The blog
Even though January isn’t quite over yet, you might already be looking ahead to the next big date on the calendar: Valentine’s Day. Yes, we know all the hearts, cards and general fanfare isn’t for everyone, but we cannot deny that it’s a good excuse to spend quality time with your significant other – whatever that looks like.
With hundreds of options for a romantic restaurant in Manchester, deciding on how and where to spend your Valentine’s Day can be quite overwhelming – especially when it comes to dining out in the city. For something a bit different that comes with a slice of luxury in a beautiful, relaxed setting, we cannot recommend Embankment Kitchen enough. Their special 'Love is in the air' Valentine's set menu is just £38pp and delivers three opulent courses, as well as a small selection of carefully curated cocktails.
If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant in Manchester, we’ve picked out the best of the bunch for the lovebirds who are looking to do something extra special this Valentine’s Day.
Middle Eastern dining at Habas
If you know much about Manchester’s foodie scene, then you’ll certainly have heard of El Gato Negro and Canto, two impressive tapas restaurants in the city centre. However, Simon Shaw and the team behind both establishments have created something a little different with Habas, opened in summer 2021. With fresh and exciting modern interpretations of Middle Eastern dishes and flavours, there is also a relaxed lounge, featuring live music until late.
Check out the Habas menu here.
Catalonian cuisine at Tast
You’ve probably tried tapas before, but have you ever had 'tastet'? A Tastet is a Catalonian version of tapas served up by the chefs at Tast. Their method of cooking involves a charcoal oven, adding a unique depth of flavour to the dishes. Their Valentine’s Selection menu is a beautiful selection of Catalonian dishes, available the 12th and 13th of February, that will make your taste buds sing.
£60pp for their Valentine’s Selection.
Relaxed luxury at Embankment Kitchen
Cosy up in Embankment Kitchen’s beautifully bespoke restaurant, offering delicious modern cuisine in a relaxed but luxurious setting, just next to Exchange Square.
Embankment Kitchen is serving up a special Valentine’s menu, ‘Love is in the air’, exclusively available from February 11th to 14th. The sensual three-course menu features dishes such as pan-seared scallops with lemon buttered samphire, indulgent chicken liver and cognac parfait, and a plant-based salt baked beetroot with candied walnuts.
Main dishes include pan roasted cod and a vegan wild mushroom tart, as well as an impressive 425g Chateaubriand steak for two, served with dauphinoise potatoes and other delicious accoutrements. Finally, for dessert, there is an indulgent sharing platter for two, or if you’d rather not share, there is white chocolate and raspberry baked cheesecake or vegan coconut panna cotta, finished off with delicious vegan shortbread.
Along with the Valentine’s set menu, which is £38pp for 3 courses, Embankment Kitchen is also serving three special cocktails, available only from February 11th to 14th: A Kiss from Cupid, The First Spark, and Aphrodite’s Crush.
Valentine’s at EK: 'Love is in the air' set menu, special Valentine's cocktails, and book here.
Tranquil elegance at Australasia
Bask in the natural tones of the Pacific coastline at Australasia, serving delicious modern Australian cuisine influenced by Japan and Southeast Asia. As you disappear underneath Deansgate to the subterranean restaurant, you and your significant other can pretend you really are in Australia, with the tranquil ambiance, extensive wine list, and eclectic musical backdrop.
View the Australasia menus here.
Sky-high dining at 20 Stories
Step into the lift at No.1 Spinningfields and soar up 19 floors to 20 Stories for an indulgent dining experience complete with 360-degree views of the Manchester skyline. It may be a little cold in February to enjoy their rooftop garden terrace – instead, you can cosy up inside and enjoy their special Valentine’s menu in the beautiful restaurant. There’s an impressive selection of 600 wines at 20 Stories, with a mix of classic favourites and more unusual wines that have a focus on organic, biodynamic and natural winemaking.
£65pp for 4 courses.
Southern Italian pasta and more at Sugo
Inspired by the south of Italy, Sugo Kitchen in Ancoats serves a range of creative pasta dishes, as well as some delightful starters, sides, and desserts. The restaurant itself is easy to cosy up in, with rustic touches including wooden chairs and tables, and handmade Pugliese crockery. The menu also includes gluten-free and vegan options, as well as monthly specials, so it’s a perfect date spot for anyone in Manchester!
See what Sugo Pasta Kitchen have to offer.
Modern Chinese at Tattu
With a focus on innovative Chinese cooking, stimulating all senses (not just taste), and delivering engaging customer service, Tattu has made its mark in the UK’s food scene. With restaurants in major cities around the country, Tattu produces seasonal menus using premium ingredients, from colourful dim sum to contemporary main course dishes. Not to mention it has a beautiful interior, making it an ideal spot for a date night in Manchester with your number one.
View the Tattu menu.
Fusion indulgence at Peter Street Kitchen
If you’re looking to really push the boat out this February 14th, Peter Street Kitchen might be right up your street. Their special set menu for Valentine’s includes four exquisite Japanese and Mexican courses, complemented by a luxurious glass of Moët & Chandon Rosé. Inside, the cream and gold aesthetic creates a real sense of occasion away from the busy streets of Manchester.
Valentine's at Peter Street Kitchen, £85pp.
The Jane Eyre
If you and your partner are more of a small-plates-and-cocktails kind of couple, you should look no further than The Jane Eyre in Ancoats. This warm and welcoming neighbourhood bar serves classic cocktails with a twist, as well as a very nice selection of wines and beers. Their small plates and bar snacks are the perfect accompaniment to their fantastic cocktail list and are great for sharing.
View The Jane Eyre menu here.
CitySuites and CitySuites II offer luxury serviced apartments in the heart of Manchester, offering the perfect home away from home for both short and long stays in the city. View the latest offers here.
