Valentine's Day is more than just a celebration of love—it's an opportunity to indulge in dining experiences that create lasting memories. Whether you prefer an intimate escape in a hidden culinary gem, a stylish evening with sweeping city views, or a rustic retreat infused with Mediterranean charm, these three standout establishments offer distinct flavors and ambiance. From the artistry of Spanish cuisine in Quezon City to a luxury hotel in Ortigas, and the comforting elegance of Greek gastronomy in Cavite, each destination presents a compelling way to mark the occasion with your loved ones.
For the north: The Spanish craftsmanship of Deo Gracias
Located in a quiet corner of Quezon City at 12 11th Jamboree, Diliman, Deo Gracias offers a contemporary take on Spanish cuisine, guided by the expertise of Chef Heny Sison and executive chef Alex Del Hoyo Gómez. Manila Bulletin recently sampled the restaurant's latest menu at an event called "Primera Vez," which reintroduces Spanish classics with innovative touches. The Tiradito de Salmon brings vibrant freshness with its coriander foam and delicately sliced seafood, while the Croquetas de Cecina Y Membrillo offers a contrast of textures—crispy on the outside, creamy within, and accented by the deep umami of air-dried Cecina beef.
Another must-try is the Arroz de Butifarra Y Trompetas, a robust dish featuring Spanish butifarra sausage, black trumpet mushrooms, and a dollop of cream over seasoned rice, delivering a depth of earthiness and savory richness. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Bacalao Y Coco, where salt cod is steamed and grilled, served with sautéed savoy spinach and pil pil sauce for a balanced, buttery finish.
For those seeking bold flavors, the Lomo Bajo de Vaca de Ávila is a standout choice. Sourced from 48-month-old cattle in Spain, the marbled beef is grilled and served with a flaming sprig of rosemary, imparting an aromatic smokiness. For dessert, the Tarta de Queso Manchego, a cheesecake infused with the sharp yet creamy profile of Manchego cheese, is a must. Beyond the restaurant's elegant plates, guests can explore La Tienda, a curated selection of imported Spanish wines, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet goods.
For the east: Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's elegant Valentine's celebration
Few places capture romance as effortlessly as Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, where dining meets sky-high views. At Lung Hin, the Love Essence Set (P3,388 per person) offers a progression of flavors, beginning with chilled king prawn paired with mango salsa, moving through wok-fried slipper lobster, and concluding with the restaurant's signature Lung Hin Love Dessert. The Timeless Romance Set (P2,988 per person) presents a heartier affair with roasted Peking duck and slow-cooked U.S. short ribs, followed by a bittersweet Chocolate Heart and Snowy Mooncake.
For a more lavish experience, Cucina's Valentine's dinner features a buffet of crafted dishes, including gratinated baked salmon, U.S. prime ribeye, and lechon belly stuffed with aromatic herbs. Meanwhile, Café Pronto's confections cater to the sweet at heart, offering the Raspberry Gianduja cake—a fusion of deep chocolate and tart berry notes—and the Peach Melba pillow cake, a lighter yet equally indulgent option.
To elevate the celebration, Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge hosts its special night brunch, where guests can enjoy unlimited servings of gourmet small plates, alongside free-flowing sparkling wine and handcrafted cocktails such as Love Bite and Cupid Fizz.
For the south: A Greek culinary retreat at Elaia by Cyma
In Silang, Cavite—just a short drive from Tagaytay—Elaia by Cyma offers a respite from the city's bustle. Designed as a love letter to the rustic flavors of Greece, Chef Robby Goco's latest venture emphasizes slow cooking and ingredient-driven dishes. The Ladera selection of vegetables, gently simmered in extra virgin olive oil, showcases the Mediterranean tradition of coaxing deep flavors from simple ingredients.
A standout is Yia Yia's Chicken Stew, inspired by a grandmother's home-cooked hospitality in Northern Greece. The dish, simmered low and slow with potatoes, carrots, green peas, oregano, and olive oil, carries the warmth of family tradition.
Seafood lovers will relish Garides Saganaki, a dish of plump prawns bathed in a rich tomato sauce with feta cheese, infused with ouzo for a hint of anise. The Moussaka, a layered creation of eggplant, potatoes, and spiced ground meat topped with a creamy béchamel, delivers hearty, comforting flavors. For a lighter option, the Horiatiki Salata, a traditional Greek salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, balances freshness with briny depth.
Meat lovers will appreciate the Paidakia, grilled lamb chops marinated with lemon, garlic, and herbs, seared to perfection and served with roasted potatoes. Meanwhile, the Souvlaki, skewered and grilled to a juicy char, offers a simple yet satisfying dish that pairs well with Elaia's house-made tzatziki sauce.
Elaia's picturesque setting, surrounded by rolling greenery, makes it an ideal destination for a tranquil and intimate Valentine's gathering. Guests can also explore the restaurant's selection of olive-infused cocktails, including The Elaia, a creamy yet tangy blend of olive-infused rum, tamarind, lime, and Greek yogurt.
From the refined flavors of Spain to the grandeur of a luxury hotel experience and the soul-nourishing simplicity of Greek cuisine, these three destinations cater to a spectrum of Valentine's celebrations. Whether it's an evening of fine dining, an extravagant buffet, or a leisurely escape to the countryside, these carefully chosen restaurants ensure that love is at the center of the table.
