Eat your heart out

As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So even if you don’t cook, with the wide variety of cuisines available in the country, there are many different options to choose from right here.

Argentinian
With the UAE’s love for the latest, Gaucho Dubai, the recently opened Argentine restaurant at DIFC, is the place to be this Valentine’s Day. Its menu includes mouth-watering favourites such as ceviche, traditional empanada and Aberdeen Angus steak. In addition, guests can explore fine grapes with complimentary tastings all evening. The romantic restaurant is beautifully decorated with cowhide walls, opulent black and white leather furniture, mirror panels and crystal chandeliers.
For bookings call 04 422 7898.

Continental
Dine in luxury at the Burj Khalifa without breaking the bank. Armani/Peck, the delicatessen-inspired dining experience in the world’s tallest tower offers a five-course V-Day menu that starts off with a composition of oysters, mussels and scallop gratin. This is followed with a baked lamb rack, crusted with pistachios and accompanied with roasted potatoes and shallots, ending with raspberry and litchi cake. The experience costs Dh500.
For bookings call 04 888 3444.

Asian
Why restrict love to a single day? Celebrations last all week at the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai. Good food, sparkling beverages, soulful jazz and a romantic view are on the menu from today until February 15 at this Bur Dubai secret spot. After a glass of bubbles at the Kris Lounge, you and your beloved can tuck into a four-course menu of Asian food with a bottle of select beverages as you take in the 360-degree view of the Dubai skyline — all for Dh500. The menu at Kris reflects the continent’s diversity, with delicacies served from Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Singapore, India and even Arabia.
For details call 04 377 1111.

Arabic
For a taste of the region, few venues are better than Na3Na3, the sleek Middle Eastern restaurant at The Address Dubai Mall. Live music and a buffet of fresh Mediterranean flavours from 7pm to 11pm will make for a romantic meal. Priced at Dh650 per couple, the meal includes select free-flowing beverages.
Reserve at 04 438 8888.

International
Shades, located on the fourth floor of The Address Dubai Marina, features casual al fresco dining by the infinity pool, while offering stunning views of the Marina. Enjoy a magical evening under the stars this Valentine’s Day while savouring delicious tapas inspired by cuisines from the Mediterranean to the Far East. Priced at Dh400, inclusive of a bottle of bubbly (per couple) from 7pm onwards.
For reservations call 04 436 7777.

Spanish
Visit Gourmet Abu Dhabi, the annual gastronomic gala hosted by the capital, to savour some quality Michelin food. At the top of the pile is chef Juan Amador, an avant-garde three-Michelin-star chef best known for his innovative Hispanic-influenced cuisine. Inspired by Ferran Adrià’s revolutionary methods, his food brings together unique flavours, aromas and special combinations of temperature and texture. Amador will serve up a special menu at Amador Restaurant & Cellar, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi on Valentine’s Day from Dh450 per person.
For reservations call 02 657 3333.

Italian
Learn a few words from this romantic language while you dine at San Valentino this year. Amici at the Yas Viceroy, Abu Dhabi, presents special menus for him and her, including a broccoli soufflé flavoured with anchovy and parmesan truffle fondue and a Catalan-style lobster salad with passion fruit. After a choice of mains, including lamb medallions with butternut flan or pistachio-crusted turbot main courses, dessert is a self-indulgent hot chocolate tart with mixed berries. This marvellous evening is priced at Dh350 per person, including a romantic cocktail and a bottle of bubbly or house beverages.
Call 02 656 4000.

Mexican
They say Mexicans know everything about romance, so if you’re in Abu Dhabi, El Sombrero is a good venue to spice up Valentine’s Day. The restaurant is serving a three-course set menu prepared by Mexican Chef Damien, accompanied to the sounds of the Latin live band Swing Bongo. The menu, available for Dh165 per person, and includes a pitcher of special Valentine’s Margarita.
For bookings call 02 677 3333.

Korean
Sumibiya, the Korean restaurant at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, is offering a sumptuous set menu for Dh150 per head. It features the best of Kim Chi, Beef Tataki and Chicken Nanaban.
For bookings call 04 205 7333.

American steakhouse
Now in its 16th year, JW’s Steakhouse at the JW Marriott offers couples an enticing four-course menu with lobster soup, a selection of succulent steaks, and a rich, creamy soufflé for Dh600 per couple from 7pm onwards. The award-winning restaurant puts the emphasis on inventive entrées and steaks that cut like butter. These are creatively paired with smart, flavourful appetisers and rich desserts. Seafood lovers won’t be disappointed either with Maine lobsters, oysters and Dungeness crabs on the menu. For bookings call 04 262 4444.

Vietnamese
For something different, take a walk on the purple side this year at Hoi An, the French-Vietnamese restaurant at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Be greeted with fresh lilac flowers, a welcome cocktail and a four-course set menu featuring lemon grass crab cakes and star anise beef clay pot. Priced at Dh500 per couple, the menu is available from 8pm onwards.
For bookings call 02 509 8555.

Moroccan
Marakesh Restaurant at the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi still sets the standard for an impressively authentic taste of Morocco in an opulent, dramatic setting. Prepare to experience the richness of Morocco with music from the resident Moroccan band and an enticing set menu prepared by Moroccan Chef Khadija. Priced at Dh750 per couple inclusive of a bottle of grape.
Reserve by calling 02 614 6006.

Japanese
Those with a little cash to burn could head to Atlantis The Palm, where the award-winning Nobu infuses Japanese cutting-edge cuisine with Arabian influences. On Valentine’s Day it offers a set menu priced at Dh900 per couple. The night starts with a welcome cocktail and a king crab dry miso spinach salad, followed by assorted seafood and a variety of sushi and maki. The evening will end with slow-cooked berries and ice nougats. A truly stunning space and an unforgettable dining experience will surely impress your loved one.
For bookings call 04 426 2626.

Indian
If you prefer Indian food to spice things up, Claypot’s four-course menu at the Citymax Hotel in Bur Dubai is just the thing. Choose from delicacies such as Nimbu Bahar Tikka or grilled orange-marinated chicken thighs, or the Romantic Tangri Rogan (chicken drumsticks cooked and served in a rich spicy curry). Four-course meals at all restaurants in the hotel are priced at Dh169 per couple along with two glasses of sparkling grape.
For bookings call 04 407 8000.

French
Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City serves up an irresistible Valentine’s menu on February 14, featuring the passionate creations of the three-Michelin-star chef himself. Caviar and scallops carpaccio, as well as sweet-curry shellfish and milk-fed lamb are just a few of the delights laid on. Prices begin at Dh1,190 per person with soft beverages. To expand the experience, book the hotel’s premium Valentine’s Package at Dh1,000, which includes the meal, a chauffeur-driven limousine, accommodation in a luxury suite for two, a romantic sunset helicopter tour of Dubai, signature spa treatments and in-room breakfast designed by Chef Pierre Gagnaire.
Ring the hotel at 04 701 1111.

Bespoke
The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is in an enchanting location set against the romantic Liwa desert. The Valentine’s experience on offer includes a three-course candlelight dinner served by their very own private chef and butler amidst the fabulous dunes, and a variety of services that range from complimentary Valentine’s chocolates on arrival to a 90-minute Desert Romance Massage at the Anantara spa. The evening ends with a glass of bubbles to toast the occasion before returning to a luxurious room for the night. The Ultimate Night of Romance in the Desert is priced at Dh4,760.
To book the package call 02 886 2088.

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Best budget deal
If you want to go Italian, the cutest idea we’ve heard of is a heart-shaped pizza. Sarpino’s Pizzeria at the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa has a set menu including the unique dish for Dh59 per couple. Cheap, cheerful and certainly memorable — if a little cheesy.
For bookings call 04 351 9111.

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Bling to win

Diamonds and pearls
Gemstones and engagement parties are a few of the big prizes to be won in restaurants across the UAE this Valentine’s Day. Ping Pong, a casual dining restaurant in Dubai Mall, will host an engagement party for the first man that says ‘yes’ when his lady love proposes. This follows an old British tradition where women may propose to men only during leap years, and this Feb does have 29 days! Along with a set menu for two at just Dh220, the restaurant will hand out a red balloon to each couple on arrival. Attached to the balloons will be offers from special discounts to complimentary Valentine’s baskets of dim sum. That’s in addition to roses, chocolates, special gifts and candlelit table settings. The meal itself is a menu consisting of baked, fried and steamed dishes, including duck puffs, Vietnamese spring rolls, green chive dumplings, chicken shiu mai, desserts and a complimentary glass of non-alcoholic champagne.
For bookings call 04 339 9088.

Gemstones
Some hotels have added the element of surprise to Valentine’s Day such as The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, which has a wide selection of romance-inspired dining offers at its restaurants. Couples who choose the set menu when dining at the hotel’s three restaurants — Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, Frankie’s Italian and CuiScene International Restaurant — have the chance to win a piece of pearl jewellery from Pinctada, a brand of rare South Sea pearls from Australia and Tahitian oysters. Menus start at Dh249 per couple at CuiScene, extending to Dh799 per guest for a four-course set menu.
For bookings call 02 654 3238.

Also taking the glittering approach, is the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, where diners at the Talk restaurant will be served a four-course menu with a special gift for the ladies. In addition, one very lucky lady will leave with diamonds and two couples will have the chance to win weekend escapes at the hotel. Dinner is priced Dh350 per couple.
For bookings call 04 449 8888.
— M.S.

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Top Dollar
For those with cash to splash, here are a few options guaranteed to impress:

On the water
The Dubai Marina Yacht Club has a special deal to help you improve your love life. Try a three-hour cruise on the Athena charter yacht to witness the magnificent sights of the Arabian Gulf. The package includes a four-course set menu, a bottle of bubbly and a dedicated chef and hostess on board, priced Dh7,000 per couple.
For bookings call 04 362 7900.

In the sky
The world’s highest restaurant in a man-made building, At.mosphere, has a tailor-made ‘his and hers’ menu for Valentine’s Day with five courses delicately prepared to suit the palate. The journey begins with yellow-tail kingfish prepared in fresh lime, grapefruit and golden caviar for her and truffle Yuzu salmon pearls and coriander cress for him. Lobster in rhubarb and duck with bean cassoulet follow, before a third course of halibut with brioche and chorizo crust with a green pea puree. Dessert is a strawberry bubbly espuma for both, followed by a chestnut soufflé for her and bitter chocolate ice cream for him. The entire meal is accompanied by a bottle of premium bubbly with flowers and chocolates for the ladies.
The evening will set you back Dh4,500 per couple for a window table. For bookings call 04 888 3828.

On the shore
For those looking to surprise their sweetheart with something magical this Valentine’s Day, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr offers couples a unique setting under a canopy of stars. At the end of a candlelit path, the pier-side venue will offer spectacular views of the Abu Dhabi Creek and the changing light display off the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque. A spectacular four-course dining experience, complemented by beverage pairing, will be highlighted by a private chef. Afterwards, couples may retreat to a guest room, and enjoy breakfast in CuiScene the next morning as part of this exclusive package. The Valentine’s on the Pier package is available on February 14 from 7pm to 10pm and is priced at Dh5,899 per couple.
— M.S.