Written by: VenueNow Team
January 22, 2026
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to look just one way. It might be a candlelit dinner for two, a long lunch with your closest friends, or cocktails that start early and end late. Whatever you’re celebrating, the right venue sets the tone - somewhere you can settle in, enjoy great food and drinks, and forget about the clock.
To help you plan, we’ve rounded up our VenueNow staff picks for Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day across Australia. Think waterfront views, rooftop energy, and intimate dining rooms that feel special without trying too hard.
Table of Contents
Sydney
Acapulco El Vista
What is it? A rooftop bar and restaurant serving Mexican-inspired dishes and cocktails with sweeping harbour views.
Where is it? 61 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Why we love it: Perched above the harbour, Acapulco El Vista is all about dramatic views and relaxed sophistication. With Mexican-inspired flavours, cocktails made for golden hour, and a rooftop setting overlooking Circular Quay, it’s ideal for a romantic sunset drink or a chic group celebration.
Sails on Lavender Bay
What is it? A fine-dining restaurant focused on modern Australian cuisine in a waterfront setting.
Where is it? 2 Henry Lawson Ave, McMahons Point NSW 2060, Australia
Why we love it: A Sydney classic for a reason. Sails delivers refined modern Australian dining with one of the most romantic harbour outlooks in the city. White tablecloths, impeccable service, and water views make it a go-to for intimate Valentine’s dinners.
AALIA
What is it? A refined restaurant offering modern Middle Eastern–inspired cuisine in a contemporary dining room.
Where is it? Shop 7.07-7.08/25 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Why we love it: Refined without feeling formal, AALIA is a quietly confident dining room in the heart of the city. Its modern Middle Eastern-inspired menu is all about balance - bold flavours, elegant presentation and dishes designed to be shared. Ideal for a Valentine’s dinner that feels thoughtful and intimate, or a low-key Galentine’s night centred around great food and conversation.
Shell House
What is it? A multi-level venue featuring restaurants and bars, including Menzies Bar and Sky Bar.
Where is it? 37 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Why we love it: Spread across multiple levels, Shell House offers something for every kind of celebration. From the refined dining room to the lively Menzies Bar downstairs and the relaxed Sky Bar above, each space has its own mood. Expect modern European menus, strong cocktails, and an effortlessly stylish setting that works just as well for Galentine’s drinks as a romantic dinner.
Pellegrino 2000
What is it? A classic Italian restaurant serving comforting pastas, seafood and an excellent wine list.
Where is it? 80 Campbell St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Why we love it: Warm, lively and full of old-school charm, Pellegrino 2000 feels like a modern love letter to classic Italian dining. Expect comforting pastas, excellent wine, and a buzzing dining room that makes every night feel like an occasion. It’s perfect for couples who love a bit of energy with their romance, or Galentine’s dinners where sharing plates and stories is all part of the plan.
Brisbane
Exhibition Restaurant
What is it? An intimate fine-dining restaurant offering seasonal tasting menus.
Where is it? Basement 2/109 Edward St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Why we love it: Quietly impressive and thoughtfully designed, Exhibition is a dining experience built around seasonal Australian produce and refined technique. The intimate setting and tasting-style menus make it ideal for Valentine’s dinners that feel considered and personal - a place to slow down, focus on the food, and enjoy the moment.
The Calile Hotel
What is it? A luxury hotel with multiple restaurants, bars and poolside dining spaces.
Where is it? 48 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
Why we love it: From relaxed poolside dining to chic restaurants and bars, The Calile is a Galentine’s favourite. It’s perfect for long lunches, cocktails, and celebrations that flow from day to night in a stylish, sun-soaked setting.
Sasso Italiano
What is it? A vibrant Italian restaurant serving classic dishes with a modern touch.
Where is it? Shop 4/148 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia
Why we love it: A lively Italian favourite with river views, Sasso Italiano serves generous plates of pasta, seafood, and classic Italian comfort. It’s a great option for group dinners where sharing, wine, and conversation are at the centre stage.
South City Wine Bar
What is it? A cosy wine bar offering seasonal small plates and a strong wine list.
Where is it? Shop 5/148 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia
Why we love it: Cosy, romantic and unpretentious, South City Wine Bar is made for intimate evenings. With a strong wine list and seasonal small plates, it’s perfect for couples or smaller Galentine’s groups who love good food without the fuss.
Rogue Bistro
What is it? A degustation-focused restaurant known for creative, ever-changing menus.
Where is it? 14 Austin St, Newstead QLD 4006, Australia
Why we love it: Known for its inventive degustation menus, Rogue Bistro is ideal for diners who love to be surprised. The intimate dining room and creative approach make it a standout for Valentine’s dinners that feel unique and memorable.
Gold Coast
Sofia’s Restaurant
What is it? A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant designed for sharing and social dining.
Where is it? Oasis Shopping Centre, Shop 35a/53 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Why we love it: Bright, lively and made for sharing, Sofia’s brings Mediterranean flavours to a relaxed coastal setting. The menu leans into generous plates, flowing cocktails and an atmosphere that encourages long lunches and even longer conversations. With share plates, cocktails and a lively atmosphere, it’s a natural fit for Galentine’s gatherings.
Mondrian Gold Coast
What is it? A stylish dining and bar venue with a modern, upscale coastal feel.
Where is it? 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
Why we love it: Sleek, modern and quietly glamorous, Mondrian is made for elevated nights out by the coast. With refined dining, polished cocktails and a stylish setting, it’s ideal for Valentine’s dates that feel special without being overdone, or Galentine’s celebrations with a more luxe edge. Think sunset drinks, great music and a room that sets the mood.
Rick Shores
What is it? A beachfront restaurant serving Asian-inspired cuisine in one of Gold Coast’s most iconic location.
Where is it? 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
Why we love it: One of the Gold Coast’s most iconic restaurants, Rick Shores pairs Asian-inspired cuisine with unbeatable beachfront views. Romantic, atmospheric and consistently excellent, it’s perfect for sunset Valentine’s dinners.
SkyPoint Observation Deck
What is it? A high-altitude dining and drinks venue with panoramic coastal views.
Where is it? Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Why we love it: For something truly memorable, SkyPoint offers dining and drinks high above the coastline. Panoramic views, especially at night, make this a standout choice for special occasions with a wow factor.
Labart
What is it? An intimate restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine with European influence.
Where is it? 2a/8 West St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
Why we love it: Intimate and refined, Labart delivers modern Australian cuisine with European influence. The understated dining room and focus on flavour make it ideal for couples looking for a quieter, more personal celebration.
Melbourne
Mirror Mirror
What is it? A rooftop restaurant offering modern, seasonal dining and an intimate setting.
Where is it? Level 3/209 Clarendon St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Why we love it: Elegant and intimate, Mirror Mirror is designed for evenings that linger. The menu leans modern and seasonal, matched with a carefully considered wine list and a dining room that feels quietly romantic. This rooftop location is a beautiful choice for romantic dinners or small, close-knit Galentine’s celebrations.
Bar Bambi
What is it? A lively Italian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar.
Where is it? Basement 103-105 Flinders Lane, AC/DC La, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Why we love it: Lively, pink and full of personality, Bar Bambi is a Galentine’s favourite. Expect Italian-inspired plates, flowing cocktails, and a buzzing dining room set the scene for nights that start with dinner and happily roll on. It’s a go-to for groups who want great food, great energy and zero pressure to wrap things up early.
Nick & Nora’s
What is it? A glamorous rooftop cocktail bar with vintage flair.
Where is it? 80 Collins Street via, 11 Benson Wk, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Why we love it: A glamorous rooftop cocktail bar with a vintage edge, Nick & Nora’s is made for pre-dinner drinks or late-night celebrations. Think classic cocktails, city views and an unmistakably romantic mood.
Mr. Miyagi
What is it? A modern Japanese-inspired restaurant with a fun, energetic vibe.
Where is it? 99 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181, Australia
Why we love it: Playful, bold and always fun, Mr. Miyagi serves modern Japanese-inspired dishes in a vibrant setting. It’s perfect for groups who want flavour-packed food and a relaxed, energetic vibe.
Maison Batard
What is it? A multi-level European-style restaurant and bar.
Where is it? 23 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Why we love it: Sophisticated and distinctly European, Maison Batard offers elegant dining across multiple levels. From refined dinners to champagne-fuelled celebrations, it’s ideal for marking Valentine’s or Galentine’s in style.
Planning your Valentine’s or Galentine’s celebration?
Whether you’re booking a romantic dinner, organising a group catch-up, or planning something in between, the right venue makes all the difference. With VenueNow, you can explore, compare and book some of Australia’s best restaurants and bars - all in one place.
Find a space that suits your guest list, mood and budget, and leave the rest to great food, great company, and a table booked with intention. Book your venue with VenueNow today!
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