Beijing                                                                                                                         Shanghai

The Courtyard: romantic dalliance

This place is hard to beat for romantic dalliance. Continually rated among the world's top restaurants, it's the perfect setting to impress. Situated on the edge of the Forbidden City, the breathtaking views, impeccable service and innovative cuisine make for a stylish and romantic settisng in which to woo that someone special.

Valentine's Day Menu

895 RMB/pp, includes one glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, paradise prawns from Caledonia: chevice, grilled and thermidor, veal sweetbreads; jicama & watercress salad; blueberry honey and bao jian vinaigrette drizzle. Seafood consomme: baby scallops, squid, salmon and shiitake mushroom. Pan seared lobster tail with tomato and kaffir lime broth; sauteed asparagus and fennel. Roasted veal tenderloin with pineapple-coconut glaze; zucchini & eggplant tempura Chocolate mud cake; caramelized pineapple jam; chocolate truffle mousse.

All Prices are Subject to a 15 per cent service charge.

Location: 95 Donghuamen Dajie north of Donghuamen Parking lot
Tel: 010-65268883

 Mare: Spanish romance

Excellent Spanish food, reasonable prices, friendly staff and enticing nooks make this restaurant the perfect spot for a romantic night on the town. If the authentic flavors of Spain and impressive wine list are not enough to get the fires of passion burning, try the rich Belgian chocolate lava cake¡ªguaranteed to melt away inhibitions.

Location: 14 Xindong Lu, 300m north of City Hotel
Tel: 010-64165431; 64171459

 Private Kitchen No. 44: affordable romance

Quaint and ethnic, the light scheme of this courtyard-style Guizhou restaurant basks lovers in a warm glow with a price tag that will not break the piggy bank. If you order up some of their fruity rice wine (available by the carafe or a sampler set of seven shot-sized glasses) your evening's well on its way to ending on a high note.

Location: south Beixinqiao, north section of Ping'an Dajie, west to Beijing the 5th Middle School
Tel: 010-64001280

 Purple Haze: appropriate romance

Nothing says love like a well-made Purple Haze bamboo shoot curry with coconut milk and chicken. Classy enough to make a good impression, but low-key enough to avoid seeming like you're trying too hard, the Haze should be named the grand-daddy of date places on the Beijing restaurant circuit.

Location 1: Ground Floor, Bldg 6, Yi Go Space, A16 Baiziwan
Tel: 010-87746387

Location 2: inside an unnamed hutong directly opposite Worker's Stadium north gate
Tel: 010-64130899

 Flo: classic French romance

As one of Beijing's oldest French restos, Flo offers a decadent set meal that, when paired with the ambiance, fine decor and right wine, will put anyone in the mood. As you watch your date wrap her lips around a succulent escargot, close her eyes and hungrily lick the velvety butter sauce from her lips, you'll know you made the right dining choice.

Location: north of Pacific Century Plaza on Dongsanhuan Beilu
Tel: 010-65955135

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