While many witlessly slap the word ‘Valentine’s’ on their regular fare and pronounce it ‘romance-themed.’ A sprinkling has taken a more inventive approach and truly live up to offering the experience. So as we gear closer to the V-day, we list out our picks for the best gourmet and pampering escapades in the city to partake in. Whether it’s about popping up the question or rekindling romance and spoiling your loved ones rotten, these experiences should provide the backdrop to do it in style.
The date night guides Sweet surprises :
This Valentine’s Day, surprise your better half with exclusive heart-shaped sushi called the Valentine Roll, a choice of Ramen, Mochi ice-cream and 2 glass of strawberry spritzer at Kofuku.
Price: Rs 1999 + taxes.
Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 11:45pm
Days: Monday to Sunday
Address: Kofuku Japanese Restaurant,
2nd Floor, Kailash Industrial Complex,
Veer Savarkar Road, Park Site, Powai.
For the swish, date-night :
Celebrate the wonder of romance and togetherness at the JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu this February. They offer a host of Valentine’s Day experiences for everyone- whether it’s a blossoming romance or an age-old love story going strong, they have a plethora of curated experiences to indulge in and create memorable moments to last a lifetime.
Couples can profess their love in a special way as they escape into the luxurious comforts and pick from a variety of delectable dinners this month. Indulge in a unique outdoor dining experience by the poolside at dusk as you savor a 4-course meal with free-flowing champagne and picturesque views of the Arabian Sea, or enjoy an intimate dinner at any of our specialty restaurants.
If you are looking for an Asian option, the progressive modern Asian cuisine restaurant, Dashanzi is hosting an à la carte dinner followed by an exciting bar night. Those looking for Indian cuisine can opt for Saffron, our Indian restaurant offering a specially curated set menu with a taste for the traditional. For the Italian cuisine lovers, Mezzo Mezzo, the Italian specialty restaurant is offering a delectable 5-course menu paired with champagne. Partake in a fun activity and make a personalized Macaroon for your loved one and enjoy Valentine-themed desserts such as truffles, Madeleines, macaroons, and cakes at Bombay Baking Company, the renowned patisserie, and deli.
Dreamy dates :
For three days and three nights, Toast & Tonic, BKC, Mumbai will play host to lovers in the City of Dreams to celebrate the ‘Love Triangle’ from February 14th -16th 2020. It’s a three-day, three-way between lovers, aphrodisiacs, and G&Ts. From Valentine’s Day to Valentine’s Sunday, get intimate with local, seasonal aphrodisiacs; some well-known, some elusive, and some that are just joy on a plate. Plated for sharing, and brimming with chocolate, cherry, chili, cheese, salmon, vanilla, walnuts, and gin and tonic, of course, this menu is just pure love.
Experience a dreamy Valentine’s Weekend with this special love laced Love Triangle menu with the signature Toast & Tonic touch. Carefully selected local, seasonal produce used to create dishes that bring out the best of global influences. And this Valentine’s weekend menu comprising appetizers, mains, and dessert, has been curated especially keeping in mind dishes which can be shared which brings out the true essence of Valentine’s. Dine on world cuisine with the best of local and seasonal produce matching that with the best G&Ts only at Toast and Tonic.
The menu created by Chef Chirag Makwana provides ample choices for vegetarians and non-vegetarians with the promise of a meal like no other. Start your meal with a choice of appetizers including Mussels & Bravado with Goan mussels, Bangalore ham, gin hollandaise, and mustard leaf pearls, Citrus and Avocado Salad with pickled figs, lollo rosso lettuce, goat Cheese and grapefruit vinaigrette, It takes Two to Burrata made with fresh Burrata, reduced tomatoes with Kalonji, braised asparagus, hazelnut foam, and spiced pine nuts. The main course options include Beetroot Ravioli with goat cheese, ricotta, walnuts with sage brown butter, Hot Legs a dish comprising braised leg of lamb, chocolate mole, Bhavnagri chili salsa, whipped potato, and roasted root vegetables. If you enjoy fish, order a Malabar Honeymoon of salmon, Malabar spinach risotto, confit cherry tomato, and vanilla beurre blanc. Wrap up the night on a sweet note with Eton Mess a delicious dessert with macerated cherry, blackcurrant compote, togarashi, whipped mascarpone, meringue shards, and candied betel leaf.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 noon to 12:30 am. ( Children below 18 years are only permitted till 7 pm)
Prices: Meal for two including a drink each Rs. 3,000/- + taxes
Address: Toast & Tonic, Unit #1, Ground Floor,
Jet Airways-Godrej BKC Building,
Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra-East, Mumbai 400051.
Phone: 022 26534722/ +91 7777049774
For breezy date night :
What better than the verdant environs of the Mahalaxmi Race Course at the iconic destination of South Mumbai Gallops to celebrate V-day. The recently launched Al Fresco is on the most elegant and charming spaces in the city where one could revel in the views of the racecourse, walking tracks, horses being led to their stables and the vast green lawns, in the midst of a crowded urban landscape.
The ideal place to bring your loved one and get mesmerized by the decor and views at the Gallops Al Fresco section over a sundowner that leads to dinner is the perfect romantic getaway. Tastefully laid out with different options from lounge seating to intimate dinner tables, Gallops’ Al Fresco will serve a menu of small and large plates and cocktails that are inspired by the surroundings of nature and views of the setting sun. Fairy lights and chandeliers, trees offering a natural canopy and a starry sky add to the mood of this new space
Address: Inside Mahalaxmi Racecourse,
Via Gate No:1, Keshavrao Khadye Marg,
Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalakshmi,
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
Price: INR 2,500 per person on 14th February 2020. Prior reservation mandatory
Tel No: 022 2307 1448
Timings: 6 pm to 11.30 pm
For the chill date-night :
Very few things beat the experience of enjoying great pizza with the love of your life. On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, Pizza Express is introducing 3 range of new pizzas.
Name & Price of Pizzas: Caprese Pizza
Price: Classic Rs. 525 I Romana Rs. 625
Pizza Caprese is topped with baby mozzarella cheese, marinated tomato, torn basil and arugula with a generous drizzle of traditional Italian pesto
Chicken Caesar :
Price: Classic Rs. 555 I Romana Rs. 655
A classic salad turned pizza this season with pulled chicken, Caesar dressing, sun-dried tomato, olives topped with shaved Parmesan
Vasco da Gama :
Price: Classic Rs. 675 I Romana Rs.775
Goan Chorizo meets Italy on our Indian inspired festive pizza topped with red onion, red chilies, and potato
Address: Available across all 8 outlets.
For the classic candle-lit dinner :
One of the city’s most romantic restaurants, Olive Bar & Kitchen in Bandra will get into the spirit of romance from February 13. Interactive décor elements and a special cocktail menu will be served that night. On February 14, Executive Chef Viraf Patel has designed a special menu featuring appetizers like Miso Glazed Eggplant (Vegan); Veggie Spaghetti (Vegan); Seared Tuna; and Pan-Seared Scallops. This will be followed by mains including Crispy Tofu Steak (Vegan); Spinach & Mushroom Crepe; Shrimp Tortellini; and Seared Pork Belly. Dessert options include Agave & Cashew Creme (Vegan); Lemon Ricotta Flan; or Sabayon Gratin.
A special Valentine’s Day cocktail menu will offer concoctions like Beet It, Romeo, beetroot shrub, gin, ginger, lemon juice, and ginger beer; Hanky Panky, gin, sweet vermouth, Fernet Branca, and a dash of orange juice; Watermelon Aphro-Rita, watermelon juice, watermelon rind syrup, lime juice, tequila and triple sec; and Kentucky Kiss, strawberry, bourbon, and maple syrup.
Address: No. 14, Nargis Dutt Rd, Union Park,
Khar West, Mumbai-52. 022-4340 8228.
Hours of Operation: 7:30 PM – 1:00 AM.
For the fairytale romance kinda date night :
Keiba located in Mahalaxmi racecourse with a beautiful fairy tale al fresco section has to be one of the top spots for celebrating Valentine’s Day. The restaurant is all set to make the evening even more memorable for guests by offering them a complimentary dessert of chocolate and strawberries, a song request for every couple, red roses and a whole decor to compliment the spirit of valentine. Guests can avail a la carte options with special offers on a bottle of champagne or glass of sparkling wine. We love the dim-sums, sushis, desserts and almost everything here, so heartily recommend this one.
Address: Royal Western India Turf Club,
Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Phone: +91 74000 66610
For the A-listers :
Engage and excite all of your senses at Bastian with their special Valentine’s Day multi-course degustation dinner, complete with soulful jazz music by duo Anurag Naidu (keys) and Saurav Ghosh (drums). Each course will be paired with specially curated wines. Guests will begin their meal with an amuse-bouche of Fresh Fig Chaat. This will be followed by Charred Eggplant glazed with peanut butter miso topped with asparagus (V) or crab (NV). For the main course, guests can savor a Green Pea Risotto served with truffled mushrooms (V) or truffled lobster (NV). Next, diners can pick between Spiced Tofu (V) or Pan-Seared Snapper (NV) in a Szechuan emulsion. An indulgent Masala Chai Tart with strawberry gastrique marks the end of the evening.
NOTE: The Degustation meal is priced at INR 4600 (plus taxes) per person and tickets are available on Insider.in. The dinner will start at 7:30 PM
Address: B1, Opposite National College, New Kamal Building,
Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050.
For reservations, please call: +91 70450 83714.
Hours of Operation: 12 pm – 3 pm and 7 pm to 1 am (Monday to Sunday)
An Italian extravaganza :
The gourmet superstore is whipping up a series of delectable baked goods for your Valentine’s Day celebrations. Goodies like Raspberry Delice and Chocolate Coated Strawberries are great to indulge in yourself or buy for a loved one. If you’re planning a romantic evening at home, pick up their Cheese Platter with cream cheese, Brie cheese & grapes, strawberries, apricots and crackers; or a Chocolate Fondue kit with strawberries, Granny Smith apple, vanilla sponge and brownies. If you’re feeling especially indulgent, the Truffle Truffle hamper, consisting of truffle parmesan straws, truffle brie, black truffle honey, white truffle oil, pesto with truffle and more, is the perfect gift for any food connoisseur
Note: Valentine’s Day offerings are available at all Foodhall stores in Mumbai
Locations: Palladium (Lower Parel), Vama (Pedder road) and Linking Road (Khar)
For home delivery, please Whatsapp: 7400444525.
Hours of Operation: 10 AM – 10 PM
For the modern-Indian lovers :
Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, the cutting-edge, modern Indian restaurant in BKC, is offering guests an indulgent, 10-course chef’s tasting menu that includes some of the restaurant’s most popular signature dishes. Guests can sit back and enjoy themselves as they feast on Mushroom Chai; Goat Cheese Walnut Kebab; Asparagus and Pumpkin Korma; Murg Malai Tikka with Blueberry Glaze; Tandoori Lobster with Almond Saffron Cream; Rajasthani Mutton Curry; and a lot more. For dessert, diners can enjoy options like Anjeer Barfi Carpaccio with Avocado Kulfi; and Jalebi Caviar.
Vegetarian: INR 2500 ++ || Non-Vegetarian: INR 2700 ++
Address: Ground Floor, First International Financial Centre (CITI Bank Building), G Block, Opposite Sofitel Hotel, BKC, Mumbai.
Contact: +91 8452900900 | 022 66424142
Hours of Operation: Lunch: 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm | Dinner: 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm, Monday to Sunday
For the love of Thai :
Tygr, the innovative and modern Thai restaurant at Palladium Mall, is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu that is as delicious as it is pocket-friendly! Priced at INR 2000 ++ per couple, the menu offers a range of authentic Thai dishes like Preserved Raw Mango Avocado Salad; Smelted Rice Flour Dumplings Chilli, Sampalok; Crispy Lotus Stem; Distended Chicken Nam Prik Pao; Jaggery Tamarind Smeared Scorched Lamb; Chilli Basil Mock Duck; Thai Basil Fried Rice; and Kanom Jin Noodles. Each diner can also enjoy either one Tygr Special Cocktail; Glass of Brut Wine; or Tygr Special Mocktail.
Note: The Valentine’s Day special menu will be served from February 14 to 16 (Friday to Sunday), 2020.
Address: Level 1, Palladium Mall Pedestrian Walkway, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Contact: +91 22 49735025/26 | +91 9136921735/36
Hours of Operation: 12:00 noon to 1:00 am, Monday to Sunday
For the happy high :
Hotel ShangHigh, the newly-opened restaurant at Kamala Mills that offers retro-Chinese food and high-energy performances, is offering an exclusive 6-course menu, priced at INR 2200 AI, per couple. Guests can enjoy Smoked Duck Breast Salad with Hoisin Mango Vinaigrette Dressing; Shanghai Clear Mushroom Broth Soup; dim sum like Asparagus, Corn & Palm Heart Dumpling; Jiucai & Ginger Prawn tapas; and mains like Braised Chicken Breast, Dried Chili & Tausi Sauce; accompanied by fried rice or stir-fried noodles. Desserts on offer include White Chocolate Brownie; or Matcha Delight.
Note: The Valentine’s Day special offerings will be served from February 14 to 16 (Friday to Sunday), 2020.
Address: Ground Floor – 11, Oasis City, Kamala Mills – Entrance #2, Lower Parel, Mumbai Contact: +91 77188 82923 / 24 || +91 22 49716931 / 32
Hours of Operation: 12:00 noon to 1:00 am, Monday to Sunday
For the no ch(eat) date night :
Shraddha Bhansali’s all-vegetarian restaurant at Breach Candy offers diners a variety of healthy, vegan and vegetarian options. This Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy a cozy date night by making the most of Candy & Green’s house wines, blended especially for them by a vineyard in Nashik. The restaurant is offering a 1+1 on house wines and cocktails for all diners.
Address: Hubtown Skybay, Bhulabhai Desai Marg,
Mahalaxmi (W), Breach Candy, Cumballa Hill,
Mumbai Contact: 022 23523413 | +91 8291914513
Hours of Operation: 12:00 noon to 1:00 am, Monday to Sunday
The classy spot :
Rahul Akerkar’s modern restaurant in Lower Parel-Qualia is offering diners a very special Aphrodisiac Menu this Valentine’s Day. Guests can create their own three-course menu, picking from vegetarian dishes which include Chestnut Gnocchi with truffle marsala cream, wild mushroom, fermented black garlic, and crispy enoki; or Grilled Artichoke Hearts with sunchoke parmesan custard, almonds, and fermented Dhani chili; non-vegetarian options like Butter-Poached Lobster with smoked Goan chorizo puree, and snow peas coconut salad; Crispy Pomegranate-Glazed Lamb Breast with yogurt, fermented date herb salad, and flatbread; and Duck Tartare & Pastrami, with cured egg yolk, vanilla pickled red currents, and salt & vinegar chips; and a dessert course that offers Strawberry Elderflower Frasier, strawberry consommé and basil meringue; or Millefeuille Pear Caramel Terrine, with saffron cremeux and vanilla bean ice cream, among others.
The three-course menu is priced at Rs. 2900 (all-inclusive) per head. If diners wish to pair their meal with wines, the meal and paired wines are priced at Rs. 5000 (all-inclusive) per head.
Qualia is also whipping up some special cocktails, designed to get diners in the mood. Pick from Tequila Me Softly, El Jimador Blanco, fermented strawberry, red bell pepper, and cinnamon; Be My Gal-Entine, Gordons, pickled gooseberry, yuzu and saffron; Love Potion, Ketel one, ginger, pink peppercorn spice, and sparkling wine; and Eve’s Desire, Ketel one, Kahlua, truffle, espresso, and mint.
Address: World Crest, Ground Floor, Lodha, 402, Tulsi Pipe Rd, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013. 022-68490000
Hours of Operation: 11:00 pm – 3:00 pm (for lunch) and 6:30 pm – 1:15 am (for dinner), Tuesday-Sunday.
The gifting guide :
Hurrem’s, India’s first-of-its-kind Turkish confectionery and café, is offering bespoke, artisanal hampers to make your celebrations even more special this Valentine’s Day. Choose from over fifteen types of authentic Turkish Baklava, a variety of Turkish Delights as well as an opulent collection of dates, nuts and nut clusters.
Offering the perfect gifting option for you to celebrate with a sense of indulgence and pride, Hurrem’s gift hampers which start at INR 5,000 can be customized to suit your every need. Guests can choose from some classic varieties of Baklava including Pistachio Baklava and Walnut Baklava as well as exquisite varieties including Havoc Dilimi, Midiye, Chocolate, and Hazelnut Baklava, all of which are 100% vegetarian. The store also serves extensive flavors of Turkish Delights, including pomegranate, lemon, strawberry, orange, and hazelnut to name a few. Further, guests can choose from Honey Roasted Macadamia, Chocolate Almonds, Peri Peri Cashews, Mabroom dates coated in white chocolate pistachio and more from the Hurrem’s Nut Bar.
These specialties have been handcrafted by Turkish chefs who have mastered the art in Gaziantep, Turkey and have been prepared using ingredients flown in from the country. Hurrem’s is here to give food enthusiasts uncompromised culinary experiences as well as introduce a new trend in the luxe gifting space – that of authentic Turkish Baklava. Guests can place their orders by calling Hurrem’s on 00 2247415001 or visiting the store.
Address: Hurrem’s Turkish Baklava Confectionery,
Taj Building, Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji Road, Fort, Mumbai.
The spa and grooming guide Spoil them silly :
Cause Valentine Dates and Dinners are too mainstream. Opt for the Valentine’s Season Spa Offer at Club Oasis. A Romantic spa retreat beckons this Valentine’s Season.
Surprise your loved one with a soothing couple treatment at just INR 8,888/-* at the Club Oasis Spa this month.
Call +91 (22) 6676 1144 to for reservations.
*T&C apply
Valentine’s Season Salon at Christiaan Georgio :
The season of Romance calls for a Romantic look. The venue, the wine, the food, all perfected. What about the look? Celebrate the month of Valentine with the perfect look at the Christiaan Georgio Salon with special customized packages starting from INR 3,999/- onwards*.
Address: Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.
Phone: +91 (22) 6676 1216 for reservations.
*T&C apply.
The ultimate tress makeover for a date-night :
If you are anything like us, you know the potentiality of a good hair-makeover. We might have tried reams of salons but when it comes to head-turning hair color and cut, we trust none like Ryan and Nandini’s Salon Muah. Valentine definitely calls for an unmatched makeover. Pro-tip: While both the salon directors do a mind-blowing job, the stylists Disha Gaikwad and Sonali Gonsalves ensure an ace cut and color job. No wonder that A-listers like Amrita Arora Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tara Sutaria and Gauri Khan look no further than Salon Muah.
Address: Dunhill, Pali Hill Shop 3, Dr. Ambedkar Rd, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052.
Phone: 080807 66824
For the Royal preening and pampering :
The swanky all-new niu&nau at Taj Lands End is stocked with the hottest beauty brands, perfect to get you glowing. We highly-recommend a mani-pedi as you watch the sunset with your loved one or a Kerastase to get hair on point, perfect for that date-night. So sip over coffee or drink as you experience a great grooming session here.
Address: Byramji Jeejeebhoy Road, Bandstand Promenade, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050 Phone: 022 6668 1234.
To bring your best look at :
Because normal mani-pedis are too mainstream, try the Gold manicure/pedicure at the all-new Jean Claude Olivier Salon Bandra which spells true opulence as it leveraged gold to get you glowing skin. Finish off with the Post-quam facial and hair spa (ask for Rahul) and you will be ready to take on the night. They have dished-out ‘Gift your Valentine Packages that cover various services like hair, nails, skin, etc at Rs 3,999 and Rs 5,999. Address: Coral Apartments, Plot No. 107 Ground floor, Shop No. X &, Y, Rd Number 24 opp. St. Theresa’s Church gate, No.1, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050.
Phone: 099877 97773.
For ‘the beauty and the blowout’ :
This swish salon offers have various beauty packages that include makeup, Blowouts, and nails, pampering you from head to toe. Unwind with their exceptional Thai massage and finish with a spot-on blow-dry that will give you your Valentine Instagram moment. We highly recommend the luxurious Mythic Oil Hair Spa for the day. They are here with some great Valentine offers on mani-pedis, Hair, etc.
Address: Beauty and the blowout-Ground Floor Shop No.5, Raj Mahal, Altamount Rd, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026
Phone: 083699 32804
For the funky look :
The couple that grooms together stays together! Whether it’s a funky hair color or hair cut makeover, look no further than Hair Castle. Their keratin treatment is perfect to restore the lost sheen of your hair. They have small touches like complimentary snacks and drinks that will get you to enjoy your grooming sesh.
Address: A/16 & 24, Happy Home CHS, Tilak Rd, opp. Gurukrupa Hotel, Ghatkopar East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400077. Phone: 098212 88836.
For the destress couple :
For the couple that is looking to melt away the stresses, Nalini’s salon offers an incredible de-stress massage that will knead your muscles into mush, this Valentine’s Day as two-therapists in a synchronized manner help you experience a spa-paradise. You can also opt for their exceptionally relaxing hair spa and check out their latest Valentine offers. Address: 201/ 202, 2nd Floor, Sagar Fortune, Water Field Road, Near China Gate Restaurant, Off Linking Road, Bandra (West),
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050.
Phone: 022 6698 2614
