12 classy Dubai restaurants for Valentine’s Day

Treehouse, Taj Dubai, Business Bay
What’s on offer: Over the weekend leading up to Valentine’s Day, the terrace lounge at the Taj will transform itself into a bygone era, transporting guests to the roaring 1920s where decadence ruled the day. The “Je t’aime” package boasts France’s most famous fizz and fresh oysters. Jay Gatsby would love this.
How much: AED795
What makes it special: The most Instagram-able views over Downtown and the Burj Khalifa. And the perfect spot for some vintage romance.
Contact: +971 50 648 3083

La Parrilla, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh Road
What’s on offer: Special three- and five-course South American set dinner menus on February 14, served at an exclusive outdoor terrace table.
How much: Three-course menu inclusive of a glass of fizz is AED450, or the five-course set menu, which comes with a special Valentine’s-themed beverage plus a bottle of real fizz, is AED1,000.
What makes it special: Your Latin lovers’ feast of grilled lobster and octopus, ceviche and the obligatory churros with chocolate, all come with a side order of tango dancing against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf and Burj Al Arab.
Contact: +9714 432 3232

Thiptara, The Palace Downtown
What’s on offer: A Thai-themed four-course meal, a bottle of fizz plus a single red rose and chocolates for the ladies. Also, the first three ladies who arrive
at dinner dressed in red will be offered their main course complimentary. This offer runs throughout February.
How much: AED1,000 per couple over Valentine’s weekend.
What makes it special: Even the least starry-eyed diners will be hard pressed to deny that the restaurant’s setting, with close-up views of the dancing fountains, is anything less than romantic. Just try and suppress the emotion before the food arrives.
Contact: +9714 428 7888

BOCA, DIFC
What’s on offer: Take a culinary trip around the Med with a five-course set sharing menu for two with a glass of bubbly. There is an option of an exclusive sitting for six couples in the BOCA grape cellar, with an eight-course rose-themed dinner hosted by the sommelier – this experience runs from February 12-16, 8-11pm.
How much: From AED350 each. The cellar experience is AED550 per person.
What makes it special: With a menu comprised of the best of Italy, France and Spain, you can say “Je t’aime”, “Ti amo” and “Te quiero” to your beau over dinner.
Contact: +9714 323 1833

The Ivy, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road
What’s on offer: Choose from two special Valentine’s options between February 11-14; the signature seven-course degustation menu or a three-course set feast. Expect signature dishes such as the salt blush lamb rack and the famous crackle bomb dessert. Brunch on February 12 and 13 will also be ”pink” with bubbles included.
How much: Packages from AED499 to AED999.
What makes it special: “The Taste of The Ivy” allows you to sample small portions of all the chef’s signature dishes in one sitting.
Contact: +9714 432 3232

Brasserie Quartier, St Regis Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
What’s on offer: What’s Valentine’s Day without a touch of the French? The restaurant’s romantic five-course menu is comprised of modern reinterpretations of traditional French favourites. Layer on le fromage! Couples also receive a Valentine’s-themed cocktail on arrival.
How much: AED550 per person.
What makes it special: The cream and racing green interiors could not be more invitingly French. Set in the long-awaited sister to Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island St Regis, you’ll be wowed by the setting. Why not enjoy a nightcap in the gorgeous St Regis bar?
Contact: +9714 435 5577

STAY by Yannick Alléno at One&Only The Palm
What’s on offer: The perfect offering for foodie couples. Enjoy a menu conjured by a three-Michelin starred chef full of signature dishes that showcase his modern-meets-traditional methods. Highlights include Brittany langoustines, slow cooked monk fish and the Irish roasted beef tenderloin. Your taste buds will love you, even if your other half is hard to impress.
How much: AED590 per person or AED680 per person including the sommelier’s selection
What makes it special: Perhaps the amount of thought that’s gone into the menu. Or the fact that the setting itself will transport you
far, far away from daily life.
Contact: +9714 440 1030

Maui Cabana dinner at Sofitel The Palm
What’s on offer: The ultimate al fresco private-dining experience, with two packages to choose from; a three-course set menu, selected beverages, a red rose, chocolates and a bottle of fizz, or upgrade the experience with a bottle of French bubbly.
How much: AED1,200 or AED1,750 per couple.
What makes it special: Take in the Sofitel’s stunning grounds and the sounds of the sea while you dine. You won’t be elbow knocking your fellow diners here, either. It’s all about the two of you. Awww.
Contact: +9714 455 6677

Pai Thai, Madinat Jumeirah
What’s on offer: A four-course set sharing menu and pink bubbly. Dishes include the hoy nang rom yam ma-muang, an oyster tempura served with a sour mango salad, Thai dum, a wok-fried lobster dish and kao niew ma maug, a traditional dessert of sweet sticky rice with ripe mango and coconut syrup. Lick those lips.
How much: AED900 per couple.
What makes it special: Guests take a romantic abra ride on the Madinat waterways to the restaurant where they will be greeted with a traditional Thai dancer. A very nice touch.
Contact: +9714 432 3232

Poolside Restaurant, Grand Hyatt Dubai
What’s on offer: Couples arrive by limousine (pick ups anywhere in Dubai) and are seated in a private cabana decorated with 101 roses, where they’ll be served seafood on ice, Beluga caviar, Norwegian king crab, Wagyu beef tenderloin and a chocolate grand cru dessert, plus free-flowing premium beverages.
How much: AED7,500 per couple.
What makes it special: Well, all of the above. The ultimate push-the-boat out experience, for anyone who’s planning on popping more than a cork this Valentine’s Day.
Contact: +9714 317 2222