Candlelight under the stars: Unmissable Valentine’s Day dates for newlyweds         

Your first Valentine’s Day after marriage is very special. It’s a new feeling, with less pressure to impress and more desire to linger; to choose places that allow conversation to stretch, hands to stay entwined, and moments to feel unforgettable. Here is a curated list of date-night destinations across India that feel intimate and indulgent. Think immersive settings, thoughtful menus, and atmospheres designed for connection.

Soraia, Mumbai

 
Soraia is more than Mumbai’s first glasshouse restaurant, it’s a mood. Set beneath a transparent canopy, with gently rustling leaves outside, the restaurant creates the illusion of dining outdoors. It’s ideal for a Valentine’s evening that feels cinematic yet cocooned. As daylight fades, the space transforms into a softly glowing sanctuary, where candlelight reflects off glass walls and the city seems to pause beyond them. The menu mirrors the experience: elevated, considered, and designed for sharing. Expect refined plates that balance comfort with finesse, making it easy to turn dinner into a lingering affair. For newlyweds, Soraia offers the rare luxury of privacy within a public space: a place where time slows, conversations deepen, and romance unfolds naturally under a canopy of stars.

Fiori, Glasshouse Dining, Lonavala

If you’ve been in Mumbai long enough, you’ll realise that the perfect long drive destination that’s under 2 hours is Lonavala. Fiori in Lonavala offers a date option that begins early and ends unhurried. Sweetly named after the Italian word for "flower", and set within a glasshouse, the space is flooded with natural light, greenery, and a sense of calm that feels worlds away from city chaos. Make your way here for a lazy brunch, stay for the ambience and food. The menu focuses on comfort with simple, nourishing plates designed to feel both grounding and indulgent. Think slow mornings, warm cups of coffee, and inviting food. For newlyweds escaping to the hills, Fiori is perfect for a Valentine’s weekend that begins gently, wrapped in sunlight and comfortable contemplation. 

The Assa House, Assagao, Goa  

Tucked into the quiet lanes of Assagao, The Assa House is a masterclass in romance. From the thoughtful interiors to the flavourful food, the restaurant surpasses expectations.  Housed within a reimagined Portuguese home, the space feels deeply personal; less a restaurant, more a secret shared between those who know where to look. Original tiles underfoot, softly glowing chandeliers overhead, and vintage elements that appeal to every old-school lover. The experience unfolds in layers, with chequered floors and an ancient piano adding to the otherworldly charm. What begins as an elegant dining destination gradually transforms into something more intimate, culminating in a hidden cocktail bar, LouLou, that feels like stepping into another world altogether. The menu and drinks echo this sense of storytelling that’s crafted, deliberate, and best enjoyed slowly. For newlyweds, The Assa House is ideal for a Valentine’s night that feels private, poetic, and deliciously unexpected.

The Bagh, Amritsar 

 
Set amidst lush greenery, The Bagh is a celebration of nature and nostalgia. Built on family land and shaped by memory, the restaurant blends garden dining with rustic elegance: stone textures, warm wood, and the soothing presence of water creating an atmosphere that feels both expansive and intimate. Private dining huts offer couples the chance to retreat into their own little world, while the broader garden setting keeps the experience grounded in nature. Interiors lean into soft greens, floral details, and vintage lighting that feels quietly romantic. For newlyweds seeking a Valentine’s celebration that feels meaningful and serene, The Bagh offers space to breathe, connect, and celebrate love away from the rush.

Oju, Gurugram 

If your idea of romance includes energy, music, and a touch of mischief, Oju delivers. From the team behind Neuma, this bar-forward dining destination blends Japanese and Peruvian influences with a distinctly after-dark sensibility. The space is designed to keep things fluid with alfresco corners, intimate sofas, high tables, and sightlines that encourage movement and mood shifts as the night unfolds. The menu is playful and bold, designed to be explored. Drinks take centre stage, making this an ideal pick for couples who want dinner to spill into dancing, conversation into laughter, and Valentine’s plans into something less scripted. For newlyweds looking forward to celebrating love with rhythm and revelry, Oju offers romance with a playful edge.

Lead image: Kiara Alia Advani/Instagram 

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