Valentine’s in Dubai is an occasion like no other. While the city has no dearth of Valentine’s activities, there is something magical about intimate candlelit dinners in a warm, romantic setting. Whether you are looking to make an impression on a first date or you are ready to pop the question or you are simply looking to rekindle the romance, this round-up of the best restaurants for Valentine’s day in Dubai has you covered. Table for two, please?
Where to dine: Best Valentine’s day restaurants in Dubai
Allow your love to soar to dizzying new heights at the Burj Khalifa’s iconic lounge, At.mosphere. Routinely counted among the most romantic restaurants in Dubai, float dreamily among the clouds from its perch on the 122nd floor as you tempt your palate with a six-course meal, designed to be savored slowly for a Valentine’s day that the two of you will always remember.
For a fine-dining experience unlike any other, feast your eyes on the panoramic views of Dubai from 52 levels high in the sky at CouCou, a rooftop restaurant that undoubtedly serves as one of the best places to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Dubai. Once you manage to tear your gaze away from the 360-degree view of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai coast, there is a lip-smacking menu to be considered featuring standout dishes like the king crab salad, milk-fed lamb cutlet, 72-hour house smoked salmon and an inverted tiramisu.
No round-up of the most romantic date restaurants in Dubai can ever exclude Sushisamba. Bask in the golden hour of sunset with a chef-curated menu for two as well as the signature à la carte menu featuring a whirlwind of Brazilian, Japanese and Peruvian cuisine—the jersey rock oysters, wagyu tataki, truffle-glazed lobster and rose-infused panna cotta will have you coming back for more.
As one of the most romantic hotels in Dubai, Waldorf Astoria’s Bull & Bear makes for a must-visit for couples looking to enjoy a lively Valentine’s day dinner special against the foot-tapping tunes of resident DJ Clara. A custom set menu for the occasion serves as the perfect accompaniment for the warm ambiance—start your culinary journey with a selection of exquisite canapes—pearl oysters, avocado, yuzu, tapioca and hokkaido beef—before turning your attention to the three-course menu ending on a sweet note with a petit four.
As one of Dubai’s first Jamaican restaurants, Ting Irie makes for the perfect Valentine’s day dinner in Dubai for couples who are looking to explore culinary options beyond the usual suspects. Nestled in the heart of downtown Dubai, the lively ambiance and rhythmic beats are paired with a mouthwatering roster of vibrant flavors from the region. Raise your fork and dive into the finest of Caribbean cuisine with a three-course menu. After sampling the delightful starters—ital salad, coco bun cheezy patties and arancini balls—allow your palate to be held captive by the tempting flavors of the T-bone steak, homemade jerk chicken and grilled salmon. For the perfect end to the night, take your pick from delectable Jamaican desserts, including a coconut rice pudding cheesecake and the Kilimanjaro love strawberry infused cream.
The Strand
Among the must-try Valentine’s Day offers in Dubai is The Strand’s lineup of curated packages for the occasion. If you can’t whisk your paramour away for date night, the eatery offers up the next best thing with its handcrafted pasta that will treat your tastebuds to a delicious whiff of Italy. For couples looking for a hearty meal, the juicy steaks will make for a meal to remember.
If your date would like to indulge their sweet tooth, look no further than COYA Dubai that serves as the next best thing to a romantic getaway in Peru. With signature dishes that champion the local flavors of the region—expect delectable ceviches, tiraditos and anticucho skewers—the night can only end on a high note with the themed dessert for the occasion. Titled Delicia de San Valentin, the rich blood orange marquise is tempered with refreshing red fruit sorbet, raspberries and a touch of cotton candy that will certainly serve up love at first bite.
If you have been looking for ways to spend a unique Valentine’s Day in Dubai, how about an intimate evening under the stars and live entertainment? For the most romantic night of the year, Alizée is offering couples the chance to enjoy a sumptuous five-course dinner by the beach, inspired by the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. With a selected number of tables available, the night is further enriched with live entertainment and a complimentary gift and red rose for the lady.
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen
For couples who crave luxury experiences unlike any other, the majestic vaulted domes of Ariana’s Persian Kitchen make for one of the most romantic Valentine’s date night spots. With award-winning Iranian-American chef Ariana Bundy at the helm, treat your tastebuds to a Persian feast with a three-course meal. On the menu for Valentine’s Day is a signature mocktail, mouth-watering starters and a succulent mixed grill for main course, featuring chargrilled ground lamb, corn fed chicken kebab and tender chargrilled lamb chops with a side of jewelled rice. End the night with the baghlava qazvini and a complimentary heart crafted from decadent chocolate.
Lucky Fish
Against the backdrop of the iconic Dubai skyline, Lucky Fish serves as a haven for seafood lovers. The coastal-themed interiors are underscored with a touch of old-school elegance by way of nineteenth-century French chandeliers. The seasonally-led menu offers an array of exciting catches for diners, with an à la carte selection for Valentine’s Day championing the restaurant’s hero dishes with a complimentary cake for couples for a dolce end to the night.