Discover Something Special: 6 Romantic Restaurants for Valentine's Day

Why it's perfect for Valentine's Day: Chikos offers something genuinely unique – Pacific Rim cuisine with Japanese influences in a modern, elegant setting. The open kitchen adds theatre to your evening, letting you watch your dishes come to life.

The atmosphere: Modern décor with Japanese influences surrounds an open kitchen, creating an intimate yet vibrant dining experience. It's the kind of place where you step inside and feel like you've escaped the city bustle – a gem that rewards those who venture to West Auckland.

What to try: The Pacific Rim flavours blend the best of Asian cuisine with New Zealand's finest produce. Pair your meal with wine, sake, or local beer, and finish with one of their famous tasting desserts alongside perfect coffee or organic tea.

Good for: Couples seeking something different, food lovers who appreciate fusion cuisine, and those wanting a romantic escape away from Auckland's central city.

Why it's perfect for Valentine's Day: This award-winning owner-operated restaurant on lower Cuba Street earned a Hat at the 2025 Cuisine Good Food Awards for good reason. Highwater celebrates seasonal, sustainable dining with everything made in-house using traditional techniques – the kind of dedication that makes a meal feel truly special.

The atmosphere: Intimate and beautifully designed, Highwater provides flexible dining arrangements in a warm, welcoming space. The focus on local, ethical produce creates a dining experience that feels conscious and considered – perfect for a Valentine's dinner that means something.

What to try: The dinner menu is designed for sharing, with the Chef's Menu being a popular option for couples wanting to explore the kitchen's full creativity. The carefully curated wine list features sustainable vineyards and organic wines from New Zealand and beyond.

Good for: Couples who care about sustainability, food lovers seeking hatted dining without pretension, and anyone wanting an intimate Wellington experience.

Why it's perfect for Valentine's Day: Set within the picturesque Christchurch Botanic Gardens, this 1920s Tudor-style heritage building offers one of New Zealand's most romantic settings. The restaurant serves authentic Spanish cuisine, transporting you to Spain while surrounded by the beauty of the gardens.

The atmosphere: Dine al fresco among the gardens in summer, or cosy up beside the fireplace in one of the intimate dining rooms during cooler evenings. The venue has its own kitchen garden supplying fresh produce, and views extend to the Peacock Fountain and the Avon River. It's simply magical.

What to try: Begin with the award-winning Chorizo Garcia cooked in cider. For mains, the Cordero Asado (slow-roasted alpine lamb shoulder) or traditional Spanish Paella served in its pan are must-tries. Finish with Crema Catalana – traditional Spanish crème brûlée with lemon, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Good for: Couples seeking a romantic garden setting, Spanish cuisine lovers, special occasion celebrations, and anyone wanting dining that feels like a European escape.

Why it's perfect for Valentine's Day: Hidden down a laneway in historic Arrowtown, Cave offers authentic Japanese cuisine in a warm, welcoming "cave" atmosphere. Owner Chef Kei's culinary mastery creates an unparalleled dining experience – reviewers describe it as "cosy and intimate" with dishes that are beautifully presented and bursting with flavour.

The atmosphere: The intimate space strikes a delicate balance between cosy cavern and chic sake bar, with sleek décor and intimate lighting. Sit at the dining bar for a solo or couples' experience, or grab a table for a relaxed, memorable evening. The setting whispers of late-night Tokyo adventures.

What to try: The menu is crafted for sharing and served gradually throughout the evening. The sashimi is praised for its incredible freshness, and the grilled scallops are a favourite. Pair your meal with sake, Japanese whiskey, or wine from their carefully selected list. Don't miss the unique desserts.

Good for: Couples seeking an intimate hidden gem, Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, and those exploring the Queenstown Lakes region who want something special away from the crowds.

Why it's perfect for Valentine's Day: In the heart of Tahunanui Beach, this locally owned Italian restaurant creates magic with a genuine Italian wood-fired oven and 100% New Zealand-grown flour. It's the kind of neighbourhood gem where quality ingredients meet passionate cooking.

The atmosphere: Relaxed and welcoming, with the warmth of the wood-fired oven creating both ambience and incredible flavours. The beachside location in Nelson means you can combine dinner with a sunset stroll – perfect for Valentine's Day.

What to try: Everything is made on-site using locally sourced ingredients and NZ-milled flour. The pizzas and pastas are cooked in the genuine Italian wood-fired oven, which imparts natural flavours using clean-burning native wood. Pair with wines carefully chosen from the best Nelson vineyards or local craft beer on tap.

Good for: Couples who appreciate authentic Italian cuisine, beachside romance, and supporting locally owned establishments.

Why it's perfect for Valentine's Day: In the charming main street of Greytown, Simplicity lives up to its name by elevating simple food through quality, freshness, and flavour. Using locally sourced ingredients, the kitchen crafts elegant European-style dishes that are refined yet approachable – the essence of romantic dining.

The atmosphere: Relaxed yet polished, Simplicity offers a dining experience that feels both special and unpretentious. The Wairarapa village setting provides the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway, combining dinner with exploring the region's renowned wineries and boutique shops.

What to try: The European-style dishes change with the seasons, always focusing on local produce. The carefully selected wine list features excellent Wairarapa varietals alongside craft beer from Parrot Dog on tap.

Good for: Couples seeking a village getaway, wine lovers wanting to explore the Wairarapa, and those who appreciate elegant simplicity in their dining.