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 over a week 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.

Ebisu

One of our favourite Japanese stalwarts is putting on a special Valentine’s Day set menu for $95 per person (with the option to add on premium sake or wine pairings). The dinner will run through a series of delicious starters and a fresh sashimi platter, before launching into dishes like wagyu gyoza, chargrilled beef fillet, and a stand-out sushi selection of kingfish nigiri, katsobushi soy, apple wasabi and chirashi hosomaki with shiso. Finally, a decadent basque cheesecake will round off what is set to be a seriously tasty affair.
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. And, for those wanting to up the ante on their Valentine’s plans (or are out to impress), the Emett’s impressive eatery is also offering exclusive Caviar Service complete with a tin of Ossetra caviar and classic accompaniments — chopped egg, chives, crème fraîche, and blinis — available to pre-order upon making your reservation. See details and book your table here.

Gochu

Gochu in Commercial Bay offers the perfect setting for a vibrant Valentine’s Day meal, complete with harbourside views and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for an intimate evening. Indulge in an $85 set menu of modern Korean favourites, complemented by a refreshing glass of Vandal Pet Bat on arrival.
Book a table here.

Ki Māha

Celebrate love with an unforgettable Valentine’s experience at Ki Māha. From the 13th — 16th of February, indulge in a refined three-course menu featuring the likes of Te Matuku oysters, Ōra King salmon gravlax, and 55-day aged beef Scotch, for $115pp (or with snacks for $145pp). Finish with a delicate Eton Mess or a curated cheese selection, and elevate your evening further with the addition of fresh NZ summer truffle.
Book a 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 serving up evening of wonderful Italian fare, with plenty of Valentine’s Day specials on offer to inspire indulgence. Start the evening with a light, fresh grilled octopus, spinach, kalamata olive and herb salador beef wagyu bavette with capsicum and parsley salsa, pickled baby onion, and port jus on the main menu and end on a high note with a decadent vanilla pannacotta with chocolate sauce and black forest berries perfect for sharing, washed down with a spritz or two, of course.
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 crab risotto with preserved lemon and T-bone steak ‘bistecca alla fiorentina’ with garlic, rosemary, and salsa verde, and desserts like a torta di riso, raspberry with passionfruit sorbet and meringue shard and, of course, a decadent tiramisu. All served with a crisp class of G.H. Mumm. It doesn’t get much better.
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 NZ crayfish mornay, bone-in ribeye steak, and a decadent chocolate and hazelnut mousse.
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 three delicious courses. Expect the likes of freshly-rolled sushi, miso chicken, beef fillet with Japanese chimichurri, and a showstopping vanilla basque cheesecake. For those with littles in tow, the Mission Bay outpost offers a kids menu too.
See details and book your table here.

Somm Wine Bar & Bistro

Celebrate love at Somm Wine Bar & Bistro this Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable evening of exquisite dining and fine wine. Enjoy a glass of G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon on arrival, followed by an elegant three-course set menu. Enhance the romance with curated wine flights, designed to elevate your experience.
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 special cocktail for $145pp. Indulge in a modern Indian feast that promises an unforgettable experience for you and your loved one.
See details and book your table here.

Ortolana

Dine under romantic twinkling lights in the heart of Britomart this Valentine’s Day, and savour Ortolana’s exquisite three-course set menu alongside your loved one for $95pp. Bespoke dishes include handmade pappardelle, market fish crudo with peach, chilli, and citrus labneh, and a burnt peach cheesecake perfect for sharing, best washed down with a glass of champagne.
Book your table here.

College Hill Wine Room

Step into newly opened College Hill Wine Room‘s air of Parisian romance this Valentine’s Day, as the space is transformed into an intimate dining room for one day only. Hopeless romantics executive chef Ryan Moore and David Nash have curated a special wine and food pairing for the occasion, available for $240pp, complete with a delicious dolce gift box to enjoy at home.
Book your table here.

Masu

Indulge in an exquisite Valentine’s Day celebration at MASU with a special four-course menu. For $145 per person, diners will delight in the vibrant tastes of summer with dishes like seasonal vegetable tempura, wagyu, with pumpkin miso purée and teriyaki jus, beef tataki maki roll with pink flower crumble, and more, with and a delectable cherry chocolate mousse with sour cherry to finish.
See details and book your table here.

Esther

This Valentine’s Day, let Esther play cupid with a four-course menu featuring Te Kouma oysters, yellowfin tuna crudo, pistachio-crusted lamb, duck fat potatoes, and a decadent dark chocolate ganache — with a Valentine’s cocktail thrown in for good measure. Whether your romantic rendezvous is with your significant other or galentine, Esther is the perfect place for an unforgettable evening.
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 squid ink tagliatelle, pan-roasted snapper, or chickpea farinata) 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.
Book your table here.

The Grill

Take a journey through the land and sea with The Grill’s expertly-crafted, six-course Surf & Turf tasting menu this Valentine’s Day, indulging in the best of New Zealand produce. From Auckland Island Scampi to a Study of Wagyu and a delectable bone marrow crumpet with yellowfin tuna tartare, finished with a Whittaker’s Chocolate ganache, hazelnuts and beef-fat caramel, make Valentine’s Day one to remember here at The Grill. 
Book your table here.

Darling on Drake

Celebrate love at Darling on Drake this Valentine’s Day, where indulgence meets refined romance. Share the Champagne & Oysters special, savour the rich Cupid’s Cocoa Delight chocolate mousse, and sip on the returning Cherub cocktail — featuring a Meadowlark Cherub pendant encased in ice. A dreamy menu, perfect for two.
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 four-course Valentine’s Day menu for $140pp with a cocktail included.
Book your table here.

Ayrburn

For those down south, Ayrburn is the only place to be on February 14th — with its picturesque setting and celebratory happenings. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of romance and entertainment as Ayrburn’s iconic Jazz Club brings its magic to The Woolshed, where you can settle in for a three-course set menu, perfectly paired with live jazz from Harriet & the Radiophonics.

Fresh floral bouquets will also be available to purchase from R.M Prime Produce, and The Burr Bar offers the perfect spot for a nightcap, where the romantic ‘Reid my lips’ cocktail is an absolute must.