There’s something lovely about having an excuse to make a night of it. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to slow down, put the phone away, and spend quality time with someone you love—whether that’s over a glass of wine, a long walk as the sun sets, or a home-cooked meal you’ve made together.
Thankfully, we live in the perfect place. Because the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney are filled with beautiful spots for exactly this kind of evening. And here are some of our favourite ways to celebrate.
Begin With a Drink and Good Conversation
Starting the evening with a drink gives you time to settle in and really connect. There’s no rush, just the two of you, catching up properly.
The wine bars along Macleay Street in Potts Point are perfect for this. Dear Sainte Éloise feels like a gem you’ve stumbled upon, filled with interesting wines and flavour-forward share plates that spark conversation. Or try Macleay St Bistro, where the relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere and thoughtfully curated wine list make it easy to linger.
In Surry Hills, Tokyo Bird on Belmore Lane offers a warm, intimate Japanese-inspired setting which is ideal for a relaxed start to the night. And if you’re feeling adventurous, Soultrap is an underground speakeasy with cocktails worth savouring.
Enjoy a Long Dinner
A great meal shared with someone you love is one of life’s genuine pleasures. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to book somewhere special and take your time over every course.
In Darlinghurst, Victoria Street has a wonderful mix of neighbourhood Italian spots and modern Australian restaurants where the focus is on good food and warm hospitality. Paddington’s quieter pockets—around Windsor Street and the Five Ways—are home to intimate dining rooms with produce-driven menus and attentive service.
Wherever you choose, booking ahead is always a good idea in February. It means you can relax knowing the evening is sorted.
Try Something a Little Different
Not every memorable date needs to centre around a meal. Sometimes the best evenings involve doing something together that you wouldn’t normally do on a weeknight.
Like catching a film at Golden Age Cinema & Bar in Surry Hills. Here, the space, which was once the Sydney headquarters of Paramount Pictures, has real character and feels like a cinema experience with a bit of flair. Plus, their program of indie and international films makes it feel like a proper occasion. And there’s a bar for pre-film drinks too. Or, if you’re looking for something more classic, the Ritz Cinemas in Randwick is a heritage art deco gem with a balcony bar overlooking the street.
Or, is there anything more romantic than a sunset walk together? The harbourside paths around Elizabeth Bay and Rushcutters Bay are particularly beautiful in the early evening light. And this is the perfect chance to talk, hold hands, and enjoy the last warmth of a summer day.
Pack a Picnic
February evenings in Sydney are made for eating outdoors. A thoughtfully packed picnic can be wonderfully romantic. Because once you’ve spread your picnic rug somewhere beautiful, and start tucking into your charcuterie board, bottle of wine, and delectable conversation; there is nowhere else you’d need—or want—to be.
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Make it easy on yourself by letting the experts do the work. Simon Johnson in Woollahra stocks exceptional cheese, charcuterie and treats—their cheese room alone is worth a visit. Or head to Double Bay and discover Piccolina Deli Café with their beautiful homemade Italian treats.
Then Rose Bay’s foreshore has gorgeous harbour views, or Nielsen Park is perfect if you want to combine an evening swim with your sunset spread. Just make sure you arrive with enough time to find a lovely spot and watch the sky change colour together.
Make Home the Destination
Sometimes the most romantic thing you can do is stay in. Cooking together, setting the table properly, and opening a bottle you’ve been saving is a really special treat. It’s an evening of intimacy and homely comforts, especially if you go to the effort of making sure it doesn’t just feel like another dinner at home. We’re thinking of a candlelit dinner, a special table setting and some music to set the mood.
Pick up quality ingredients from your favourite local grocer, grab something sweet from one of the bakeries in Surry Hills, and choose a bottle from a good wine shop. Put some music on, light a few candles, and cook something you wouldn’t normally make on a weeknight.
But lets face it, it doesn’t need to be complicated. Even a really good pasta with a simple salad feels like an occasion when you do it with intention.
Make It Your Own
The best Valentine’s Day is whatever feels right for the two of you. Maybe that’s a long dinner at a favourite restaurant. Maybe it’s a picnic on the harbour as the sun goes down. Or maybe it’s simply staying in and making something delicious together.
There’s just so many reasons to love where we live. In fact, it’s a place we fall in love with every day. So explore The Eastern Suburbs and discover many beautiful ways to spend an evening with someone you love. But really, the only thing that really matters on a day like this is being present, enjoying each other’s company, and celebrating what you have.
Happy Valentine’s Day.