Valentine's Day in Melbourne 2024: The City's Most Romantic Happenings

There’s nothing quite like the overwhelming surge of stress that washes over you when you realize Valentine’s Day is mere days away, and you haven’t booked in for some quality time with your significant other (if you celebrate it, of course). The last-minute rush to squeeze in a dinner at a predominantly booked-out hot spot or snag a ticket to an already sold-out event is something we’ve all guiltily experienced. Let’s not make that the case this year.

This is your official reminder that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Stop what you’re doing and book in that date! If you’re at a loss for ideas, don’t fret. We’ve rounded up some of the best activities and Valentine’s Day restaurants in Melbourne dialling up the romance to 11. So grab your gifts for your loved one and block out February 14, because the date of your dreams is just around the corner.

Into The Vines x Hareruya Pantry Valentine's Day Pairing

Collingwood’s favourite midweek wine-tasting event Into The Vines is back just in time to celebrate, commiserate or excoriate this Valentine’s Day.  

Instead of sitting at home with a bottle of cheap red and a tub of ice cream (in true Bridget Jones fashion), they're inviting wine lovers to head to Into Coffee on Valentine's Day and taste small-batch wines directly from their makers. Bring your mates, and dates – or just come by yourself!

However this Valentine’s Day, the event is being stepped up a notch with a new ice cream and wine pairing masterclass that features specially curated Gelato flavours from Hareruya Pantry and drops selected by wine guru, producer and academic Dr Alastair Reed (one half of the Konpira Maru duo).

$15 for tasting event; $40 for tasting event and pairing masterclass 

Book here

2A Robert Street, Collingwood 

Doggy Dating at Welcome to Thornbury

Who says only humans get to feel the love on Valentine's Day? Welcome to Thornbury is set to host the most tail-wagging and adorable event on the Sunday before V-Day strikes. They're transforming into a canine cupid haven for their inaugural Doggy-Dating event, where guests are invited to bring their four-legged pals for a day of speed dating, paw-secco, treats, and competitions that'll make tails wag.

Strike a pose at the pup-arazzi photo booth or dress up your pup in their most romantic fit for the chance to win a prize! 

Rest assured, there will be plenty of food and drink options for dog owners too.

Bookings are for groups of 4 or more (and for those who want to secure their pup’s spot in the speed-dating session) but there'll be plenty of space and tables for walk-ins on the day for groups of less than 4, and for couples looking for a low-key Valentine's lunch. 

Sunday 11th February, 12.00pm to 4.00pm

Book here

Welcome to Thornbury, 518-530 High Street, Northcote

The Ultimate Date (Over)Night

One way to get swept up in the romance this Valentine’s Day is to do a short but sweet escape – and DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne is offering just that. Spend one night at this luxurious hotel and enjoy a free room upgrade (subject to availability), a bottle of bubbles, complimentary breakfast and free tickets to Palace Cinemas, which is only a short walk away. With showstopping views of the CBD direct from your hotel room, you may just want to extend your stay!

Can’t make it on February 14? DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne believes that love should be celebrated every day, so this deal isn’t only a one-night wonder. You can book the ‘Date Night, Done Right’ package until July 31, 2024.

Prices start from $288.00

270 Flinders Street, Melbourne

Get Swept Away in La La Land

Looking for a free Valentine’s Day activity that still offers plenty of fun and quality time with your special someone? Federation Square never falls short on activities, and its Valentine’s Day agenda is no exception. Every Wednesday through summer, you can indulge in a free outdoor cinema experience, with a different modern classic and array of short films being screened every week. And on Cupid’s day, La La Land (2016) starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is on the lineup. Before it airs, you can enjoy the short film (You’ll Make It) in Florida (2020).

Free event

From 8.00pm

Federation Square, Melbourne

Sink into Something Special at the Peninsula Hot Springs

A romantic bath is a classic date idea, but what if you took it one step further? We’re talking about over 20 thermal mineral pools at varying temperatures for you to unwind and cosy up in. Bond and get deep in conversation as you sink deep into the water and take in the views of the Peninsula. Why not turn it into a complete wellness date and receive one of the spa treatments at the Peninsula Hot Springs, too? You’ll leave your date feeling rejuvenated and seriously loved-up.

Prices start from $75.00

140 Springs Lane, Fingal

Poodle Bar & Bistro

Everyone’s favourite excuse for a candlelit dinner is fast approaching - and there's nowhere more candlelit and charming than Poodle Bar & Bistro. This cult favourite on Gertrude Street is turning up the heat with two seriously delectable set menus for you and your boo to indulge in. 

Sharing is caring here; you'll start with an array of aperitivo before moving onto a vintage scotch filet with a cherry and red wine jus, accompanied by crisp iceberg and Kestrel potatoes. For dessert, it doesn’t get more romantic than white chocolate mousse with champagne strawberries. 

Truly, this romantic feast is sure to leave both your hearts and bellies full.  J'adore!

$80.00 or $100.00 per person set share menu

Book here

81-83 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Rocco's Bologna Discoteca

Another spot to indulge in a share-style set menu with your Valentine is another Gertrude Street cult-favourite, Rocco's Bologna Discoteca. For just $60, a hearty selection of favourites at the old-world Italian inspired trattoria are yours for the taking. 

Think, pan-seared Hokkaido scallops, house mafaldine with buffalotto, accompanied by Rocco’s famous meatball sub. Wash it all down with a half-litre of 2020 Konpira ‘Maru’ Pinot Noir, and then to finish? Tie the knot with a sweet chocolate cannoli, piped with a white chocolate and ricotta filling and a pistachio crumb. It doesn't get much sweeter than that!

$60 per person set share menu

Book here

15 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy 

Token

Newly opened as of January this year, Darling Group's neon-lit and Izakaya-inspired restaurant Token is a vibey little date spot to make your own this Valentine's Day. Blending Asian flair with modern sophistication, it's offering up a selection of dishes from the main kitchen, raw bar and charcoal grill. Token's Valentine's specials include a sashimi plate for two for $120, or a saucy little cocktail, which is a quixotic blend of tequila, Korean chilli, hibiscus cordial and lime for $22.

Book here

151 Toorak Road, South Yarra 

Mr Miyagi

Feeling loved up? It's time to lock in a date with Mr. M this Valentine's Day in Melbourne. Wine and dine your sweetheart with their Valentine's Day Feed Me menu. With Frosé on arrival and wealth of tasty bites; everything from their iconic salmon nori tacos to spicy tuna toast, giant handmade pork, ginger and chive dumplings to a rich Valrhona chocolate mousse for dessert; this is one delectable dinner date you don't want to miss! 

Bookings are also available for groups, in case you're looking to double date this Valentine's Day. 

$110 per person

Book here

99 Chapel Street, Windsor 

Langland's Restaurant 

This seven-course sharing menu includes a glass of bubbles and sparkling views for days. That's right, a Valentine's Day in Melbourne's Hyatt Centric restaurant is a must! It'll be love at first bite for you and your boo, where you get to lay down your cutlery, roll up your sleeves and feed the one you love.

Langland’s Restaurant is serving up a seven-course sharing menu that requires no cutlery, only clean hands and your imagination. Offering a fun and sensory dining experience for you and the one you love...or want to love.

Expect Wagonga Oysters, Yellowfin Tuna, Western Plains Pork, Hamachi Cheeks, Margra Lamb and some seriously sumptuous desserts.

$200 per couple

6.00pm to 10.00pm sittings

Book here

Level 25/25 Downie Street, Melbourne 

Audrey's 

This year, take Valentine's Day to a new level of indulgence by treating you and your loved one to a dinner at Audrey's in Sorrento. Go the extra mile and add a bump of Oscietra caviar to proceedings, alongside a glass of Portsea Estate Sparkling Vintage 2018 on arrival, as well as Audrey’s bonbons to take home.

Extra accompaniments: $50.00 per person

Book here

1 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento

Grossi Florentino, Grossi Grill, Cellar Bar & Ombra

A true Melbourne icon knows how to put on an alluring show. Grossi Florentino, along with its sibling restaurants, Grossi Grill, Cellar Bar and Ombra are making Valentine's Day in Melbourne a little sweeter - with two delectable add-on specials to their menus. 

Sit upstairs within the grand walls of the Mural Dining Room or opt for a more casual setting downstairs or next door at Ombra, to relax and whisper sweet nothings to each other over a Birichino cocktail. It's crafted with gin, Aperol, lemon and Amarena cherry.

After your mains, savour the moment and devour a classic Pesche Piemontese – considered one the classiest desserts in the Italian repertoire. This traditional dish combines peaches stuffed with Amaretti biscuits, chocolate and zabaglione. Be still our hearts! 

$28.00 for add-ons

Book here

80 Bourke Street, Melbourne 

The 'Roses and Rosé' Menu at Dolly

Le Meridien's Dolly is set to debut its charming, three-act, Valentine's Day 'Roses and Rosé' menu, crafted by their newly appointed Executive Chef, Hervé Borghini for Valentine's Day this year. 

Guests are invited to descend the art deco staircase and indulge in an evening of glamorous nostalgia as they sample an aphrodisiacal line-up of seasonal dishes. Expect freshly shucked oysters with strawberries, grilled peach burrata crostini, a torched black cod dish and more - all perfectly paired with everyone's favourite rosé from Whispering Angel. 

There are also plenty of new cocktails to enjoy, including the smooth as your flirting technique Dolly Espresso Martini and the refreshing Gold Summer Spritz.  

$120.00 per person

Book here

Wednesday 14th February

Lona Misa

​‘L’ is for a week LONG celebration of Love at Lona Misa! Cupid has landed, and he has something extra special lined up at this southside vegan hot spot. 

Lovers can enjoy a five-course set menu that heroes stone fruits created by Head Chef, Pamela Tomio along with a complimentary glass of Taittinger Rose Champagne on arrival.

From a 'stracciatella’ with grilled peach and a side of grilled focaccia, through to a superb lionsmane ‘steak’, with nectarine tango chimichurri and a decadent, yet refreshing chamomile chocolate mousse with red plum meringue, beets apricot and lemongrass yoghurt ice cream for dessert; you're both guaranteed to be hit by the love bug at Lona! 

$124.00 per person

Monday 12th to Saturday 17th February

Book here

234 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Amphlett House

No plans? No worries! There are no strings attached at Amphlett House this Valentine's Day in Melbourne. It's all about embracing simplicity and enjoying your lover’s company with a steak for two dining experience that includes a complimentary glass of house sparkling. ​

$79.00 per person

Book here

19-25 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne 

Stokehouse and Stokehouse Pasta & Bar

Seafood and sunset views await this Valentine's Day at St Kilda's Stokehouse and Stokehouse Pasta & Bar. With two separate offers, there's no better way to treat that special someone this February 14th than with a dining experience to remember. 

Set the fire alight with a four-course menu designed by Executive Chef Jason Staudt showcasing Australia’s finest seafood and seasonal produce. It's a chance to get up close and personal with Stokehouse’s iconic seafood platter, and for an added touch of luxury, guests can elevate their meal with a whole Victorian Lobster, served with Ancho chilli butter, pickled biquinho chilli, steamed buns and thick cut chips. Designed for two, this show-stopping dish is perfect for those wanting to go all out on romance and luxury. 

Downstairs at Stokehouse Pasta & Bar, enjoy a four-course Mediterranean feast and a drink on arrival. Settle in with a glass of King Valley Rosé Prosecco before indulging in a selection of antipasti including white anchovy and olive gilda's, bresaola and gnoccho fritto. For mains, choose between dry aged club steak with salsa verde and garlic or locally sourced John Dory with peperonata.

Dessert is the real rom-com level hero here, with Pastry Chef Ash Smith's Ferrero Rocher and red velvet cake parfait set to take your relationship status from serious to 'put a ring on it.' 

Plus, for those mixing it up this year and opting for a double-date, it gets even sweeter. Double daters will receive a bottle of bubbles on arrival in lieu of a welcome drink, at no extra cost. Hello, perfect excuse to celebrate not only romance, but also those special friendships! 

Stokehouse: $200.00 per person / $160.00 for lobster add-on

Stokehouse Pasta & Bar: $120.00 per person

Book here and here

30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

Shadowboxer 

Head to Shadowboxer this Valentine's Day in Melbourne, for a four-course dinner curated to make your evening as special as possible! 

It starts with the likes of potato and Jerusalem artichoke rosti with smoked salmon roe, nori and vinegar salt, or a shaved raw wagyu with brown rice cracker and fermented chilli; levels up with wagyu rump cap, pickled Tropea onions and sauce "Diane"; and ends sublimely with a dark chocolate and buffalo ricotta ganache, toasted brioche ice cream, whey and coffee caramel. Divine doesn't even begin to cover it! 

Book here

302 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Studio Amaro x MDI 

Studio Amaro will be bringing love to the table this Valentine’s Day with a couple of special set menus and one damn fine pairing with MDI (Murray Darling Italy). MDI was born from the passion and expertise of renowned Australian winemaker, Kevin McCarthy, known as the godfather of Pinot Grigio.

The result of these combined forces is an indulgence in both love and flavour; two intersecting love letters as you dine, try experimental wines and flirt across the table. 

Menu highlights include sourdough focaccia, rigatoni arrabbiata, market fish fillet and a chocolate and cherry Bombe Alaska. Vegetarian menu options are also available. ​

$75.00 per person (set menu) or $95.00 per person (premium set menu)

Book here

168 Chapel Street, Windsor

Moonhouse

This Valentine’s Day, Moonhouse is bringing Cupid’s bow to the table with special menus for the occasion, again alongside MDI (Murray Darling Italy).

Here, the two set menus will showcase an interactive love letter between food and wine. Highlights include do yee sang, roasted duck pancakes, longevity noodles, half-roasted chicken and mandarin sorbet.

$75.00 per person (set menu) or $95.00 per person (premium set menu) 

Book here

282 Carlisle Street, Balaclava​

New Quarter

​Celebrate love with Valentine’s Day at Melbourne’s favourite Neo-Vietnamese restaurant, New Quarter. Guests will enjoy the choice of two set menus, featuring New Quarter's popular plates such as Bahn mi finger, fried eggplant, chilli tiger prawn noodles, curry roasted savoy cabbage and coconut granita. For those feeling extra hungry, add on a side of Pacific oysters, beef tartare or kaffir lime cured kingfish to level up the occasion.

$75.00 per person (set menu) or $95.00 per person (premium set menu)

Book here

Ground Level, 79 Swan Street, Richmond

400 Gradi

Eat with your hands this Valentine's Day - it's the only way to find out if your date is really the one for you! That's right, for a less traditional V-Day date, take your date to 400 Gradi - home to the World's Best Pizza. For the day, select venues around Melbourne and Victoria will be offering a 3-course set menu featuring the most romantic Italian dishes. Think burrata paired with prosciutto di parma to start followed by a choice of pasta and pizzas including pappardelle al ragu di funghi complete with truffle cream. Then top it all off with a tiramisu tart or be on theme with the sweet strawberries and cream special.  

Find out more here

$60 per person at Brunswick, Essendon, Mornington, Eastland and Mildura locations 

$85 per person at The Crown

Firebird

Light the flame with your lover this Valentine's Day in Melbourne with a visit to Firebird, where local maker, Murray Darling Italy's exceptional wines will take centre stage across two separate menus. 

Be seduced by experimental wines and explosive flavour combinations, such as fresh oysters, flat-pressed baguette, grilled squid, smoked beef short rib, egg noodles and tiramisu. A vegan set menu is also available upon request.

$75.00 per person (set menu) or $95.00 per person (premium set menu)

Book here

223 High Street, Windsor

Ronnie's 

​A spicy love affair is set to sizzle this Valentine’s Day in Melbourne when Italian artisan chilli brand Bippi partners with Italian CBD restaurant Ronnie’s for its Red Hot Week of Amore. The pair has conceived a limited-edition chilli menu (all in the name of love), with specials running all week long.

Get the heart pumping with an Inferno’, a cocktail mixing tequila, dry cassis, raspberry and Bippi Italian chilli syrup. Food wise, expect tantalising dishes like fried mac and cheese bites garnished with a swipe of Bippi's sriracha mayo; a greens and cheese lasagne specialty made with Bippi Chilli Olive Tapenade; and of course, some excellent chilli mussels. 

Saturday 10th to Saturday 17th February

Book here

Rialto Piazza, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne​

Neighbourhood Wine

Bringing romance to the room this Valentine's Day is Fitzroy North favourite, Neighbourhood Wine. Seasonal share plates and fine wines are best made for pairings, so treat your loved one to a date night they won't soon forget in NW's intimate and moody dining room. 

They're pulling out all the stops with a four-course menu that includes crowd-favourites such as naturally leavened sourdough, marinated eggplant, Cape Grim bone-in-sirloin, Ramarro Farm leaves and Blancmange. To mark the occasion, the restaurant will be offering add-on Coffin Bay Oysters into the evening - nature’s own aphrodisiac - topped with a smoky soy vinaigrette.

Elevate the evening by embarking on a romantic escape to a wine region from across the world of your choosing; Neighbourhood Wine's delightful 750-bottle strong lo-fi wine list knows how to transcend borders! 

$95.00 per person

Book here

1 Reid Street, Fitzroy North

Old Palm Liquor

​Cosy up with your loved one this Valentine’s Day at Old Palm Liquor and indulge in a 4-course seasonal feast. The perfect date night does exist at this reassuringly refined wine bar, where you both get to relish in seasonal share plates including coconut creamed lentils, woodfired flatbread, raw kingfish, scotch steak and spiced tea cheesecake.

Opt for an additional round of oysters if you are feeling extra peckish and elevate the date with wine pairings for each dish. ​

Whether you take a seat at the bar or cosy up by the fire, Old Palm Liquor exudes a timeless charm, making it a must-try date night spot for Valentine’s Day in Melbourne. 

$95.00 per person

Book here

133B Lygon Street, Brunswick East

Pipi's Kiosk

​Dine by the seaside this Valentine’s Day with a luxurious 4-four course menu by chef Jordan Clay. Taking cues from the seasons in both its produce and its preparation of ingredients, diners can expect a romantic evening to remember at Pipi's Kiosk, with a seafood-focused menu, welcome drink and sweet treat to end the evening all included. It's a real catch! 

$165.00 per person

Book here

129A Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park

Officina Gastronomica Italiana

This Valentine’s Day, Officina Gastronomica Italiana will be sharing the love with a set menu specially curated for the occasion. You'll embark on a 3-course romantic Italian affair, with dishes including housemade focaccia and freshly shucked oysters as optional starters, followed by fresh “fatta in casa” pasta, Italian classics such as calamari and eggplant parmigiana as the main event, and the choice of pavlova or flourless chocolate cake for dessert. ​Buonissimo! 

$79.00 per person

Book here

532/534 Malvern Road, Prahran

Akaiito

Akaiito, the fine-dining Japanese restaurant situated off Melbourne's Flinders Lane, is the perfect place to spoil your loved one this Valentine's Day in Melbourne. It's brand new offering and concept has just been unveiled for summer, 'Omakase at Your Table'; a chef-led experience brought to life by a brigade of expert Robatayaki & Sushi Chefs, led by Head Chef Winston Zhang.

The two new menus are ‘Aka’, a five-course degustation, and ‘Kojin’, a seven-course signature experience. They both showcase expertly prepared dishes of high-end Japanese cuisine, using native Australian ingredients.

With a maximum of 30 patrons per evening, diners will embark on an incredibly intimate culinary journey, with each course served and intricately explained by the chefs, bringing the heart and soul of the menu to the forefront. Furthermore, guests will dine beneath the ‘red thread of destiny’ – symbolic of the ancient Japanese legend, stating that those connected by the thread are predestined to have an important story. Now doesn't that just sound like the perfect setting for lovers to celebrate?!

$178.00 per person (5-course set menu) or $228.00 per person (7-course set menu)

Book here

349-351 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

Reine & La Rue

If you want to indulge in a special treat this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Reine & La Rue. The luxury French restaurant’s set menu has been made bespoke for the day, entirely dedicated to dialling up the love factor between you and your beau. Featuring an abundance of aphrodisiacs and mouth-watering dishes, expect to whisper sweet nothings over oysters with smoked olive oil, Polance Oscietra Grand Reserve caviar with crème epaisse and onion croustillant, Wagyu sirloin with watercress and sauce charcuterie, and to finish, a tarte au framboise. You will also receive a glass of NV Ruinart Brut on arrival to make you and your significant other feel even more special.

$280.00 per person

Book here

380 Collins Street, Melbourne

Three Blue Ducks

If food is your love language, you’ll adore spending Valentine’s Day feasting on a variety of dishes at the Three Blue Ducks. The set menu features a mix of seafood, vegetarian dishes, meat and fish. Finish with a pavlova that’s as sweet as your Valentine. Plus, with cocktails created especially for Valentine’s Day, you’ll be feeling the love all around.

$95.00 per person

Book here

309 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine

Baby Pizza

What’s more romantic than an Italian dinner filled with pizza and pasta? At trendy restaurant Baby Pizza, you and your date can enjoy each other’s company over one-night only specials and the set Banchetto Menu. We recommend kicking the night off with the oysters with mignonette.

$88.00 per person

Book here

631-633 Church Street, Richmond

Grill Americano

If you’re aiming to impress your significant other this Valentine’s Day, look no further than the elegant Grill Americano. Together, you will indulge in traditional Italian dishes such as handmade pasta and profiteroles, although crafted like no other. Premium wagyu and lobster await you, so go with held hands and an empty stomach.

$245.00 per person

Book here

112 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Eureka 89

Want to literally take your love to new heights? Then Eureka 89's Valentine's Day dinner is the place you need to book. They are hosting both a Valentine's Eve and Valentine's Day feast for two, and it won't disappoint? Executive chef Renee Martillano has curated a set menu containing delicious meals including Bloody Shiraz Gin caviar, Murray cod, shellfish tomato fondue, Wagyu beef striploin and more, all served with a side of spectacular Melbourne views. 

$360.00 per person

7 Riverside Quay, Southbank

Chin Chin

Are you the type of lover that likes to be spoiled for choice (when it comes to food, of course)? If so, you’ll find spending Valentine’s Day at Chin Chin to be a real treat! The Asian fusion restaurant is serving up not one, but two set menu options. Enjoy trying a delicious array of seafood, meat and veggie dishes that will make your heart soar and add a little spice to your dinner date.

$110.00 or $130.00 per person

Book here

125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Enjoy Love at First Bite at Cookie Box

Tantalise your tastebuds this Valentine's Day at The Cookie Box. This Valentine's Day, they're serving up an absolutely divine limited flavour. Picture red velvet, but in cookie form: decadent pink cream cheese and raspberry-infused filling paired with white chocolate chips. In the words of The Cookie Box's founders, Rodrigo Boarin and Gabriela Yanaka, these cookies are a "labour of love." Don't hesitate to pick up a Valentine's Day cookie (or an entire box) to share with your partner this February 14th, because they'll only be available until sold out.

9.00am to 6.00pm, 374 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

11.00am to 6.00pm, 51 Chapel Street, Windsor

11.00am to 6.00pm, 679 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn

Share The Chi at Australia’s Favourite Frozen Yogurt Venue 

Yo-Chi, Australia’s favourite frozen yogurt brand is often featured as a top date spot (particularly during summer) as well as marking an affordable and delicious option for Valentine's Day in Melbourne. 

Yo-Chi will be serving up chocolate-dipped strawberries as a sweet way to top of your frozen yoghurt and topping filled creation.

Plus, all venues will be bringing back their V-Day love letters, where for select days Chi-lovers will be able to leave a message on the wall for their special someone to read. Cute!

Wednesday 14th February

Multiple locations around Melbourne and Victoria

Does our edit on how to spend Valentine’s Day in Melbourne have you feeling all loved up? Keep the party going at home with our easy date night recipes for a romantic night in or whisk your love away to a cosy cabin getaway in South Australia.