Win Valentine’s Day at these romantic Brisbane restaurants

For a cruisy and picturesque evening, head up to the Pullman and Mercure Hotel’s rooftop bar Sixteen Antlers this Valentine’s Day.

The leafy space is a hot spot for tasty tapas, colourful cocktail jugs and live DJs and music. Revel in the views of Brisbane’s city skyline with your date as a romantic sunset bathes your table in pink-orange hues.

Lounging peacefully high above all the noise and commotion of the CBD, you’ll enjoy the sense of intimacy as you unwind over drinks and dinner. The tapas menu is designed for sharing, and showcases fresh, local produce in a tight range of simple but tasty lip-smacking dishes. Try the mini charcoal sliders with falafel, lemon and garlic pulled chicken or pork shoulder. The tender Lebanese spiced chicken skewers with tzatziki are also popular.

To wash it all down, your drinks list is generous. We recommend a chilled jug of mint-garnished watermelon spritz – a refreshing and romantic prosecco-based cocktail perfect for a hot night out.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Lebanese spiced chicken skewers ($16)

Book it here

An award-winning wine bar and grill with a menu to make meat lovers drool, Moo Moo is a definite green light for Valentine’s Day.

The buzzing restaurant in the old Port Office building sources the best beef from all regions and pastures around Australia and is known for its specialty steaks. Cooked over coal and wood on Moo Moo’s charbroiler, the result is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s difficult to top.

Warm your date up with some of Moo Moo’s stone-baked bread to begin, with tomato and olive pico de gallo and Moo Moo jus. Oysters, charcuterie, beef carpaccio, or a pair of hot toothsome seafood dishes are perfect next.

If you’d like to impress your date with the full Moo Moo experience, make the Moo Moo signature your main – a spice-rubbed 1kg Wagyu rump cap roast, sealed until smokey on the char grill and then oven-roasted to your liking. It serves two so there’ll be plenty of fork-bumping to go with your accidental foot-rubbing.

Pair your meal with a gorgeous bottle of Aussie red from the extensive wine list and seal the deal with a shared dessert tasting plate…

Can it get any more romantic than this?

Dish Cult’s top pick: The Moo Moo signature ($178)

Book it here

If a trip to France isn’t on the cards this year, a romantic meal at The Long Apron is surely the next best thing. Head to the Sunshine Coast for the chef-hatted restaurant at lush five-star hotel Spicers Clovelly Estate, a rare bastion of modern French cuisine in this part of Queensland.

This Valentine’s Day, take your date to experience what all the fuss is about with a special five-course dinner. A welcome glass of rosé champagne awaits you on arrival.

Though the dishes look and taste decidedly contemporary at The Long Apron, the kitchen’s ethos pays homage to France’s warm and long-standing bistro tradition: fresh local ingredients paired exceptionally well, a relaxed dining space, and a passionate focus on technique.

Think dry-aged duck breast artfully arranged with braised endive and orange, locally foraged mountain top mushrooms sleeping on polenta and black garlic, or cloud-like goat cheese souffles.

Dessert is a magical experience here – try the apple tarte tatin with cinnamon ice cream for a nostalgic take on a French classic.

It’s hard not to be enchanted by the romantic ambience with your dining partner as you embark on an exciting gourmet journey together in the heart of the hinterland.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Five-course Valentine’s Day dinner ($250 pp)

Book it here

Sometimes the most romantic moments take place in a space that’s cosy, loud and comfortable – not some upper crust restaurant with a stiff set menu. If you prefer your Valentine’s Day dinner to feel like a fun party night out, check out Pepe’s Mexican restaurant in Jindalee. This Valentine’s Day, the laidback family-run cantina is offering plenty of tasty Mexican eats and drinks specials.

Slide into one of the intimate booths for a night of your favourite classics, like chimichanga and fajitas. A highlight on the menu is the cochinita pibil, a traditional Mexican dish of pulled pork slow-cooked in banana leaves. Pepe’s family opened Brisbane’s first Mexican Restaurant in 1972, and have a long and respected history in offering authentic Mexican cuisine.

A live mariachi band will be serenading all the lovers from 6pm to 8pm, guaranteed to bring all the sighs, swoons and giggles. But don’t worry – a couple of margaritas will help to keep any date night nerves at bay.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Cochinita pibil ($27)

It’s nearly been 150 years since Brisbane’s historic Regatta Hotel opened its doors, a span of time over which many memories have been made and relationships formed behind its iconic iron-laced verandahs.

The grand Victorian hotel moonlights as a gastropub and courtyard bar – and this 14th February, it will transform into a swoon-worthy culinary experience as well. Join the team at the hotel’s Boatshed restaurant on Valentine’s Day for an exclusive three-course set menu with that special someone.

Opt for either a bottle of Piper champagne or a paired wine menu to complement your meal. The evening includes a three-hour sitting from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, and while the exact menu on the night remains a mystery for now, guests can expect the highest quality produce and meat under the planning of the watchful executive chef.

A live violinist will provide the romantic soundtrack.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Valentine’s Day set menu ($105 pp)

Related stories:

• Feel the love at Brisbane’s most romantic restaurants