Valentine’s Day is the most loved and loathed annual celebration, but it’s a good excuse to dine at some of the country’s finest establishments. Whether you have a main squeeze or just rally your friends, you should definitely squeeze on to these reservation lists.
1/9
Augustus, Auckland
The new bistro in the old post office building at Three Lamps, Ponsonby, is offering two set menu options for Valentine’s Day, with a flute of Veuve Clicquot Rosè on arrival. Very French.
@augustusbistro
2/9
The Sugar Club, Auckland
Send all the right signals to your date on the 53rd level of the Sky Tower at Peter Gordon’s fusion cuisine restaurant in the sky. With a specially designed Valentine’s Day menu including Hiramasa kingfish and peanut butter parfait, you may not want to skip dessert.
@thesugarclub
3/9
Azabu, Auckland
If you’re after something a little bit different, Azabu in Ponsonby offers a delicious range of Nikkei cuisine, with a focus on Peruvian Japanese. Think beef tataki tostadas and chicken katsu bao buns. And, did we mentioned they serve frosé?
@azabuponsonby
4/9
Mission Estate, Napier
It’s hard to imagine a more romantic spot than New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate – and it’s just as spectacular at night. @missionestatewinery
5/9
Capitol, Wellington
At the end of Courtenay Place is a small restaurant with Campari lining the door frame, named Capitol. It’s an intimate space to cosy up to your date while trying a seasonal menu that always has what you’re in the mood for – from seared prawns to the best soft-centered chocolate pudding.
@capitolrestaurant_nz
6/9
Sagio di Vino, Christchurch
‘Saggio di Vino’ literally translates to ‘wine wise’ in Italian. From the seasonal menu’s fish velouté to house made farfalle pasta, you’d be wise to take a foodie date to this Christchurch restaurant.
@Saggiodivino
7/9
The Grille by Eichardts, Queenstown
This spot scores brownie points for its chocolate-leather booths and location right next to the lake, perfect for a romantic walk after the Cardrona merino lamb shoulder and beetroot salad.
@thegrillebyeichardts
8/9
Bracken, Dunedin
Known for their impeccable degustation menus served in a historic Victorian villa, Bracken is offering a special six-course menu with a glass of champagne this Valentine’s Day. If you live in Dunedin, it’s not to be missed.
@Brackenrestaurant
9/9
No date? No problem.
After previous successful events, Burger Burger is hosting BB Blind Dates 3.0. Bigger and better than ever before, it will bring together 200 singles for a night of drinks, banter, speed dating and burgers. @burgerburgernz
Unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special offers by becoming an FQ Insider.
Unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special offers by becoming an FQ Insider.
