7 Restaurants to visit for the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner

Valentine’s Day; you either love it or loath it (probably depending on your relationship status). It’s the one day when you can publicly shower your other half with affection without ridicule. For some of us singletons, it’s the one day of the year when you’ve to grit your teeth and smile through tonnes of Facebook updates from smug guys and gals captioned ‘boy done good,’ or ‘girl done good’.

If you’re part of the latter gang, look away now. Because, as expected, Dubai goes all out for Vally’s Day. We’ve rounded up some of the most romantic venues in which to spend your evening; trust us, if your other half hasn’t caught the love bug, they certainly will if they visit one of the following…

Pierchic – Al Qasr at Madinat

Since we already listed Pierchic as possibly the most romantic date venue in Dubai, it was pretty obvious this place was going to make our list. The restaurant, which sits at the edge of a pier out in the middle of the sea, has got some super rose-mantic packages available for those with a bit of spare cash lying around. Lovebirds can enjoy a five-course set meal, starting with fresh oysters and bubbles, before getting tucked into three courses of Pan Fried Atlantic Halibut, White Sturgeon Caviar or a succulent Beef Tenderloin. Pierchic boasts a record number of proposals on it’s decking so if you fancy the venue but not the ring choose the less formal bar option; the recently launched bar offers guests a bottle of pink bubbly served with four complimentary oysters .

When? February 14

How much? AED 2,500 per couple or AED 1,800 for the non-alcoholic package. Pink O’Clock at the Pierchic Bar: AED 650 per couple plus special Valentine’s Day cocktails for AED 65

How can I book? Call +971 4 432 3232  or email restaurants@jumeirah.com

Divine Valentine at Stay – One & Only, The Palm

For those looking for a gourmet Valentine’s experience in an extremely impressive venue then this spot is for you. Think plush decor; big chandeliers, Swarovski lamps and candelabras everywhere. Dinner by candlelight? Sounds pretty perfect to us. Three Michelin star chef Yannick Alleno is showcasing some traditional dishes reinterpreted in a contemporary fashion. Following an amuse-bouche, guests will be treated to  ‘Brittany Langoustines’, ‘Slow Cooked Monk Fish’, ‘Irish Roasted Beef tenderloin’ and some Valentines ‘Gourmandises’. This will be no small feast so prepare to loosen the belt buckles for this one. 

When? February 14

How much?  AED 590 per person or AED 680 per person including one glass of champagne Kir Royal.

How can I book? +971 4 440 10 30 or by email at restaurant.reservations@oneandonlythepalm.com

Ruth Chris’s Steakhouse – Address Marina Hotel, Dubai Marina

Let’s set the scene; elegant decor, large opulent chandeliers, crushed red velvet drapes, a candlelit table covered with rose petals (yes, really!) and a bottle of bubbly ready to pop. Let the staff here pull out all the stops for an evening of romance, while you and your partner sit back and enjoy. Expect to be swept away with the sound of a classical violinist, a glass of bubbles on arrival and an exquisite three-course feast that’s designed with sharing in mind…Think fresh oysters, sizzlin’ jumbo scallops, 8oz filet with shavings of fresh black truffle or a full bodied 12oz New York Strip. Polish the evening off with a cheesecake shaped in a heart (we would hate this if we didn’t love it so much) and a single rose for each guest.  

When? February, 11 – 14

How much? AED 690 for three-course meal and a glass of bubbles 

How can I book: Marina@ruthschris.ae or call +971 (0) 4 454 9538

Alta Badia – Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai

Take your love to new heights at this fine dining Italian restaurant which is situated 2000ft. above the city. This elegant, art deco themed Italian restaurant, which boasts panoramic views across Downtown Dubai, has prepared an exquisite four-course set menu for two. Guests will be greeted with themed Valentine’s cocktails and lead to tables strewn with rose petals, while an Italian opera singer serenades couples throughout the evening. The main event (the food of course!) has been designed to be shared; think artichoke crusted codfish with potato cream and rack of lamb caponata served with rosemary jus. A sinful dessert of duo parfait follows with a molten chocolate dome with passion fruit sauce, and ivory and strawberry parfait. 

When? February, 11 – 14

How much? AED 700 per couple

How can I book? Call 04 432 3232 or email restaurants@jumeirah.com

Roberto’s – Gate Village 1, DIFC

Who knows romance better than the Italians eh? For some excellent Italian food, an unreal view and great ambiance head to Roberto’s, which is already a firm Dubai date-night favourite. The restaurant has got three Valentine’s packages available for the night. Enjoy al fresco dining with uninterrupted views of Burj Khalifa, or sit inside in the contemporary lounge area or in the fine dining restaurant.The menu, created by executive Chef Andrea Mugavero, includes the likes of oysters, caviar, a raviolini of Canadian lobster, seared red prawns and short rib.

When? February 14, from 7pm

How much? Package 1:  AED1,200 per couple including a four-course menu, and a fresh long stemmed rose for the lady in the Ristorante.

Package 2:  AED2,016 per couple including a four-course menu, a bottle of Taittinger Prestige Brut Rosé and a fresh long-stemmed rose for the lady 

Balcony Degustation Package:  AED3,900 per couple including the degustation menu, oysters & caviar, a bouquet of roses for the lady accompanied with a bottle bubbly

How can I book? Call +9714 386 0066 

Le Classique – Dubai Golf Club, Emirates Hills 3

This French fine dining restaurant sits right on Emirates golf course and is the perfect backdrop for a romantic evenings dinner (as long as you don’t get hit by any stray balls…!). Dine in the stunning, minimalist dining room or al fresco overlooking the course and the stunning Dubai skyline. Guests will go on a gastronomic journey through a six-course menu prepared by Chef Rami The sharing plates include fresh seared scallops, John dory rotie with rosemary, and seared wagyu beef followed by a chocolate cake with pomegranate, vanilla chiboust and figs ice cream for dessert. 

When? February, from 7pm

How much? AED 850 per couple for six course set sharing menu with a glass of bubbly on arrival and Valentine’s chocolates to take away 

How can I book? Call 04 417 9999

Check out our review of Le Classique Rose Chic Friday brunch here

Valentine’s Day at Pai Thai – Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah

Even the journey to this authentic Thai spot screams romance; guests begin on an Abra ride through the Madinat waterways and into the restaurant where they will be greeted by a traditional Thai dancer. Two glasses of bubbly are included along with a sharing menu with the likes of a beautifully presented pink flower chicken dumpling and oyster tempura served with a sour mango salad with a lime sauce. This restaurant is incredibly popular and is truly a perfect place to mark the special day…which basically means it will be be booked out well in advance so reserve a table before it’s too late!

When? 12 to 14 February, 6.30pm to 11.30pm

How much? AED 900 per couple AED 450 per person

How can I book? Call 04 366 6740