Valentine’s Day is (almost) here, but before you go scrambling to make plans, read on for the best ways to celebrate love this Saturday. Photo: Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
All across Canberra, people are ready to celebrate the day of love. But the question is always how best to enjoy the occasion. Don’t fret, we’ve found the best dinners under the stars, classical/jazz music concerts, gourmet meals, romantic feasts and even a bingo night led by a drag artist.
So if you’ve been scratching your head, wondering how to treat your special someone, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to all the best events this Valentine’s Day.
The Hyatt’s beautiful garden is the scene for a special Valentine’s Day celebration. Image: Trybooking.
Dinner Under the Stars at the Hyatt Hotel
When: 14 February, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Street, Yarralumla
Cost: Tickets are $165 per person | Book online.
There’s no better way to celebrate the day of love than with a dinner under the stars in the Hyatt’s historic gardens. Visitors will be treated to a cocktail on arrival to set the mood, before taking their seats in the gardens to be serenaded by live music. Of course, the centrepiece of the night is the five-course sharing meal, provided by the Hyatt’s renowned culinary staff. This Valentine’s Day, let the Hyatt take care of the hard stuff so you can enjoy the day.
Two musical talents combine for a Valentine’s Day concert. Photo: Keith Saunders.
Simon Tedeschi and George Washingmachine in concert at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
When: 14 February, 7 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North
Tickets: Tickets from $45 | Book online.
Experience a meeting of musical worlds as extraordinary concert pianist Simon Tedeschi – one of Australia’s most beloved classical musicians – joins forces with jazz violinist and vocalist George Washingmachine for an unforgettable evening of Gershwin favourites and timeless jazz standards by Cole Porter, Count Basie, Ray Noble and more at Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
From the elegance of the concert hall to the swing of the jazz club, Tedeschi and Washingmachine blur the boundaries between classical and jazz traditions, celebrating music that sings of joy and melancholy, sophistication and soul. With their effortless virtuosity, wit and warmth, this remarkable duo brings fresh life to some of the greatest songs ever written.
If you’re looking for an artistic, slightly experimental way to spend Valentine’s Day, this is a great way to do just that.
Valentine’s Day the Italian way. Photo: The Italian Place.
Valentine’s Day at The Italian Place
When: 14 February 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Where: The Italian Place, 38 Mort St, Braddon
Cost: Tickets are $90 per person | Book online.
Add a splash of love Italian style at The Italian Place.
For $90 per person, you can enjoy a drink on arrival, and your choice of classic Italian entrees, mains and desserts.
OHNO! is bringing a love-inspired meal to you for the day of love. Photo: OHNO!
Valentine’s Day at OHNO!
When: 14 February, sessions from 5:30 pm
Where: 13 and 15 Flinders Way, Griffith
Cost: $69 per person | Book online.
OHNO! hosts a Valentine’s Day love-inspired set menu, offering tables for couples, throuples and galentine’s day. They’re keeping their menu a secret, but if it’s anything like their usual offering of delicious pan-Asian food, it’ll be a night to remember.
The Atrium Restaurant at Pavilion is a leafy, sophisticated space for a romantic dinner. Photo: Darcy Oliver.
Valentine’s Day at the Atrium Restaurant
When: 14 February, sessions from 5 pm
Where: Atrium Restaurant, Pavilion on Northbourne, 242 Northbourne Ave, Dickson
Cost: From $50 to $69 | Book online.
The Atrium Restaurant is making this Valentine’s Day a special one, hosting either a two-course or three-course meal within their leafy courtyard, brimming with ferns and palm trees.
Their two-course offering includes a choice of either pan-fried salmon fillet with zucchini corn fritters, char-grilled sirloin steak with roasted potatoes or, for a vegetarian option, oven-roasted cauliflower.
Then, for dessert, diners can choose from burnt Basque cheesecake, chocolate mousse, or crème brûlée.
The three-course option includes all of these delicious choices, as well as an entree of grilled chicken skewers, pork belly or crumbed haloumi chips.
Bingo with a campy twist for Valentine’s Day. Image: Dickson Taphouse.
Bad Taste Bingo: Venus Mantrap presents My Cruddy Valentine
When: 14 February, 7 pm to 10 pm
Where: Dickson Taphouse, 30 Wolley St, Dickson
Cost: Free entry | Book via email.
Venus Mantrap is taking over Dickson Taphouse with the first-ever Bad Taste Bingo event! As it is Valentine’s Day, the theme is My Cruddy Valentine. Think songs of love, lust and revenge, with a dash of camp and drag fun.
Enjoy an intimate night at Brindabella Hills Winery for Valentine’s Day. Photo: Brindabella Hills Winery.
Valentine’s Day at Brindabella Hills Winery
When: 14 February from 6:15 pm
Where: Brindabella Hills Winery, 156 Woodgrove Cl, Wallaroo
Cost: Tickets $110 per person | Book online.
Looking to go a bit further afield for an intimate Valentine’s Day dinner? Brindabella Hills Winery is hosting a night of romance, inviting you and your special person to enjoy views of the sun setting over the Brindabella Mountains, with a thoughtfully curated multi-course menu showcasing seasonal flavours and refined techniques.
Enjoy a romantic evening of beautiful food, flowing wine, and golden-hour views, designed for slow moments, meaningful conversations and celebrating love.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Midnight Bar. Photo: Midnight Hotel.
Valentine’s Day at Midnight Bar
When: 14 February, 3 pm to 10 pm
Where: Midnight Bar, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon
Cost: Tickets are $70 per person | Book online.
Spend Valentine’s Day at Midnight Bar with an intimate dining experience featuring a two-course, individually plated menu for $70 per person. A special Valentine’s cocktail menu will also be available to perfectly complement the evening.
À la carte bookings (no package): Guests are welcome to enjoy a curated selection of nibbles and small plates (no large dishes), along with drinks. To reserve, please call 02 6220 0402 or email info@midnightbar.com.au.
French fair awaits at Louis Dining. Photo: Louis Dining.
Valentine’s Day at Louis Dining
When: 14 February, sessions from 6 pm
Where: Louis Dining, 18 National Circuit, Barton
Cost: $155 per person | Book online.
Louis Dining is one of Canberra’s favourite spots for its great atmosphere, relaxing décor, and European cuisine. They’re putting their gourmet French fare on the table this Valentine’s Day, with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival and a carefully curated five-course menu for you and your amour.
Your local has Valentine’s Day plans sorted. Photo: Edgar’s Inn.
Valentine’s Day at Edgar’s Restaurant
When: 14 February, sessions at 6 pm and 8 pm
Where: Edgar’s Inn, 1 Edgar St, Ainslie
Cost: $120 per person | Book online.
Edgar’s Inn is offering a no-stress set menu this Valentine’s Day, with beer or bubbles on arrival to get you in the mood for freshly shucked rock oysters, house flatbread, snapper, pumpkin and tofu dumpling, MBS 5-flank skewer, and tiramisu for dessert.
Enjoy a set menu for Valentine’s Day at Les Bistronomes. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Valentine’s Day at Les Bistronomes
When: 14 February, from 8:30 pm
Where: Les Bistronomes, 18 Blamey Place, Campbell
Cost: $200 per person | Book Online.
It’s the night of love at Les Bistronomes!
What better way to say ‘I love you’ than with a romantic dinner for two, in an intimate (multi-award-winning) restaurant?
Enjoy a set menu of:
- La brioche pour deux – Pull apart house-made brioche, beurre noisette butter, sage salt
- L’amuse-bouche – Violet macaron, smoked trout mousse, salmon roe
- Le soufflé de chèvre – Beetroot and goats cheese soufflé, goats cheese sorbet, nut crumb
- Le canard aux prunes – Roasted Tathra Place duck crown, plum, grilled broccolini, plum jus. Served with duck fat potatoes, rosemary salt
- Le pré-dessert – Passionfruit sorbet, liquorice gel, vodka foam
- La rose – White chocolate mousse rose with a raspberry rose centre, Lychee gel, fresh raspberry.
Live tunes, cocktail happy hour and an artistic twist. Photo: Tradies Dickson
Valentine’s Day at The Tradies – Moments made for sharing
When: 14 February, 6 pm
Where: The Tradies, 2 Badham St, Dickson
Cost: Prices vary | Book online.
Valentine’s Day is all about slowing down, sharing good food and enjoying time together and this year, The Tradies is setting the scene for a relaxed and memorable evening.
Head to the Tradies for live acoustic music, complimentary caricature drawings, cocktail happy hour and wine tastings by Gallagher Wines, all wrapped around a beautiful dinner experience at Essence Restaurant.
Whether you’re celebrating with your partner or gathering with friends, it’s the perfect excuse to linger a little longer and enjoy the moments that matter most.
Take in panoramic views of Canberra and enjoy one of Canberra’s finest dining experiences. Photo: Lillie Thompson.
A Feast For Lovers at Lunetta
When: 14 February, sessions from 12 pm to 5:45 pm
Where: Upstairs restaurant, Lunetta, 60 Red Hill Drive, Red Hill
Cost: $185 per person | Book online.
Lunetta’s Executive Chef, Tristan Rebbettes, is curating a very special Valentine’s Day Feast for Lovers, complemented with wines chosen by sommelier Richard Woon. Available for lunch or dinner, this specially crafted menu will feature Sydney Rock Oysters, raw beef tartlet, patatine, wood-fired molasses sourdough, tuna crudo, and flank steak, as well as a dessert of pasticceria mignon.
