There can't be many people who wouldn't enjoy a good meal out and Valentine's Day is, of course, the perfect excuse - should one be needed - to treat a loved one.
And the best bit is, booking a meal out is a treat you share in too, which is not something than can be said for flowers. It's long been claimed that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach but there can be no denying that the same goes for most women.
So, a romantic restaurant outing is a win-win. It is also one of the most popular - and traditional - ways to celebrate Valentine's Day, particularly if a loved-up couple have zero skills of their own in the kitchen.
Read more: The most romantic restaurants to book in Northumberland for Valentine's Day
With restaurants around Newcastle and the wider region gearing up for a money-spinner of an occasion, it can be hard to make a choice of where to go so here we offer a pick of romantic options in the city which may help you decide. They include restaurants where you can drink in spectacular views while you dine in style and others which you can combine with a romantic walk.
Six
Just across the Millennium Bridge on the Gateshead banks of the Tyne is this rooftop restaurant which takes up the top floor of Baltic art gallery - whose viewing box at the front was always popular for pre-dinner drinks.
Its panoramic views are described as "jaw-dropping", which might not be something you'd one to see from your loved one across the table but he or she can soon be distracted by a menu which also hits the heights with top-notch dishes that reflect the chefs' passion for seasonal, local produce. There's a special Valentine's menu - and a vegan version of it - see here. The restaurant offers an at-home meal kit too for those too loved-up to go out.
Hibou Blanc
Oysters are said to be an aphrodisiac and you can enjoy them in their favourite coupling with Champagne here - alongside a whole host of other a la carte dishes is you want to push the boat out - in a beautiful setting which the restaurant proudly says "oozes old school style and glamour."
A great addition to the Bigg Market, its corner site - stretching onto High Bridge - is the Grade II-listed Sunlight Chambers building which dates from 1902 with traditional exterior features including a mosaic freeze. See here. You could have a cocktail first in underground bar WC which is directly outside.
Blackfriars
Romance and history go hand and hand and the atmosphere of what's described as the 'oldest dining room in the UK' will add a special something to any celebration.
Dating back to 1239 when the city restaurant - just of Stowell Street - served as the refectory for 'Black Friar' monks, it offers a seasonal menu . There's also a cookery school and on the evening of Valentine's Day itself there's also a chocolate-making class - described as "perfect for a Valentine's date night" - where you can create your own chocolate selection to take home. See here.
Jesmond Dene House
This hideaway luxury hotel feels like you've escaped for a weekend even though you're only on Newcastle's doorstep. A candlelit, intimate environment awaits in the Jesmond hotel's Fern Room restaurant and you'll feel special from the off when staff greet you and take your coats.
Danny Parker is the head chef here and he and the team have created a special 'sharing' menu for Valentines - alongside the usual a la carte - which is available from 6pm on February 10, 11 and 14. The boutique venue also offers a Romantic Package for anyone tempted to stay over, which includes a bottle of Champagne on ice, a bouquet of flowers and chocolate-dipped strawberries awaiting arrival in your room. And you can also combine your treat with a romantic walk in the nearby dene.
There's also a takeaway afternoon tea on offer from February 10-14. See here.
Gino D'Acampo
With its light and airy décor and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the riverside, the TV chef's restaurant at the INNSiDE hotel on Newcastle quayside creates a real mood booster, it says, and customers are invited to say 'ti amo' this Valentine's Day over a special Valentine's Day menu which starts off with a welcome drink.
And of course there's always the option of booking in for an overnight stay at the hotel itself. To mark the day of love, the restaurant is is also offering a deal on gift cards, with an extra 20% added onto any bought between now and February 14.
The French Quarter
This French restaurant, cosily tucked inside one of the arches in Westgate Road near the High Level Bridge end, can conjure up the ideal atmosphere for a romantic night out. It serves authentic French cuisine with ingredients sourced from independent suppliers locally and in France. Ooo la la.
Check out its bistro-style lunch and a la carte menus here.
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