Best restaurants in Auckland to eat at this Valentine’s Day
As someone who’s never had a proper Valentine’s date, either working a hospitality shift or freshly broken up just in time for February 14th, I’ve spent plenty of time imagining what my ideal date night would look like. More importantly, I’ve dreamed about where we’d go for dinner. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a Galentine’s gathering, or a solo date (self-love is the best love, after all), here are some of Auckland’s best spots for the occasion.
Via @dil1.4
Danryu – For an elegant, intimate affair
For a date night that feels like a quiet escape from the city, Danryu is the spot. Tucked away in Devonport, this Japanese gem delivers a flawless ‘omakase’ experience, where each dish is crafted with precision and care. Fresh sashimi, delicate nigiri, and expertly paired sake make for an effortlessly romantic evening. And with the twinkling city lights waiting across the harbour, take the ferry back into town - the night doesn’t have to end when dinner does.
Via @gemmi__akl
Gemmi - For those who dream of an Italian summer but can't quite make it
Nestled in the heart of Commercial Bay, Gemmi offers a one-way ticket to the pasta capital of the world with no 30-hour flight required. If you’re craving romance with a side of handmade fettuccine pasta, raw tuna, and roasted tomato, then you're in luck. These plates are perfect for sharing, or if you're both more into savouring your Chicken Parmigiana solo, that works too. Just be sure to save room for the Zonzo Bellina Peach Spritz —Molto bene!
Via @cassia_auckland
Cassia – For an elevated, spice-filled experience
If you’re after a date night that’s bold and vibrant, Cassia is the way to go. This modern Indian fine-dining spot delivers dishes bursting with flavour. Think tandoori market fish, aromatic curries, and perfectly charred naan, all paired with a stellar wine list. The dimly lit, underground setting adds an air of mystery, making it the ideal choice for a sultry, spice-filled Valentine’s dinner.
Bar Céleste – For a moody, French-inspired rendezvous
Céleste is the kind of place that makes you feel effortlessly chic just by being there. With its delicious dimly lit interiors, flowing natural wines (orange wine, anyone?), and a menu that leans heavily on French-inspired small plates, it’s the perfect blend of sultry and sophisticated. Ideal for locking eyes over a plate of steak frites and pretending you’re in a Parisian bistro.
No. 7 – For a casual yet charming date night
By day, No. 7 is a cozy coffee shop. By night, it transforms into an intimate bar with a killer happy hour that now includes pasta. There’s something about sipping wine and twirling forkfuls of fresh pasta while seated outside, absorbing the ambience of Karangahape Road on a balmy evening. Whether you’re with a date or your besties, it’s the kind of place where great conversations unfold.
Mezze Bar – For a warm, Mediterranean escape
If you’re after a laid-back yet romantic spot, Mezze Bar is your answer. It’s been an Auckland staple for years, serving up delicious Mediterranean inspired sharing plates, sangria, and a cozy, candlelit ambience. Think of marinated olives, grilled halloumi, and fresh ceviche, because nothing says love like sharing food.
Krispy Kreme – For the least classy, but most fun date
Hear me out—grabbing a box of heart-shaped, sickly sweet doughnuts might not scream sophistication, but there’s something oddly romantic about it. A post-dinner sugar rush, sharing bites and cringing at the couples around you instead of at your own life choices? Honestly, sounds like a dream.
Start with a dinner that suits your vibe: Whether that’s an elegant omakase experience, a candlelit Mediterranean feast, or a plate of dreamy handmade pasta. Follow it up with a late-night wine bar stop, a moonlit ferry ride, or a spontaneous stroll through the city. And if all else fails? The best Valentine’s Day isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about good food, good company, and a night that you’ll laugh about later (even if it ends with heart-shaped doughnuts and existential dread about your love life).
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