Roses are red, violets are blue, pick a Valentine’s Day just right for you! Come on, we had to give it a go! It’s that time of year again. Cupid is descending and before the arrows fall, you need to work out where you’d like them to strike. Whether you want to go OTT with your special someone, or out with the girls, check out our guide to Sydney this Valentines Day.
UNDER THE STARS:
There’s nothing more romantic than a picnic in the park. Right? Wrong! Add in actual moonlight, the stars, a few of your favourite Hollywood hotties, and one of the year’s biggest romantic flicks; now you’re on to a winner. The Moonlight Cinema is pulling out all the stops this year, with a screening of La La Land. That’s right, Ryan Gosling under the stars. There’s even a glass of Lindeman’s sparkling wine on arrival. All you need to do is pack the picnic – don’t forget the strawberries and the bubbles! And if you can’t make La La Land, romantic films will be showing all week!
Moonlight Cinema
Belvedere Amphitheatre
Centennial Park, Paddington
FLOWER OVERDRIVE:
Forget a bunch of flowers, enjoy the whole damn florist shop this year with an evening at The Grounds Secret Garden. The team at the Grounds of Alexandria certainly don’t rest on their laurels – they’re making a big statement this year, with a floral installation that will wow your socks off. Diners will sit surrounded by fresh blooms (thank you Florals by Silva) and fairy lights, as they peruse canapes, and a three course meal, with cocktails and matched wines. If that’s a little too much for a school night, don’t worry, you can check out the floral installation for the rest of the week. Tickets limited, from $230 per person.
The Grounds of Alexandria
7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria
02 9699 2225
SO FRENCHY, SO CHIC:
No one does romance quite like the French. That makes Bistro Moncur the perfect spot for a night with your special someone. The restaurant is throwing open its doors and welcoming lovers with arms open wide – all bookings for the evening will receive a glass of Ruinart French Champagne on the house. Nothing starts an evening off better than a glass of French bubbles. And nothing finishes it better than a special dessert x cocktail menu – expect Rosewater and strawberry parfait paired with A Valentine’s Rose cocktail.
Bistro Moncur Mosman
76A Middle Head Rd, Mosman
02 8287 2968
Bistro Moncur Woollahra
116A Queen St, Woollahra
02 9327 9713
SINGLE AND READY TO MINGLE:
Just because you don’t have another half doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day! Barangaroo has you sorted, with Heartbeats on the Streets; a roaming dining and dating tour through Sydney’s hottest new dining precinct. Dear Pluto will host the evening, which kicks off at his and hers venues – gentleman will have a tipple at Shirt Bar, while ladies peruse the cocktails at Bel & Brio, before 20 minute stops at Ananson, Baksii and Zushi where you’re encouraged to mingle over drinks and share plates. United is the final stop for the night, where you’ll swap details if you’re so inclined. $45 per person, included food and five drink tokens.
Heartbeats on the Streets
The Streets of Barangaroo
Barangaroo, NSW
FLAME THE FIRE:
Stoke the flames of your relationship with a fiery dinner for two at Firedoor. The entirely wood-fire powered kitchen will be preparing a special six course shared menu for you and your loved one so gaze into the fire, or their smouldering eyes, your choice, as the fire works its magic. Nervous about such intense eye contact? Don’t worry, there’s champagne on arrival. $125 per person, bookings essential.
Firedoor
23-33 Mary St, Surry Hills
02 8204 0800
KEEP IT CASUAL:
Got a special someone but don’t want to stifle them with anything too OTT? East Village’s Terrace will be hosting tasting menus for two. The rooftop of Darlinghurst’s recently revamped pub is hot property at the moment, and a great spot for a laid back celebration. Think oysters and Perrier Jouet to start, scallops, quail and a delicate strawberry mousse served with champagne jelly.
East Village Hotel
234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst
AL FRESCO AT ITS BEST:
Double Bay’s Mistelle has the al fresco dining scene down pat. Woo your loved one with a three course menu that will have them swooning in no time, the glass of Ruinart will help! Think escargot, smoked duck breast and a delicate crème brulee for dessert. $90 per person, bookings essential.
Mistelle
16 Kiaora Lane, Double Bay
02 9326 1900
BEARDED AND BEAUTIFUL:
Forget spending V-Day trying to find a bearded hipster to be your new best, ahem, friend. If you like a man in whiskers, head to the Sydney Opera House for a heady dose of bearded beauty. Canadian Cirque Alfonse will descend on Sydney from Feb 7th, spending almost a month performing the award-winning BARBU. This ain’t no ordinary circus. The men and women (non-bearded) of the troupe are world-renowned for their cheeky, energy-charged performance – using their bodies to perform feats that make our abs hurt just thinking about them. With a live band pumping out electro-trad, this is one surefire way to get your heart racing this Valentines Day. Tickets from $39.90,
Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point, Sydney
02 9250 7111
