With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to think about how to celebrate. Luckily, Dubai is full of restaurants that make it easy to create a special night — whether it’s a first date, an anniversary, or simply a dinner with someone you care about. To narrow down the search, we have selected some of our favourite romantic dining spots to make your evening extra special.

As far dining settings go, it doesn’t get more romantic than at Josette. Tucked away in the heart of DIFC, this French restaurant feels like a step back into 1920s Paris. With its powder-pink panelled walls, glittering chandeliers and playful, over-the-top details, the space channels old-world glamour without taking itself too seriously.

The food lives up to the setting. Josette’s menu reimagines classic Parisian dishes with a modern touch. Starters include a rich, deeply flavoured soupe à l’oignon, topped with delicate puff pastry, other standout dishes include a beautifully prepared tartare de bœuf, served the traditional way with a raw egg yolk and crisp fries. For mains, Josper grilled Australian wagyu rib-eye, or the wild Dover sole, finished with a fish bone reduction and Béarnaise sauce, for those who are looking for a dish to share. Save room for dessert, especially the mille-feuille layered with vanilla pecan pastry cream, soft caramel and caramelised pecans.

In the evenings, live entertainment adds to the mood. Curated by Amira Fouad of Dubai Opera, performances range from singers to burlesque, bringing a playful, theatrical edge to the intimate bistro atmosphere.

Kira, Marsa Al Arab

Located within the newly opened Marsa Al Arab, Kira is designed with romance at its core. Designed by Verhaal Studios, the atmosphere is defined by soft, luminous lighting that sets the tone from the moment you arrive, creating a space that feels intimate and inviting. The interiors unfold into a striking main dining room with a spacious bar, lively lounge and expansive outdoor terrace, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Burj Al Arab.

The menu is made for sharing, centred on a Japanese-Mediterranean fusion concept. A fresh fish counter showcases the day’s catch, while an izakaya-style menu encourages sharing. Mediterranean influences surface in dishes like warm prawns with caviar, alongside meticulously prepared sushi, sashimi and rolls. Larger plates include wagyu ragù pappardelle with sesame tantan sauce, and a delicately balanced Chilean seabass risotto for those drawn to seafood. Desserts are a highlight, playing with flavour in unexpected ways. Standouts include a chocolate mousse lifted with yuzu olive oil and the karak brioche, which pairs subtle Arabic notes with Hokkaido milk ice cream. For those looking to extend the evening, the adjoining bar, Litt, keeps the mood alive late into the night.

Signor Sassi, St Regis, the Palm

Stepping into Signor Sassi feels like being momentarily transported to the Italian Riviera. Located inside the St Regis the Palm, the interiors take inspiration from the elegant villas of Lake Como combined with Dubai's modern charm.

The menu features classic Italian antipasti, time-honoured pasta recipes, meat specialties, and seafood dishes. Standout dishes on the menu include tagliolini with lemon sauce and caviar, seared veal escalope, and of course, the famous spaghetti lobster – a dish that has become an all-time favourite among regulars.

For those in search an authentic Italian evening, the restaurant hosts La Dolce Vita Nights every Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm, featuring live performances by singer Maria Music.

Tattu Dubai, Ciel Dubai Marina

Perched on the 74th floor of Ciel Dubai Marina — the world’s tallest hotel — this venue quite literally feels like dining in the clouds. Already a record-breaker, Ciel is home to the world’s highest infinity pool at 310 metres, as well as Tattu Sky Lounge, the world’s highest club, located on level 81.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the restaurant has curated a special dining experience designed for sharing, available alongside the full à la carte and sharing menus. The exclusive menu features heart-shaped Wagyu dumplings, a refined sushi platter for two, Elixir of Love — a limited-edition sharing cocktail — and The Lasting Mark, a thoughtfully crafted dessert to end the evening on a sweet note.

After dinner, guests can step out onto the terrace to take in uninterrupted 360-degree views, offering sweeping panoramas of Dubai’s iconic skyline.