It’s said that there are five love languages – five different ways of expressing and receiving love: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. But I’m signing a petition to add the sixth one this Valentine’s Day–food! And why shouldn’t it be considered as an act of love? The best conversations are had and memories made over a dinner. In some cases, proposals too. And for many, food is just as orgasmic as sex! So we don’t blame Abraham Maslow for putting both at the top of his hierarchy of needs. Delicious and wholesome food is the key to anyone’s heart. Whether you’re planning an outdoor dinner date or celebrating by yourself, fall in love with food this Valentine’s Day. Ahead, we give you a list of restaurants and cafes that you can head to or place an order from to celebrate love!
1. Zenmai, Santacruz West (Mumbai)
Mock Meat Dumplings, Shanghai Lotus Root, Chilli Tempura Sushi–has the mere sound of these dishes given you foodgasm? Then you’ll love this Pan-Asian restaurant, which offers a romantic dining experience not only with its food but also its elegant interiors.
Price: INR 3,500
2. The Sassy Spoon, Powai & Nariman Point (Mumbai)
The resto-bar is playing cupid this season of love with its limited-edition Valentine’s Day-themed cocktail menu, Lovetails. So raise a toast to your loved one with a glass of Love Potion #9 (a strawberry and dark chocolate martini), or spice things up with Spicy Sweetheart (a tempting strawberry and black pepper martini) or get drunk (on love) with Cupid’s Arrow (a rosemary peach bellini).
Price: INR 450 plus taxes
3. Harajuku Cafe (Gurugram & New Delhi)
The Japenese-themed cafe has got their pun game going strong with a menu featuring names that can be certainly used as pick-up lines to impress your Valentine. Maybe you can say ‘We’re Bento Be’ and present delicious ramen in bento boxes or tell them ‘I Love You So Matcha’ and binge on some matcha flavoured meals together! You can end your date on a sweet note saying ‘I Can’t Cake my Eyes Off You’ and indulge in Jiggly Japanese Pancakes, one of the signature desserts here.
Price for two: INR 1,000 approx.
4. Yauatcha, BKC (Mumbai)
Sure, sex is fun. But have you tried Yauatcha’s meals? Their authentic Cantonese food is way better and super satisfying! And this V-Day, you and your bae can indulge in the restaurant’s All Things Love special menu. Take your pick from exquisite dumplings, stir-fry options and signature Mongolian chicken. Don’t forget to indulge in the tempting desserts–heart-shaped macarons in flavours of yuzu, strawberry, raspberry, hazelnut praline and much more. In addition to this, the chefs at Yauatcha have crafted a decadent dessert with pink grapefruit marquise making for a sinful yet memorable meal with your beloved.
Available from February 11-28
Price: INR 650-1,650 plus taxes
5. Hopshaus, Indiranagar And Whitefield (Bengaluru)
Trust us, the only love bites you’ll want are those from Chili Cilantro Grilled Prawns served with a yummy Beurre Rouge, or Citrusy Herbed Chicken Skewers served with a Cherry Tomato Cream bursting with flavour. Or even Strawberry Crème Brûlée, okay, maybe mroe than one love bite is okay. Head to Hopshaus for this romantic menu!
Price: INR 345 + tax onwards
6. Silly, Bandra (Mumbai)
Who said you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day all by yourself? The biggest love of your life should be yourself! To underline this idea this Valentine’s week, Silly is doing a self-love campaign called #LoveYourSillySelf which hopes to help individuals acknowledge their love for themselves. The restaurant has planned a fun activity called Let Go, in which you can vent things out of your system by penning down your thoughts on a piece of paper and then shredding them in the paper shredder to let it all go! Maybe you can even belt out the number like Elsa. You don’t need another person to make you happy–all you need is yourself…and some food–which is why Silly is also organising candle-lit dinners on request as well as wine and cheese tasting on February 15, besides other engaging activities.
7. Mamagoto, Saket (New Delhi)
Planned a Galentine’s night with your squad? It’s time to let your hair down and sip on Mamagoto’s specially curated Valentine’s Day cocktails. There’s a drink for everyone’s preference. For lovers of darker spirits, there’s Port City, bourbon infused with fresh ginger and spices to create a truly heartwarming cocktail. The Maple Sour takes on a classic whisky sour made with bourbon and maple syrup. Close the evening with The Parlour, a delicious plum infused gin, paired with passion fruit and star anise.
Available across several outlets in New Delhi from February 7-28
Price for one cocktail: INR 499
8. Plush, Bandra West (Mumbai)
Don’t have time for a long, romantic evening. Just go for a quickie to this cafe instead and relish a fulfilling meal. Choose from rose lattes, heart-shaped pizzas, red velvet freak shakes, red salad, among others!
Price for two: INR 1000-1500
9. Chowman, Bengaluru
Nothing can get dirtier than dirt-cheap Chinese food. It’s satisfying in every way–it’s comforting, delicious and won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Isn’t that what you and your partner want? So go ahead and OD on lip-smacking food from Chowman. There is a set menu for vegetarians and non-vegetarians with dishes such as Shanghai noodles/rice, kung-pao chicken, and more.
Price for two: INR 699 (for veg) and INR 899 (for non-veg)
10. Magna Cafe (Mumbai)
Book a private dine-in seating for two in this recently-launched cafe’s royal victorias–a private baggi that will make for a dreamy love nest. You can also choose to sit in the dome area, which makes for the perfect setting for dates or romantic proposals. Now that we’ve made you picture the vibes, let’s talk food! Magna Cafe prepares a lavish spread of appetising meals across Asian, Mediterranean, Continental, and fusion Indian cuisine coupled with handcrafted cocktails.
11. Brewdog Midtown Mumbai
If your furry friend is your valentine, then here’s the perfect place for the two of you to spend your day. All you need to do is buy a Pint of Punk IPA (500ml) and your pup gets a treat on the house! Make this day of love memorable ’cause what’s better than a belly full of beer for you and belly rubs for your pups?
Reservation to be made on February 14 between 12:00 pm to 1:30 am
Contact Details: 80974 46944
12. Quikish
If you’re still not too comfortable heading out, just create a romantic, fine dining experience indoors with the help of Quikish. The delivery service sends easy-to-cook kits for you to whip up a gourmet meal from the comfort of your own home. Choose from 6 limited edition meal kits that include a mix of veg and non-veg options in Indian and global cuisines. With the addition of scented candles, bonbons and a cinnamon sangria mix, Quikish ensures you won’t even miss the outdoor scene.
Delivery across several outlets in India
Oh, and if you’re looking for a gift for her this Valentine’s Day? Check out our gifting guide!
