midnight.
Details: From Dh550 per person for six courses and an arrival drink. Call 04 426 2626
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Hakkasan, Atlantis The Palm
The four-course Hakkasan signature menu is specifically designed to be shared. It begins with a Valentine dim-sum duo, followed by braised king-crab dumplings in supreme soup. Then wok-seared spotted bass in ginger soya is the main, accompanied by Boston lobster with dry udon noodles. Dessert is a peach melba and women will receive a red rose upon arrival.
Details: From Dh398 per person for four courses and an arrival drink. Call 04 426 2626
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Bread Street Kitchen and Bar, Atlantis The Palm
Bread Street Kitchen and Bar has a treat for diners, From BSK with Love is a five-course set menu that includes Kelly oysters, lobster ravioli and filet mignon, and ends with the seven shades of chocolate for dessert. Every couple will receive a rose and a selection of chocolates in a customised box.
Details: From Dh295 per person for a five-course set menu. Call 04 426 2626
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Riva Ristorante, Palm Jumeirah
Beach spot Riva Ristorante sets the romantic tone with a feast for the senses, beginning with chilled appetisers including salmon gravlax, tuna carpaccio or grilled tomato soup. For mains, enjoy prawn cannelloni, duck breast or vegetable lasagne. The sweet ending is a dessert platter with strawberry cheesecake, pavlova of love and peach flambe. Dine indoors or al fresco.
Details: From Dh249 per couple. Call 04 430 9466
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Rhodes W1, Grosvenor House Dubai
Rhodes W1 serves a three-course curated menu of canapes and white tomato soup, a choice of lobster and prawn cocktail with homemade sauce or beetroot and goats cheese with avocado cream, marinated kohlrabi and peanut brittle. For the main, select from the braised beef, steamed seabass or the wild mushroom mille feuilles. Save room for a petit four of passionfruit madeleines and chocolate caramel tart.
Details: From Dh450 per person for three courses and a glass of bubbly or mocktail on arrival. Call 04 317 6000
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Pai Thai, Madinat Jumeirah
Pai Thai offers an authentic Thai experience with Valentine’s Day decorations and dance performances by Wanthakan, the venue’s professional Thai dancer, who will entertain guests. The tiered packages include a five-course dining experience with oyster tempura salad, tom kahr goong soup, wok-fried crispy lobster and crème brulee. Plus, a welcome bouquet, soap carving experience and those who choose the Platinum Package (from Dh3,500) will also receive limousine pick-up, a private Abra with rose petals to take you to the restaurant and selected premium beverages.
Details: From Dh1,500 per couple for the silver package. Call 800 666353
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Pierchic, Madinat Jumeirah
Pierchic offers a picture-perfect romantic experience with an immersive seafood meal and a classical harpist and flautist performing amid views of the Burj Al Arab. The four-course dining experience includes a picture taken by a professional photographer and the Front Row package offers guaranteed window seating and free-flow bubbly. The meal begins with oysters and French blue lobster or Wagyu beef tartar; then seared scallops before the main of Patagonian toothfish or Wagyu tenderloin. Dessert is a red-velvet love pearl with sorbet.
Details: From Dh2,500 per couple for the bronze package. Call 800 666353
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Ruya, Grosvenor House Dubai Marina
Anatolian delicacies are featured in the Ruya Valentine’s Day dinner. The set menu includes freshly shucked oysters with tomato and lemon, Lahmacun with spicy lamb, baked sea bass with a Sujuk crust and a sharing dessert platter. The restaurant offers views of Dubai Marina from its 360-degree bar and terrace.
Details: From Dh660 per couple. Call 04 399 9123
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Lapita, Dubai Parks & Resorts
We’ll tell you the ending first: with a gondola cruise around Riverland under the stars. But it starts with a gourmet six-course dinner under the stars at the Polynesian resort with artisanal cones platter with tuna, goat cheese and wild mushrooms for a starter. Then, there’s Atlantic lobster, a trio of oysters, wild honey and rose sorbet, and your choice of seabass or lamb shank or pumpkin gnocchi for the main. Save room for raspberry mousse for dessert.
Details: From Dh750 per couple for dinner only, from Dh850 per couple with gondola ride. Call 04 810 9421
