With so much choice how could we possibly fit this all into one attempt?. Read on for your in depth guide on how to handle Valentine’s day this year …
Trade Vics, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
This long established Polynesian themed restaurant is known for a fun night out with absolutely lethal cocktails. For February 14th enjoy 5 courses including oysters, seared duck breast, prawn rice paper roll, salmon lomi, and warm chocolate lava to finish. AED 750 per couple including five courses and a bottle of prosecco, AED 1,500 with food and a private cabana, and a bottle of champagne, from 6-11pm.
Attiko, W Hotel Mina Seyahi
Enjoy a complimentary drink with your loved one before dining on oysters, spicy tuna, mushroom gyoza, caviar, jumbo prawns, and seabass, and soak up the sounds of live musicians and DJ. There’s even an after-dinner party as part of their Ladies’ Night where you can carry on quaffing premium drinks with stunning views. AED 980 per couple from 7pm onwards.
Demon Duck, Caesar’s Palace
By Chef Alvin Leung, you can enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine with a twist. Book a romantic five-course dinner with Satay Chicken Spiducci, Char Siu Duck Breast A L’Orange, Mushroom XO Fried Rice and more, complemented with a delicious bottle of grape, a live DJ and violinist. AED 520 per person – AED 320 bottle of grape pairing (50% advanced payment required), from 6-11pm.
Venus Ristorante, Caesar’s Palace
Have romance on tap at this Italian delight and enjoy a starlit terrace meal with views of the glittering skyline. Chef Fabio Tramontano’s 3-course feast includes a cocktail on arrival, then sharing platters of crudio di mare, brushetta di polpo, risotto al radicchio and caramelle di pasta alle maleanzane, with strawberry jasmine profiteroles for dessert. AED 810 per couple, from 6-10:30pm.
Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey, Caesar’s Palace
Dine on a menu prepared by internationally renowned TV chef Gordon Ramsey, with an amuse bouche of Poached Rock Oysters followed by your choice of Hamachi Fish, Seared Scallops or Truffle and Champagne Risotto. For mains, of course, the signature Beef Wellington joins the line-up as well as Ricotta Gundi Al Limonin or Halibut that arrives with a lobster sabayon, but make sure you save room for blue and red berry cake dessert. AED 950 per couple or AED 1,595 per couple with beverage pairing, from 6-10:30pm.
Barfly by Buddha Bar, Hilton Palm Jumeirah
This ultra-romantic rooftop bar and lounge includes four-courses of unique dishes plus sparkling or bubbly beverages. There’s also a plethora of live entertainment and stunningly picturesque views, while you dine on oyster ponzi pearl, kunafa prawn, lamb chop, and caramel, hazelnut, and chocolate mousse. AED 749 – 4-course menu & bottle of prosecco; AED 1,349 – 4-course menu & bottle of champagne (Moët or Chandon Impérial), from 5pm onwards.
Conrad Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi
Get a private romantic set up on their star-lit beach, plus a four-course menu, with cocktails on arrival, Arabic lanterns, and a flower bouquet. AED 3,000 per couple, including Moet & Chandon Rose.
Ray’s Grill, Conrad Etihad Towers
Enjoy delicious food such as mushrooms on toast, pan seared scallops, T bone steak and apple tart, with Ray’s special ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ menu, perfect for sharing in your romantic duo. AED 295 per person including a bottle of wine, from 6:30-10:30pm.
VaKaVa, Conrad Etihad Towers
Sample Latin-American fusion in this Michelin-selected venue in Abu Dhabi. Celebrity chef Richard Sandoval has designed a special four-course sharing plate menu, with live musicians to set the tone of your evening. AED 380 per person including the food and a glass of bubbles, 7-11pm.
Nahaam, Conrad Etihad Towers
Nahaam has the advantage of offering al fresco dining with stunning views. Their four-course menu includes dishes like butternut pumpkin soup, pan seared foie gras, Chateaubriand, and double chocolate fondant, plus a bottle of bubbles. AED 760 per
couple.
The Observatory, Marriott Hotel Dubai Marina
Panoramic views at this favourite sky-high venue, accompanied by three courses and a variety of drink packages. AED 650 per couple with soft drinks, AED 850 per couple with house beverages, from 6:30-11pm.
Laguna Beach Taverna & Lounge, Sofitel the Palm
Enjoy gorgeous beachfront dining with more than a hint of romance. Feast on their sharing menu with Dibba oysters, bluefin tuna carpaccio, braised veal ossobuco with polenta and crispy sage, and guests next door in the lounge get a tin of caviar and sparkling grape. Ladies also receive a red rose and a box of chocolates. AED 750 per couple with two glasses of bubbles outside and AED 1,500 per couple in the lounge, from 6:30-11pm on both the 13th and 14th of February.
Niri Restaurant & Bar, Mamsha al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi,
Niri promises the best of Japanese dining with a complimentary café of sake, to go with your five-course menu by Head Chef and sushi master Yasuyuki Takemoto. The beach-facing venue is stylish and boasts excellent service and is a great spot to enjoy cocktails in front of the sunset. AED 375 per person from 12pm-11pm
Prime 68, JW Marriott Marquis
Some of the most epic views in the city are found at this sumptuous steakhouse. Spoil your loved one with a 5-course set menu specially curated for V Day. Choose a table by the window for the best views for AED 995 per couple, or AED 895 for regular seating, from 6pm-midnight.
Izakaya, JW Marriott Marquis
Want something a little more private? Izakaya offers a unique dining experience with your very own Teppanyaki chef, generously portioned and complete with house bubbly and a bouquet of roses. AED 5,000 per couple (for 3 hours) from 6-9:30pm.
Anása, Conrad Dubai
Greek food lovers delight in this romantic offer which also includes authentic Greek entertainment. Indulge in salad with beetroot, manouri cheese and strawberries, or charred broccoli and potato cream. For mains, enjoy slow-cooked beef short ribs with Greek rice, and finish up with rich berry compote, milk chocolate and vanilla cream. AED 640 per couple for 3 courses, from 7pm-midnight.
Asado, The Palace Downtown
Enjoy an authentic Argentinian asado set menu feast with amuse bouche, duck breast with mango chutney, oysters, shrimps in caviar, seabass, clams, and risotto. There’s also wagyu tenderloin with celeriac puree, and a yummy dessert with mixed berry, Chantilly cream, chocolate, and baked meringue.
AED 1,499 per couple inclusive of bubbly, AED 999 with soft drinks,
Chival Courtyard, La Ville Hotel & Suites
Romeo and Juliet vibes can be found at this dreamy downtown courtyard, and their special V Day event, City Living with Love. Dine with your loved one on scallops with broccolini cream, baked beetroot with tartar, salmon mi cuit and carrot fondant, beef tenderloin with celeriac carpaccio and truffle butter. If you have room after such indulgent eating, finish strong with the passionfruit sorbet. AED 1,200 per couple, includes wine pairing, from 8-11pm.
Zeta, Seventy Seven, Address Beach Resort
We love the effort made here with the Address’s Floating Hearts Breakfast at Zeta Seventy Seven. You and your breakfast can float above the clouds with two glasses of bubbly in spectacular fashion, while dining on their delicious culinary offerings. From AED 698 per couple from 9-11am between 10th-14th February. You can get the same offer as a Romantic Floating Lunch with a different 4-course menu, brighter sunlight, and a whole bottle of bubbly. AED 1,677 per couple from 12-4pm between 1st-28th February.
Thiptara, The Palace Downtown
Book your Valentine’s here and not only have some of the finest views in Dubai, but you also get a 5-course Asian feast from their award-winning team and newly refurbished venue. Munch on spicy green mango with crispy sea bass, marinated chicken thighs, sour seafood soup with coconut, stir fried beef rib, and lobster. Desserts include pistachio inspiration tart, and deconstructed cheesecake. AED 1,499 per couple with food and a bottle of champagne, or AED 999 per couple including food and soft drinks.
Carna, by Dario Ceccini, The SLS Hotel
Carna promises romance by the bucket load with a special set menu with bubbly, appetisers and lavish main courses. With only 10 couples maximum this also confirms an intimate setting. Comes with dessert and a complimentary beverage at Smoke & Mirrors. AED 1,200 per couple from 6pm-late.
Captain’s Bar Beach, JA The Resort
A private romantic dining experience with the sand beneath your toes, also includes an exquisite 4-course menu with fine beverages. AED 3,199 per couple with house bubbly and beverages, AED 2,499 per couple including a bottle of sparkling juice and unlimited soft beverages, from 6:30-11pm, from the 12th-14th February.
Roberto’s, DIFC
Push the boat out and impress your other half with this incredible 5-course dining experience on the Lounge Terrace with a bottle of Perrier Jouet Blason Rosé and a bouquet of 12 gorgeous roses. Starts at AED 3,000 to AED 7,000, a la carte options available with minimum spend of AED 750 per head, from 7-11:30pm.
Drift, The One & Only Royal Mirage
You can also enjoy a private cabana with a decadent menu including foie gras, smoked salmon blinis, veal with confit tuna dressing and lobster. Enjoy a chocolate mousse with tuile and raspberries for dessert. The cabana will be decorated with roses and candles, plus heaters for when the sun goes down and you want to cuddle up and get cosy. From 2pm priced at AED 6,000 per couple.
Poolside, Sofitel Downtown Dubai
With gorgeous downtown views, glittering lights, and an infinity pool, the dinner at Sofitel is a fabulous place to take your loved one. Enjoy three courses with a bottle of house grape for two for only AED 1,000, with a live singer, from 7-11pm. If you want something more swish, try their ‘Star-Gaze Dinner’, where you can book a private dining experience with your own table and butler, plus a bottle of prestige bubbly grape and romantic set up for only AED 6,999.
Casual Romance
More wallet-friendly casual drinking and dining but still with a promise of love in the air
Tong Thai, JW Marriott Marquis
One of Dubai’s favourite Thai spots, check out their yummy 4-course menu, with complimentary bubbles, and a wildly romantic setting. AED 295 per person, from 6pm-midnight.
Bedrock, Pier 7
An interesting Valentine’s event at Bedrock – ‘Don’t go Breaking my Dart,’ with food, bubbly and a romantic game of darts. Lovers can enjoy a 2 or 3-course meal, with a bottle of sparkling, and a 1-hour game of darts from AED 399 per couple, from 13th-19th February.
Rang Mahal, JW Marriott Marquis
Sensational Indian food in a perfectly spicy romantic setting with authentic murals and carved wooden columns throughout the venue. Enjoy a 6-course menu for only AED 295 per person from 6pm-midnight,
QWERTY, Media One Hotel
Media One’s Aphrodisiac V Day night is pulling out all the stops, with a Greek mythology inspired dinner for loved-up couples. 4 courses with special dishes like blinis trillgia, heart symphony exotic prawn, lobster with strawberry risotto, and warm heart duo cake. AED 249 per person, AED 498 per couple, includes cocktail pairings, from 6pm onwards.
VIBE Café, DIFC
VIBE promises vibrant views and delicious food. Get a 3-course menu with a bottle of bubbles, and dine on delicacies such as Wagyu filet mignon, vutter poached lobster linguini with seafood bisque, and pink heart chocolate mousse cake with raspberry tuile – all suitable for sharing. There’s also a VIBE quiz for you and your loved one designed to test your relationship. AED 399 per couple, from 12-11pm.
Hampstead Bakery & Café, Downtown Burj Khalifa
This much-loved West London inspired artisanal bakery and café has a charming vibe and wonderful views of the Burj Khalifa. For V Day lunch or dinner, you can avail a 3-course a la carte menu, two beverages and water, for only AED 300 per couple, from 12-11pm.
Blind Tiger, Turtle Lagoon, Jumeirah Al Naseem
The latest hottest spot for cocktails, Blind Tiger has live entertainment and an air of mystery, as well as special menus for the week around Valentine’s Day. Try the Red Flag, with strawberry, fortified grape and sparkling, or the Love Potion, with run, coconut, raspberry cordial with a citrus twist. Perfect for a romantic pre-dinner drink or one with the girls. AED 70 per cocktail from February 13th-19th from 5pm-2am.
Ernst, 25 Hours Hotel
Something different here with Ernst’s Move Night under the Stars, where you can catch romantic movies with your partner or Galentine’s date, on the terrace under the glittering sky full of stars. Relax under the Burj Khalifa and enjoy special wintery drinks, the a la carte menu with a variety of snacks, sharing platters, and treats like popcorn. Mulled wine is AED 35, Amaretto Mulled Wine (AED 45), hot chocolate (AED 25), with free popcorn and platters from AED 120, from 6pm-midnight.
Positano, JW Marriott Marquis
A beautiful Italian buffet is on offer at JW Marriott’s divine authentic restaurant. Antipasti and decadent desserts, as well as a la carte offerings, plus a variety of grape and Italian bubbles. AED 225 per person from 6pm-midnight.
Hotel Cartagena, JW Marriott Marquis
Experience a romantic dinner with views of the Dubai skyline on Valentine’s Day at Hotel Cartagena. Enjoy a 4-course candlelit dinner with bubbly and a rose, live Tango performances, reggaeton tunes, Latin fare and a special dessert. AED 650 per couple.
Amici, W Hotel Yas Island
Enjoy a passionate and dramatic Italian feast, with this candlelit dinner, 3-course menu, and a glass of Italian bubbly. Packages start at AED 280 per person with various grape and bubbly pairing, from 6-10:30pm.
Tamr, JA The Resort
Enjoy a ‘Blooming Breakfast’ with a lavish spread on Dubai’s longest private beach served by your very own private butler. Set menu with bubbly is AED 1,599 per couple, the set menu with sparkling is AED 799 per couple, from 8-11am.
Hanami, Andaz the Palm
Enjoy a truly romantic dinner setting with some of the best views over the Palm and Dubai skyline, with the Burj Khalifa in the distance. Get there at sundown for the sights then stay for the delicious romantic sharing style set menu for only AED 399 per couple.
Cave, Conrad Dubai
Their award-winning cellar and lounge has recently launched “Fondue Nights”, which is a cute and intimate setting for dinner with your loved one or just with friends. Sample a variety of grape by the glass and some nibbles, plus bread and cheese. 5pm-1am, AED per couple with two glasses of grape.
Salmon Guru, The Opus by Omniyat
Salmon Guru is a newcomer to Dubai but has already won awards for its incredible cocktails (we love the one served in a giant smoking dragon). From 5pm-2am on the 14th you can enjoy the playful ambiance and quirky decor while you order from the a la carte menu with your loved one, or mingle with other singles.
That’s it folks … head on over to see our Spa and alternative Valentines…
