Valentine’s Day is round the corner again. We know some married couples no longer celebrate this occasion whilst others find it too commercialized. However, in the midst of daily routines which can become mundane, why not take this opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break, pause and focus on our spouses for awhile, show some love and appreciation to your significant other half?
If you are wondering where to take your date to for a nice meal, here are some suggestions (in random order) that are easy on your wallets and also take into consideration the atmosphere, cuisine, and after-dinner activities that your date is likely to enjoy.
Vineyard
Located in the lush greenery of Hort Park, Vineyard offers the perfect ambiance that will set the tone for a romantic night ahead. The French-Italian ‘garden-to-table’ concept restaurant has launched its special 5-course Valentine’s Day menu for the occasion, with a choice between 3 mains, including Spiced Tomato Glazed Grouper, Mustard Braised Wagyu Karubi and a vegetarian option of Vegetable Gratin. Inspired by Asian tastes and flavours, the menu features Japanese-style teriyaki unagi and tempura, in addition to Korean karubi (galbi) beef.
Take a stroll in the picturesque park before dinner, and capture the moment in pictures, perfect for a personal keepsake or sharing on social media. Known for its horticulture and verdant landscape, Hort Park is a mini romantic getaway and a well-loved location for wedding meals and photoshoots.
Vineyard
33 Hyderabad Road
#02-02 Hort Park
Singapore 119578
Tel: 6479 7977
Colony
Listed as the top fine dining restaurant in Singapore according to TripAdvisor, Colony offers a great buffet spread that boasts both variety and quality dishes. Unlike usual buffet lines, the unique layout of the restaurant means that different food sections are placed in different areas, so be sure to take a look around with your date before you start strategizing on what sumptuous section to try first!
As expected of a 5-star hotel buffet, Colony’s attentive service staff will attend to your needs well, leaving you and your date a pleasant night to remember.
Colony
7 Raffles Ave
The Ritz-Carlton Millenia
Singapore Singapore 039799
Tel: 6434 5288
Bones ‘N Barrels
Great for after work dinner and drinks, Bones ‘N Barrels offers the perfect alfresco ambience that will put you in that romantic mood. In particular, its outlet at Harbourfront is located right on the boardwalk to Sentosa, with a choice of seating in the air-conditioned indoors or by the sea.
With the boardwalk facing the west, head there in the evening and you might just catch a beautiful sunset with the sea on the horizon. Or, stay on later after dark and catch a glimpse of fireworks from the daily Crane Dance that happens on Sentosa at 8pm.
Offering both an International menu and a Mexican and Indian menu, Bones ‘N Barrels has a generous menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. Small bites like their tacos and quesadillas are great for sharing, so you and your date can get a try of more variety. Boasting various drink promotions throughout the year, the restaurant is great for both dinner and for drinks.
Finish your meal with a romantic stroll in the calm sea breeze, or return from your fairytale evening for a late night movie back at Vivo City. Alternatively, if you feel particularly adventurous, you and your date could even hop onto the Sentosa Express and end your romantic night on the beach.
Bones ‘N Barrels (Sentosa)
6 Sentosa Gateway
#01-05
Sentosa Boardwalk
Singapore 098072
Tel: 6221 0346
Alter Ego
This food concept by the duo behind the fresh and hip cafe A Poke Theory which took Instagram by storm serves equally satisfying fare as their sister brand. Yet, besides offering light options for the health-conscious, Alter Ego -– whose theme and name is based on the idea of embracing one’s alternate or darker self -– also presents an indulgent menu that tantalizes the tastebuds.
In particular, Alter Ego is known for its Grilled Cheese sandwiches, which are buttered and toasted to perfection, leaving a satisfying golden brown crust which are a delight with each bite of stretchy gruyere and taleggio. Their fusion menu also means that besides the classic Grilled Cheese which is served with tomato puree dip, you can get their unique Legendary Rendang Grilled Cheese, which truly lives up to its name. It is served with a dish of achar or Peranakan pickled vegetables, and the sour dish complements the savory meat and cheese.
Alter Ego’s location right in town makes it convenient to access, and makes for a great location to start the night, leaving many post-dinner activity options. Enjoy the picturesque city skyline as you and your date take a leisurely walk towards Merlion Park.
Alter Ego
8 Raffles Avenue
#01-13D, Esplanade Mall
Singapore 039802
Tel: 6327 9301
Timbre+
With live music daily and a hawker-centre style urban food park, Timbre+ is the place to get both good food and good vibes. The concept offers a diversity of restaurant-grade food and casual eats at affordable prices, giving you and your date a wide array of choices to choose from without breaking your wallet. Their Incubator programme for first-time chefs or F&B entrepreneurs looking to take their first step into the industry is based on a social mission to develop Singapore’s culinary talents means you can try great food concepts before they actually establish themselves as full-grown businesses in the industry.
Crowd favorites to try at Timbre+ include local fare at Fishball Story and Wong Kee Wanton Noodles, or more sinful options at Two Wings and Big Fish Small Fish. For those still in the salted egg craze, originally a humble coffee-shop stall Two Wings, has now introduced new wings in that flavor. Big Fish Small Fish, known for its creative sauces, also serves Salted Egg sauce in addition to their other popular sauces like Curry Mayo and Cheese, giving an innovative spin to typical fish and chips.
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Thursday this year, the band you can expect to be serenaded by would be The Common People. They play top '40s pop rock and party tunes from the ‘80s and ‘90s, but there is no set list and they take requests, so be sure to get that special song played for your special someone for a memorable night.
Timbre+
73A Ayer Rajah Crescent
JTC Launchpad
Singapore 139957
Tel: 6252 2545
Ultimately, options are aplenty based on both your preferences, but don’t fret over where to go. Your date will surely appreciate the time together and the effort you took to plan a little something. Just have fun and your date will too!