Where to book a table this Valentine's Day
There is something satisfying about pulling off a last-minute plan that feels anything but last minute. Valentine’s Day lands, you already have a table booked, and the menu reads like you spent weeks thinking about it.
A handful of restaurants across Commercial Bay are still taking reservations for the 14th, or cleverly across the days either side, each with limited Valentine’s menus that do the heavy lifting for you. The kind of places where the food, the setting, and the mood align, and all you have to do is show up.
Here is where to book, what you will be eating, and why it works.
Cāntīng
Valentine’s Day 4-Course Set Menu I $88pp
At Nic Watt’s Cāntīng, their limited-edition Valentine’s menu centres on a selection of the restaurant’s signatures including the Cantonese BBQ duck, and a steamed dumpling selection.
A menu designed to share, and an experience of everything Cāntīng does best in one sitting.
Advieh
Valentine’s $120pp Set Menu | February 13–15
Not everyone celebrates on the 14th, and Advieh caters to that with their Valentine’s set menu available across three days—perfect for a quieter table and more time to settle in. The menu moves from oysters with finger lime and green hot sauce, to raw yellowfin tuna with kataifi pastry and harissa, falafel with sunflower seed tahini, and grilled oyster mushrooms with toum and dukkah. Mains include market fish with smoked mussel vinaigrette or coastal lamb shoulder tagine with labneh and chermoula, finished with raspberry and chocolate dessert and petit fours. Optional wine, prosecco, or a minute cocktail can be added for $10pp.
If you’re set on the 14th, Advieh still has breakfast, brunch, lunch, and high tea available—so you can mark the day any way you like.
Gochu
Valentine’s Sharing Menu | $85pp
Gochu’s Valentine’s menu is seven dishes, served sharing style, with a glass of prosecco included.
Yukhoe beef tartare with seaweed chips and egg yolk jam, salmon tart with citrus sour cream, tuna tataki with kimchi gazpacho, prawn and clam fritter, galbi beef, Gochu salad, and a layered sponge cake to finish.
Kome
Valentine's Day Set Menu I $65pp
Kome brings contemporary Japanese izakaya dining into a relaxed yet modern setting, using fresh New Zealand produce and a menu designed to share.
Their Valentine’s set keeps things generous and celebratory without feeling heavy. Edamame, 12 pieces of fresh sashimi, king salmon roll, Tokyo chicken wings, and pork and vege gyoza, paired with a glass of Mio sparkling sake or a mocktail.
Reign & Pour
Valentine’s 3-Course Set Menu | $59pp
Right on the corner of Quay Street and Little Queen Lane, Reign & Pour has front-row seats to the waterfront and a menu that suits settling in.
Their Valentine’s special includes three courses with choice across each, plus a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne on arrival. Think market fish ceviche or lamb spare ribs to start, Lumina lamb rump or Glory Bay salmon for mains, and tiramisu or sticky date pudding to finish. You can swap the champagne for a Valentine’s cocktail for an extra $10.
Burger Burger
Valentine’s Date Night Bundle I $65
For something more relaxed but still considered, Burger Burger’s $65 Date Night Bundle includes two burgers or salads, a shared snack and drinks.
