Your bumper guide to Valentine’s Day in Canberra 2023
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After all, tis’ the season of love.
Whether you’re looking for a fancy dinner complete with roses or a chilled Galentine’s night out trying some of the best food in town, we’ve rounded up all the things happening in Canberra this Valentine’s day.
Read on for your ultimate guide—and get ready to eat your heart out.
EAT + DRINK
Share seven expressions of love at Inari
Serving up seven delectable expressions of love, masterfully created by Executive Chef Shaun Presland, Valentine’s Day at Inari will have you enjoying thoughtful dishes, designed for unadulterated shared indulgence. Think assorted Kobachi including scallop, prawn, and crab with appetite-stimulating sauces, spicy miso marinated salmon, assorted roll and nigiri sushi, and more.
$107.00 per person| Tuesday 14 February, from 5pm | Canberra Centre, FG16 A/B/C, 148 Bunda St, Canberra City | Book here.
Take romance to the next level at Braddon Merchant
Looking to book something a little luxe? Why not take your romantic night out to the next level with an exclusive dinner at Braddon Merchant? Complete with share-style dishes, a complimentary glass of Moët and Chandon Impérial Brut on arrival, and the chance to win one night’s accommodation at Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection it’s romance at it’s finest.
But if that isn’t enough, bottomless Moët and Chandon Impérial Brut for two hours (priced at $100 per person) or expertly paired wines (priced at $60 per person) sure sounds like a good way to spend a night.
$125 per person | Tuesday 14 February | Ground Floor, Midnight Hotel, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon | Book here.
Make your GF, Vegan, dairy-free (or anyone with a specific dietary requirement) Valentine happy at Dada
If you or your Valentine struggle to find somewhere that caters to your dietary needs, Dada in Phillip may be just what you’re looking for.
Join them for an 8-course tasting menu and a glass of sparkling on arrival from 5.30 pm. It’s also a great excuse to enjoy Dada cocktails and their range of Canberra Region wines.
$98 per person | Tuesday 14 February | 12 Furzer Street, Phillip | Book here.
Keep it simple and classy at Parlour
Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be some major affair. It’s just about acknowledging each other, spending quality time together, and creating a new memory.
Parlour will be hosting a special lover’s set menu—think candlelight, cozy interiors, a glass of bubbly, Merimbula rock oysters with native mignonette, Straciettella with compressed cucumber, crispy eggplant with coconut yoghurt & wattle-seed, smoked Murray cod with tomato consomme & pickled fennel; and an indulgent dessert to finish the night off.
$120 per person ($90 vegan option) | Tuesday 14 February | 16 Kendall Lane, NewActon | Book here.
Make it a night to remember at Taki
Forget booking for two—borrowing from the Japanese concept of ‘gōkon’, they’re hosting a limited number of communal tables to create a unique shared dining experience, guaranteed to put a warm fuzzy feeling in your tummy.
Created with the intention of creating new friends or catching up with old ones, each person will enjoy five dishes (think steamed bao buns and tempura zaru soba) as well as a glass of sparkling on arrival.
$69 per person | Tuesday 14 February from 5 pm | Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda St (Ground Level, between Bunda Street and Scotts Crossing), Canberra City | Book here.
Say cheers at Contentious Character
Toast to love this Valentine’s Day! Sneaking in early, head along on Sunday 12 February for white linen, tablecloths, candles, flowers, and a four-course tasting menu (including poached porchetta or sweet potato croquettes, grilled watermelon, and pear panna cotta) paired with alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
$145 per person | Sunday 12 February, 6:30 pm | 810 Norton Road, Wamboin | Book here.
Give a piece of your heart over pizza at Amici
Name a better excuse to take your sweetheart (or friend) to get vino and pizza? This year Amici is offering people the chance to celebrate V-Day just like they do in the city of love—and the best part is there are two menus to choose from.
The Tier One menu has the perfect combination of hand-stretched pizza (of choice), raclette, olives, cannoli, AND a glass of wine each (red, white, or rosé) while the Tier Two menu steps it up a level with a bottle of Chandon Sparkling Rosé.
$100 per couple (Tier One), $120 per couple (Tier Two) | Tuesday 14 February | 59 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City | Book here.
Go out with the gals at Wakefield’s Bar and Wine
Strawberry kisses cocktails, $3 oysters and treats throughout the evening…need we say more? Go out with the gals to Wakefield’s Galentines night and enjoy champagne, cocktails, and a carefully curated a la carte menu (that will be available to order) while you show your appreciation for the amazing women in your life!
A credit card Booking Guarantee of $20.00 per person is required | Tuesday 14 February, from 6 pm | Shop 2/1 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie | Book here
Feel the love at The Alby
Sip back, relax and feel the love at The Alby with a three-course set menu—plus cocktails and wine upgrades on the night! There will also be a rose for every couple to add to the ambiance.
$75 per person | Tuesday 14 February, 6 pm | 45 Furzer St, Phillip | Book here.
Banquet at Natural Nine
Love the idea of taking someone special to eat your way through a banquet of delectable dishes and fancy cocktails? Natural Nine at Casino Canberra is hosting a very special banquet to sweep you off your feet.
For $125 per person (including food and cocktails) feast on chicken and wakame dumplings, Beijing crispy duck with cucumber pickle, vegetable fried rice w nori and pickled ginger, white chocolate chilli pudding with vanilla ice cream and milk crumb, and more.
$125 per person | Tuesday 14 February, 6 pm – 9 pm | 21 Binara St, Canberra | Book here.
Roses are red, violets are blue, head to Highball for a cocktail or two
Did someone say $15 mojitos from 4pm till late? Treat your certain someone to tropical cocktails and a table full of tasty bites at Highball (and to make it even better, Latin Tuesdays will also be operating so you can shake your booty). Otherwise book in with the girls and take a seat at the Casita Bar while mixing it up and getting into some drink-slinging fun at one of their cocktail-making classes!
$85 per person for a Classic Cocktails class | Tuesday 14 February | Level 1, 75 London Circuit, Canberra City | Book here.
You, plus two at QT
QT loves love and this year throuples are a vibe. Celebrating all kinds of love (whether it’s a dedicated power throuple or a trio trying it on for size) this year their Valentine’s Day dinner promises a night of spoils.
Every booking for three people at Capitol Bar & Grill will include Aphrodisiac Hour—a delicious combination of a half-dozen oysters, plus three mini martinis on the house. And to make the night even better, tables of three will also vie for the title of ‘Throuple in Residence’.
One trio dining at Capitol Bar & Grill will be invited for an overnight sleepover in a room upstairs to keep the Valentine’s Day love going—All. Night. Long.
Piling on the pillows, robes, and amorous amenities, expect rose petals and lots of extra affection.
Tuesday 14 February | 1 London Cct, Canberra | Book here
Enjoy a summer of love at Monster Kitchen & Bar
It promises to be flirty and flavoursome—Monster Kitchen & Bar is hosting a killer feat that will make your heart skip a beat. Chef Matthew Bentley will be creating some unique and creative dishes using summer produce and invoking the message of love.
Matched with cocktails and unique wines, it’s sure to be a swoon worthy experience.
$95 per person | Tuesday 14 February, from 6 pm |Ground/25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra City | Book here.
Be mine and dine at the Arboretum
Treat your love this Valentine’s Day to a six course tasting menu paired with wines while watching the night fall over Canberra. Because oysters and a sunset? It’s romance at it’s peak.
$150 per person | Tuesday 14 February, 6 pm – 8 pm | Forest Dr, Molonglo Valley | Book here.
Eat your heart out at Lazy Su
Love is in the air at Lazy Su! Book in to eat your way through the la carte or set menu options available with food and drink specials on the night.
Tuesday 14 February | 9 Lonsdale St, Braddon | Book here.
Treat your loved one at Lilotang
Hello modern Japanese degustation! For an extra special treat, why not book into Lilotang to enjoy a menu curated by their Head Chef, along with a glass of Champagne on arrival? Think goodies like popcorn shrimp, signature oysters, and more.
$140 per person | Tuesday 14 February, 6:30 pm | Burbury Hotel, 1 Burbury Cl, Barton | Book here.
Cosy up at Corella
Cosy up at Corella this V-Day for a night filled with one-time offering complete with a seven course degustation set menu and a glass of sparkling on arrival. With limited seats available, table for two anyone?
$170 per person | Tuesday 14 February, 6 pm and 8:30 pm | 14 Lonsdale St, Braddon | Book here.
Head to Bar Beirut for belly dancing
Make your Valentine’s Day extra memorable with a night filled with Champagne, belly dancing and oysters at Bar Beirut. If that’s not enough there will also be plenty of top-shelf cocktails, and shared plates of big, bold punchy flavours.
Tuesday 14 February, 6:30 pm | 25 Garema Pl, Canberra City | Book here.
Take a date to Pialligo Estate
The perfect opportunity to take your date to the next (romantic) level, the Estate is offering up two lovey-dovey experiences that promise to get those flames of love burning bright.
Choose from a relaxed, outdoor picnic at the Glasshouse Estate where you can enjoy a seductive Pialligo Hamper (including Smokehouse Charcuterie, cheeses, Estate made preserves and fruits, sandwiches, and a selection of sweets) and two bottles of wine. Or (if you’re looking for a classic wine and dine option), book into the Chef’s Hatted Pavilion Dining—complete with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, followed by an elegant and unforgettable seasonal 4-course feast, with optional paired wines.
Glasshouse Estate: $99 per person. Pavilion Dining: $125 per person | Tuesday 14 February, 6 pm – 10 pm | 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | Book here.
Book into Buvette
Want to organise date night in a sophisticated setting (and some French-inspired menus)? Buvette is hosting a four-course set dinner on Valentine’s Day that’s sure to make you drool. Without giving too much away, think a menu carefully curated by their Executive Chef, with a special glass of Champagne on arrival.
$160 per person | Tuesday 14 February, 6:30 pm | 18 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
Fulfill your (culinary) desires at Brunello
Treat yourself and your loved one to a tempting four course menu designed to arouse and fulfill your (culinary) desires. Start the night with a glass of Taittinger Champagne on arrival, followed by the Mediterranean inspired menu that will leave you drooling. For an extra $55, elevate your experience with matching premium wines handpicked by Brunello sommeliers.
$85 per person | Tuesday 14 February, 5: 30 pm – 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm onwards | Book here.
Wine and dine at Water’s Edge
Head along to Water’s Edge for a romantic night full of modern Australian fine dining. Their three course Valentines Day offering includes delicacies like quail tart, oysters and truffle fries with parmesan!
$150 per person | Tuesday 14 February, from 5:45 pm | 40 Parkes Pl E, Parkes | Book here.
Spend the night with something different at Champi
Did someone say seven course degustation? Spend the night with something a little different—start with grilled butterfly king prawns before moving onto chargrilled wagyu beef and jasmine rice, Thai milk tea panna cotta and more.
$89 per person | Tuesday 14 February | 17 Kennedy Street, Kingston | Book here.
Feel infatuated at The Inn
Want to leave all the hard decisions to someone else? The Inn is offering an evening of romance, a delicious curated set menu with a wine pairing from a local winery (Mada Wines), that’s sure to leave your someone special feeling infatuated and spoiled. Book your table and let they tale care of the rest.
A credit card Booking Guarantee of $20.00 per person is required | Tuesday 14 February, from 5:30 pm | Level 1/1 Edgar St, Ainslie | Book here.
Take an intimate journey at First Edition
First Edition Canberra have curated the perfect romantic dinner to treat your significant other. Sit down and let the creative culinary team serve up a night to remember with a three-course romantic dinner, complete with a complimentary glass of bubbles each.
Start with the indulgent love platter (featuring a selection of cured meats including prosciutto and bresaola, selection of Tilba Dairy Farm’s jersey cow cheeses, South Coast Rock Oysters with raspberry granita and salmon caviar and the black truffle suppli) and end the evening with flaming crème brulèe or a triple chocolate tart served with raspberry sorbet.
$99 per person | Tuesday 14 February | Level 1, 65 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City | Book here.
Have a taste with all the trimmings at Temporada
Book into Temporada for a four course, share-style menu (with all the trimmings) for a evening you won’t forget. Beginning with a glass of bubbles—and an optional wine match if you’re keen—expect to have your tastebuds tantalised.
$140 per person | Tuesday 14 February, from 5 pm | 15 Moore St, Canberra City | Book here.
Overdose on love at Ondine
Choose from two sittings at Ondine to overdoes on good food (and love). The first sitting includes king prawn salad, roasted beer sirloin and a dark chocolate mousse while the second will see you eating watermelon compressed in Pernod and Fennel pollen, blini, eel cream, salmon caviar and more.
First sitting $80 per person. Second sitting: $119 per person | Tuesday 14 February, from 6 pm | 7 Duff Pl, Deakin | Book here.
Huddle up at the Hyatt
Celebrate your love and huddle up at the Hyatt! On Valentine’s Day you’ll be greeted with a complimentary Valentine-special cocktail, ‘Stolen Kiss’, followed by a romantic dinner at the Promenade Café, featuring five-course degustation meal.
Indulge in delicious savoury and sweets with fresh potato bread, garnished beetroot, ocean trout rillette, minted lemon lime float, burrata ravioli, rosemary and lemon myrtle crusted lamb rack, and a chocolate orange truffle. Staycation anyone?
$140 per person | Tuesday 14 February | 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra City | Book here.
Feel l’amour at Les Bistronomes
Nothing says l’amour like French cuisine—and luckily Les Bistronomes has a very special five course dégustation menu. Think pork rillettes, roasted lamb rump, duck liver parfait and more. Pay a little extra and enjoy the matched wines for a full experience.
$150 per person | Tuesday 14 February | 18 Blamey place, Campbell Shops | Book here.
Go OTT at OTIS
Canapes, house baked focaccia, Jervis Bay scallops, mango bavarois and more—as if we needed an excuse to go over the top this V-Day, OTIS is bringing the goods. Curated by Chef’s Damian Brabender, Adam Wilson and Jason Gould, we’ll see you there?
Tuesday 14 February, from 6 pm | 29 Jardine Street, Kingston | Book here.
Say the L word at Loquita
Want a more casual venue to declare your love? Loquita will be buzzing with $4 tacos all night and $10 frozen margs between 5 pm and 7 pm. Tempura fish taco anyone?
Tuesday 14 February from 5 pm | 17 Garema Pl, Canberra City | Book here.
Swoon the night away at Wilma
Tuck yourself into a booth in a moody and sleek atmosphere and enjoy progressive Asian-BBQ complete with a complimentary Valentine’s dessert when you order a banquet. Or settle up high and say cheers to love over delicious food and drinks at The Pearl.
Tuesday 14 February | 1 Genge St, Canberra City | Book here.
Get electric at Akiba
An electric atmosphere, for an electric date. Why not head to one of Canberra’s favourite foodie venues for some yummy Asian-fusion?
Tuesday 14 February | 40 Bunda St, Canberra City | Book here.
Feel the love at Layla Bar
Wanna feel the love? Head to Leyla to enjoy uniquely crafted cocktails, canapes, and breathtaking views. Indulge your senses and celebrate your love as you watch the sunset over Canberra.
Tuesday 14 February | 1 Burbury Cl, Barton | Book here.
MOVIES + MORE
Travel France (via the movies)
Can’t afford a European getaway? Take your someone special to a movie night at the Alliance Française to discover (or rediscover) the movie “Play”.
The film will be shown in French with English subtitles and buying a ticket includes a free glass of wine! And honestly, wine, croissants, croque-monsieur and pain au chocolat…name a better way to spend a night? C’est tellement romantique!
$15 per person | Friday 10 February, 6:30 pm – 9 pm | 66 McCaughey Street, Turner | Book here.
Anti-Valentines Day Screening
Stealing, cheating, killing. Who said romance is dead? Head along to Dendy Cinema for the ultimate Anti-Valentine’s Day screening of Tony Scott’s cult crime classic TRUE ROMANCE.
Written by Quentin Tarantino and featuring a stellar ensemble cast headed by Christian Slater and Academy Award winner Patricia Arquette, this wild and debaucherous ride is the perfect antidote for those who prefer their love stories on the nasty side of life.
$23 per person | Tuesday 14 February, 8:30 pm | Canberra Centre, Bunda St, Canberra City | More information here.
Valentine’s dinner and movie date at Chifley’s
Celebrate love with a romantic dinner and movie date for two at Chifley’s Bar & Grill. Start the night with a decadent four-course dinner with a bottle of sparkling wine before heading to the courtyard for an outdoor movie date.
Settle in and enjoy the classic romantic comedy “When Harry met Sally” (cocktails, popcorn, and snacks will be available for purchase). It promises to be a relaxed night to remember.
$349 per couple | Tuesday 14 February, 6 pm – 10 pm | 8 National Circuit, Barton | Book here.
Feature image: QT. Image supplied.
