The simplest but most effective way to show that you care this Valentine’s Day is by treating your significant other to a night out at one of Auckland’s most romantic restaurants. Despite the occasion still being a few weeks away, we have it on good authority that tables are already filling up fast, so now is the time to book your spot — lest you miss out. From set menus that will set hearts racing, to the perfect ambience for the occasion, here’s where to celebrate on the 14th of February.
Bar Magda
One of the cosiest spots in Auckland to while away a romantic evening, Bar Magda is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. There, diners can choose from two special menus on offer: ‘Seafood Cravings’ or ‘A Meat Lover’s Delight’. The former entails a three-course sharing-style menu that is set to include tuna, scallops and king salmon. The latter will hero wild venison, alongside a few more hearty delights. Both options (priced at $135 per person) will afford diners two cocktails each, or a bottle of wine to share. The entire drinks menu is bespoke to the day, in fact, with Peddlers gin and wine by Great Little Vineyards both featuring throughout. If last year’s Valentine’s Day affair at Bar Magda is anything to go by, this will be popular, so book now.
See details and book your table here.
Sign up to our free EDM subscription today.
Take Valentine’s Day to new heights at MoVida, where a low-lit ambience and a special set menu will make for a seriously memorable celebration. For $110 per person, MoVida’s four-course Valentine’s Day menu includes a crisp flute of Moët & Chandon Rosé on arrival, mouthwatering aperitivo, a range of tapas including croqueta with manchego and leek, wagyu tartar, poached scampi cigala, a duo of satiating mains (one fish, one chicken) and some very appealing dessert options.
See details and book your table here.
Síso
For Remuera locals, there is no place to be but Síso come Valentine’s Day, where you’ll be met with warm hospitality, an intimate setting, and soul-warming, Mediterranean fare sure to impress. From delectable tempura oysters and beef carpaccio to start, the always-impressive lamb koftas or crispy calamari to follow, and one of the neighbourhood eatery’s divine desserts to finish (we recommend the rosewater cheesecake), all washed down with one of their famed peach & chilli margaritas, Síso promises a night to remember.
See details and book your table here.
Ebisu
One of our favourite Japanese stalwarts is putting on a special Valentine’s Day set menu for $120 per person (with the option to add on premium sake or wine pairings). Kicking off with a flute of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, the dinner will run through a series of delicious starters and a fresh sashimi platter, before launching into dishes like wagyu tataki, seared duck breast, Ebisu’s famous spicy tuna roll and miso marinated white trevalla. Finally, a delicate dessert platter for two will round off what is set to be a seriously tasty affair. There is also a delectable vegetarian menu on offer.
See details and book your table here.
Onslow
Whether you are celebrating your first or 20th Valentine’s Day together, make it memorable at Onslow. For $215 per person, you’ll be treated to a stunning, five-course set menu plus a glass of Ruinart Rosé. But for those unable to swing a meal out on February 14th, The Emett’s impressive eatery is also offering exclusive take-home petit fours for those dining between Monday, February 12th, and Sunday, February 18th — available to pre-order upon making your reservation. See details and book your table here.
Pōni
What better way to woo your significant other than with a delicious meal overlooking the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour? For Valentine’s Day, Commercial Bay restaurant Pōni will be putting on an impressive six-course menu of delectable, indulgent dishes, complete with a cocktail on arrival, in an affair that is really not to be missed. Here, you can take your Valentine’s Day celebrations to new heights in more ways than one.
See details and book your table here.
The Sugar Club
Take your Valentine’s Day to new heights with The Sugar Club’s impressive tasting menu. For $230 per person, you’ll indulge in a multi-course, specially-curated menu featuring many of The Sugar Club’s signature dishes, served alongside a glass of champagne for $230pp. Celebrate the finest in creative dining with majestic views of Auckland to match.
See details and book your table here.
Non Solo Pizza
Park up at this Parnell institution for an evening of love like the Italians do. Non Solo Pizza will be running their famous Aperitivo hour from 4-6pm, serving freshly shucked oysters in the Osteria and bar — following which, you can settle in for an evening of wonderful Italian fare. Start with a plate of fresh market seafood, followed by chicken cotoletta or a Tuscan T-bone, washed down with a spritz or two, of course.
See details and book your table here.
Andiamo
Celebrate with your significant other at this Herne Bay stalwart, where a special, three-course menu will be on offer for $110 per person. There, expect Andiamo’s signature warm service and a raft of delicious dishes that capture the kinds of Italian and Mediterranean flavours we have come to expect from this beloved spot. Think starters like beef meatballs with blistered tomato, and market fish crudo, followed by mains like risotto with sourdough crumb, vodka fusilli, and market fish with baby pea salsa verde, and desserts like a roast strawberry meringue and, of course, a decadent tiramisu. All served with a crisp class of G.H. Mumm. It doesn’t get much better.
See details and book your table here.
Bivacco
Take your Valentine’s Day celebrations down to the waterfront and secure one of the best seats in town at Bivacco. Gaze across the beautiful Viaduct Harbour while enjoying a range of delicious dishes from this restaurant’s special Valentine’s Day offering. Alongside all of Bivacco’s usual delights, dinners will find wood-fired Skull Island prawns, whole NZ crayfish, and a decidedly decadent chocolate and hazelnut mousse with sea salt & cherries.
See details and book your table here.
INCA
Make for INCA this Valentine’s Day and you’ll be met with the Lover’s Banquet — a curated menu of the Nikkei-style restaurant’s most-loved menu items. For $85 per person, you and your lover will be treated to a menu that highlights the inventive fusion of smokey South American flavours and freshness of Japanese fare, in a dining experience not to be missed.
See details and book your table here.
Azabu Ponsonby + Mission Bay
Both of Auckland’s Azabu locations will be putting on delightful set menus for Valentine’s Day. Designed as tapas-style banquets, the menus will highlight some of the best dishes from Azabu’s lauded a la carte offering, and will see diners treated to four delicious courses. Expect the likes of sushi and sashimi platter with the freshest market fish sashimi, oysters, sushi and Nigiri, miso marinated chicken with shichimi pepper and burnt lime, grilled Yakiniku scotch and a showstopping chocolate tart with miso ice cream. For those with littles in tow, there’s also a kids menu available.
See details and book your table here.
Cassia
Take your loved one on a Journey through India this Valentine’s Day with Cassia’s exclusive seven-course menu including a glass of champagne for $160pp. Indulge in a modern Indian feast that promises an unforgettable experience for you and your loved one.
See details and book your table here.
Masu
Indulge in an exquisite Valentine’s Day celebration at MASU by Nic Watt with a special four-course menu. For $125 per person, diners will delight in the vibrant tastes of summer with dishes like pink seasonal vegetable tempura, grilled chilli jam duck leg paired with Furikake rice roll, misco crayfish tacos, and more, with and a delectable strawberry cake and tart cherry ice cream to finish.
See details and book your table here.
SkyBar
If you’re looking for a spot that’s sure to impress, treat your loved one to The Sugar Club’s delectable Sky Tea this Valentine’s Day. For $105 per person, diners will be treated to a crisp flute of Moët and Chandon, a series of delectable bites from SUCRÉ by SkyCity and coffee, tea or juice — all served with impeccable views to match.
See details and book your table here.
Akarana Eatery
Akarana Eatery has gone all out for Valentine’s this year, curating a bespoke, four-course Kiwi coastal menu that promises to impress on all fronts. Here, for a modest $75 per person, diners will be treated to freshly shucked local oysters followed by a zesty tuna crudo, the choice of either roasted duck with cherry jus or wood-roasted jumbo prawns for the main event, and Greek-style doughnuts to finish.
See details and book your table here.
Kingi
Head to this beautiful downtown restaurant at the base of Hotel Britomart for a romantic affair this Valentine’s Day. The special menu has been designed to highlight some of Kingi’s signature dishes and will feature a selection of antipasti to share followed by a choice of main (featuring pāua tagliatelle, pan-roasted snapper or farro risotto) with a special dessert to share, all for $90 per person. Take it up a notch with Te Matuku Bay oysters to start, or add matched wines for a truly special evening. There are two seating options, one at 5pm and one at 8pm.
See details and book your table here.
Metita
Want to try something new this Valentine’s Day? Experience a fresh exploration of Pacific cuisine at Metita, where traditional Pacific flavours are redefined and reimagined for contemporary tastes. Indulge in their special Valentine’s Day menu for $195pp with a glass of Champagne included.
See details and book your table here.
Park Hyatt Auckland
On the water’s edge, Park Hyatt’s Onemata restaurant creates a feast for all the senses. This Valentine’s Day, the team is serving up a decadent five-course dinner, including cured salmon, blue paua, and confit duck with cherry jus as well as a decadent strawberries and champagne course. The set menu includes a glass of No 1 rosé on arrival.
See details and book your table here.
Or, if it’s a slightly more casual affair you’re after, while still wanting to soak up the stunning vista, make for Park Hyatt’s The Living Room, where, for $120 per person, you’ll find a special three-course menu (featuring tuna crudo, surf & turf and harissa-glazed cauliflower steak) replete with a glass of champagne on arrival.
See details and book your table here.
