Where to celebrate the season of love in Saudi Arabia for last-minute planners
Ramp up the romance by treating your loved ones to a special meal at one of these restaurants…
Whether you’re after dazzling views from the iconic The Globe, or fancy cranking it up a notch with a meal at Shang Palace, February 14 offers the perfect excuse to check out all the hotspots with your partner. And it’s still not too late to make plans. However you decide to show your affection, we’re here to give you a helping hand. Slip out to one of these beautiful boltholes, perfect for celebrating love.
Jeddah:
Kaia
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Head up to Kaia and experience melodies and ambient vibes while savouring a combination of tantalising mocktails and Pacific-rim cuisine under the dazzling skies of the Red Sea. Enjoy the beats of live entertainment with the resident DJ spinning vibrant hits late into the night. Couples will receive a special dessert and complimentary red roses for the ladies.
Kaia, Feb 14, 6pm to 11pm, Shangri-La Jeddah. Starts from SAR250 per person. @kaia.jeddah
Myra
Make Myra the ultimate destination for love this Valentine’s Day with a menu that seamlessly blends French tradition with a creative twist. As you indulge in Myra’s culinary delights, immerse yourself in the romantic ambiance enhanced by Valentine’s Day-themed music playing from February 14 to 17. Be sure to capture the essence of love with the heart installation, creating the perfect backdrop for cherished memories. And what’s Valentine’s Day without some sweet treats? Elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration by securing the exclusive ‘Love’ series. Guests are offered a choice between the 1966 Rouge and the raspberry and vanilla gateau. Indulge in the exclusive Chocolate Hearts Bon Bon collection, featuring three delectable flavours, Pistachio, Salted Caramel, and Peanut Butter. Indulge further with the strawberry and custard danish cube and ice cream croissant, adding layers of sophistication to your palate. The best part? You may order them through Hunger Station of Lugmety.
Myra, 8am to midnight, S Square, Hira St., Jeddah. @myra.ksa
Niyyali
Niyyali, with its breathtaking open-air views of the Red Sea, offers the ideal backdrop for a spellbinding Valentine’s Day celebration. Couples are invited to relish in the charm of Lebanese cuisine combined with the soothing sounds of the sea for a memorable culinary affair. Choose from two sets of exclusive menus, which start from SAR800 for meat options and SAR950 for seafood lovers. You will also receive a complimentary bottle of premium grape juice.
Niyyali, Feb 14, 6pm to 11pm, Shangri-La Jeddah. @niyyali.jeddah
Shang Palace
The home of soulful and modern Chinese cuisine, Shang Palace celebrates the most romantic time of the year with a crafty and curated dining experience. Dry ice will magically transform dining tables into a whimsical ambience, and couples will be enchanted by the mysterious flavours of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Cantonese cuisines. Aside from the dreamy set-up, there will be welcome drinks and complimentary red roses for the ladies.
Shang Palace, Feb 14, 6pm to 11pm, Shangri-La Jeddah. Minimum spending requirement of SAR800 per couple (including VAT). @shangpalace_jeddah
Riyadh:
A.O.K Kitchen
Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day at A.O.K Kitchen. Inviting couples, loved ones and friends to enjoy a special day themed around love, the all-inclusive restaurant is throwing the day to remember – complete with dazzling decorations (look out for the Instagrammable heart neon light), a customised menu, and a special Valentine’s Day dessert. With Valentine’s Day celebrations going on throughout the day, guests will be able to enjoy A.O.K Kitchen’s usual menu with no minimum spend. For breakfast, loved ones can share signature dishes like the famous A.O.K Pancakes – with organic maple syrup, coconut Chantilly and fresh berries – and the Rumbled Eggs with toasted sourdough. For lunch and dinner, sumptuous dining highlights include the Roasted Honey Salmon, Grilled Sirloin Tagliata and a host of fresh salads and sides from the garden. To complete the sublime dining experience, a chef’s special dessert will also be available on the day, exclusively crafted for Valentine’s Day.
A.O.K Kitchen, KAFD. Tel: 9200 25304. Valentine’s Day at A.O.K Kitchen Riyadh will be celebrated all day long on Feb 14. @aokkitchensaudi
Azure
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This February 14, let’s spice things up Spanish-style at Azure. Prepare your palates for a 5-course journey through the heart of Spain – from tantalising tapas to desserts that will make your corazón sing. The set menu will also feature complimentary mocktails infused with Spanish flavours and a complimentary bouquet of flowers to set the mood and add a touch of romance to your night.
Viva el Amor! Experience Spanish Romance at Azure, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, Feb 14, 6.30pm to 11.30pm. SAR350 per couple. Tel: 053 341 1234. @azureriyadh
Carbone
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Carbone Riyadh in a lavish and romantic ambiance and a set menu of a selection of Carbone’s finest, at SAR1,400 SAR per couple. Enjoy dishes such as Jumbo Shrimp Scampi and Veal Parmesan, and couples will also receive a signature in-house branded chocolate, capturing the sweetness of the night. The à la carte menu will be available until 9pm only, after which the exclusive set menu becomes the centrepiece of your special and romantic night.
Carbone, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel. Valentine’s Day Set Menu SAR1,400 per couple. Tel: 011 829 0919. @carbone.riyadh
COYA
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Peruvian classics with a modern twist are on the menu at this gorgeous date night spot in Sulimaniyah. Pick a spot on the terrace or sit in the main dining room while you delight in their Dia Del Amor set menu and one of their many signature mocktails. And while you’re there, treat your loved ones to COYA’s special heart-shaped cookie box at SAR250.
COYA, 8710 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223. Tel: 9200 10352. @coyariyadh
Ferdi
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Join the magic at Ferdi for a night filled with French tunes and soulful saxophone vibes. Add a touch of Parisian whimsy to your experience – lock in your initials on the special installation and snap your personalised Polaroid snapshots, capturing all the fun #ferdimoments of the night.
Ferdi, Feb 14, from 6pm, Via Riyadh, Al Hada District. Reservations for Valentine’s Day can be made here. SAR250 minimum spend per person. Tel: 013 663 7000. @ferdi.saudi
Gymkhana
What is love without curry? Meaningless. And so off we go to Gymkhana at Via Riyadh. Look forward to a menu of dishes such as Wagyu cheek peppery fry, tandoori lobster sizzler, wild tiger prawn moilee, and beetroot halwa tart. The Valentine’s Day set menu for two guests is priced at SAR385 per person. There will also be a live DJ and percussionist to amplify the romance of the evening.
Gymkhana, Feb 14, from 6pm, Via Riyadh, Al Hada District. Reservations for Valentine’s Day can be made here. SAR385 minimum spend per person. Tel: 013 663 7000. @gymkhana.sa
Hua.Lan
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Make an evening of it at Hua.Lan with a delicious Chinese fare while taking in the gorgeous city views from the sleek, warm dining room. Its Valentine’s feasting menu includes three courses with a cocktail for only SAR390 per couple. Think duck salad with pomelo and pinenuts, jasmine tea smoked honey beef, Kung Pao chicken with cashew and truffle rice.
Hua.Lan, Midtown, Riyadh. Reservations can be made here. @hualan_restaurant
Il Baretto
This Valentine’s Day, the romance is being ramped up a notch with Il Baretto’s Valentine’s Day extravaganza: Bloom in Amore. Couples and loved ones will be able to enjoy Il Baretto’s signature menu – inspired by Italy’s beautiful and diverse regions – along with a limited-time menu of Valentine’s specials. An exclusive Valentine’s Day red dessert and drink will also be available on the night. Providing plenty of photo moments and an offering an intimate and exclusive feel, Il Baretto Riyadh will be overtaken with red roses, candlesticks and other blooms. An arch of fresh flowers will wow guests as they arrive before they’re whisked away to their table, complete with roses, candles and thoughtful branded notes. Embracing the passionate red theme, food will be served on red plates, emblazoned with the words ‘Amore’, with other touches including rose petals in drinks and red ribbons on glasses.
Il Baretto: Bloom in Amore, Feb 14, Al Malqa, Riyadh 13521, King Abdullah Financial District. Tel: 9200 12508. @ilbarettosa
L’Ami Dave
At SAR800 per couple, L’ami Dave presents a specially curated set menu and a window into French gastronomic elegance. Choose from a selection of L’ami Dave’s specialties, including the Saumon Rattatouille and Wagyu Tenderloin Medallion. L’ami Dave’s legendary branded macarons provide the perfect sweet finale, ensuring a night to remember. Every couple will also be treated to a thoughtfully curated gift from Rituals, consisting of luxurious goodie bags filled with carefully selected Rituals products. Due to high demand and limited availability, a SAR200 deposit is required to confirm reservations.
L’Ami Dave, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel. Tel: 011 829 0949. @lamidaveriyadh
LPM Restaurant & Café
Indulge in an exclusive dessert for Valentine’s Day at LPM Restaurant & Café, the Tarte Tropézienne à la Fleur d’Oranger. Available at LPM Restaurant & Bar globally until February 18, the limited-edition dessert consists of a buttery Brioche filled with Orange Blossom Diplomat Cream, topped with a Craquelin and Pink Pralines. It is perfectly complemented by the mocktail Rosé Champagne Colada, also on the beverage list exclusively for Valentine’s Day – a refreshingly sparkling mocktail with pineapple and nutty flavours, making it slightly sweet yet perfectly balanced for this experience.
LPM Restaurant & Café, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. Tel: 9200 11794. @lpmriyadh
Mr Chow
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Mr Chow Riyadh celebrates its first Valentine’s Day with a romantic soiree to remember. Combining Hollywood-inspired romantic touches with exquisite flavours, the famous restaurant is also celebrating 56th years of love, marking 56 years since it opened in London on Valentine’s Day in 1968. On February 14, guests are invited to indulge in a special three-course Valentine’s Day set menu. The evening begins with a welcome drink, as guests enter the restaurant through a giant heart-shaped red rose arch, the perfect romantic picture moment. Choose from two three-course menus and finish with a sumptuous Red Velvet cake, served with a classic Rossini mocktail or non-alcoholic champagne and strawberry puree.
MR CHOW’s Valentine’s Day three-course menu is available on Feb 14, priced at SAR325 for bookings before 7.30pm and SAR445 from 8pm onwards. Tel: 9200 12658. @mrchowriyadh
Raoul’s
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Raoul’s is putting on a special Valentine’s Day dining experience – and it’s everything you could ask for. Featuring delish food, decorations inspired by the famous Philadelphia love statue, and a live guitarist, expect sparks flying throughout the night.
Raoul’s, from 6pm, Via Riyadh, Al Hada District. SAR400 minimum spend per person. Reservations for Valentine’s Day can be made here. Tel: 013 663 7000. @raoulsrestaurant.sa
Rüya
Rüya has quite the deal this Valentine’s Day, in the form of a specially curated dinner experience, plus some specials, featuring a decadent Çikolata ve Türk Kahvesi dessert and the Anatolian Fizz drinks.
Rüya Love Night, Feb 14, 1224 Prince Muhammad IbnAbd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12243. Reservations can be made here. Tel: 9200 10692. @ruya_riyadh
Sadelle’s
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For SAR600 per couple, Sadelle’s offers a stunning set menu preparation, steeped in culinary craftsmanship. The experience begins with a welcome drink, setting the stage for a flavour-filled 3-course journey. Highlights include Coconut Shrimp with green curry dipping sauce, House Cured Salmon, and Fig and Rocket Salad, among a selection of other savoury stars. The meal will conclude with a shared dessert, a homage to shared moments and memories. Guests have the option to choose from the set menu and à la carte options throughout the night.
Sadelle’s, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel. Tel: 011 829 0929. @sadellesriyadh
Scott’s
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Celebrate the day of love with a bit of fizz at Scott’s while being serenaded by a live band. The three-course menu for the 14th of February speaks romance, featuring Hokkaido scallop maki with avocado and jalapeno dressing, plus a grilled Wagyu striploin alongside beef and oyster pie, honey glazed potatoes, and braised red cabbage. Culminate your culinary symphony with the pièce de résistance – a decadent chocolate and raspberry mousse paired with crème fraîche ice cream.
Scott’s, Feb 14, from 6pm, Via Riyadh, Al Hada District. Reservations for Valentine’s Day can be made here. SAR490 minimum spend per person. Tel: 013 663 7000. @scotts.saudi
Spago by Wolfgang Puck
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Think teddy bears and a burst of red flower arrangements to sprinkle joy all around. Dive into a specially crafted five-course set menu at Spago, and feel the beat of romance with live entertainment featuring a DJ and violinist.
Spago by Wolfgang Puck, Feb 14, from 6pm, Via Riyadh, Al Hada District. Reservations for Valentine’s Day can be made here. SAR400 minimum spend per person. Tel: 013 663 7000. @spago.sa
Tea Lounge
Adorned with flickering candles and delicate blooms, step into the cosy, romantic High-Tea haven at Tea Lounge at Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, where each moment is steeped in romance. Sip on a selection of premium loose-leaf teas and delight in classic high-tea fare, including delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and an array of handcrafted pastries and desserts.
Love’s Sweet Symphony at the Tea Lounge, Available throughout Feb, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya. Tel: 053 341 1234. @hyattregencyriyadholaya
The Globe
One of the most unique and sought-after restaurants in Riyadh, perched atop Al Faisaliah Tower, The Globe is hosting a few enchanting evenings amongst the stars in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The talented culinary team has designed a special set menu priced at SAR780 per person on February 14 – or SAR 480 on February 15 to ensure no couple misses out. The unmatched, fine dining experience is replete with live entertainment and red roses for each table on February 14.
The Globe, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya. Reservations can be made here. @mo_alfaisaliah
The Mandarin Lounge
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Combining modern charm with warm ambiance, The Mandarin Lounge at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah represents the living room of Riyadh. From now until February 17, between 7pm and 10pm, guests can enjoy Pastry Chef and Author Jason Licker’s irresistible Afternoon Tea, which features four exclusive Valentine’s Day treats. This will be elevated by live harp and cello music and a fresh bouquet of roses on Valentine’s Day itself. All priced at SAR280 per person.
The Mandarin Lounge, Valentine’s Day Specials Afternoon Tea, until Feb 17, 7pm to 10pm, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya. Reservations can be made here. @mo_alfaisaliah
The Red Sea:
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
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Looking for a last-minute luxury escapade? Imagine treating your significant other to a Valentine’s Day getaway at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea, where luxury blends seamlessly with the serene beauty of the dunes. Available on February 15 and 16, its enchanting package, “Forever in Harmony”, provides a 15 per cent discount off the Best Flexible Rate, with Half Board dining option. Indulge in delectable cuisine at any of the four restaurants, all while soaking in the stunning ambience that surrounds you.
Images: Supplied / Instagram