The Big V: 2012 Valentine's Day Dining Part 1

Like it or not (let's face it, you don't have much choice), the Valentine's Day pressure is on, and it's increasing by the hour. And you've got no plans yet. Ah yes, that's what the Beijinger is here for. To help you get your Valentine's act together, we've compiled this first of two lists rounding up what restaurants are doing for Valentine's Day, how much you'll pay and how to get in touch to make your reservation.

We'll be back on Wednesday with a list of romantic buffet dining deals, but today, we look at set menus, a la carte options and a few home deliveries, hampers and other things you'll need to order in advance. Unless otherwise stated, all deals apply for February 14 only. And if by some chance none of these interest you, keep an eye on our Events section for even more dining deals as Valentine's Day edges ever-nearer. Time's ticking ...

Agua
Five-course set menu. RMB 488. 6-10pm. (5208 6198)

Aria
Six-course set menu. RMB 658 per person. 6-11pm. (6505 2266 ext 36, 6505 5838)

Astor Grill
Eight courses, champagne and paired wines by a master sommelier. RMB 1,988+15% (per couple). 6-10.30pm. (6460 6688)

Barolo
Five courses plus glass of champagne, with gifts for ladies including a rose and chocolate. RMB 1,888+15% per couple. 6-10.30pm. (5908 8151)

Bene
Five-course Italian set dinner. RMB 688 per couple (includes two glasses of Prosecco. 5.30-10pm. (5798 8888)

Black Sesame Kitchen
A communal dinner featuring ten aphrodisiac-inspired dishes and free-flow Jeio prosecco. Only 20 seats available, so reserve quickly. RMB 500 per person. 7-10pm. (blacksesamekitchen@gmail.com, 136 9147 4408)

Cepe
Six courses plus a glass of champagne. RMB 1,998+15% (per couple). 6-10.30pm. (6629 6996)

Ciro’s Pomodoro
Order the Seafood Platter or Meat Platter for two with a bottle of our featured wine and receive a 10% discount as well as a special Valentine’s Day Dessert Platter. 6pm-midnight. (5208 6008)

Compass Grill
Five courses plus two cocktails and a red rose. RMB 999+15% (includes Shunyi limo service). 6-11pm. (6458 888)

CRU Steakhouse
Enjoy a glass of French champagne with your five-course meal. Accommodation package available. RMB 2,000+15% (per couple). 6-10pm. (5908 8995)

The Cut
The whole package: limo, bottle of Moet & Chandon, dinner for two at the Cut, breakfast in bed, massages and the Gold Signature Suite. RMB 6,888+15%. (8507 3617)

Daccapo
Five courses and a beautifully-packaged rose and gift. RMB 1,288+15%. 6-10pm. (8522 1789)

Danieli’s
A romantic Italian dinner. RMB 1,688+15% per couple. 6-10pm. (6460 6688 ext 2441)

Flamme
Four courses plus a glass of house wine each. RMB 699 for two, RMB 399 for one. 5-11pm. (flame@simplot.com.cn, 6417 8608)

Fratellifresh
A single red rose marks the start of a sensuous Italian dinner created. RMB 1,288+15% (includes a glass of champagne each). 6-10pm. (5863 8203)

Grange
Five courses, plus nine roses to symbolize everlasting love. Spa and stay packages available. RMB 999+15% (per couple; includes surprise gift). 5.30-10.30pm. (5922 8880)

Grill 79
Six courses and a glorious view over Beijing. RMB 1,188+15%. 6-10pm. Grill 79, China World (6505 2299 ext 6424)

Gung Ho! Pizza
From February 6-19, Gung Ho! are offering RMB 109 “Heart-Shaped Combos” – a heart-shaped pizza (all topping available), any medium “Our Fave” salad, cheese balls, four egg tarts and two “Cool Drinks.” Anyone ordering will be entered into a prize draw. RMB 109. (order.gunghopizza.com)

Kerry Kitchen
Four courses. Accommodation and limousine pickup package available. RMB 688+15% (per couple); RMB 888+15% for dinner plus two glasses of champagne. 5pm-1am. (8565 2356)

Le Petit Gourmand
Two set menus for you and your loved one. RMB 344, RMB 194 per person. 6pm. (6417 6095)

Le Pre Lenotre
Five courses. RMB 2,488 per couple (includes gift). 6-10pm. (8599 6666 ext 6528)

Life List
(From Feb 14-18) Romantic set dinner. Reserve and you’ll receive a surprise gift. RMB 188. 7-11pm. (8402 8460)

Maison Boulud
His and hers tasting menus. RMB 988+15% per person. (6559 9200, nicolas.socquet@maisonboulud.com)

Migas
A menu for him, and a menu for her. RMB 700 (includes two glasses of Mumm champagne). 5-11pm. Migas (5208 6061)

Modernista
Couples receive a bottle of wine with dinner. Singles need not be left out; Manhattans are buy-one-get-one free all night. 7.30pm. (136 7127 4747)

Modo
Four courses of large and small plates to share with your loved one. RMB 380. 6-10pm. Modo (6415 7207)

Mosto
Four courses. RMB 420. 6-10pm. (5208 6030)

Niajo
Four courses and a bottle of red or white wine. RMB 888 per couple. 6pm. (5208 6052)

Nishimura
Valentine's Day set menu. RMB 1,588 per couple (includes one bottle of individual-sized Tanpopo sake). (6841 2211 ext 6572)

One East
Chocolate-themed set menu. Accommodation packages available. Ticket includes entry to prize draw for return flights to the Maldives for two. RMB 1,599+15% (per couple; includes bottle of champagne). 6.30-10pm. (5865 5030)

Prego
An unforgettable Italian feast, paired with a bottle of champagne. RMB 2,599 (per couple). 6-10.30pm. (6629 7815)

SALT
Sophisticated, contemporary and with a devilishly decadent dessert. RMB 428 (includes glass of bubbly or Rossini). 6-10.30pm. (6437 8457)

Shang Palace
Valentine’s Day set menu. RMB 1,498+15% per couple (he Valentine’s Day set menu includes free-flow red and white house wine and one glass of fresh juice. (6841 2211 ext 6572)

Starfish
Four-course seafood dinner for two, with deals on champagne all night. RMB 450 (with options to add lobster for additional charge). 6pm. (6416 5499)

S.T.A.Y.
Enjoy a Valentine’s Day set menu. RMB 1,998+15% per couple (includes soft drinks and fruit juice). (6841 2211 ext 6572)

Steak Exchange
Six courses. RMB 1,688 (per couple). 6-10pm. (5852 5705)

Sureño
A his-and-hers menu featuring delights from both surf and turf. RMB 628+15% (includes a glass of champagne). 6-11pm. The Opposite House (6410 5240)

The Sweet Spot
Selection of heart-shaped and love-themed strawberry cakes and chocolates. Complimentary red roses with orders placed three days in advance of Valentine’s Day. (6505 0885)

Sweet Tooth
Order a “Lover’s Pavlova” – a six-inch pink Pavlova with crisp meringue shell and a soft marshmallow surprise inside, topped with strawberry-infused whipped cream, fresh strawberries and chocolate hearts. Order at least 24 hours in advance. RMB 140+delivery cost (serves two to four). (order@sweettoothbeijing.com, 150 1121 7173)

Terra
Three courses. RMB 388 (includes glass of bubbly). 6-11pm. (6591 9148)

Trattoria La Gondola
Five courses. RMB 798+15% (includes two glasses of champagne). 5.30-10.30pm. (6465 3388)

Treats
Surprise your loved one by reserving a luxury Valentine’s Day hamper packed with sweets, chocolates and wine. From RMB 1,288. (6629 7812)

Vasco’s
International cuisines and romantic touches at dinner. RMB 368+15%. 6-11pm. (5812 8888 ext 8411)

Wanli
Set menu of Cantonese and Sichuan dishes. RMB 428+15% per couple. 5.30-10pm. (6468 9999)

Yi House, Grace Beijing
Oysters, lobster, cod and a final fourth course of raspberry and chocolate. Accommodation package available. RMB 998+15% (per couple), RMB 1,388+15% (per couple, includes bottle of champagne). 6pm-midnight. (6436 1818)

Yue
Eight-course Chinese set dinner. RMB 988-1,388 per couple (includes two glasses of champagne. 5.30-10pm. (5798 8888)

Zen5es
Nine-course set dinner. Ladies get nine roses and a surprise at the end of dinner. There’s also a lucky draw to win a diamond necklace. Spa packages available; call for more information and reservations. (5922 8880)

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