Best Valentine’s Day restaurants in Auckland

Love is in the air — and so too is the alluring scent of Tāmaki Makaurau’s best (and busiest) kitchens as they prepare to open their doors for lovebirds alike this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re sharing spaghetti alla Lady and the Tramp–style (kudos to those brave enough to try), or getting the gals together for a pét-nat–led dinner, here are the restaurants to visit this Valentine’s Day, according to the Remix team.

Image via @blue.tamaki
Blue
Roses are very much blue this Valentine’s Day, as Ponsonby’s favourite neighbourhood spot opens its doors for an evening of great company and even greater food. For $80pp, settle in for a chef’s-choice–style dinner with a glass of fizz included. Quickly beloved by those in the know for its simple, seasonal, share-style plates (think heirloom tomatoes with burnt butter, seared venison tartare with pickle burger sauce), you couldn’t be in better hands — or better company — this Valentine’s Day.

Image via @cocoscantina
Coco’s Cantina
Of the few Auckland restaurants that have deservedly reached institution status, Coco’s Cantina is perhaps the most — dare we say — iconic. With its ever-entertaining location on Karangahape Road, it’s time to settle in among the checked-clad tables, order the happy hour pasta and house red, people-watch galore, and finish with one tiramisu, two spoons. Cheap, cheerful, and always a must.

Image via @bodega_akl
Bodega
By day, a sandwich-slinging enterprise with loaded subs and stellar pastries down pat. By night, Bodega — the much-loved local hangout — shifts into a more subdued, bistro-style setting where small plates and an excellent drinks menu reign supreme. For Valentine’s Day, the boys at Bodega have teamed up with Amoise Wines to offer a curated selection of dishes, perfectly paired with Amy’s new 24 Gamay. Consider us swooned.

Image via @giltbrasserie
GILT Brasserie
They say three’s a crowd, but where Valentine’s Day is concerned, we’re more than happy to save a special seat for Josh Emett. At the helm of Auckland brasserie and bar GILT, the acclaimed New Zealand chef has successfully conjured the allure of European-style brasseries you and I might stumble upon in New York or Paris — right in the middle of Tāmaki Makaurau. Think steak frites, pork and duck rillette, and squid ink linguini taking centre stage. For Valentine’s Day, the team at GILT are spreading the love across two days. On Friday, 13 February, both the à la carte menu and a Valentine’s set menu will be available. On Saturday, 14 February, it’s a Valentine’s four-course set menu only. Bon appétit.

Image via @no.7_akl
No.7
When it comes to Auckland happy hours, no establishment entices the Remix team quite like No.7. For just $30, you get a bowl of the pasta of the week and a glass of wine. With each pasta dish lingering for only a short while, it’s your chance to twirl your fork through superb seasonal flavours and chin chin to an equally enticing wine and cocktail list. The sides are just as essential — think fluffy, salt-encrusted focaccia and chorizo skewers.

Image via @greylynnfirehouse
The Grey Lynn Firehouse
For a spot that feels put-together without a side of pretentiousness, look no further than neighbourhood newcomer Firehouse. Dreamed up by the duo behind Norma Taps, Firehouse — with its cosy, charismatic feel — is the perfect place to slide into a booth with your other half or friend group this Valentine’s Day. The tap beer selection is unmatched, the chicken parm is as delicious as it is iconic, and the pork scratchings are simply a must.

Image via @bonpinard
Bon Pinard
You can’t spell extra-special dinner without Bon Pinard — Birkenhead’s answer to Valentine’s Day done right. This North Shore spot, helmed by the Hinemoa-Street successors of neighbouring Duo and Osteria Uno, has cultivated a dinner destination that marries seasonal small plates with a rustic yet chic wine bar aesthetic, with the pours to back it up. This Valentine’s Day, on top of the usual greatness, expect Laurent-Perrier Rosé by the glass, a Valentine’s Day martini, and oyster specials.