Where to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2023: special menus and wine pairings in Metro Manila

Location: Poblacion, Makati City

Japonesa quickly became one of Pobalcion’s most popular hangouts—and given how busy this nightlife district is known to be, it’s quite the achievement. Known for its contemporary take on Japanese-Peruvian fare and drinks, the Notorious Concepts establishment offers diners a four-course menu for two, available February 14 and 15.

Read more: Notorious Concepts: meet the restaurant group behind West 32, Japonesa, and more

Location: BF Homes, Parañaque

This humble neighbourhood bistro has become a permanent fixture in the dining scene of the metro’s south. Time and again, regulars return for the staff’s warm service, cosy ambience, and of course, the chef Tina Legarda’s elevated yet unfussy comfort food. For Valentine’s Day this 2023, the jovial chef has put together a special 5-course menu with off-menu dishes, including the cleverly-named “green, eggs, and ham” tamago sando with fig marmalade and pancetta served with an edamame and spinach bisque, duck ragu orecchiette with roasted bone marrow, and other mouthwatering creations.

Read more: Date-night recipes to cook with your partner

Location: Poblacion, Makati City

From February 13 to 15, diners can enjoy a six-course Asian-European tasting menu at One World Kitchen, prepared by chef Him Uy de Baron of Babu. Expect Irish oysters with shiso, a trout and scallop tartare and crudo with togarashi lavosh, kombu-cured prawns with a lemon risotto, and other fun twists.

Read also: Why do chefs hate the word “fusion”?

Location: Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City

Tucked away on the second floor of the Aleanza Institute is this comfortable Spanish-Filipino restaurant serving contemporary takes on familiar flavours. For Valentine’s Day 2023, the team has put together an exquisite degustation available on the 13th and 14th of February, with seating at 6pm and 8.30pm. Book a seat to graze across fresh oyster, uni and ebiko pasta with caviar, Wagyu steak with foie gras, and more.

In case you missed it: The 15 best Spanish restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022

Location: Salcedo Village, Makati City

For a classic date night experience, look no further than Elbert’s Steak Room. This Valentine’s Day, the straightforward, yet elegant menu highlights elegant continental steak house bites the restaurant is known for—including, of course, a juicy, delectable steak.

In case you missed it: The 9 best steak houses in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022

Location: Diliman, Quezon City

A well-kept secret in Diliman, La Spezia is a rustic, casual restaurant serving some serious Italian fare. Available only for dinner on the 14th of February, the six-course Valentine’s Day menu promises to delight, with the carbonara-style risotto and succulent baby lamb featuring as the menu highlights—each served with Périgord black truffle.

See also: The 12 best Italian restaurants in the Tatler Dining Guide 2022

Location: Legazpi Village, Makati City

As the fine dining destination of the Bar Pintxos group, Txoko Asador has become a popular choice for Spanish cuisine that is at once reliable yet exciting. While diners may still opt to order à la carte this Valentine’s Day, their special set menu for two highlights both their innovative takes on familiar favourites and iterations faithful to the classics. Enjoy their popular pan con tomate, a vibrant ceviche de gambas, duck confit fideua, and more, plus a bottle of wine to share.

In case you missed it: Culinary review: why a meal at Txoko Asador will keep you coming back for more

Location: Newport World Resorts, Pasay City; The Podium Mall, Mandaluyong City; One Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City

Curated for parties of two, the Valentine’s Day set menu at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse features a hefty USDA prime rib (over 1kg in weight), alongside other classic steakhouse picks. At The Podium outlet of the international brand, guests can also dine under the stars at the mall’s roof deck from February 9 to 13.

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Location: BGC, Taguig City

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a Spanish-Mediterranean feast at Terraza Martinez, the popular new restaurant by Alma Siargao’s chef Luis Martinez. The six-course degustation includes fresh oysters, a duck confit taco, and other delicious bites—plus, guests can elevate the experience with a bottle of Chandon Garden Spritz (on promotion for the entire month) or a curated wine pairing.

Read more: New Spanish restaurant Terraza Martinez now open in BGC

Location: BGC, Taguig City

Shangri-La the Fort, Manila’s dedicated steakhouse, Raging Bull offers a four-course menu for couples this February 14, including Josper-grilled Onyx tenderloin, bourbon and maple cured smoked Tasmanian salmon, and wine or champagne. Meanwhile, Samba’s five-course Peruvian menu showcases punchy tiraditos, lobster in ají panca bisque with nori powder, and 48-hour slow-cooked short ribs, plus one of the playful cocktails the restaurant is known for. Finally, the hotel’s esteemed kitchen team stuns guests with a six-course International feast at The Ministry that kicks off with romantic Ecuadorian rosees.

See also: Where to order ceviche around the Philippines

Location: Legazpi Village, Makati City

Chef Miko Calo’s Metronome has become a natural choice for commemorating milestones and special occasions, and with good reason. Marrying French techniques with broader Asian-European flavours, Calo’s tasting menus never fail to impress. For Valentine’s Day, the Butuan City talent has crafted a luxurious six-course degustation that features Kaluga Queen caviar, salt-cured mackerel with kabayawa vinaigrette, truffle risotto, and other delightful treats. Check out Metronome’s Valentine's Day highlight to see what else is in store.

See also: Sa Pa, Vietnam: why you should add this foodie destination to your bucket list

Location: Legazpi Village, Makati City

Looking to celebrate the couple’s holiday a few days earlier? Fret not. Your Local’s head chef Patrick Go will be serving up his seven-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu from February 10 to 15, with seatings available from 11am to 1pm, 6pm to 8pm, and 8.30pm to 10.30pm, so you can dine whenever suits you best.

Read more: How Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world

Location: BGC, Taguig City

Timeless French fare naturally exudes a sense of romance, and Brasserie Sagana’s four-course Valentine’s Day menu is no different. Indulge in puff pastry with mushrooms and foie gras pâté, halibut and scallops or a succulent beef chuck roll, and a delectable strawberry and vanilla bavarois cream.

In case you missed it: Metronome’s new bistro lunch menu is a 3-course set meal of French classics

Location: Salcedo Village, Makati City

This ever-reliable Spanish bistro in Salcedo Village has built a loyal fanbase with its straightforward and simply delicious fare, including breakfast staples, cheeky tapas, and even hearty steaks, plus an impressive cocktail selection to boot. From February 9 to 18 (with special seating times on the 14th), the beloved neighbourhood haunt is set to offer a compelling four-course menu designed for two guests. With a grand collection of wines at the ready, you’re assured of a true epicurean treat.

See also: Valentine’s Day 2023: 7 aphrodisiacs that will spice up your date night

Location: Entertainment City, Parañaque City

Have your pick of regional Chinese, Japanese-Peruvian, or modern Filipino when dining at City of Dreams this Valentine's Day. Crystal Dragon’s five-course set menu features braised hot and sour crab meat broth with Japanese scallop and shrimp wonton, wok-fried beef tenderloin with Sichuan pepper and king mushrooms, and other specialities. At Nobu Manila, indulge in a sophisticated five-course menu including oyster with yuzu granita, an assortment of tuna, and a trio of Wagyu beef.  If you’re hankering for some Filipino fare with a twist, the five-course menu at Haliya may entice you—enjoy cured salmon ensalada, beef estofado, and more. Plus, each of these meals comes with a complimentary drink!

See also: Valentine’s Day 2023: 7 aphrodisiacs that will spice up your date night

Location: Somerset Alabang Manila, Muntinlupa City

Chef Carlos Garcia (The Black Pig, The Pigpen) demonstrates his world-class Michelin-star training at his fine dining establishment, Tiago’s. For this coming Valentine’s Day, the team has crafted a special menu that includes salmon and ikura chawan mushi, tiger prawn with parmesan foam in a saffron bisque, and a delectable Wagyu striploin.

Read more: Tatler Dining's top 10 best stories of 2022

Location: Makati Avenue, Makati City

With outstanding service, elegant Asian-European bites, and an extensive drinks selection, chef Colin Mackay’s timeless restaurant Blackbird remains a no-brainer for special occasions. Visit their website to view their Valentine’s 2023 menu, which includes Guinea fowl and foie gras agnolotti in truffle cream, roasted black cod, and even some bubbly.

Read more: Colin Mackay on the importance of teamwork in the restaurant industry

Location: Westgate Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Foie gras, Racan pigeon, Kobe Wagyu—indulge in all these and more at Caviar this February 13 to 15, as the French restaurant puts on a limited six-course menu. Tucked within Westgate Center in Alabang, Caviar has been a mainstay in fine dining circles of the metro’s south, marrying attentive service, comfortable yet sophisticated interiors, and gastronomic treasures from around the world.

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