Australia’s most romantic restaurants

Candlelight, roses and fine food. These are some of the best restaurant choices for Valentine’s Day.

Brisbane

If you want your darling to feel llke they are walking on cloud nine then head for the sky. The Summit Restaurant & Bar at Mt Coot-Tha offers amazing panaromic views of the city and beyond, and has a gorgeous setting of uber cool whites with candlelight — one of the reasons it was awarded a 2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

The Summit is offering their usual outstanding modern Australian food over two sittings at sunset from 5 p.m. ($80 pp) and from 7:30 p.m. ($130 pp). Both are six-course meals.

Sydney

Of course there are hundreds of Sydney restaurants to choose from but if you really want a little “amore” on the big day then you can’t go past Pendolino on George Street. The restaurant oozes European sophistication from the dark wood features, dim lighting, display walls of wine and starch white tablecloths.

Among the many mouthwatering offerings, handmade pasta dishes are a particular highlight. The main meals speak of true rustic Italian, including white polenta and black squid ink risotto.

Lovers can enjoy a seven-course degustation menu ($139 pp) or add matched wines for $199 on Valentine’s night.

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Melbourne

Mood lighting, floral arrangements and dark decor create an ultra sultry atmosphere at Attica Restaurant in Ripponlea. Chef Ben Shewry creates amazing plates that showcase Victoria’s finest meats and produce. In fact, the food is so good the restaurant has been awarded three hats and named Restaurant of the Year by The Age‘s Good Food Guide, and is number 53 on San Pellegrino’s 2011 list of best restaurants.

This Valentine’s Day, Attica is offering a six-course menu for $170 pp.

Tasmania

If a picturesque garden, bay views and the freshest food possible is your partner’s thing, then you will knock their socks off with The Stackings at Peppermint Bay. Delectable meals are made after the vegetables have been plucked from the on-site garden and combined with local seafood and meats.

Hobart locals can leave the car behind and jump on board a catamaran for a day trip that will include a three-course meal ($98 pp).

Adelaide

For a very sophisticated adult night out, make a reservation at Auge Ristorante in Adelaide’s CBD. The setting is high end starting with a copper doorway and water feature, leather seating and decor splashed with burnt orange and wood. The menu is seasonal based on the best South Australian produce available at the time of year.

This Valentine’s Day diners can choose from a four-course degustation ($109 pp) or a six-course degustation ($130 pp), as well as additionally priced matching wines if preferred.

Perth

Step back in time for some vintage romance at 1907 at the Alleyway, Queen Street. This restaurant offers lots of old world charm, set in a 100-year-old refurbished rag trade factory. The focus is on fine dining, proving a feast for all senses, including 21-day aged beef and fresh bread baked on location.

A five-course menu is available on Valentine’s night for $130 per head, as well as matched wines for another $70.

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