Sydney Eat Street: Perfectly sweet Valentine’s Day treats
Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or drinks with friends, there’s a range of places this Valentine’s Day for you to tell the ones you love how much you care or make the first impression count.
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Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or drinks with friends, there’s a range of places this Valentine’s day for you to tell the ones you love how much you care.
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IZY. AKI
Falling in love takes a leap of faith but when it works, it’s magical. Much the same can be said for omakase, the Japanese culinary concept of entrusting the chef to create a personalised dining experience through a series of dishes that showcase fresh seasonal ingredients.
At Izy. Aki, a 20-seat restaurant located in the Rocks, you’re in the hands of chef-owner Darren Templeman and his nearly 25 years of experience. He has curated a menu of eight dishes, such as the upright hollowed egg with smoked eel, foie gras, and salmon roe, or the petite pot of chawanmushi (egg custard) with king crab, ginger dashi, and Cru caviar.
Equal attention is given to the kingfish sashimi, hibachi-grilled WA marron, Barcoo mb9+ wagyu sirloin. Finish with a finale of hojicha creme caramel and chocolates. Darren sees each dish as a pleasant surprise, sparking conversation and finishing on a sweet note with a finale of Hojicha crème caramel and dainty chocolates from One More Chocolates ($195pp, seating from 6pm-8.30pm. Includes a glass of sparkling wine on arrival). CADMANS COTTAGE STAIRS, 106B GEORGE ST, THE ROCKS; IZYAKI.COM.AU
BLACK STAR PASTRY
The romantics in this bakery still hold a candle for Valentine’s Day desserts of all sorts. For something sweet and simple, drop into the shop for a Valentine-themed chocolate cupcake with vegan buttercream. And the essence of romance is captured in the heart-shaped raspberry lychee cake; sublime layers of rose-scented cream, chocolate dacquoise, and raspberry marshmallow topped with tangy fresh raspberries and florally sweet lychees, a fruit often considered a symbol of love ($42, serves two). A recent addition to the line-up is the hand-sculpted “Sweet Heart” ($18).
BLACKSTARPASTRY.COM
GALENTINE’S DAY
Lovey-dovey Valentines may own February 14, but Tuesday, February 13, Galentine’s Day belongs to the ladies. What started as mainly an all-female occasion to unofficially rebuff the conventional chocolate and roses notions of romance, has become a day to celebrate gal-pal friendships. At Forrester’s, there’s a nude life drawing class with two-hour bottomless prosecco and bottomless grazing platters ($85pp).
The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre has a preview of their Valentine’s dinner – prawn crackers, heart-shaped prawn toast and dim sims followed by honey king prawns, steamed rice and coleslaw with an “exotic” creamy raspberry lamington for dessert ($44pp).
There’s also other events, including a five-course, bottomless rosé brunch at Terrey Hills Tavern. Girl-power unites.
DR DOUGH DONUTS
Bring some love and happiness into the workplace by delivering Dr Dough Valentine’s Day doughnuts, a limited-edition collection of five flavours: Rafaello, Turkish delight, Nocciolata hazelnut dream, dusted jam, and strawberry. (Box of 10, 20, or 30 from $64.95). Dr Dough offers same-day service most days, but it is best to order in advance to avoid disappointment. Delivery is available within 60km of Sydney CBD starting from $9.95.DRDOUGHDONUTS.COM.AU
BARANGAROO
A stroll along the waterfront is a nice way to start the date, but the clincher is where to go from there. In Barangaroo, you could easily turn that into a picnic. Grab some simple yet scrumptious takeaway options, such as crunchy Nashville-style drumsticks from Belles Hot Chicken or nourishing poke bowls from Fishbowl, then head to Barangaroo Reserve for a quick dip in Marranawi Cove before dinner. Or you could catch a movie under the stars at Mov’in Bed cinema, a makeshift beach with 150 pillowy-soft lounge beds and Australia’s largest outdoor screen (appropriately, they’ll be showing The Notebook on Valentine’s Day).
Shows start at 8.30pm so enjoy a romantic meal beforehand. Dine out on the terrace at a’Mare Crown Sydney. Their special Valentine’s Day menu showcases classic Italian dishes, including their signature tiramisu ($160pp). Around the corner on Wulugul Walk, the award-winning modern Australian restaurant Cirrus has a luxurious seafood and striploin dinner ($240pp). Or you could just grab a cone from Riverino Gelato and continue your stroll around the harbour.
A’Mare, Crown Sydney, 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; crownsydney.com.au/restaurants/amare
Belles Hot Chicken, 5/33 Barangaroo Ave; Barangaroo; belleshotchicken.com
Cirrus, 23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; cirrudining.com.au
Fishbowl, 1 Sussex St, Barangaroo; fishbowl.com.au
Riverino Gelato, Shop 4/33 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; riverine.com.au
ARIA
The unrivalled view of Sydney Harbour spanning from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Sydney Opera House serves as backdrop for a dining experience curated by Executive Chef Thomas Gorringe that is sure to impress.
What: Six-course tasting menu with Champagne on arrival. Includes such dishes as yellowfin tuna, green strawberries, and Tasmanian wasabi; scallops, xo, ginger, and eggplant; dry-aged Maremma duck; wagyu rump cap, and a chocolate, caramel & passionfruit dessert.
When: Wednesday, February 14, 2024; 5.30pm-9.30pm
Price: $350pp
Where: 1 Macquarie St, Sydney; ariasydney.com
Bopp & Tone
This CBD restaurant and bar channels reflects the darks woods, brass fixtures velvet fabrics prevalent in the late 1940s. With intimate leather banquet seating and Mediterranean-inspired menu this is an opulent option for Valentine’s Day.
What: Curated banquet menu that include dishes such as Sydney Rock Oysters, scallop sashimi and Wagyu scotch fillet followed by a chocolate peanut butter parfait for dessert. Class of Taittinger Champagne on arrival.
When: Wednesday, February 14, 2024; from 5pm.
Price: $150pp
Where: 60 Carrington St, Wynyard Park; boppandtone.com.au
MODE Kitchen & Bar
Located in the Four Seasons Sydney hotel, this elegant restaurant and bar led by Executive Chef Francesco Mannelli. Boasts and Italian-inspired modern Australian menu that showcases the best of local and seasonal ingredients.
What: Four-course set menu with shared starters, egg yolk ravioli, choice of main and dessert. Available for two people or larger groups. Glass of sparkling rosé on arrival.
When: Wednesday, February 14, 2024; seatings times 6pm, 6.15pm, 6.30pm | 8pm, 8.5pm & 8.30pm
Price: $180pp; wine pairing available for an additional fee.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Ground Floor, 199 George St, Sydney; modekitchenandbar.com.au
Bar Lucia
Situated along a tree-lined street, this Spanish-influenced wine bar embraces the allure of Madrid’s bistros and the city’s artful elegance. The impressive wine list showcases local wines, many of which are from female-owned wineries.
What: Special Valentine’s menu that includes a tapas selection, lobster paella, oysters, and more. The menu is complimented by an impressive wine list.
When: Wednesday, February 14, 2024; dinner.
Price: $115pp
Where: 5 Kellett St, Potts Point; barlucia.com.au
Beau
Laneway restaurant serving modern Australian fare and refined cocktails.
What: Share-style set menu that includes dishes such as charred bonito, spatchcock and a strawberry and rose pavlova; Includes a glass of champagne on arrival for
When: Wednesday, February 14, 2024; dinner
Price: $150pp
Where: 1 Fracks Ln, Surry Hills; beau.sydney
Coogee Bay Hotel, Arden Lounge
Looking for love? This popular beach-side hotel has partnered with Cheeky Events Australia to host a special speed-dating session in their newly renovated Arden Lounge.
What: Two-hour speed-dating session includes a drink on arrival.
When: Wednesday 14 February, 7-9pm
Price: $48pp
Where: 253 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee; coogeebayhotel.com.au
Giuls
Add a little spice on Valentine’s Day as this modern Australian restaurant has partnered with Bippi Chilli to bring its Red-Hot Week of Amore.
What: Three-course set menu that includes eight sweet and savoury share-style dishes featuring the artisan chilli.
When: Wednesday, February 14, 202 – Saturday, February 17, 2024; 4pm-10pm
Price: $82pp
Where: 1/515 Crown St, Surry Hills; giuls.com.au
The Butler
This expansive sun-drenched restaurant’s plant-filled room and spacious patio boasts one of the most spectacular city views and a polished Ibero-American menu.
What: Six-dish share-style menu featuring Oscietra caviar, snapper crudo, Wagyu rump cap, and more.
When: Wednesday, February 14, 2024; dinner
Price: $85pp
Where: 123 Victoria St, Potts Point; butlersydney.com.au
350 Restaurant and Lounge
Situated along Parramatta’s own Eat Street inside the Novotel Hotel this vibrant Restaurant and Lounge feature a seasonal modern-Australian menu.
What: Six-course degustation with dishes that include tartare, oysters, snapper, and ravioli then finishing with a chocolate fondant panatela.
When: Wednesday, February 14, 2024; 6pm
Price: $95pp; matching wines an additional $45pp; complimentary parking
Where: 350 Church St, Parramatta; novotelparramatta.com.au
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