Where to Eat on Valentine's Day for Every Couple

The most romantic night of the year is almost upon us, and that can only mean one thing: the race for dinner reservations is on. In a city overflowing with options, we’ve narrowed down the choices to find something for everyone this Valentine’s Day.

For the Refined

Hong Kong’s most iconic hotel, the Mandarin Oriental, is offering couples a number of unparalleled options for Valentine’s Day. Come together in one of the city’s most beautiful restaurants, Man Wah, and feast like royalty on a special six-course menu featuring fillet of spotted grouper, pan fried scallop with minced shrimp and traditional red wine pudding. Those looking for the ultimate in romance can reserve a table at the hotel’s stunning two Michelin-starred restaurant, Pierre, and watch the sun set over a four-course menu of Oscietra caviar, veal rack and a signature dessert by Chef Gagnaire.

Man Wah’s six-course menu is available on 14 February, with a 6pm seating and an 8:30pm seating for HK$1,088 per person.

Man Wah, 25/F, The Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central. For reservations, contact +852 2522 0111 or email [email protected]

Pierre’s menu is available on 14 Febraury with a 6pm seating and an 8:30pm seating. Prices are HK$1,788 per person for the early seating, and HK$2,588 per person for the later.

Pierre, 25/F, The Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central. For reservations, contact +852 2522 0111 or email [email protected].

For the Sophisticates

Step back in time at Buenos Aires Polo Club, a handsome Argentinian steakhouse by Black Sheep Restaurants. Dark wood and warm leather accents set the mood for an intimate four-course menu prepared by chef Felipe Lopez. The meal begins with a vibrant seafood platter of Russian crab legs, red prawn, and fresh oysters before the pièce de résistance is presented. The signature 12oz ribeye steak, sourced from the restaurant’s special herd of free-roam Argentinian cattle has a unique, earthy taste that steak lovers will relish. Finish the evening with a flaming Malvaviscos dessert, Dulce de Leche ice cream hidden within homemade marshmallows. Definitely ask the resident sommelier for wine recommendations from their all Argentinian cellar.

Black Sheep Restaurant’s menu is available from from 10-17 February, for HK$598 per person.

Buenos Aires Polo Club, 7/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central. For reservations contact +852 2321 8681 or email [email protected].

For a Couple of Couples

The more the merrier is the spirit at this New York-Italian restaurant, created by Michelin-starred chef Mario Carbone. Lively yet refined, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a special meal with friends. The decadent three-course menu features the restaurant’s most iconic dishes, including Lobster Ravioli, Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and the eponymous Mario’s Meatballs, served family style. While the food is divine, and no doubt the company is faultless, it’s really the desserts that will leave you weak in the knees— don’t miss the sinfully indulgent Chocolate Blackout Cake.

Carbone’s menu is available on 14 February. The price is HK$788 per person.

Carbone Hong Kong, 9/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central. For reservations contact +852 2593 2593 or email [email protected].

For the Foodies

If you love checking out the newest restuarants, Valentine’s Day at 12,000 Francs is the place to be. The newly opened, ingredient-driven restaurant and wine bar focuses on European cuisine and preservation techniques. There are two different set menus available for Valentine’s Day featuring tempting options like King Salmon Tartine with horseradish and crispy spiced pork trotters with aioli. Special wine pairings are available for the evening, including Janisson & Fils Champagne, a pour that has just landed on Hong Kong’s shores.

12,000 Francs’ menu is available on 14 February, with a 6:30pm seating and an 8:30pm seating. The prices are HK$480 per person for the earlier seating and HK$650 per person for the later.

12,000 Francs, G/F, Elgin Building, 43A Elgin Street, SoHo, Central. For reservations contact +852 2529 3100 or email [email protected].

For the VIPs

Michelin-starred ON Dining Kitchen and Lounge is offering one couple the chance to be personally served by chef Philippe Orrico himself. Seated high above the city on a special rooftop table you’ll get VIP service and incomparable views of busting Central. In case you miss the chef’s table, you can still enjoy a romantic and luxurious evening downstairs in the restaurant or lounge with dishes inspired by southern Europe and the Mediterranean including roasted Brittany scallops & squid with beetroot, piquillos, and smoke eel, or prime beef teriyaki with white Maitake mushroom and whipped potato.

On Dining Kitchen & Lounge’s menus will be available on 14 February. Prices are HK$3,888 per personfor a private dinner with Chef Orrico, HK$488 per personfor a meal in the lounge, and HK$788 per personfor an evening in the restaurant.

On Dining Kitchen & Lounge, 28/F & 29/F, On Lan Street, Central. For reservations contact +852 2174 8100 or email [email protected].

For the Cinema Buffs

Foxglove, an old-world inspired speakeasy, reinvents the classic date night with an intimate showing of the beloved romantic comedy, “When Harry Met Sally” and a mouth watering, three-course dinner. Nestle together on the plush banquettes of the train carriage-inspired ‘Orient Express Cabin’ while enjoying gourmet movie snacks and themed cocktails, before delving into dishes such as seared Hokkaido scallop salad, and roasted Australian John Dory papillote. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary glass of Monet Rosé with their meal, which is surely a reason to toast! Finish the evening in the main Hangar where the enchanting VoSSa will be serenading the room with classic love songs from 9pm onwards.

Foxglove’s cinema and Valentine’s Day menu are available on 14 February, from 9pm. The price of the dinner and movie is HK$680.

Foxglove, G/F, 18 Ice House Street, Central. For reservations contact +852 2116 8949 or email [email protected].

For the Limited Edition Lovers

If you’re looking for something that you won’t get anywhere else this Valentine’s Day, Zuma is launching a brand new collaboration between bartender Arkadiusz Rybak and famed British perfumery Penhaligon’s. Four innovative cocktails have been created to complement the newest family of fragrances, Portraits, which explores the identities of four fictional characters. Each drink brings the character’s personalities to life, like the mysterious Lady Blanche, represented by a creamy, Toro infused vodka, handmade yuzu gin and atsukan syrup and the powerful Lord George, a heavy, decadent and musky drink made with abrox and umeshu- a cocktail as strong as the fictitious man himself. Each pour is presented alongside a sample of the original fragrance, so you have something to remember the experience by. For a full Zuma experience, you can also reserve a table for two at their nine-course dinner, and receive a fragranced Penhaligon’s Portrait handkerchief, fragrance samples and a complimentary Duchess Rose cocktail.

The collaborative cocktails at Zuma are available from 14 February – 31 March, while the Valentine’s Day dinner is available on 14 February. The price of cocktails is HK$110, and the nine-course dinner is HK$2,500 per couple.

Zuma, 5/F & 6/F, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central. For reservations contact +852 3657 6388 or email [email protected].

For the Discerning Couple

Richard Ekkebus’ seminal two Michelin-starred restaurant invites guests to celebrate during lunch or dinner. Start the four-course afternoon with ‘Ebisu’ winter oysters, and a faultless poached foie gras, before tucking into a delicately prepared poached and roasted Patis Poularde, with purple artichoke and a vin jaune emulsion. Black Périgord truffles and a sweet selection of desserts are also available. To experience the extravagant, come in the evening for an eight-course candle-lit rich dinner of dishes like Oscietre caviar ‘gold’-crafted feuille de brick tart, and hearty roasted blue lobster. Wine pairings are available for both meals for a truly flawless evening.

Amber’s menus are available on 14 February. The price of lunch is HK$1,488 per person, while the lunch wine pairing is an additional HK$888 per person. The price of dinner is HK$3,188 per person, while the wine pairing is an additional HK$1,888.

Amber, 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central. For reservations contact +852 2132 0066 or email [email protected].

The Grill Lovers

Nothing says love like some perfectly barbecued, asador style dishes. Head to The Optimist for a five-course menu of fresh seafood and juicy steaks. Start with the special Valentine’s Day cocktail, An Optimist in Love, for a sweet beginning, before whetting the appetite with smaller dishes, like oysters and Spanish Jamon Iberico. Expertly grilled Galician Octopus and Huevos Rotos topped with boletus mushrooms and black truffles are just a few of the mouth-watering main dishes, just be sure to save room for dessert!

The Optimist’s menu is available on 14 February. The price of dinner is HK$520 per person, and the Optimist in Love cocktail is HK$100.

The Optimist, G/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. For reservations contact +852 2433 3324 or email [email protected].

The Kowloon Couple

Don’t leave Kowloon-side this Valentine’s Day, when Sing Yin, the W Hotel’s Cantonese restaurant, is serving up a feast of traditional fare. Braised fresh abalone, spotted garoupa, and baked egg are just a few of the delicacies waiting at this innovative hotel restaurant. Designed to capture the vibrancy of the city’s streets, this is the perfect place for couples looking to celebrate in true Hong Kong style.

Sing Yin’s menu is available on 14 February, for HK$1,288 per person.

Sing Yin, 1/F, W Hotel, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon. For reservations contact +852 3717 2848 or email [email protected].

For the Home Bodies

Sometimes, the most romantic place to be is cuddled up at home. If you want a really intimate dinner, without the crowds or return times, the Butchers Club’s Valentine’s Day hampers are a perfect option. There are three impressive hampers to choose from, each including the restaurant’s premium, dry-aged steaks, a bottle of Alto shiraz, rich veal jus and two pre-prepared sides. They can be picked-up in store or delivered, with same-day and next-day options available. The Premium Hamper also includes a rich Foie Gras Terrine and two Butchers Club steak knives to enjoy long after the holiday has passed.

The Butchers Club hampers are available until 19 February. Prices are HK$588 for the Standard Hamper, HK$758 for the Deluxe Hamper, and HK$1088 for the Premium Hamper.

The Butcher’s Club, 16/F, Shui Ki Industrial Building, 18 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang. To order a hamper, contact +852 2110 1258 or www.store.thebutchers.club.