Calling all romantics: Here’s a list of spots to spend Valentine’s Day

Let’s be real - Valentine’s Day may just be a hallmark holiday, but it’s also a great excuse to schedule date night and explore the incredible hospitality hotspots of the region.

Whether it’s a first date, a new flame, your mainstay love, or a Galentines get together, there’s so much on offer across the region. If you want an intimate dinner, a casual coffee, or a cute activity to keep the awkward small talk at bay, there’s a bunch of options for you.

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of restaurants, cafes, wineries, and activity-based places to spend the day of love.

Keep up to date with the latest in food and drinks across regional Victoria here.

Francas

Where: 13 – 15 The Esplanade

Franca’s Ristorante is running a special menu in celebration of the lovers. Nestled into Bayside Hotel and Accommodation on the Esplanade, this new Italian restaurant has gone full That’s Amore for the day, offering a $90pp indulgent menu. Think a drink on arrival followed by Roman focaccia bread, and a carb overload from there on.

 

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Felix Restaurant

Where: 9 Downes Lane, Geelong

One of central Geelong’s hidden gems, Felix finds its place as both group shared-dining experience and the perfect date night. With their standard 3-course set menu running across dinner, you can indulge and share a special moment over delicious food and exquisite drinks.

MexiCams

Where: Federal Mills, North Geelong

Nothing breaks the ice on a first date better than a bit of fun. Look no further than MexiCams where you can enjoy a colourful Mexican feast followed by games and karaoke. Test your new flings competitive streak or get a giggle out of their lack of skills! It’s a no-fuss date but one that is laced in fun.

Here and Now Lounge

Where: Level 1 97-99 Ryrie Street, Geelong

Another spot that sings and laughs – Here and Now Lounge is ideal for those not so serious date nights – even better when you’re single and ready to mingle. This weekend they are throwing a Singles Valentine’s Day Bash, where connect, cocktails and games, a roaming magician and a wingman all mesh together!

 

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Astray Bar

Where: 86 Little Malop Street

Astray Bar has fast become a perfect casual drinking spot in central Geelong, but it’s also the ideal date location with its intimate and dark moody aesthetic, cocktails, local beers, hot chips and pizza, and their entertainment – both live music and karaoke. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or a standard date, Astray Bar is ideal for setting the tone for the night. Plus the cat theme lends itself to some great puns to weave into conversation. 

Two Noble

Where: 2 Noble Street, Geelong

Asian-fusion and cocktail bliss – Two Noble have turned up the dial on romance for Valentine’s Day. Whilst their lunch bookings are full, dinner has limited availability for a special chef’s banquet with four shared courses. At $95pp, it’s bound to fill you up!

Emerge Dining

Where: 31 Ryrie Street, Geelong

There was so much demand for Valentine’s Day bookings in this beloved steakhouse that Emerge have opened their former location turned venue for hire, specifically to seat lovers. Indulge with a carefully curated share-style set menu starting with a glass of Taittinger Champagne, artisan bread with cultured butter and their signature dukkah, and then go for your choice of two dishes for an entrée followed by the star 1kg Sanchoku Black Onyx tomahawk to share, capped with your choice of dessert. At $150pp, be sure to wear some stretchy pants!

Bellarine Estate

Where: 2270 Portarlington Road, Bellarine

“All you need is love” could not be more true for this Hallmark holiday. The Beatles said it best so let their songs serenade you for an evening of live music at Bellarine Estate. Beatles Legacy touch down featuring Dennis Walter for songs amongst the vines. Great wine and food are on offer as well!

 

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360Q

Where: 2 Wharf Street East, Queenscliff

Enjoy dinner with a view at 360Q! From 6pm – 10pm their Valentine’s Dinner service will see couples treated to a three course grazing style dinner for two with a complimentary cocktail on arrival. Overlook the Queenscliff Harbour for an added element of romance.

Sailor’s Rest

Where: 3 Moorabool Street, Geelong

Dinner and a rooftop party – Sailor’s Rest has all of the lovers covered this Saturday. Lovers can enjoy a three-course menu including your choice of entrée, main and dessert at $95pp, or go for the three courses with entrée, a shared seafood platter and choice of dessert for $120pp. There’s also an a la carte menu running across the Fishbowl and the Beer Garden. Upstairs the vibes shift for a Rooftop party, where love-themed drinks flow, DJ’s from 6pm, and there’s a cupid coin flip. Coloured wrist bands help to identify ‘single’, ‘it’s complicated’ and ‘taken’ attendees. 

The Dill

Where: 62 The Terrace, Ocean Grove

There’s no roses on the table, no fancy violins – just good food and drinks mere steps away from the ocean. The Dill is the perfect spot to special this holiday, but tables book out quickly so get in now!

Tempo Kitchen and Bar

Where: 10/14 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong

Galentines and Chocolate and cocktails and dinner are all on offer at this gorgeous waterfront venue. Galetine’s is celebrated through a graze and sip session including bottomless drinks and a grazing platter, and Dinner by the Bay includes a 3-Course Set Menu with a glass of bubbles on arrival.  Plus there’s a chocolate treat in there for the girlies!

 

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Black Sheep Geelong

Where: 66 Brougham Street, Geelong

A European Feast, cocktails and the Black Sheep mood-lighting that you know and love are all part of the Black Sheep Valentines special. They have a stunning raspberry white chocolate bull cocktail to honour the day! How could you say no! This one is unfortunately fully booked but you never know if there are last minute cancellations.

Sawyer’s Arms + Eileen’s Grill

Where: 2 Noble Street, Geelong

Downstairs from Two Noble you’ll find Sawyer’s Arms also looking after their lovers. Their offer is a three-course menu at $95pp. You’re get an entrée, main and dessert both here and at Eileen’s Grill

There’s all this and more happening in the region. Keep an eye on the page for updates.