Romantic dining destinations for your Valentine’s night out
Novi
If you’re keen to swerve any Valentine’s schmaltz, head to sleek and stylish Novi on Regent Street, which is hosting a duo of Valentine’s events. On 11 February, ¡Qué Rico! Tapas will be popping up to host a Spanish dinner, beginning with canapés and featuring four courses of vibrant, authentic cuisine. The menu includes escalivada salad with roasted aubergine, red peppers and anchovy and chicken breast stuffed with pistachios, bacon and dates, and Novi will be offering a special selection of Spanish cava, red and white wine, plus Sangria. On the 14th, you and your special someone can enjoy an expertly blended botanic cocktail and a sharing board (choose between meat or vegetarian), for £30.
De Luca Cucina
De Luca on Regent Street has been keeping the people of Cambridge in delicious Italian fare for more than a decade now, and it’s easy to see what the secret behind their enduring success is. A buzzy atmosphere, indulgent Italian dishes and a supercool cocktail loft make it a safe bet for a great night out – and Valentine’s Day will be no exception. The menu, priced at £35 for three courses, features chorizo arancini, home-made ravioli and tiramisu made with coffee liqueur, chocolate and espresso.
Don Pasquale
Feast on delicious Italian food in the city centre at Don Pasquale this Valentine’s Day, which is laying on a special menu for £17 for two courses or £21.50 for three. Dishes include cream of courgette soup with crumbled Gorgonzola or wafer-thin Parma ham on a bed of rocket leaves with Parmesan and balsamic dressing, and hearty Italian classics such as handmade pizza and linguine. There’s also indulgent desserts like profiteroles and pistachio cake.
Sheene Mill
Locations for a Valentine’s night out don’t get more romantic than Sheene Mill in Melbourn, which boasts gorgeous views of the gardens and mill pond and an elegant, candlelit restaurant with open fireplaces. For something extra special, enjoy dinner on the lake on the outdoor pavilion table, which comes with heaters, lighting and music (seats six, with a £250 minimum spend).
The Valentine’s menu looks imaginative and delicious, offering dishes such as poached dover sole and scallop mousse in a bouillabaisse sauce, or a navarin of beef rib and roast fillet with celeriac, cèpe and bordelaise sauce. Champagne and strawberries will be served before decadent desserts including the Chocolate Sphere, with honeycomb, salted caramel ice cream and mandarin gel. Priced at £58 per person (deposit required).
This Image: Daisy Dickinson
King William IV
Venture out of town to the King William IV, a unique and atmospheric gastropub in Heydon. With crackling log fires, beams and plenty of cosy nooks, this 16th century inn is bursting with character and makes a lovely spot for a romantic rendezvous. Their food is famously great too, ranging from hearty pub grub to fine-dining delights. Got a veggie Valentine? They’ll adore the Vegetarian Verve section of the menu, which is packed with imaginative veg-based treats.
Staying in
Fancy spicing it up with your significant other? Pick up one of these DIY curry kits from the Larder at Burwash Manor, which make whipping up a scrumptiously authentic curry at home easy-peasy. Priced at £3.50, you can choose between korma, madras and rogan josh kits, amongst others – and we can promise you’ll get far more brownie points than if you’d just picked up the phone and ordered a takeaway…
