The Resy Guide to Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Sydney

Blessed with stunning views over Watermans Cove and Jones Bay Wharf, this New Orleans-inspired restaurant’s open-plan setup and relaxed vibe make it a magnet for an upbeat crowd. For Valentine’s Day, chef Troy Spencer and his team are offering a luxurious eight-plate dinner (with dishes like oysters and champagne granita, and blackened wagyu fillet), with a complimentary glass of Taittinger Cuvée Prestige upon arrival for $125 per guest. If you’re looking to go the extra mile, an additional BBQ shellfish platter pairs beautifully with said champagne.

Tucked away on tiny Temperance Lane, Esteban’s intimate ambience – think flickering candlelight, leather and beautiful wood panelled interiors – is bested only by its culinary pedigree. The soulful Mexican-inspired cooking here (from the team behind Tequila Mockingbird) is outstanding, and a four-course menu for the 14^th (with eight dishes to share) for $145 per guest comes with an uplifting watermelon and strawberry margarita to begin. Oh, and it has one of Australia’s largest mezcal and Tequila collections too.

One of the most celebratory dining rooms in Bondi, this upscale bistro (known for its excellent cocktails and bottomless brunches) also has some serious talent in the kitchen. Fittingly, its Valentine’s Day menu ($110pp) offers four courses of impressive cooking, from a refreshing scallop crudo with green apple and finger limes, to a delicate raspberry choux with white chocolate, rose petals, and macadamia. A dedicated vegetarian menu is available, too.

Excellent for any occasion – including, yes, Valentine’s Day – the people-watching opportunities at this Potts Point gem are almost as good as its oysters and foie gras. This upscale French brasserie is worth visiting for its incredible wine list as much as its cuisine and knowingly bouji interior, and the list celebrates small and sustainable wineries alongside a selection of rare aged wines. In addition to the la carte, there’s a dedicated vegan menu, a group set menu if you’re celebrating with pals, and even a cake menu.

Ostensibly a neighbourhood bar out front, this Redfern newcomer conceals a svelte vegan-leaning restaurant at the back, with seasonal tasting menus from a former Alibi chef. For the 14^th, there’s a four-course set menu for $50 with a complimentary glass of bubbles; after dinner at one of the restaurant’s red velvet booths, head to the bar for a nightcap to end the night.

Gemma Lin’s artsy Surry Hills establishment (previously Mamasan) won a global award for its eclectic, environmentally conscious design. Its Asian-inflected banquet menu for two ($70pp) comes with a cocktail and several courses to share, including crowdpleasers like mini pork buns, broth dumplings, duck pancakes, and egg custard buns.