Our guide to Valentine's Day 2024 in the CBD
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and no matter what your plans are Wollongong is the place to be! Whether you’re planning on taking your special someone out for a romantic dinner, enjoying a girl's night with your besties, or looking for something outside of the box, the CBD has plenty of options to choose from. Here are some options you can check out this Valentine’s Day!
Romantic Restaurants
Restaurant Santino
A modern Italian restaurant located in Globe Lane, Restaurant Santino is known for its exceptional pasta and wine. With a focus on fresh ingredients and perfecting traditional Italian dishes you can expect a mix of classic meals with a dash of modernised surprises on the menu. The décor is cosy and dark, and feels a world away from everything – this one is for all the lovers. Experience a five-course feast of fresh pasta, exquisite entrées, and their signature panna cotta for $90pp, with the option of matching wines for $80. If you want to go all out why not add a 1/2 dozen oysters with 2 glasses of champagne on arrival!
Babyface Kitchen
Babyface Kitchen is a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Wollongong, and prides themselves on not trying to adhere to any labels. If you are after a dining experience that pushes boundaries while remaining fun (and delicious) this might be the place for you! The atmosphere is modern, clean and sophisticated and perfect for a date night for foodies. Try their $140pp set menu with an optional addition of wine pairing for an additional $85pp. Act quickly though as bookings are being snapped up!
Steamers Bar & Grill
If views, cocktails and delicious dishes sound good to you (yes please!) Steamers Bar + Grill is an ideal fit for your Valentine’s Day. Perched on Wollongong’s coastline with stunning views over City Beach and the lighthouse, Steamers offers a selection of seafood and steak options, as well as special sharing options so there is something to suit everyone! Our tip is the Melted Chocolate Pot.
Basta Trattoria
Pasta? Check. Pizza? Check. Sparkling on arrival? Count us in! This casual Mediterranean and Italian inspired restaurant and bar located at Hotel TOTTO is the perfect spot to grab a saucy slice of authentic wood-fired pizza or to sip on a freshly shaken cocktail – Aperol Spritz anyone? They've got a delicious set menu including a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival.
Meat and Grain Steakhouse
Drawing inspiration from South African steakhouse heritage, Meat & Grain offers a refined and lively dining setting. This Valentines Day they’ve created a mouth watering three-course menu that is perfect for steak lovers, at $170 per couple. You’ll get to choose from a range of menu options including a 250g eye fillet or half rack of pork ribs, plus enjoy their exclusive Valentines Day Strawberry Kiss on arrival.
Galentines Vibes
Beachside Besties
Romantic dinner with a partner not your vibe? How about getting your girls together for a beachside dinner and cocktails! Share the love with your besties and get down to Diggies this Valentines Day with a 3-course set menu by the beach. It's $80 per person and includes a delicious pink cocktail on arrival! Plus, there's live music to add to the mood. Love is in the air and but so is that ocean breeze!
Try your hand at Clay
Clay Wollongong is hosting a special Valentines Day session, and they'll have you making the cutest set of mugs! In this two-hour session you’ll perfect your very own mug creation. The cost of the class includes your clay, glazing, and firing of two finished pieces each! It's also BYO so why not bring a bottle of wine and get creative with some friends.
Cow and the Moon
Who doesn't love a sweet treat for dessert! Cow and the Moon have over 26 delicious flavours to choose from, you’re sure to find a flavour (or two) that you love. With a focus on texture and balance, you’ll taste the difference in every scoop! They also have a range of pastries and now offer affogatos for the coffee lovers out there.
Fun and Outside of the Box Activities
Battle Axe Throwing
If Valentine’s isn’t really your thing, and you’d rather spend your day doing something exciting rather than all that lovey-dovey stuff, we’ve got the solution for you. Grab a group of friends together and spend your evening axe throwing at Battle Axe! For a group of 8 it’s just $220 for 2 hours of thrilling fun and learning some new skills!
Free movie screening at Society City
Get down to Society City’s first Monthly Movie Night, which just so happens to fall on Valentine’s Day! They’re screening Before Sunrise starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. It’s free to book tickets, and there’s popcorn and drinks available at the bar. Bring your friend, bring your lover, let’s get existential.
Trivia at Hotel Illawarra
For a night of fun, food, and maybe a slight lovers tiff over who had the right answer, head to The Illawarra Hotel for their Valentine’s Day edition of Trivia! There will be candles, mood lighting and $15 Schnitzels. If that doesn't sound like the ultimate in romance, then we aren't sure what does.
Say it with a gift
Flowers from the Dusty Gypsy
Don’t want to miss the opportunity to say it with flowers. It's a Valentines Day standard for a reason! The Dusty Gypsy has a few options depending on your budget, our favourite is the Be my Valentine package including 1 deluxe bunch of flowers, plus 2 blocks of Tony's Chocolonely (this deal is available by pre-order only). On the day the store will be filled with blooms for those last-minute sales!
Try some specialty tea from Teask
Slowly sip this gorgeous all organic herbal chai that fills the air with intoxicating aromas of warm cinnamon, cardamom and sweet citrus. Organic rooibos is bespangled with ginger, fennel and adorned with garlands of rose buds; this blend will have you spinning into the colourful world of India’s pink city.
Plenty more to choose from
There are so many specialty retailers at Wollongong Central with perfect Valentines Day gifts for the one you love. Check out their gift guide and get inspired.
