Valentine’s Day dining in Australia jumped sharply last year, with new OpenTable data showing bookings rose 65% year-on-year alongside a 9% increase in average spend.

The figures point to a broader shift in how Australians are celebrating the occasion, with dining out no longer limited to couples. Bookings on February 13, commonly known as Galentine’s Day, rose 71% year-on-year, while reservations for groups of six or more climbed 87%, suggesting larger, more social celebrations are becoming increasingly common.

Consumer research from OpenTable shows 44% of Australians plan to dine out around Valentine’s Day this year, with 22% booking on the day itself and a further 16% opting for the surrounding weekend. Younger diners are leading the charge, with Gen Z the most likely to make a reservation, followed by Millennials and Gen X.

“Valentine’s Day was the biggest dining occasion for Australians in 2025. In fact, it generated more ‘Notify Me’ alerts on OpenTable than any other holiday last year, which signals significant interest for Aussie restaurants this year,” said Drew Bowering, General Manager – Australia at OpenTable.

“That insight may help explain why Australians are famously last-minute planners, as nearly half of Valentine’s Day reservations were made within five days of the holiday last year. But with the shift we’re seeing in younger diners choosing to celebrate Valentine’s Day in large groups with friends, we may see Aussies looking to book out group tables sooner rather than later.”

The data also reflects a broader reframing of Valentine’s Day as a celebration of all types of relationships. Nearly half of Australians believe the day is becoming less couple-focused, with more than a third planning to mark Galentine’s or Palentine’s Day. Almost one in three diners expect to celebrate with friends or social groups, rising significantly among Gen Z and Millennials.

The culture of dining out

Dining out continues to play a central role in dating culture, with half of single Australians saying they would choose a restaurant for a first date on Valentine’s Day. Among single Gen Z diners, that figure rises to 60%. Solo dining is also gaining acceptance, with more than one in five Australians saying they would feel comfortable eating out alone on the day.

For many diners, Valentine’s Day is also a chance to try somewhere new, with almost a quarter of Australians open to booking a restaurant they have not visited before. Italian, Australian and Japanese cuisines remain the most popular choices for the occasion.

Alongside the data, OpenTable has released its diner-backed list of the Top 50 Romantic Restaurants in Australia for 2026, compiled using reviews and booking metrics to reflect where Australians are choosing to celebrate.

Top 50 Romantic Restaurants in Australia 2026

New South Wales

● 99 On Park – Coffs Harbour, NSW
● Bathers’ Pavilion – Mosman, NSW
● Blaq – Blackheath, NSW
● Glasshouse at Goonoo Goonoo Station – Timbumburi, NSW
● Lucetta Dining – Orange, NSW
● Neptune’s Grotto – Sydney, NSW
● Osteria di Russo & Russo – Enmore, NSW
● The Union Bank – Orange, NSW
● Whalebone Wharf – Port Macquarie

Queensland

● A Touch of Salt – Townsville, QLD
● Amici Restaurant – Caloundra, QLD
● Black Hide Steak & Seafood – Petrie Terrace, QLD
● Bridgewater Restaurant + Botanic Bar – South Townsville, QLD
● Deer Duck Bistro – Auchenflower, QLD
● Doughcraft – Brisbane, QLD
● Essa Restaurant – Fortitude Valley, QLD
● King Ludwigs German Restaurant – Maleny, QLD
● Montrachet – Bowen Hills, QLD
● Mr. Vain – Fortitude Valley, QLD
● Olive and Angelo – Brisbane, QLD
● Palette Restaurant – Surfers Paradise, QLD
● Restaurant Labart – Burleigh Heads, QLD
● Sails Noosa – Noosa Heads, QLD
● Secrets on the Lake – North Maleny, QLD
● Sopra Cucina & Bar – Bli Bli, QLD
● The Arsonist – Manly, QLD
● Zinc Port Douglas – Port Douglas, QLD

South Australia

● Bistro Francais – Hyde Park, SA
● Boatshed Restaurant – Hallet Cove, SA
● Fiore at Down The Rabbit Hole Wines – McLaren Vale, SA

Victoria

● Bar Yarra – South Yarra, VIC
● Bistra – Carlton, VIC
● Bistro La Provence – Brighton, VIC
● Blacksmith Bar and Grill – Melbourne, VIC
● Cecconi’s Toorak – Toorak, VIC
● Cognoscenti Food & Wine – Belgrave, VIC
● Fleet Rooftop Bar – Melbourne, VIC
● Funghi E Tartufo – Melbourne, VIC
● Kiss & Tell – Melbourne, VIC
● Love Letter – Richmond, VIC
● Lui Bar – Melbourne, VIC
● Maven by Morgan – Fitzroy, VIC
● Rococo Point Cook – Point Cook, VIC
● Rosebank North – Ringwood North, VIC
● Sir Loins – Bright, VIC
● The Woodhouse Bar & Grill – Bendigo, VIC
● Vue de monde – Melbourne, VIC
● Yugen Dining – South Yarra, VIC

Western Australia

● Bali Hai Cafe – Cable Beach, WA
● Masonmill – Carmel, WA

Source: Praytell

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