Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Gift Ideas and Where to Dine

This stunning part of iconic Australian culture is sure to make Valentine’s Day unforgettable. Nestled in the heart of the Sydney Opera House itself with sweeping views of the harbour, Bennelong is a dining experience that will take your date’s breath away. Chef Peter Gilmore creates such delicacies as the marron pikelets, Aged Kurobuta pork rack and Bennelong Pavlova that both of you will remember for years. 

For a Valentine’s Day meal infused with light, fun and laughter, Part Time Lover in Adelaide fits the bill beautifully. The contemporary cafe sits in the heart of the city, with vibrant food influenced by both European and Asian cuisines. Must-tries at Part Time Lover include the popcorn broccoli, fried corn ribs and anchovy toast. This spot is especially well suited if you or your date prefer meat-free eating, with their plant-based offerings providing both wonderful flavour and wow-factor. 

At Farmer’s Daughter in the heart of Melbourne CBD, the very best of local produce is championed in a space that is bright, modern and welcoming- perfect for date night. Popular picks include the Noojee Alpine trout, Terramirra Park venison loin and their famous farm style soda bread. Enjoy fabulous flavours in the cosy intimacy of Farmer’s Daughter’s restaurant and rooftop levels this Valentine’s Day. 

For a wonderfully private and intimate Valentine’s Dinner, book a table at Twenty Seats in Highgate, Western Australia. As the name suggests, the small number of guests per night means that every visitor is treated with the utmost care and attention, served a ten-course tasting menu with influences from around the world. Favourites include the raclette cheese, wagyu short ribs and the mushroom, tofu and egg yolk. 

Under the sun or under the stars, an experience at Soko Rooftop is unforgettably romantic. Their unique combination of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine makes for mouthwatering creations, while the setting makes for an experience that is both exciting and exotic. The restaurant is celebrated for their offerings of wagyu beef (tartare, yakitori and bao), spicy tuna and choice of pisco sours.

A restaurant with a message, The Blue Door in Surry Hill places an emphasis on ethical and sustainable food production while also creating unique and wonderful flavours. Wine is poured by the glass, paired specifically for each meal. Because of their passion for their craft and ethics, the menu changes weekly to best champion the season’s and local farm’s best produce. The originality, story and exclusivity of this restaurant is what makes this dining experience so special, perfect for a date set to impress.

A French bistro housed in an heritage-listed home, Angel’s House is the perfect romantic eatery for Valentine’s Day. The rustic surroundings complement the French and Mediterranean flavours sublimely, with favourites like the double-baked cheese souffle, onion soup and boeuf bourguignon keeping patrons returning time and time again. Every meal is offered with the very best of both French and Australian wines. 

Cosy, intimate and dusky, Nomad Melbourne is the perfect spot for your special night. Using influences from Morocco, Spain and the Middle East, Nomad brings the very best of Victorian produce to life. Guests rave about such offerings as the zucchini flowers served with truffle honey, Gundagai lamb rump and the olive oil ice cream sandwich. The combination of unique flavours and use of fire and smoke is what makes a meal at Nomad unforgettable. 

For an unforgettable and unique dining experience, visit Exhibition in Brisbane. Housed in the old basement of the Metro Arts building, the restaurant only hosts 24 diners at a time and does not provide a menu, instead opting to showcase the very best of sustainable and local produce through at least sixteen courses. Every detail - from the handmade cutlery to the immersive culinary encounter-  of your experience at Exhibition will be distinctive.