openrice valentine's day dining guide 2016

For a romantic Valentine's night out on 14 Feb, we've sussed out 14 restaurants for your choosing. From fine-dining options with the best atmosphere, to those with meatier menus made just for two!

1. Raffles Grill

Raffles Grill Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea

Whisk your partner away to the ever so timeless Raffles Singapore, where tons of Valentine’s Day specials will be in session. For a lavish evening, the legendary Raffles Grill will be offering a six-course dinner menu ($598++ per couple) that starts off with a Creamy Polenta topped with black truffle shavings. Expect also a well-executed Scallop Tastou and a French Turbot perfectly paired with black trumpet mushrooms and a hazelnut oil split jus. A Valentine’s Lovers Afternoon Tea ($78++ per person) will also be available for just 20 couples. Think luxe finger sandwiches with a savoury duck liver terrine and salted caramel-filled choux pastry alongside classic raisin scones. When: 14 Feb For reservations, call 6412 1816 or email dining@raffles.com.

2. Corner House

Awe your Valentine’s date with the elegantly platted and pleasantly ambrosial cuisine that can be savoured within the privately intimate sanctuary of the Whispering Corner at Corner House. Book a table of two for $988++ or reserve the entire Whispering Corner for $1888++. In an endeavour to cater to your ravenous appetites, the restaurant has also specially designed a four-course and six-course meals termed Valentine Lunch Menu ($98++ per person) and Valentine Menu Experience ($248++ per person) respectively. Under these menus, you can anticipate sophisticated Gastro-Botanica platters such as Varanger Red King Crab and Patagonian Toothfish. When: Valentine Lunch Menu is only available on 14 Feb. Valentine Menu and Whispering Corner are available for dinner on both 13 and 14 Feb. For reservations, call 6469 1000.

3. Zafferano

At Zafferano, the inextricable connection between food and love is embodied in the symbolically suggestive menu exclusively woven by Chef Marco Guccio for this Valentine. From the name of the menu- “Me & You”- to the figurative terms bestowed upon the platters, Valentine dining at the restaurant reads like a flustered, quavering lover’s confession. Pour out your overwhelming feelings for your date with courses such as Kindred Spirit that features a melodious fusion of lobster tartare, champagne aspic, sour cream and kristal caviar as well as Love, Always which is raviolo intricately shaped to resemble a heart. Both platters can be found under the “Me & You” menu ($138++ per pax on 13 Feb; $218++ per pax on 14 Feb with wine pairing at $88++ per pax). When: 13 – 14 Feb For reservations, call 6509 1488 or email info@zafferano.sg.

4. The Halia @ Botanic Gardens

Indulge in a gratifying Valentine Day meal amidst the arresting panorama of Botanic Gardens at The Halia. Couples can opt for the Valentine’s Dinner Sharing Menu ($300 nett) that comprises of an 8-course meal with a complimentary rose, Halia gift and picture souvenir. Expect to savour sumptuous dishes such as Freshly Shucked Oysters and Smoked Chilli Crab Salad. Top up $80 nett per pax for wine pairing or cocktail pairing for $55 nett per pax. Alternatively, couples can go for the Valentine’s Buffet Menu ($220 nett per couple or $250 nett with free-flow red & white wine) that consists of a multitude of dishes ranging from mains to dessert, free flow non-alcoholic beverages, a single rose, Halia gift and picture souvenir. When:14 Feb For reservations, contact Raihana at 6287 0711 or email valentines@thehalia.com.

5. Rabbit Stash

Take a trip down the rabbit hole this Valentine’s Day and visit Rabbit Stash with your loved one. Located on the rooftop of Wangz Hotel, the restaurant has specially created a five-course menu ($148++/pax) to celebrate both the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day. Start off with Chef’s Matthew interpretation of YuSheng, followed by the aptly-named Ocean (pictured). Sliced abalone and pan-seared Hokkaido scallops lay on a bed of squid risotto, signifying the ocean's freshest catch. Braised Duck and Sticky Glutinous Rice, Milk Fed Veal and Symphony of Valrhona Chocolate complete the course. When:10 - 15 Feb For reservations, call 98588607 or email reservation@therabbitstash.com.sg.

6. The White Rabbit

This Valentine, cast an enchanting spell over your date at The White Rabbit. Nestled within the painstakingly reinstated 1930s Ebenezer chapel, the restaurant promises an alluring view of lush green foliage. Feast on a fastidiously curated Valentine Day Dinner Set ($108++ per pax for first seating and $128++ per pax for the second seating) that includes exquisite seafood platters like Ocean Trout Tartare and Ocean’s Symphony.. Top up $68++ for wine pairing. When: 14 Feb For reservations, call 6473 9965 or email eat@thewhiterabbit.com.sg.

7. LIME

Toast to a great V-day at PARKROYAL on Pickering at their signature LIME restaurant. Watch as the chefs showcase their culinary skills at the three open kitchens and dig into the sumptuous spread. Highlights include Shaved Iberico Ham with Melon, French, Irish and Australian Oysters. If you have a sweet tooth, savour the trio of all-berry dessert: Rose Panna Cotta with Goji Berries, Dulce Strawberry Mousse with Gianduja Chocolate, Caramel Mousseline with Strawberry Earl Grey Cremeux (pictured). Prices start from $128, with unlimited servings of soft drinks and chilled juices. When:14 Feb, 6.30pm – 10.30pm For reservations, call 6809 8899.

8. Shutters

Shutters Amara Sanctuary Valentine's Day

If your idea of a perfect date night begins with tranquil surroundings away from the main island, Shutters at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa would probably suit you best. The special 4-course Valentine’s Day menu ($250++ per couple) takes you from Foie Gras with candied apple and toasted brioche to a savoury cut of US Black Angus Tenderloin with an indulgent warm chocolate lava cake at the end, topped with the goodness of salted caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. When: 14 Feb For reservations, call 6825 3866 or email shutters.asrs@amarasanctuary.com.

9. Alkaff Mansion Ristorante

Alkaff Mansion Ristorante Valentine's Day

This Valentine’s Day, romance your date on the hill at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante, an award-winning Italian restaurant. Choose between the 4-course ($196++ per couple) or 5-course menu ($236++ per couple) and indulge in the good food, such as Oven-baked Codfish with Datterinio Cherry Tomatoes, Clams and Lemon Zest (pictured). The Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions, Fresh Figs and Valerian Salad is exclusively available for the 5 course menu. When:14 Feb. First seating begins at 6pm for 4-course menu. Second seating begins at 8.30pm for 5-course menu. For reservations, call 6510 3068 or email enquiry@alkaff.com.sg.

10. The Carvery

For meat-loving, cocktail-sipping couples, we’ll nudge you to The Carvery at Park Hotel Alexandra for their semi-buffet menu ($188++ per couple). Sit back and gaze in awe at the beautiful sunset – or each other – whilst the wait staff brings you soup, a cold Seafood Platter inclusive of oysters, red claw crab and tiger prawns and an intermezzo of citrus Yuzu sorbet in champagne. Help yourselves to their signature roasts and a must-try Salmon Wellington from their carving station, alongside buttery mashed potatoes and ,b>Cupid’s Churros with Blush Shooters for dessert. And don’t leave without getting your complimentary For Him and For Her cocktails (worth $19.99++ per set) at poolside bar Aqua Luna. When: 13 – 14 Feb For reservations, call 6828 8880 or email thecarvery.phal@parkhotelgroup.com.

11. Xperience Restaurant

Feast your senses at Xperience Restaurant this Valentine’s Day, where your dining experience begins when you step through the revolving doors at designer boutique hotel, Sofitel So Singapore.

Chef Trevor’s selection and presentation of dishes for his three-course menu for this romantic occasion – from Chutoro Tuna Sashimi (pictured) to Beef Short Rib in Pink Peppercorn Sauce and Roasted Strawberries with Avocado Pannacotta and Rosewater Caviar (pictured) – are fresh, more than palatable and fit seamlessly into the elegantly chic interior. Prices start from $65++ per person for a three-course menu on 12 Feb, to $85++ per person for a four-course lunch and dinner menu on 14 Feb. When: 12 – 14 Feb For reservations, call 6701 6800 or email H8655@sofitel.com.

12. CATO

Emanating a rustic charm, the bar-cum-restaurant joint, CATO, is definitely one of the leading runners for popular Valentine Day’s reservations. Indulge with a fervent passion on the 6 Course Valentines Day Set Menu ($168++ for couples; top up $68++ for wine package) that starts with a smooth Otoro appetizer and grandly concludes with a warm Strawberry Soufflé dessert (pictured). Be spoilt for choice by the three different main courses that you can choose from! For the singles, who says that Valentine Day cannot be spent alone or with a group of friends? Opt for the 6 Course Valentines Day Set Menu for the single or groups at $88++. When: 13 – 14 Feb For reservations, call 8299 6434 or email hello@catosingapore.com.

13. Bedrock Bar & Grill

If you’d like enjoy a private date tucked away in a dark and elegant corner, Bedrock Bar & Grill is the place for you. Head down to Somerset and take your pick from their sets: Two is Better Than One ($248++, pictured) or Partners in Crime ($148++). For the first set, sink your teeth into the Australian Pasture-fed Double Sirloin Steak, served alongside Coddled Egg Creamed Spinach and Beef Tallow Rosemary Potatoes. The highlight of the second set is a Braised Boneless U.S. Beef Short Ribs. When:10 – 16 Feb. 12 – 3pm for lunch, 6 – 11pm for dinner. For reservations, call 6238 0054.

14. Bella Pasta

For a more casual yet classy option, explore the laid back streets of Robertson Quay where Bella Pasta awaits to be found.

Complete with cobblestone floors and rustic decor, the authentic Italian restaurant will be offering a four-course menu ($140++ per couple, $200++ with Billecart champagne and wine pairing), over the upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend. Highlights include perfectly Seared Sea Scallops with Avruga caviar, followed by Lobster Tagliolini, Ravioli with Truffles, Poached Monkfish, Pan-Seared Quail served with a buttery garlic mash and red wine sauce, as well as a nuttier spin to the traditional dessert, Pistachio Tiramisu. When: 13 – 14 Feb For reservations, call 6836 5692.

Written by Peh Yi Wen, Rachel Wong and Tan Siew Bee Images: Raffles Grill, CornerHouse, Zafferano, The Halia, Rabbit Stash, The White Rabbit, LIME, Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, Alkaff Mansion Ristorante, The Carvery, Sofitel So Singapore, CATO, Bedrock Bar & Grill, Peh Yi Wen