RETRO-CHIC

Blue Velvet

105/2 Thong Lor Soi 5, 02-392-1769. Open daily 6pm-1am
The décor of the faux Medieval-style castle, with moat and drawbridge, was inspired by Romeo and Juliet. If that doesn’t get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day, there’s always their private-feeling second floor or their black-wicker furnished back porch.

In the Mood for Love

9/9 Sukhumvit Soi 36, 02-661-5076. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-12:30am
Fans of the eponymous film by Wong Kar-wai will feel transported, thanks to the floral, silky upholstery and mood lighting. Solid sushi and cocktails. They’re doing a special B3,000 per couple menu for the happy day, too.

MAGIC CARPET

Al Majlis

83/8 Ekamai Soi 12 (Charoen Chai), 02-392-2345. Open daily 12:30pm-12:30am
Tucked way in the back of Ekkamai Soi 12, this Moroccan themed restaurant has got potential for some outdoor sheikh-inspired scenarios. Kick back with your squeeze on their outdoor bean bags, or head inside, to be half-obscured by their harem-like white flowing curtains.

Hazara

29 Sukhumvit Soi 38, 02-713-6049. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-11pm
The price tag means you won’t be dining here except on very special occasions, but in a city where many Indian restaurants look alike, this one is pretty stunning, with loads of hardwood carpentry and exotic crafts, perfect if your partner is into traditional food and traditional vibes.

IRONIC

La Monita

Mahatun Plaza Arcade, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9581. Open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm
Go here if you’re trying to get out of saying I love you for the first time on V- Day. The fiesta atmosphere, bright colors and delicious and messy food will totally take the pressure off. And the margaritas help if you do want some Dutch courage.

Phuket Town

160/8 Thong Lor Soi 6, 02-714-9402. Open daily 10:30am-10pm
If you’re a middle-aged couple looking to get away from the hype, have a solid, unromantic but certainly tasty meal of Southern Thai food here.

MODERN

Gaggan

68/1 Soi Lang Suan, 02-652-1700. Open daily 6-11pm
A delight for the palate as well as the eyes, Gaggan is far from the usual Mughal-themed, red-everything Indian restaurant. Set in a distressed white Thai house, it has lots of cozy little nooks and a blow-your-mind modern gastronomy menu like you’ve never seen before. Try and get a table upstairs, or in their cool, Greek island-style terrace. Special B,2000 per person menu on Feb 14.

Isao

5 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-258-0645. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm; Sat-Sun 11am-10pm
American-style sushi. A good place for those who got together just recently, and it feels too soon for something over the top. Cozy, great food, zero intimidation. Though they do have a salmon dish in the shape of a rose.

TWINKLING

Fat Fish

Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-261-2056. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm
All the elements for atmosphere are here: enormous exposed brick walls, black leather couches, a semi-glasshouse feel, a central location and aphrodisiac seafood. They also do some inexpensive wines by the bottle.

Wine 33

Crystal Design Center, 02-102-2233. Open daily 4:30pm-midnight
For those living over on Lad Phrao, this is an excellent choice. Though located within the CDC, Wine 33 is a standalone, beautiful glass house with mismatched vintage furniture and a prominent sushi bar. A partnership between Singha (who own PB Valley) and Pla Dib, they do wines and raw fish.

OUTDOORSY

The Lake House

18 Sukhumvit 39 Soi Phrom Mitr, 02-662-6349. Open daily 5:30pm-1am
A breezy, unique outdoor dining experience provided you do these three things: get a table outdoors, put on the provided mosquito repellant and ask for a little electric fan. The wine bottles are pricey, but we say splurge on a nice one and just order several affordable appetizers.

Powder Room

4/F, Grass, 264/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thong Lor), 02-715-9482. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-1am
The rooftop restaurant at Grass, Powder Room belongs in Sex and the City, with its black furniture, blue lights and house music. The outdoor deck, with many tables, including some sunken ones, offers breezy views over Thong Lor. Try their signature cocktails, which include variations on saketinis and mojitos.

Nothing catches your fancy? Check out our roundup of Valentine's deals.