Giving chocolate as a token of love is the most classic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and love itself. Chocolate has been associated with this special day as a symbol of love and affection since the 19th century. To our surprise - or perhaps not - similar to the association of diamonds, chocolate on Valentine's Day is actually another product of marketing.
Until the industrial revolution, sugar and, by extension, chocolate were only enjoyed by the wealthy and were seen as a luxury - a treat worth the privileged few. In the 19th century, sugar became a commodity, allowing working-class people, including women, to enjoy this sweetened cacao. This was a defining era when chocolate became associated with femininity, indulgence, sweetness, and affection.
In 1861 Richard Cadbury created a “fancy box” in which he packed the company’s chocolate into a heart-shaped box that could be used to store keepsakes. This idea inspired chocolate companies to produce similar products, marketing them as the perfect way to show a man’s love for a woman- a special gift for a special lady.
That said, Valentine’s Day gifts or treats can go beyond the traditional chocolate. Take this as a sign to explore various options beyond gifting a chocolate and take your loved one to enjoy a delightful dinner that is enjoyable and still romantic.
While traditional Valentine's chocolate gifts hold a timeless allure, they're just a prelude to the feast awaiting you. Explore our exclusive Valentine's Day dinner ideas to celebrate this day of love. Indulge in luxurious oysters, savour delicate Asian dim sum, and enjoy passionate Italian classics at the best restaurants in Bali, ensuring an unforgettable Valentine's Day in Bali experience. Be inspired by the exquisite variety of Asian culinary traditions, perfectly complemented by our wine and non-wine pairing suggestions. Let this guide transform your evening into a celebration of love, flavour, and romance.
Fresh oysters have long been considered a luxurious indulgence, prized for their delicate taste and rich history. Once enjoyed by royalty—from kings and queens to emperors—these prized shellfish have symbolized opulence and refinement. Today, oysters are still revered as one of the finest delicacies, perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. Their sweet, melon-like flavour offers a luxurious experience, suitable for both newcomers and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Savour this buttery delight and pair it with Champagne, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or even Riesling— the perfect wines for Valentine’s Day.
Head to Boy’N’Cow to begin your steak dinner with sumptuous, premium oysters. Each oyster is handpicked and served with a hint of chilli oil—what a way to awaken your palate before diving into perfectly grilled premium steaks. Worry not about the perfect pairing, as Boy’N’Cow offers remarkable wine selections and cocktails.
Boy’N’Cow - Fresh Oysters - citrus & tabasco mignonette, fermented chili oil
Boy'N'Cow
Jl. Kerobokan No. 138
80361 Bali - Seminyak
WA +62 821-4471-6526
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Asian dishes is another way to show love and affection. Carefully crafted dim sum, available in various shapes and colours, will undoubtedly make your evening more memorable. Think of rose-shaped dim sum or pink, heart-shaped dumplings with tender, flavourful filling. In China, enjoying Qiao Guo with a loved one is a cherished tradition. Qiao Guo is a sweet, thin, fried pastry made of oil, sugar, and flour, and it is the most common dish during the Qixi Festival, the Chinese equivalent of Valentine’s Day. The dough is moulded into various shapes resembling figures, animals, or flowers. Pair these treats with uniquely handcrafted jasmine or marigold blooming tea.
For a delectable dim sum and Chinese food experience, Golden Monkey Restaurant is one of the top spots on our “must try” list. Spark the romance in this authentic Cantonese eatery by sharing a dim sum platter. Start the night with a mixed dim sum selection that includes five pairs of delicate yet tender dim sums—it's a “one for you and one for me” kind of scenario. Choose from mouth-watering dishes, hot pot, Chinese BBQ, or even vegetarian options, and pair them with delectable wines, an imported tea selection, or the highly requested Monkey Marry cocktail. End the night with sweet and refreshing Gui Ling Gao and Mango Pudding.
Golden Monkey - mixed dimsum - Har Gow, Xiao Long Bao, Siu Mai, Fenkow & Crystal Dumplings
Golden Monkey Restaurant
Jl. Dewisita
80571 Bali - Ubud
WA +62-811-386-6001
Icon Bali Mall, Jl. Danau Tamblingan
80228 Bali - Sanur
WA + 62 822-6636-2067
It’s only right to mention Italian food when talking about Valentine’s Day. The Italians have generously shared their passionate cuisine with the world. Some romance-worthy dishes include Penne all'Arrabbiata. The word “arrabbiata” literally means “angry” in Italian, owing to its spicy kick. The blend of the tomato sauce’s sweetness, aromatic garlic, and pepper will undoubtedly spice up your Valentine's Day dinner. Pair this Valentine’s dish with a well-balanced, full-bodied, ruby-colored Sicilian Nero d'Avola.
Close the night with sweet and creamy tiramisu—a dessert whose origins are debated between the Italian regions of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The word tiramisu itself comes from the Treviso dialect, meaning “pick me up.” Legend has it that tiramisu was created by a clever maîtresse who served this aphrodisiac dessert at the end of the evening to gentlemen, intending to “cheer them up” before they returned to their wives.
Planning a romantic getaway to Ubud? DUMBO Wood Fire Italian Restaurant is the perfect casual yet romantic dining destination. This vegan/ vegetarian restaurant specializes in hearty Italian food, wine, and cocktails — and of course, gorgeous tiramisu to end the night.
Dumbo Bali - te-remix-u - twist of traditional tiramisu
DUMBO Wood Fired Italian Food
Jl Raya Sanggingan
80571 Bali - Ubud
WA +62 812-3838-9993
As you prepare for an unforgettable Valentine's Day in Bali, let Dine & Wine Bali's curated Valentine's Day Dining Ideas inspire you to elevate your dinner plans. Indulge in a culinary journey where every dish—from luxurious oysters and delicate Asian dim sum to passionate Italian classics—sparks romance and creates lasting memories. Remember, while chocolate may be iconic, it's just a snack compared to the feast of flavours awaiting you. Treat your loved one to an evening of exquisite dining and extraordinary moments. Happy Valentine's Day!
February 2025 | Editorial Team Dine & Wine Bali
