The simplest but most effective way to show that you care this Valentine’s Day is by booking a table at one of Auckland’s finest restaurants and letting the evening take care of itself. Despite the occasion still being over a week away, we have it on good authority that reservations are already filling fast, making now the moment to commit — lest you find yourself scrambling for a last-minute table that does neither you nor the occasion justice. From indulgent set menus and generous sharing platters to Champagne on arrival and desserts made with romance in mind, here’s where to celebrate on the 14th of February.

Ebisu

One of Auckland’s most beloved Japanese institutions is marking Valentine’s Day with a refined sharing platter designed for an intimate night out. Created expressly for two, the platter features tuna and salmon tartare, a nine-piece selection of pristine sashimi showcasing the day’s best cuts, rich wagyu nigiri finished with sweet soy and daikon oroshi, and classic tuna and spring onion hosomaki to round things out. Balanced, generous, and quietly luxurious, it’s a confident choice for couples who prefer elegance without excess. $100 per platter. Book here.

Azabu Mission Bay

Azabu Mission Bay marks the occasion with a refined sharing platter designed for two. The platter brings together citrus-cured white fish ceviche with leche de tigre and crisp tostada, a small selection of pristine sashimi, wagyu nigiri glazed with sweet soy and finished with daikon oroshi, and classic tuna and spring onion hosomaki. Clean, elegant, and perfectly balanced. $100 per platter. Book here.

Metita

Metita brings warmth and generosity to Valentine’s Day with a sharing-style à la carte menu inspired by Pacific flavours. The table might begin with corned beef buns and panikeke, before moving into wood-fired duck breast, roasted carrots, and vine tomato salad. Vibrant, soulful, and designed for sharing, it’s a celebration that feels heartfelt rather than formal. Book here.

Azabu Ponsonby

At Azabu Ponsonby, Valentine’s Day unfolds over a specially crafted set menu for dinner from 5pm. The evening begins with omakase sushi and sashimi, followed by dishes such as duck leg confit with orange soy and steamed bok choy, and Akaroa salmon miso yaki with saikyo miso and pickled red onion. Dessert brings a sense of theatre, with white chocolate and yuzu mousse served alongside Basque cheesecake, strawberry sorbet, and macerated strawberries. $115 per person, with lunch remaining à la carte. Book here.

Huami

Huami offers two distinct ways to celebrate, depending on the pace of your day. Lunch leans into the theatre of hand-made dim sum, with an array of delicate dumplings and yum cha classics designed for leisurely sharing. In the evening, the experience shifts up a gear with a $128 per person Valentine’s set menu, accompanied by two flutes of Perrier-Jouët Champagne. The multi-course dinner showcases Huami’s signature modern Chinese cuisine before finishing with a special Valentine’s dessert. For those wanting to elevate the occasion further, a single rose can be presented on arrival. Book here.

SkyBar

For couples who prefer to keep things light, SkyBar’s His & Her’s shared cocktail experience offers a relaxed but considered way to mark the occasion. Two signature cocktails are paired with hand-crafted chocolates from SUCRÉ by SkyCity, created specifically to be shared and savoured together. Available from Friday 13 through to Sunday 15 February, this is a polished pre- or post-dinner option. $49 for two, with pre-booking required. Book here.

Bivacco

With its prime harbourfront position and effortlessly social atmosphere, Bivacco is leaning into Valentine’s weekend rather than confining the celebration to a single night. From 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday, diners can enjoy exclusive Valentine’s drink specials alongside a decadent dessert offering, designed to be the perfect finish to an afternoon or early evening spent overlooking the water. Paired with Bivacco’s signature Mediterranean-leaning menu and buzzy waterfront energy, it’s a relaxed, romantic option that still feels like an occasion. Book here.

MASU

MASU turns Valentine’s Day into an immersive evening of Japanese robata cooking and bold flavours. Expect flame-grilled king salmon, pristine sashimi, and hand-rolled maki prepared with MASU’s signature precision, alongside dishes straight from the robata grill that bring heat and theatre to the table. The evening concludes with a special Valentine’s dessert, designed to be shared. Energetic, refined, and reliably impressive. Book here.

The Grill

Romance at The Grill is expressed through produce and restraint. A seasonal à la carte menu showcases the best of New Zealand land and sea, from sustainably sourced coastal seafood to impeccably cooked cuts of beef. Whether opting for oysters to start or a decadent beef centrepiece, this is an experience built around classic flavours and an atmosphere that encourages lingering. Book here.

Andiamo

Andiamo welcomes all forms of love with a three-course Valentine’s Day set menu from 5pm. Guests are greeted with a glass of G.H. Mumm Cordon Rosé before settling in over indulgent dishes created specifically for the evening, including a heart-shaped goat’s cheese and beetroot ravioli. At $110 per person, it’s a classic Valentine’s experience done with warmth and charm. Book here.

Advieh

Advieh marks Valentine’s Day with a specially curated set menu designed for sharing, savouring, and lingering. Priced at $120 per person, the experience showcases the restaurant’s signature Middle Eastern flavours, opening with local oysters dressed in finger lime and green hot sauce, raw yellowfin tuna with kataifi pastry and harissa, and crisp falafel with sunflower seed tahini and hung yoghurt. From there, expect grilled oyster mushrooms with Lebanese toum, a standout course of chopped Wapiti deer with potato galette and Aleppo pepper romesco, before choosing between market fish with smoked mussel vinaigrette or coastal lamb shoulder tagine with labneh and green chermoula. Thoughtful sides complete the table, making this a richly spiced, generously paced way to celebrate. An optional wine, prosecco, or handcrafted minute cocktail pairing is available for an additional $10 per person. Book here.

Gilt Brasserie

Valentine’s Day at Gilt is all about indulgence, generosity, and staying longer than planned. On Friday 13th February, diners can choose between the à la carte menu or a Valentine’s set offering, while Saturday, 14th is reserved for a four-course set menu designed expressly for sharing. Expect bold, crowd-pleasing brasserie dishes, a wine list that encourages another pour, and a dining room that hums from the moment you arrive. From 4pm across both nights, this is a celebration of love in all its forms. $145 per person, with Saturday shaping up to be the most coveted sitting. Book here.

Non Solo Pizza

At NSP, Valentine’s Day is all about sharing. A seafood antipasto brings together freshly shucked oysters with shallot vinegar, poached prawns with Mary Rose sauce, tender mussels, smoked salmon, seared tuna, and lemon, followed by a Valentine’s dessert special of strawberry panna cotta with fresh berries, coulis, and chantilly cream. Available alongside the à la carte dinner menu, it’s a relaxed and convivial way to celebrate. Book here.

Somm

Somm’s Valentine’s Day offering is built around indulgence and atmosphere. A three-course set menu opens with dishes such as kingfish tartare with mango, jalapeño and lime, buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomato and melon, and crispy fried chicken with hot honey. Mains follow, with options including grilled market fish with sweetcorn and basil, grass-fed sirloin with green garlic herb butter, or eggplant schnitzel with chilli coconut sauce. Dessert comes in the form of peach melba with rosé, raspberry and vanilla ice cream. A flute of G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon on arrival and live music throughout the night complete the experience. $85 per person from 5pm. Book here.

Ortolana

Ortolana’s Valentine’s Day set menu is warm, seasonal, and designed for lingering. Entrées include market fish crudo with plum and nectarine, duck liver parfait with apple and orange chutney, or vegetarian options showcasing burrata, courgette, and heirloom tomatoes. Mains range from pappardelle with heirloom tomato and chilli butter to classic cacio e pepe with prosciutto, market fish with herb crème fraîche, or chicken cotoletta. Desserts finish things on a sweet note with tiramisu-inspired cake, vanilla panna cotta with strawberry and orange, or chocolate cremeux with whiskey crumb. $95 per person from 5pm. Book here.

Bar Magda

Bar Magda leans unapologetically into indulgence with a five-course surf-and-turf Valentine’s menu. The $150 per person experience begins with a welcome cocktail or Champagne before moving through luxurious bites such as scampi tacos, premium local seafood sourced from Connors Catch, and a standout wagyu steak course. Bold flavours and generous pacing make this one for couples who like to celebrate properly. Book here.

The Wine Room

The Wine Room brings Parisian romance to Valentine’s Day with an evening built on atmosphere as much as food. Live music, candlelight, and a chilled glass of Champagne on arrival set the tone, before Chef Ryan Moore guides diners through a curated selection of his most iconic dishes. For those inclined to elevate the experience further, a French-inspired wine pairing, hand-selected by David Nash, completes the journey. Elegant, intimate, and impeccably timed, it’s a night that understands romance is as much about rhythm as it is flavour. Book here.

Esther

For something altogether different, Esther’s Baked With Love High Tea runs across four dates beginning Saturday 14 February. A collaboration with Baby Buck, the experience blends Esther’s Mediterranean sensibility with nostalgic patisserie, including a reimagined Baby Bruce cake layered with chocolate and pistachio ganache, a refreshed dessert trolley featuring rosewater and raspberry cupcakes, hazelnut choux buns, and pistachio cannoli bites, alongside elevated savouries such as chicken souvlaki and pea and ricotta pastizzi. One lucky diner at each sitting will leave with a vintage cake. $89 per person, or $109 with bottomless prosecco. Book here.

Duo

For one night only, Duo is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a decadent set menu that unapologetically leans into luxury. The Saturday 14th February experience brings together oysters, crayfish, caviar, wagyu, and an indulgent chocolate finale, all designed to be enjoyed alongside Duo’s standout wine offering. Intimate, refined, and resolutely indulgent, this is one for couples who like to celebrate properly. Book here.

kingi

Valentine’s Day at kingi is relaxed, elegant, and built for sharing. Guests begin with a glass of bubbles before a three-course menu unfolds featuring bright tuna crudo, Lumina lamb, and the freshest catch from local waters, all served to the table. For those wanting to elevate the start, a platter of Pacific oysters can be added. The evening finishes with a decadent dessert of chocolate and Otago cherries. $125 per person. Book here.

Fed Deli

For those celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day in a more relaxed fashion, Fed Deli keeps things comfort-forward with all-day brunch favourites and a special house-made tiramisu. Available from Friday 13 February from 11am and all day Saturday until sold out, the tiramisu is the perfect sweet finish to a casual, unfussy date. No bookings required.

Olle

At Olle, Valentine’s Day is an invitation to slow down and savour the moment. Running across two nights on the 13th and 14th of February, the experience centres on a thoughtfully composed set menu priced at $70 per person, with the option to add a $45 wine pairing. With seatings from 5pm, the evening is designed for sharing good food, enjoying generous hospitality, and settling in for a relaxed, intimate night out. Book here.