Sealed with a kiss from me to you.
Sydney, the day is coming – Valentine’s Day. Falling comfortably on Friday 14 February, this year treat you and your secret admirer to a night out filled with the finest food around town that will make even Cupid himself jealous. So for all the lovebirds out there, we’ve got the sweetest list lined up just for you and your special someone.
Babylon
Described as Aladdin’s cave for adults, towering over Pitt Street, Sydney foodies will find Babylon, one of Sydney’s most impressive Middle Eastern restaurants. One of our favourite rooftop bars, this Valentine’s Day, Babylon will be serving a five-course share menu for you and your special someone. Starting with a complimentary glass of Ashton Hill Sparkling Rosé, you will then be treated to Rock Oysters, Traditional Lentil Kofte, Heirloom Tomato Salad, Spiced Fried Cauliflower and either a choice of Iskender Flat Iron Beef or Sayadieh – Pan Fried Snapper Fillet. After dinner, head outside to the rooftop bar and enjoy the view and a cocktail or two. Our pick: Ankara ($22). Bookings essential.
Birch
Just under two hours south of Sydney laying on the outskirts of Bowral, lovers travelling over the Valentine’s Day weekend will fall head over heels for their newest offering, a five-course degustation. Exploring the launch of their Autumn menu, Birch’s Valentine’s degustation includes the likes of Heirloom Apple and Pork with Black Tiger Prawn Terrine; Duck Trio of Tortellini, Broth and Rillette; Black Angus Fillet with a baby spinach puree; and finally, to finish, a Passionfruit Mille Feuille Pannacotta. On top of that, Birch’s Valentine’s degustation is also available with matching wines for $130pp.
Bopp & Tone
Looking to indulge in a Valentine’s Day degustation? Then bop into Bopp & Tone – Sydney’s favourite Australian meets Mediterranean oasis. Head chef, Sa Va’afusuaga has created a bespoke nine-course degustation for the day which includes the likes of Spanner Crab, Beef Tartare, Coal-Grilled Australian King Prawns, Rainbow Trout Fillet and Smoked Duck to name a few. When finished, head over to the bar and together you’ll be able to sip your way through the cocktail list. Our pick: Fancy Wine ($20) with berry infused Jim Beam Rye and Campari.
Cruise Sydney
If you’re looking for the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience then this is it! 360-degree views and a sensational chef-designed menu featuring seasonal and regionally-sourced ingredients served alongside wines from some of New South Wales’ most prestigious wine regions. What more could you want? With lunch and dinner sessions available, all you have to do is book, sit back and relax! Use code LAUNCH2020 at checkout for a 2 For 1 deal!
Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge
Looking for a love potion? We’ve got the next best thing: Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge’s Valentine’s Day 2020 special – the Strawberry Kisses shaken up using Mozart White Liqueur, Baileys Chocolate Liqueur, Licor 43, strawberry syrup, muddled strawberries and strawberry powder. Your Strawberry Kisses will also be served with red velvet shortcake and edible flowers. With front-row views to Sydney’s mesmerizing harbor, you’ll have a cocktail in one hand, your special someone in the other and a great night at Hyde!
KOI Dessert Bar & Dining
If you have a sweet tooth for love, then prepare to be struck with Cupid’s arrow thanks to KOI Dessert Bar & Dining. Over the Valentine’s Day weekend, KOI will firstly be serving up their special Valentine Cake made with peach, blood orange, rose and mascarpone all encased in a stunning heart-shaped cake. Or, if you’d rather share the love, KOI’s Two for Two will allow guests to indulge in a bespoke Valentine’s sharing dessert menu for $50 per couple. For the lovers who like to expand their evening, KOI Chippendale will also be serving a six-course Intimate Dining menu ($120pp) which includes everything from Scallop Silk with Coconut Dashi, bubble tea, Wagyu Tri-Tip and a Chamomile Cake to finish.
Lotus, The Galeries
Forget being dumped. This Valentine’s Day Sydneysiders will fall in love with Lotus – Sydney’s favourite dumpling bar. With an impressive selection of modern and traditional Chinese dishes using only the finest Australian produce, Lotus wants to treat you this Valentine’s Day. Spend over $111 and Lotus will provide a complimentary heart-shaped dessert that’s adorned with a bewitching array of marbled-hued pinks and sprinkled with gold embellishments. Stuck on what to order? You can never go wrong with Lotus’ Crispy Skin Duck Pancakes ($42) and a side of Rush-Smoked Salmon with apple ($21).
Max Brenner
What’s Valentine’s Day without chocolate? Of course, if you consider yourself as a chocolate-fiend, Max Brenner will be the place to be. With nine venues across New South Wales, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Over February, Max Brenner Chocolate Bars stores will be serving the Duo’s Dream Cake – a joconde encasing light fluffy vanilla and chocolate mousse layers topped with melted chocolate and cookie crumbs. To make your hearts melt, you’ll be able to drizzle the chocolate over the Valentine creation before dipping each spoonful into fresh strawberries. A match made in heaven.
NOLA Smokehouse and Bar
This Valentine’s Day be transported on a romantic culinary journey to New Orleans, Louisiana – all whilst staying in the heart of Barangaroo thanks to NOLA Smokehouse and Bar. Home to soul food, an impressive American whisky collection and also Australia’s most expensive whisky flights. The three-course menu for the evening uses a combination of NOLA’s existing and new favourites such as Seared Tuna Puff Pastry Tartlet, Skull Island Prawns with lemon myrtle, Creole Pearl Barley, NOLA’s Brisket and a decadent Chocolate Mousse or Fire Roasted Pineapple with pecan cake to finish. The hardest decision will be deciding on which whisky to choose.
Q Dining
Wanting to exceed your Quteness levels this Valentine’s Day 2020? Q Dining will have you hooked. Overlooking Sydney’s Harbour, this Valentine’s Day 2020, Q Dining is making us fall in love even more with their six-course degustation designed by executive chef Steven Hartert. Starting from $129pp, guests will be treated to a glass of Champagne on arrival followed by Seared Scallops with Apple Mustard Vinaigrette, Dry-aged Honey Glazed Duck, Pan-Roasted Queensland Snapper and Roasted Grain Fed Beef as well as a long stem rose! For the wine lovers, Champagne on arrival and matching wines are available for $149pp. Bookings essential.
Tayim
Tucked away along the Nurses Walk in The Rocks, Tayim is here to spice up your Valentine’s Day 2020 feasting with their fusion of Middle Eastern cuisine and Australian produce. Head Chef, Ran Kimelfeld (Nour) has created a three-course menu including a blend of fruit, herbs and spices. Between whispering sweet nothings, you and your special someone will be nibbling on Cured Red Snapper, Marinated Eggplant Heart, 12-Hour Spiced Short Rib and Caramelised Filo with Pistachio Cream, Berry Ice Cream and Pear. Bookings essential.
Feature image: KOI Dessert Bar & Dining. Chippendale’s Intimate Dining Rose. Image supplied
