Looking to impress this Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re planning a candlelit dinner for two, a Galentine’s night out, or a first date that skips the clichés, Canberra is full of inspired ways to celebrate love in all its forms. Here’s your guide to spending Valentine’s Day 2026.
Compa Amore: A Six‑Course Italian Love Letter
For couples craving a refined Italian dining experience this Valentine’s Day, Compa Amore is setting the table for romance with a special six‑course set menu.
The evening begins with a glass of Bellussi Prosecco on arrival, before unfolding into a journey through seasonal produce and classic Italian technique. Highlights include scallops with ’nduja and pangrattato, delicate crab tortellini in tomato bisque, and handmade cavatelli with duck ragu and pecorino. The main course showcases Snowy River trout with preserved lemon and caper burnt butter, followed by a beautifully layered millefoglie with cherry and whipped custard to finish on a sweet note.
Set in Compa’s warm, intimate dining room on Bunda Street, this menu is ideal for couples striving for a romantic dining experience.
Saturday 14 February
$115 per person | Bookings essential
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Share & Celebrate: Valentine’s Specials at Rosa’s
Rosa’s is keeping Valentine’s Day playful, relaxed and perfect for sharing.
Specials for the night include a Rose Fizz cocktail for $16, happy‑hour pricing on all wines by the glass all night, Champagne and six oysters for $100, and a “Girl Dinner” package featuring house antipasto with a bottle of house wine for $120. Ideal for couples, friends or spontaneous celebrations, Rosas makes it easy to toast to love your own way.
Bookings recommended.
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A Classic Valentine’s Dinner for Two at Chifley’s Bar & Grill
Celebrate love with an elegant dinner for two at Chifley’s Bar & Grill, set within the expansive grounds of historic Hotel Kurrajong Canberra.
The three‑course shared dining experience begins with a decadent entrée platter featuring serrano ham–wrapped scallops, maple bourbon pork belly and pumpkin flower tempura with miso mayo. Alternate‑serve mains of lemon‑roasted chicken supreme and grilled Riverina Angus sirloin with porcini jus follow, before finishing with a romantic dessert platter of tiramisu teardrops, chocolate‑dipped strawberries and raspberry crunch. A bottle of French bubbles is included.
Three‑course dinner: $199 for two.
Make it a true Valentine’s escape by adding an overnight stay with breakfast for two and late checkout from $229.
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One Plate, Two Hearts: A Romantic Affair at Capitol Bar & Grill
This Valentine’s Day, Capitol Bar & Grill invites you to slip into a decadent three‑course dining experience curated by Executive Chef Josh Smith‑Thirkell.
Entrées are designed for sharing, mains are served per person, and dessert is fittingly titled Strawberry Kisses & Lychee Wishes and made to be shared (or fought over). The evening is elevated with a live violinist, a honey‑infused love‑potion cocktail, and a bloom for your chosen someone.
Whether you’re celebrating romance, friendship or simply great company, this indulgent experience delivers a little magic on every plate.
Three‑course dinner: $125 per person
Saturday 14 February | Three sittings available
Bookings essential
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Love at First Bite: Valentine’s Day High Tea at QT Canberra
Love doesn’t play favourites and QT Canberra’s Love at First Bite QTea High Tea is ready to help you celebrate.
Held in the QT Lounge fifteen floors above the city, this Valentine’s‑themed high tea features 28 loose‑leaf teas, cocktails infused with specialty brews, and a tiered tower of savouries and sweets curated by Executive Chef Josh Smith‑Thirkell. Think green olive and semi‑dried tomato arancini, spanner crab and avocado crostini, beetroot and goats cheese tarts, followed by cakes and desserts.
Available every Saturday in February, it’s ideal for lovers, galentines, families and friends alike.
High Tea: $74pp
Bubbly upgrades available from $92pp
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Galentine’s Night Out: Line Dancing & Cocktails at Peacemaker Saloon
Wanting to leave the clichés behind? Grab your best pals for Galentine’s Day at Peacemaker Saloon.
On Saturday 14 February, the saloon is hosting a high‑energy night featuring line dancing with instructor Riley from 8pm. Drink specials will be made available all night with a welcoming atmosphere that’s all about fun and friendship. While the focus is on celebrating the gals and their pals, everyone is welcome making it the perfect alternative to traditional Valentine’s plans.
Line Dancing from 8pm
Drink specials all night
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Love Under the Stars: La La Land at Sunset Cinema
For an effortlessly romantic evening, Sunset Cinema is hosting a screening of the award‑winning film La La Land beneath the stars at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
With gates opening at 6:30pm and the movie beginning after sunset, it’s a relaxed, cinematic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day surrounded by eucalyptus trees and summer air. Bring a picnic or enjoy food and drinks on site for a memorable outdoor date night.
Saturday 14 February
Eucalypt Lawn, Australian National Botanic Gardens
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Skip the Apps: Canberra’s Biggest Valentine’s Day Singles Soirée
If dating apps aren’t your thing, Curated is hosting Canberra’s biggest Valentine’s Day singles event at the Rex Hotel ballroom.
Designed to take the pressure out of modern dating, the night features champagne, canapés, live music, Brazilian samba performances and dancing. Optional pre‑event meet‑ups and WhatsApp groups help guests connect before arriving, ensuring no one walks in alone. Whether you leave with new friends or something more, it’s a celebration built around real connection.
General admission from $95
Premium drinks package available
More information and tickets via Eventbrite here
Paint, Sip & Fall in Love with the Moment at Gungahlin Lakes
Get creative this Valentine’s Day at a Paint & Sip workshop at Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club.
The relaxed, guided session includes a complimentary glass of wine on arrival, step‑by‑step tuition and plenty of fun with no experience required. Perfect for couples, singles or groups of friends looking for something different.
Saturday 14 February | 7–9pm
Tickets from $75
Limited spots available
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Sunset Laughs & Lake Views: A Valentine’s Comedy Cruise
Swap candlelight for comedy with Laughs on the Lake, a sunset comedy cruise on Lake Burley Griffin.
Enjoy a night of laughs from Canberra’s best comedians, romantic sunset views, wood‑fired pizza and a licensed bar while cruising the lake. With an early‑Valentine’s date option and additional dates available, it’s a light‑hearted way to celebrate love through laughter.
Thursday 12 February (early Valentine’s)
Additional dates into March
Departing Lake Burley Griffin
