Valentine’s Day is one of those divisive dates. Some couples go all-out with lavish gifts and proclamations of love while others prefer not to mark the occasion, citing that love should be year-round. If you and your significant other fit into the former (or if you’re trying to break out of the latter), MOJEH rounds-up the ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Dubai. Whether you’re after an afternoon tea in palatial surrounds or a Michelin-starred meal surrounded by an aquarium, these restaurants are sure to win you some serious brownie points.
Ossiano
Valentine’s Day is an evening where you need everything to go right, so why not put your faith in a favourite? Atlantis The Palm’s ultra-luxurious ‘underwater’ restaurant outdoes itself with a mind-boggling package that includes an eight-course dinner menu, free-flowing bubbles, flowers, chocolate, a luxury gift and a diver to deliver a personalised message. If you’ve already bought your gifts, opt for the silver package, which includes an eight-course menu, bottle of bubbles and a box of chocolates. Starting from Dhs5,500 per couple, Atlantis The Palm. Book now
Stay By Yannick Alléno
The two Michelin-starred restaurant offers an intimate six-course Valentine’s Day dinner that celebrates French cuisine with a modern flair (and a stellar grape offering to boot). Set within the serenity of One&Only The Palm, Stay by Yannick Alléno is the reservation to secure if your significant other is a luxury-loving foodie. Dhs3,800 per couple, One&Only The Palm Dubai. Book now
Jamavar
Jamavar arrived in Downtown Dubai after international success in London and Doha and, in-keeping with its reputation, scooped-up a Michelin star before its first year on our shores had lapsed. The restaurant evokes the grandeur of palatial Indian dining; Valentine’s Day sees the intricate interiors illuminated by candlelight and strewn with florals. There are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian set menus available on the night, both of which conclude with a special love-inspired dessert. Starting from Dhs425 per person, Opera District. Book now
Smoked Room
The award-winning fire-led restaurant presents an omakase Valentine’s experience that begins with an aperitif in the secret room. The main event is a parade of Smoked Room’s star dishes – smoked sturgeon nitro tomato with horseradish cream and caviar, anyone? – followed by a special surprise for dessert. There will also be an artist on hand to capture moments from your evening to ensure it’s truly unforgettable. Dhs1,200 per person. Book now
Atlantis The Palm
Is there anything more romantic than sharing a meal on a secluded beach to the sound of lapping waves? Atlantis The Palm makes the Valentine’s Day of dreams a reality with a private dinner experience complemented by a live pianist as well as a photographer to capture your reaction as you receive a Tiffany necklace, chocolate box and bouquet. Dhs35,000 per couple, Atlantis The Palm. Book now
Ina
Dine under the stars this Valentine’s Day at Ina Dubai on J1 Beach. A selection of shellfish (with the option of additional caviar) kicks off a decadent three-course menu that also includes truffle-topped surf & turf and a trolley of treats. Dhs750 per person, J1 Beach. Book now
Honeycomb Hi-Fi
If you and your loved one prefer to dance the night away rather than whisper sweet nothings over dinner, Honeycomb Hi-Fi has just the ticket. The listening bar hosts Cascou, a Kuwait-born DJ, on 14 February, as well as Milan-based DJ Matisa. Sip expertly mixed concoctions, tuck into izakaya-inspired bites and celebrate the Hallmark holiday in style. Starting from Dhs120 per person, Pullman Hotel Downtown Dubai. Book now
One&Only Royal Mirage
Swap dinner for an afternoon tea experience inspired by the most romantic day of the year. The flavours of February – think chocolate, rose, raspberry and lychee – come together across sweet treats accompanied by savoury sandwiches and an extensive tea selection. Settle in in either the Lobby Lounge or Samovar Lounge; MOJEH recommends strolling the grounds come sunset for a romantic end to the afternoon. Starting from Dhs215 per person, One&Only Royal Mirage. Book now
Mott 32
Celebrate Valentine’s Day overlooking the Dubai skyline at Mott 32. Dive into an à la carte menu of Chinese classics from apple wood-roasted 42-day Peking Duck to smoked black cod, and end the meal with a special dessert inspired by the occasion. You’ll find the best views from the terrace, though Mott 32’s interiors offer plenty to gaze over if you prefer to sit indoors. Starting from Dhs1,400 for outdoor seating, Address Beach Resort. Book now
High Society
High Society at The Lana is pulling out all the stops for its Valentine’s Day experience, reserved for one couple only. The celebrations begin with a private sunset cruise along the Dubai Canal, followed by a bespoke seven-course dinner on the rooftop complete with free-flowing bubbly. If you would rather stay on land, book a private cabana for dinner and surprise your loved one with a bouquet of 1000 roses. Starting from Dhs2,000, The Lana Dorchester Collection. Book now
Pierchic
Pierchic has long been one of Dubai’s most romantic restaurants thanks to its over-water location and unrestricted views of the glittering Burj Al Arab. This Valentine’s Day, Pierchic greets diners with a glass of pink grape before they tuck into an exclusive set menu to the sounds of live entertainment. Before dinner, MOJEH recommends watching the sunset from Onda by Pierchic with an aperitivo and canapés in hand. Dhs1,850 per person, Jumeirah Al Qasr. Book now
Hanu
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an intimate chef’s table experience that marries romance with gastronomy. The multi-course menu honours heritage with a modern twist through dishes of yellowtail with jeju mandarin ceviche and lobster wellington with kimchi; served with a glass of bubbles, the experience is limited to only ten guests. If you have your eye on the à la carte menu, that will also be available throughout the evening. Dhs895 per person, St. Regis Gardens Dubai. Book now
Avatara
Avatara, the world’s only Michelin-starred vegetarian fine-dining restaurant, is partnering with Cadillac this Valentine’s Day to ensure the smoothest of celebrations. A complimentary chauffeured pick-up and drop-off takes the stress out of planning, ensuring you can enjoy the exclusive menu, bespoke beverages and your loved one’s company without worry or distraction. Dhs750 per person, Dubai Hills. Book now
Tezukuri
Go low-key this Valentine’s Day at Tezukuri, Dubai’s latest temaki dining destination by Kinoya’s Neha Mishra. Discover an extensive selection of temaki, nigiri, sashimi, small plates and mains crafted from premium ingredients as well as an innovative array of Japanese-inspired beverages. Pull up a chair at the chef’s table to see all the action unfold and don’t leave without stopping by the hidden listening bar. The Courtyard, Opera Grand. Book now
Signor Sassi
One could argue that Italian cuisine is the most romantic of all (didn’t you see Lady and the Tramp?). Signor Sassi, Dubai’s rooftop Italian restaurant, serves a limited-edition menu with a side of romance amidst olive trees and a marble fountain. Oysters, mushroom and truffle arancini, black truffle ravioli and lobster thermidor are all on the set menu, which you can enjoy to the soundtrack of a live band. Starting from Dhs1,200, St. Regis The Palm Dubai. Book now
Al Muntaha
This award-winning restaurant in the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is a show-stopper on Valentine’s Day and beyond. To mark the occasion, Al Muntaha’s chef Saverio Sbaragli has curated an exclusive degustation menu of French-Italian fare, best paired with a stellar selection of grape. Starting at Dhs1,700 per person, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. Book now
Tabū
Switch-up your Valentine’s Day celebrations this year and forgo a quiet dinner in favour of the Samurai Night Brunch at Tabū. The Valentine’s Day edition features a mind-boggling array of live entertainment from DJ sets to roaming performers as well as a sharing-style menu of Japanese fare and complimentary bubbly for couples. Starting at Dhs333 per person, The St. Regis Downtown Dubai. Book now
