Where to eat on Valentine's Day

We’re long-time sceptics of ever venturing into a restaurant on Valentine’s Day, an occasion second only to the Christmas season for souped-up set menus charging through the nose for a strictly time-limited table. But we recognise that not everyone has the kitchen confidence (or, let’s be real in Dublin these days, kitchen access that’s not shared with far too many others) to whip up a show-stopper meal that says what no Hallmark card ever could. So here’s our loving gift to you - top tips for delicious dinners that won’t rinse or rush you – and that aren’t already booked to the rafters. Yet. Be quick...

Gursha, Poolbeg Street

With a name that literally refers to the act of lovingly feeding another with your hands, Gursha couldn’t be any better suited to the corny couple moments that make Valentine’s play like The Purge for PDAs. All gag reflexes aside, this excellent Ethiopian spot is one of the best places around town to try out East African food, with mixed plates of five (meaty) or six (vegan) dishes mopped up with deliciously airy injera flatbread. Book here.

Woollen Mills, Ormond Quay

If that kind of lovey-dovey dining doesn’t do it for you, the right table at The Woollen Mills will give a clear view across the Ha’penny Bridge to Merchant’s Arch, so over your romantic modern Irish dinner you can see where Ulysses’ Leopold Bloom buys wife Molly a, ahem, colourful book they might read together in bed. That kind of literature is no longer available on the spot, but a post-dinner stroll down to Capel Street will see you sorted if you’re so minded. Book here.

Hakkahan, Stoneybatter

It’s literally pink! The bold blush exterior of Hakkahan ticks all the themed colour boxes with no chance of being anywhere near as busy as the likes of Pink and Doll Society, and, y’know, there's the distinct advantage of food we’re interesting in eating. Sichuan flavours have only gotten bigger and bolder here in the years of success since opening, with more and more offal making its way onto the menu too. If tongue-numbing spiciness isn’t off the menu for you ahead of a romantic night, this is the place – they might even have heart on. Book here.

Nan, Stephen Street Lower

If sweating your way through a Sichuan feast isn’t your idea of romance (whatever happened to "if you can’t take me at my worst?"), maybe the wholesome heart-necked dim sum swans at sister restaurant Nan might do instead. The soft drapes and warm tones of the room are a real date night favourite of ours, and the ever-evolving dim sum menu they’re leaning into more and more these days makes for a fun journey of shared discovery – and a surprisingly great value one too. Book here.

Hidden by One Society, Smithfield

It doesn’t get any better than dinner and a movie, and tucked right in beside Smithfield’s Light House Cinema is One Society’s sister site Hidden. Italian-style sharing plates, pasta and pizza should be sure to put you in an amorous mood, and their popular wine flights are a good way to mix and match without doing the dog on it. Their pre-6 early bird and post-9 late bird offers are also valid on Saturdays. All that’s left is to pick a movie – a steamy new Wuthering Heights will be big, but we’re all in on Pillion. Book here.

Dada, South William Street

The arched entrance to Dada welcomes you to a world of North African flavour – a great way to escape the everyday without splurging on a flight. The lower-lit, curtain-flanked booths are purpose-built for date night nooks and crannies, with €5 corkage an easy excuse to pick up something special from Loose Canon on the way. If you really want to get into the spirit of the day, take a short stroll over to Whitefriar Street Church and pay your respects to St Valentine himself – who knew his earthly remains were right here in Dublin? Book here.

Eleven, Loughlinstown

Its slightly awkward location just off the N11 (geddit?) might explain why Eleven is the only of serial restaurateur John Farrell’s joints to have any V-day availability, but if you’re willing to drive or endure an industrial stroll from the Luas line, the wood-fired grill here has plenty to fill your hearts and bellies. The evening atmosphere is all low lamplit tables and a slide guitar soundtrack, all the better to make googly eyes over oysters or a shared Côte de Boeuf. Book here.

Rongcheng, Blackrock

Mileage on the romanticism of an Irish winter may vary, but it’s hard to beat Rongcheng’s view out over Dublin Bay – especially if the evening cloud hangs just right to catch the setting sun’s rays. Whatever the weather, the Hong Kong style dim sum menu here is the stuff of sharing dreams. Book here – or stick closer to the city centre with their Baggot Street branch here.

The Old Spot, Sandymount

Surprisingly available for the day that’s in it, though likely less and less so as you read this (click quick!), is newly Michelin-(re)listed gastropub The Old Spot. Sourdough heaped with mussels pil pil and dangerously OTT beef dripping chips are tailor-made for sharing with a quick arch of the eyebrows, and we’re very big fans of their salted caramel martini as a lighter kind of dessert. Book here.

Brighton Road, Foxrock

You’d be hard-pressed to get your hands on a white-clothed table anywhere within a five mile radius of town at this stage, but if Foxrock’s not too far then Brighton Road has got you sorted. This neighbourhood bistro menu is studded with the kind of throwback comfort food classics sure to send your harp-scored mind racing back to where it all started. Book here.

Al Dente @ Home

If the idea of crowded commutes through winter weather and sitting elbow-to-elbow with other dates is anathema to you (hard same), three-cheese tortelli and truffle fondue from the comfort of home will be Cupid’s music to your ears. Al Dente’s meal delivery kit is comically low-effort even by the light-touch standards of these things, all the better to save time for – well, for dessert of course. It's €38 for filled pasta, sauce and tiramisu for dessert, and you can order here.

FX Buckley @ Home

FX Buckley have entered the chat with another great idea for a date night without the crowds. Their Valentine's menu at home clocks in at €60 for either a classic beef or salmon en croûte, with seasonal potatoes and fresh vegetables. There's a dark chocolate and praline mousse for dessert, and an optional wine pairing too. Order by calling them or emailing shop@fxbuckley.ie, and your last day to order is the 13th February so for the love of God do not leave your planning until the day itself.