DUBAI
Casual
If you’re looking for tasty food in a relaxed setting, book a table at Urbano Cafe. Located in Downtown Dubai near the Burj Khalifa, the Italian trattoria is known for its authentic dishes – served without big price tags.
• A set menu for two is Dh250. From 12pm to 11pm. Urbano Cafe is in Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai. Call 04 435 5777
For a trendy yet laid-back meal, hit Sapori di BiCE at one of its two locations. The seven-course sharing menu has been designed by chef Luca Zanchetti and will include braised octopus salad, gnocchi with Pacific prawns, and pan-seared sea bream with lemon, honey and star anise. The special dessert – called Passion Chocolate – is the perfect way to end the meal.
• Dh450 for two. For Citywalk location, call 04 344 2550. For The Beach, JBR, call 04 551 6349
Romantic
If you’ve never been to Pierchic, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to check out this stunning restaurant, set at the end of a pier in the Arabian Gulf. The restaurant overlooks the Burj Al Arab and has recently been remodelled, which includes the addition of two overwater pods for beverages and lounging along the pier. The set menu comprises signature seafood dishes.
• Dh2,500 for two, inclusive of beverages and a surprise gift for the ladies. From 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Pierchic is on the beach of Al Qasr Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah. Call 04 366 5866
For a more secluded option, head to the Waldorf Astoria on the Palm Jumeirah. A concierge will guide you to your own candlelit beachside cabana for a romantic feast for two. Choose from the seafood menu with caviar and salmon tartare or the international menu with beef carpaccio and butternut pumpkin with truffle risotto. You can also request a special menu tailor-made to your taste.
• Dh1,600 for two, seafood menu; Dh1,300 for two, international menu. Reservations required at least 48 hours in advance.Call 04 818 2222
Is there anything more romantic than a picnic for two? If you love the outdoors, book a moonlit picnic at Blades at Al Badia Golf Club. Find a spot on the extensive lawns, where a live guitarist will set the mood.
• From 7pm to 11pm. Dh580 for two, inclusive of select beverages. Call 04 701 1127
Extravagant
Book a table on the beach or in a private beachside cabana at Zero Gravity. Couples are welcomed with a beverage and a rose for her before the culinary adventure begins. The beach-table packages offer pistachio-crusted foie gras roulade, pan-fried Norwegian salmon and braised Wagyu short ribs. The cabana package includes caviar and oysters in addition to the beach table menu.
• Beach table, Dh1,999 for two; cabana, Dh2,499 for two. Inclusive of select beverages. From 7.30pm.Call 04 399 0009
Over the top
The Viewing Deck at The Palace Downtown Dubai has set up an unforgettable evening with a butler, solo violinist, a gourmet dining experience and unlimited premium beverages – all in a private setting with a stunning view of the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain.
• From 8pm to 11.30pm. Dh22,000 per couple. Call 04 428 7806
ABU DHABI
Casual
Head to Choice Cut steakhouse at The Novotel Al Bustan for a three-course set menu for two. To make it extra special, couples can book a room with breakfast on February 13 or 14.
• Dinner and a room costs Dh800; Dh550 for dinner only. From 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Call 02 501 6444
For a relaxed meal in a trendy venue, head to Emporio Armani Caffè at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. The evening starts with a welcome mocktail called Valentine Love, followed by a set menu of Italian favourites that includes a choice of two starters, two mains and two desserts.
• Dh500 for two. From 10am to 1am. Call 02 676 6995
Romantic
Frankie’s Italian Restaurant at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr has prepared a five-course set menu inspired by the city of Venice and the colour red. The menu includes grilled red Mediterranean prawns with passion fruit sauce and red beet-and-burrata-stuffed ravioli with lobster medallions. Chocolates and roses will be handed out to the ladies and all guests will have a chance to win prizes, including overnight stays and exclusive gifts.
• From 7pm to 11.30pm, Dh395 per person. Call 02 654 3238
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi has a way of making you feel like you’re dining alone even when the restaurant is full. With dim lighting and intimate seating, the restaurant is perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner. The chefs have designed a four-course set menu that includes braised fish maw soup with truffle, a Valentine’s dim sum platter, grilled Chilean sea bass with miso sauce, wok-fried chicken with Osmanthus honey and more.
• From 6pm to midnight. Dh400 per person. Call 02 690 7999
Extravagant
If you have some extra cash laying around to spend on that special someone, take them to the secluded cellar of La Cava at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island. Chef Francisco Sanabria will serve signature dishes and Catalonian specialities such as pan-fried foie gras, oysters and gourmet cheeses. Exclusive beverages included.
• Dh8,000 for two. Call 02 813 5555
Over the top
The Shangri-La hotel, Qaryat Al Beri might have the most expensive Valentine’s Day package in the world. The experience includes a limousine pick-up from anywhere in the city, caviar spa treatments, private dinner on the rooftop of the hotel with a seven-course customised menu, a private musician and magician at dinner, a helicopter ride, personal shopper (clothes included) and a night in the presidential suite with flowers and gourmet chocolates. After dessert, the couple will exchange gifts, choosing from Montre Hublot and Dior couture pieces hand-picked by the personal shopper. All this can be yours for Dh400,000.
• To book, call 02 509 8888
sjohnson@thenational.ae