As soon as February commences, there is something in the air that reeks of couples and “love”. Whether you cringe at the commercialization of love and are only celebrating because you’re a renegade who wants to show their figurative middle finger to the establishment, or you’re a sappy romantic who thinks it’s nice to have a dedicated day to celebrate love, we’ve got you covered with venue suggestions:

Fujiyama

If like me you’re a sucker for good sushi and teppanyaki, look no further. Though hefty on the wallet, Fujiyama serves the best sushi in town. Grab a perfectly light table near the poolside for added oomph.

Polo Lounge

Few things come close to dining alfresco amidst lavish polo fields on a chilly winter afternoon. Watching a polo match while enjoying a gourmet meal is perhaps one of the most lavish things Lahore has to offer in terms of ambience. Indulge your date in an opulent lunch or try their equally scrumptious dinner menu.

Gai’a Japanese Fusion

Gai’a’s sleek interior momentarily transports you to an upscale lounge in the west. The ambience is a cultured alternative to the clubbing scene of any bubbling metropolis. The booths are intimate and cozy and provide the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two. The portion size of the food, however, left me discontented. Gai’a specializes in Japanese cuisine and offers a delectable selection of desserts.

Scafé by SCAFA, Lahore’s School of Culinary and Finishing Arts

If you want to do something over the top, treat your date to an interactive seven-course culinary experience at Scafé prepared and plated in front of you by the chefs at SCAFA, Lahore’s School of Culinary and Finishing Arts. Be warned though- your wallet may feel assaulted by the end.

Amu

Run by Michelin-trained Chef Shahnawaz, who formerly worked in New York and Paris, Amu offers perhaps the most exclusive dining experience in Lahore. Tucked away in a kothi in Gulberg, Amu is as intimates as intimate gets. Getting a table here can take a few phone calls, so be patient and plan ahead. From the granola to the sourdough bread, everything on the menu is quite literally made in-house. The fruit and dairy are sourced from the Chef’s farms in Muridke meanwhile an extensive list of ingredients is flown in from world over. Amu is open for dinner Friday to Sunday with a special brunch on Sundays. Each meal has multiple courses and a price fixed menu that changes per week. The affable brother duo that operates Amu walk you through your meal and encourage you to try new ingredients. Goes without saying that the prices here are steep and the food fancy.

Cafe Aylanto

Aylanto has been a staple in the Lahore food scene for a number of years now yet it continues to impress us. Their Beef Entrecote and Steak Bearnaise are my personal favorite but if you’re in the mood for chicken do not miss out on their delicious Moroccan Chicken. Avoid lunch dates on Friday and Saturday though, unless you want to be blinded by the attention Hamza Shahbaz and his posse get.

Cooco’s Den

Picture this: Garaam gaarm achari naan, piping hot handis and succulent tikkahs on a rooftop with the majestic views of the Badshai Masjid. The sheer beauty of the surroundings is awe inspiring. Cooco’s is a great place to take your bae especially in the chilly February weather that’s more welcoming to outdoor seating.

Que Rico

Que Rico is the new kid on the block and Lahore’s only Spanish eatery. The restaurant offers a wide selection of meats to choose from, including duck, ostrich and mussels. The Paella is a must a trust, but steer clear of their desserts and disappointing tacos.

Lakhnavi at Avari

Plummet head first into this Shahi dastarkhawan and feel like a true royal. Inspired by Mughali cuisine, Lakhnavi uses a mixture of rich ingredients like saffron, rose petals, cardamom and nuts that give it’s food a robust and distinctive flavor. If you can’t make up your mind on what to order, try their perfectly portioned thalis that offer an eclectic array of tastes.

Fuchsia Kitchen

After it’s phenomenal success in Karachi, Fuschia Kitchen has made it’s way to Lahore with a new and improved menu. Though predominantly a Thai eatery, it also offers fusion Pan-Asian cuisine. The restaurant is massive so you’ll find plenty of privacy.

The Cube by Nishat

When in doubt about what to eat, opt for a place that offers a wide variety of food options like The Cube. Nestled in the heart of the city, The Cube offers a sophisticated atmosphere and ample of options- perhaps too many options for my liking. Apart from their weak espresso and soggy fish and chips, everything else seems to be a hit, though often overlooked by locals. I was pleasantly taken aback by their desserts. Their music selection was also so delightful that I found myself Shazam-ing every second track.

Jason’s Steakhouse at Pearl Continental

Satisfy your meat craving with mouth-watering steaks at the upscale Jason’s Steakhouse at the Pearl Continental. Dinner for two may cause a dent in your monthly budget, but hey celebratory meals like Valentine’s dinner should be a little extra, no?

Covo at Pearl Continental

Can’t take your amore to Itlay? Bring authentic Italian food to them handcrafted by Italian chefs at the Covo. Whether you’re in the mood for a Neapolitan Pizza, al dente pasta with blush sauce or a decadent Fettuccine Alfredo, Covo has you covered.

Faletti’s L’auberge

Flattei’s is the oldest colonial period hotel in Lahore renowned for its beautiful architecture. On your way over to their Lebanese restaurant L’auberge, you’ll possibly spot a few bridal shoots happening making you want to strike a pose yourself. Since L’auberge is a bit of a hidden gem, you won’t run into your entire khandaan here. The ambience and service are commendable but the star of the show is their authentic mixed grilled plater bursting with flavor. Their grilled fish and grilled chops are also highly recommended as are their hummus and meat stuffed pitas called arayes.

Trying to create the perfect date night for supposedly the most romantic day of the year can induce a lot of anxiety. Whether you’re planning a dinner for your big day or just an alternative date, follow our lead and step into any of these restaurants for the perfect date night, or lunch. Your partner will be very impressed, your pocket however will not be.