The 14th of February: A date fraught with danger and apprehension when it comes to the ‘do you or don’t you’ of dating and relationships in general. Do you go out for dinner on a night where restaurants could make a cheesy spectacle of you, or do you stay in and avoid any form of PDA (public display of affection)?

Fortunately for the avid restaurateur, these days V-Day isn’t always as predictable as you think. There are a few establishments injecting a little wit, humour and thought into their offerings.

Because sharing is caring, Emmilou Tapas Bar has amassed a degustation of shared plates including dishes like 16-Hour pork belly salad with smoky corn, apple & coriander. Paired with several of their killer cocktails, you’re virtually guaranteed to get some luv’n.

Traditionalists should turn to France in the search to impress and Glebe’s Restaurant Atelier, with its cosy terrace house vibe and sexy modern French menu, fits the bill perfectly.

And for those who love to hate, Danks Street Depot’s Valentine C’est Mort (Valentine is dead!) dinner is aimed at those looking to have a bit of fun with the idea of V-Day: The menu features dishes like Skewered Hearts (of palm) and Chocolate brownie, bourbon & rhubarb fool.

Emmilou Tapas Bar
413 Bourke Street, Surry Hills 2010
T: (02) 9360 6991

Restaurant Atelier
22 Glebe Point Road, Glebe 2037
T: (02) 9566 2112

Danks Street Depot
1/1/2 Danks Street, Waterloo 2017
T: (02) 9698 2201