Take it from someone who actually has a Valentine this year, the food is always more important than a romantic rendezvous. Date, or dateless I’d be enjoying a rosè because if nothing else V-day is a great excuse to wine and dine. Canberra restaurants turn the heat on with enticing degustation’s and often free champers. Whether it’s a budget or a blowout experience, the local hospo scene is ready for Feb 14.

Bad Betti’s

For those who hate to love, but love to party, Betti is throwing an I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY event for the singles (or people in a relationship who want a fun time not a soppy time). Betti will be chugging down liquid roses cocktail and feasting on an exclusive ‘love bites’ meal. Aligning with her mantra ‘break hearts, eat burgers’ there will be some pinata heart smashing (with a bat) and a DJ spinning tracks which make you feel like you don’t need no man (or girl). This event is free but bookings are essential. 

The Lighthouse

Forget your man at home, The Lighthouse is throwing a Galentine’s Day party for all the girls. Gather the gang and dance February 14 away.

First Edition

Love is in the air at First Edition Restaurant & Bar celebrating love until Saturday 16th February. On entry, guests will be welcomed with a glass of Mumm Champagne before delving into a heavenly dinner curated by Executive Head Chef, Jennie Tressler. For (75pp) the menu pays tribute to the vast array of fresh local produce available within the nation’s capital and surrounds. Every booking made during Valentine’s week, guests will automatically be entered in the draw to win an exclusive loved up adventure for two including a nights accommodation at Novotel Canberra, two general admission tickets to the National Gallery of Australia’s Love & Desire Exhibition, a dining experience at First Edition and last but not least, take to the sky in a helicopter ride over Canberra.

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Walt & Burley

Spoil your loved one over a seafood platter on the Foreshore. Book at Walt & Burley for Valentine’s Day for an exclusive seafood experience and a bottle of champagne to get the sparks flying. Call 02 6239 6648.

QT BYO- X

All alone for Valentine’s Day? Think of QT as your fairy godmother. This February 14th, QT bars Australia-wide are hosting a singles mixer with a twist. You have to come with your ex. Maybe you’re still good friends? Maybe they’re the perfect sidekick, or maybe there’s a little flame still burning? Either way, two wrongs could make a night, so bring your ex and ignite a new spark (with someone else) at QT Canberra. It might have not worked out for the both of you, so why not move on together? Not on speaking terms with your ex? No problem. Bring along a BFF, your “handbag” or that good old faithful plus one for a night of fun and frivolity.

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Turkish Pide House

Show your love this Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner at Turkish Pide House. Last year was they booked out, so book in now to secure your table with complimentary champagne with dinner!

Temporada

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable evening at Temporada. Four courses $90, matched wine $50 – limited spots remaining, book now.

Sage Dining Rooms

Celebrate in style at Sage Dining Rooms! Treat your loved one to a lavish 6-course degustation for $135pp, complete with matching wines for $60pp. Book now for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience – (02) 6249 6050.

Natural Nine

Looking for something to blow your partner away! The Valentine’s Banquet at Natural Nine will ensure you’re in the good books for the rest of the year. Three courses with oysters in arrival, $68pp ($60pp for matching cocktails). With Natural Nine favourites like lemon myrtle chicken taro cakes, vegetable spring rolls and smoked duck sticky rice in bamboo leaf. Time: Lunch 12:00-2:30pm & Dinner 5:30-10:00pm, For more information.

Chifley’s Bar & Grill

Celebrate your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a 3-course romantic dinner at Chifley’s Bar & Grill for $99 per person, 6.30pm. Indulge in a bottle of bubbles on arrival followed by a shared entrée platter including cured meats, fresh prawns and oysters. Main course will be your choice of either grilled sirloin or roasted chicken breast and followed by a dessert platter with indulgent white chocolate mousse and chocolate covered strawberries

National Press Club

Celebrate Valentines Day with your love in the Restaurant at the National Press Club, $150 for 2 people. Includes Champagne on arrival and 6 courses. Phone to book 6121 2199 (limited number of seats available).

PowerKart Raceway

For a date night away from the dinner table, take your partner to Kart, Mini Golf and Glide, $80 for two  between 6pm and 10pm on Vday. Please note 8:30pm is the latest time slot to accommodate all 3 activities. To reserve your spot call 02 6239 5599.