Sydney Eat Street: Sweet way to celebrate Valentine’s Day
This Strawberry Watermelon Cake is a social media hit but it’s also a sweet way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Sydney Eat Street reveals the best places to celebrate romance.
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Come Valentine’s Day, plenty of places will be serving up a side of romance with their food and desserts, which will definitely leave you smitten.
Take a tour of Sydney’s best eateries right here with The Sunday Telegraph’s Eat Street. Are you hungry for more inspiration? Follow us on Instagram or Twitter. #SydneyEatStreet
Black Star Pastry
The Beatles got it almost right: All you need is love … and dessert. Cupid himself has probably even fallen head over heels for this sweet treat, considering that it has earned the honour of being named “the most Instagrammed cake in the world”.
Head chef Arnaud Vodounou says: “The Strawberry Watermelon Cake has always been the ultimate edible expression of love. First created for a wedding, its ingredients are inspired by the flavours and colours of romance. Shaping it into a heart is a delicate process, but Valentine’s Day ties in so nicely with the essence of this cake that it’s worth doing something special each year.”
Made with layers of almond dacquoise, rose-scented cream, and watermelon, then topped with strawberries, pistachios, and dried rose petals, Vodounou adds, “if your sweetheart is a sweet tooth, it’s the perfect present”, and because this larger size easily serves two, no need to forego that final bite; you’ll surely do anything for love, but just not that.
This limited-release cake must be pre-ordered to collect from any Sydney stores (Newtown, Rosebery, Moore Park, and Chadstone) from Saturday, February 12 through to Monday, February 14. ($40 each).
OhBoo Chocolates
Like love, art often comes at unexpected times and in unexpected places.
OhBoo’s maître chocolatier Fanny Chan explains that the inspiration for her delicate designs on her handpainted artisan chocolates reaches back 1000 years to the Song Dynasty, an era recognised for its cultural advancements, including the development of luxurious fabrics and fashions, particularly the intricate embroidery, which she feels is best reflected with the texture of a paintbrush.
All that love and attention is central to OhBoo’s Valentine’s collection, including chocolate lollipops, pralines, and an adorable limited-edition chocolate teddy bear.
Available at OhBoo’s boutique shop/workshop in Barangaroo and delivered within 20km of Sydney CBD. They also ship Australia-wide.
— Shop 1/33 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; ohboo.com.au
Dr Dough Donuts
Roses are fine, but donuts are better, particularly when topped with lovey-dovey coloured icing and playful toppings such as ruby-red lip-shaped lollies.
Ditch the cliches and opt for the limited-release Be My Valentine gift box, complete with 10 soft and doughy donuts ($59.95). For those that need an added amount of attention, they can include helium balloons, gift card, and a specially-designed Valentine’s Day gift box, or, to kick it up a notch, and include another token of your affection such as a bottle of Moët, Curatif Cocktail Pack, or an Alvin Teddy Bear (from $64.95). Sydney-metro delivery ($5)
— 233 Harris St, Pyrmont; drdoughdonuts.com
Infinity at Sydney Tower
Love is in the air, everywhere you look around, and at 81 floors above Sydney, that’s quite a view.
Add to that a laudable menu on par with the vantage point, and you’ve got the setting for l’amour. Stefan Schroeder, head chef at Infinity at Sydney Tower, says:
“This Valentine’s Day at Infinity, we have a beautiful three-course chef’s degustation menu on offer, including seared Abrolhos Island scallops, twice-cooked lamb rump, and a white chocolate cheesecake with strawberries and yoghurt sorbet.”
Start with a glass of Perrier-Jouët on arrival, along with a delicate rose.
“There’s nothing more breathtaking than Sydney, with the chance to spoil your loved one with a romantic dinner 245 metres above Sydney with 360 views of our incredible city.”
Available Sunday, February 13, and Monday, February 14, for lunch and dinner. ($180pp).
— Westfield Sydney, 108 Market St, Sydney; infinitysydneytower.com.au
Giuls
There’s a new hub of Tuscan cuisine on Crown St in Surry Hills, Michelin-star trained chefs Esmeralda Perez and Alessio Rago have created a menu that focuses on seasonal products, handmade pasta, and market-fresh seafood.
Signature dishes include Squid Ink Fettuccine with crab, cherry tomatoes & chilli, and Conchiglie with vodka, pancetta & taleggio.
Helmed by Rockpool’s former area manager, Guilia Treuner, Giuls (a nickname her grandfather bestowed upon her at an early age) offers a modern take on classic Italian dishes as well cocktails and an impressive wine list.
— 515 Crown St, Surry Hills; giuls.com.au
VALENTINE’S DAY WEEKEND
Sackville Hotel, Rozelle - 80’s Heartbreak, Saturday, February 12
The Sacky is hosting a huge R&B stoplight party, and regardless of your love status, everyone is invited. DJs spinning from 9pm ‘til late plus a selection of Lovesick Cocktails all night.
— 599 Darling St, Rozelle; sackvillehotel.com.au
Watson’s - Sunday, February 13
Love song dedications, R&B favourites, and rom coms on the mega-screen will be the go from 5pm till late. For some light bites, opt for the cheese and charcuterie board, Moreton Bay Bug Rolls, and Salmon Ceviche or for something really substantial there’s the 1kg Rangers Valley Black Onyx Grain Fed Rib Eye.
— Entertainment Quarter, 1 Bent St, Moore Park; watsonseq.com.au
Salt & Palm - February 13
Vegans rejoice as this modern Indonesian restaurant has a Valentine’s Day Set Menu just for you starting with grilled (Mushroom) Scallops, “Steak” with rich gravy, spiced fries, West Sumatran street-snacks and dreamy, creamy coconut creme brulee ($35pp). Organic wines are available as well.
— 22 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe; saltnpalm.com.au
Oxford Tavern - Furever Valentine’s - Sunday, February 13
Your furry friends take front and centre at this Sunday Funday pooch party with housemade doggo beer, treats and a special menu. For the humans, there’s Bloody Marys ($12) and a full Sunday Roast for just $25 all day.
— 1 New Canterbury Rd, Petersham; oddculture.group
The Old Fitz - Friday, February 11-Monday, February 14
Part pub, part theatre, part brasserie makes for a completely delightful visit, particularly over the whole Valentine’s Day weekend (Friday, February 11-Monday, February 14) with head chef, Anna Ugarte-Carral’s set share-style menu.
Available for both lunch and dinner, the meal includes a dozen Oysters, Txistorra sausage, fig & anchovy tart, ocean trout with greens and tomato butter, and raspberry trifle for two. ($75pp). Wine pairings are also available ($55pp).
— 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo; oddculture.group
Nour - Sunday, February 13 and Monday, February 14
Known for classic Lebanese flavours prepared with a modern twist, Nour’s Executive Chef Paul Farag has created a special eight-course feast featuring some of their signature dishes, such as chicken bits shawarma and carob glazed lamb shoulder, plus new addition to the menu including Queensland King prawns and sujuk filled bastille ($129pp).
Available Sunday, February 13 for lunch and dinner, Monday, February 14 for dinner from 5pm.
— 3/490 Crown St, Surry Hills; noursydney.com
VALENTINE’S DAY
Monday, February 14
Opera Bar
The epic harbour view is worth the visit alone, but it’s made even better when you and you’re the love of your life take seat at one of the tables set for two. Enjoy a cold seafood platter with that includes salmon, kingfish and tuna sashimi, oysters, Blue Swimmer Crab, and prawns plus a bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne. Bookings available through lunch and dinner with four sittings:
12pm, 2.30pm, 5pm, and 7.30pm. ($199 per table of two).
— Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House, Sydney; operabar.com.au
Barangaroo House - House of Love
Three difference experiences across the three levels.
BEA restaurant will have a six-course shared menu of signature dishes including Sydney rock oysters, Burrata Tart, and Riverina eye fillet, as well as a cocktail on arrival and surprise Valentine’s Day treat.
- $149pp includes shared menu, cocktail on arrival and Valentine’s Day treat
Smoke, the rooftop and cocktail bar will be serving shared snacks including beef tartare and tarama croquettes, with a cocktail on arrival.
- $69pp includes shared snack menu and cocktail on arrival.
House Bar on the ground floor will host an anti-Valentine’s Day session that will have music, drinks and snack, minus the Valentine’s Day melodrama.
— 35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; barangaroohouse.com.au
Public House Petersham
Think you know every word to every love song ever written? Then impress your date with ‘Love Songs and Dedications’ trivia hosted by Bec Charlwood. Add some brain-food for the evening, there’s also pizza and Nutella cannoli plus two glasses of wine or two Aperol Spritzes ($40 for two). Trivia at 7pm.
— 292 Stanmore Rd, Petersham; publichousepetersham.com.au
Opera Kitchen
When you’re done marvelling at the Harbour view, turn your attention back to your date and the shared menu which includes rosemary focaccia, salmon crudo, Italian cured meats, strozzapreti pasta, a chocolate torte for dessert and a glass of Chandon Rosé ($55pp).
— Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House, Sydney; operakitchen.com.au
Kingsley’s Woolloomooloo
Head down to the waterfront dining district in Woolloomooloo for a delicious four-course set menu featuring their signature 600g rib-eye on the bone MB4+ or whole rainbow trout with baby asparagus. Your dinner also includes Sydney rock oysters, Hiramasa Kingfish crudo, and a decadent Valrhona chilli chocolate tart and a glass of Piper Heidsieck. ($139pp, main to share).
— 10/6 Cowper Wharf, Woolloomooloo; kingsleyssydney.com.au
Flying Fish
For the freshest of fish-centric dishes hightail it to Flying Fish where Executive Chef Peter Robertson and his team have prepared three special dishes for Valentine’s Day that celebrate the sea’s bounty; Western Australian marron baked in miso, ($35), charcoal roasted Moreton Bay bug with a tangerine vinaigrette. ($49ea), and for a true display of love, BBQ eastern rock lobster with wakame butter ($330/kilo).
— 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont; star.com.au
The Botanist Kirribilli – Valentine’s Romantic Meal or Waterfront Picnic:
Stroll the leafy streets in Kirribilli to this urban oasis for a candlelit dinner featuring a share menu with Mediterranean-inspired dishes ($99pp), or continue your outdoor excursion and pick up a special Valentine’s Day picnic hamper (also available, Sunday, February 13) - which includes a bottle of Albert Fresco wine and picnic rug to lay out along on the lawns overlooking Sydney Harbour. ($72 serves two).
— 17 Willoughby St, Kirribilli; thebotanist.com.au
The Butler Potts Point – Valentine’s Wine & Dine
Prepare to fall in love … with the breathtaking city views from the expansive terrace, creative cocktails, and Ibero-American inspired dishes. Head chef Amber Doig has curated a special six-course Valentine’s Day menu, including a dessert-style cocktail as well as a glass of prosecco on arrival ($95pp)
— 123 Victoria St, Potts Point; butlersydney.com.au
Aria
The sweeping harbour view, meticulous attention to details, and a six-course menu from award-winning chef Tom Gorringe put Aria on the top of the list for Valentine’s Day dining.
Starting with a glass of champagne on arrival followed by dishes including WA black marron with sea urchin, glazed maremma duck with fig, and chocolate with whey and malt to finish ($299pp). Bookings are available from 5.30pm.
— 1 Macquarie St, Sydney; ariasydney.com.au
Lana
A former wool store, heritage-listed Hinchcliff House, is now home to four levels of drinking and dining venue; on the ground floor is Lana, a sophisticated restaurant that will be offering a seafood-centric set-menu created with the day’s the market-fresh along with a glass of Ruinart ($100pp). Wine pairing is available for an additional $70pp.
- Level1/5-7 Young St, Sydney; Lana.sydney
Loulou
The latest French restaurant to hit Sydney’s dining scene is serving up a three-course menu featuring
roasted scallops with sauce champagne and caviar, whole-roasted Aylesbury duck, and cherry-topped soufflé Rothschild ($95pp). While you’re there visit boulangerie for fresh bread and pastries, and deli section loaded with French condiments, cheeses, and wines.
— 61 Lavender St, Milsons Point; loulou.sydney
Babylon
Set amidst lush greenery and hanging baskets, this rooftop restaurant known is known for its elegant setting and modern Middle-Eastern fare.
For Valentine’s Day, you can enjoy both with a nine-dish share menu that includes dishes such as wood-grilled Hervey Bay scallops with tarama and sumac; wood-roasted chicken with chermoula, toum, pickles and brown butter; Wagyu beef with butter and pickled radish; and chocolate tahini with caramel sponge, sesame, and Turkish coffee ice cream. You’ll also receive a complimentary glass of Chandon Brut Rosé on arrival ($110pp).
— Westfield Sydney, Level 7/188 Pitt St, Sydney; babylonrooftop.com.au
Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant, The Rocks
A stellar view of Sydney Opera House and the surrounding Harbour is always impressive but add a four-course meal and you’ve got yourself a true winner.
The menu starts with Appellation rock oysters, followed by King trout sashimi, then a choice of Humpty Doo barramundi, 300g Angus striploin or Flinders Island whole roast lamb shoulder. To complete the occasion the roasted white chocolate and raspberry delice with chocolate crumb and white balsamic gelato ($175pp).
— Campbell’s Stores Bay 1-3, 7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks; thevenuescollection.com.au
Bay Nine Omakase
Sit at the counter for an 11-course omakase dining experience ($225pp) or opt for eight-courses at one of the tables ($150) and you’ll receive a complimentary rose.
— Bay 9, 7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks; thevenuescollection.com.au
Sinaloa Double Bay
In Mexico, Valentine’s Day is referred to as “The Day of Love and Friendship”, the perfect opportunity to celebrate all the loved ones in your life. Mariachi players will be roaming, serenading guests enjoying a share-style banquet starting with oysters and ceviche, guacamole, and corn chips, followed by their signature dish Pibil Pollo, a Yucatan chicken dish marinated in oranges, spices, and banana leaves.
The menu also includes a variety of sides and a glass of sparkling wine on arrival. Vegetarian menu available as well ($99pp).
— 37 Bay St, Double Bay; sinaloasydney.com.au
Besuto
Seasonally driven dishes with an air of theatre and artistry are the foundation of an omasake experience, and at Besuto, a 12-seater omasake restaurant at Circular Quay some of the most talented omasake chefs in Australia have created a 25-course dinner prepared “to your liking”. ($265pp).
As if that’s not decadent enough, you can add on 10 grams of N25 Kaluga caviar ($50pp) or a glass of Taittinger Champagne ($25pp).
— 6 Loftus Ln, Sydney; besutosydney.com
Pumphouse Sydney
With your Valentine’s Day cocktail in hand, head upstairs to the outdoor terrace to enjoy Pumphouse’s Valentine’s Day set-menu, featuring their signature seafood platter to share followed by alternative mains featuring Corn-Fed Chicken Breast, South Australian Red Snapper and Steak Frites then finishing with white baked cheesecake with wild berry mousse ($180pp).
— 17 Little Pier St, Darling Harbour; pumphousesydney.com.au
EXPERIENCES
Pier One’s Valentine’s Getaway Package
As if the luxurious suites of this harbourside boutique weren’t indulgent enough, for Valentine’s Day, Pier One has added suite-heart benefits to your stay which include a couples’ breakfast and sparkling wine (from $479).
The hotel’s location is ideal for a stroll through the historic streets of The Rocks or around the piers of Walsh Bay.
Take along one of their Valentine’s Picnic Hampers and catch the sunset while enjoying a bottle of sparkling wine, and a selection of local NSW meats and cheeses or experience waterside-dining with a special seafood shared-menu and cocktails at Bar One ($120pp).
— 11 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay; pieronesydneyharbour.com.au
Tia Maria bar at Moonlight Cinema
Redefining “Dinner and a Movie”, Tia Maria and Moonlight Cinema have put together a premium experience that includes a double-lounger seat, blankets, popcorn, Connoisseur Ice Creams, two Tia Maria drinks (try a classic Espresso Martini or the new Matcha-Tini), and a catered box for two curated by QT ($220).
The experience runs through April, but it’ll be a week of romance from February 8 to February 15 with movies including The Notebook and Cyrano.
— Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Park; moonlight.com.au
FALL IN LOVE WITH THESE DRINKS
Feels Botanical ROUSE eau du vie spirit
Rose petals, Davison plum, and horny goat week, give this eau du vie grape spirit a natural rose blush colour making it perfectly suited for summer sipping when poured over ice with soda and berries. served over ice in a wine glass with soda and berries. 500ml ($78), 200ml ($36).
Highland Park
Award-winning whisky distiller, Highland Park’s 15-Year-Old single malt Scotch Whisky hits the sweet spot with aromas of Crème Brulee, heather honey, and crumbled cinnamon, along with fruity notes of fresh pineapple and lemon zest. ($185 per bottle).
The Botanist x The Plant Mail
It’s the gift that keeps on giving - The Botanist Gin has partnered with The Plant Mail to give your Valentine the foundation fixings for a gin-based drink. Along with a 200ml bottle of The Botanist Gin, you also get a rosemary plant in a pretty and petite ceramic pot. Break off a sprig for a perfectly fresh garnish very time ($104).
Cointreau
Mix up your summer cocktail selection with these recipes for three special Valentines cocktails made with the orange-flavoured triple sec liqueur, Cointreau such as the Rosebud Fizz, garnished with a real rose.
For more cocktail recipes visit cointreau.com/au
Winter warmers to celebrate the season
Everyone is happy to see the sun peeking through the clouds, but winter’s not all bad. Bid farewell to the colder days with one last hurrah of warming fare.
Sniffing out Sydney’s best truffle desserts
Save the best for last. As truffle season comes to a close, be sure to indulge in some sweet treats featuring the annual earthy gem.