Celebrate the Art of Romance at Galleria This Valentine's Day

Choosing a restaurant for Valentine’s Day can be a minefield. Too fancy and it can feel like you’re at an interview; too casual and you could find yourself looking for another date by the end of the evening. Luckily for nervous lovebirds, funky eatery Galleria strikes a balance between casual and fine dining, with plenty of interesting modern art on the walls and between the tables to keep the conversation flowing. Located on the edge of the East Third Ring Road in the Jiaming Center, the restaurant is also in a convenient location, close enough to walk over to Sanlitun after dinner. 

Of course, Galleria isn't just a pretty space; the food is pretty special too, and their talented team of chefs has created a special set menu just for Valentine's Day.

As befits this most romantic day of the year, the menu is designed for sharing. Kick off with a starter of grilled prawn skewers, which are served with a fittingly artistic swipe of parsley and lime oil. With your appetite whetted, it’s on to the first course, which features two Italian staple foods: risotto with luxurious Champagne and strawberries, and linguine with salmon in a light, creamy sauce. The dishes sound rich (and why not treat yourself, after all) but a deft hand in the kitchen means that even that creamy pasta won’t weigh you down. 

The main courses also play on Galleria’s Italian DNA. Take the grilled cod on a bed of sautéed spinach, cannellini beans, and raisins with spicy red pepper sauce, which brings to mind the sweet-sour flavors of Sicilian cuisine. The flavors may be rustic but the presentation is firmly fine dining. The steak main course, bound to be a favorite among carnivorous diners, also incorporates Italian flavors and is served with a baked pear scented with Marsala wine.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without chocolate and the meal ends with a selection of chocolate flavors, including light and airy chocolate mousse, dense chocolate brownies, and rich dark chocolate hearts. If by some chance you’re not a chocolate fan, you’ll find plenty to like in the “Madagascar vanilla scenery,” a light cake topped with a fluffy pile of vanilla-scented cream. 

Complement your meal with a glass of wine from Galleria’s extensive by-the-glass selection (RMB 30-48). Start off with a glass of Stelle D’Italia Prosecco (RMB 35), which pairs well with the champagne and strawberry risotto and the linguine. For the main course, white wine drinkers may want to choose a glass of 2014 Incyon Grower’s Selection Pinot Grigio, while fans of red wine will find that the 2014 Hebrard from Bordeaux pairs well with the steak. 

Galleria’s Valentine’s Day menu is priced at RMB 588. Call 6506 3033 to book.

Top tip: Grab some of Galleria’s to-go pastries on the way out for a romantic breakfast the next morning. 

La Galleria

Daily 10am-9pm. B/1, Jiaming Center, East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District (6506 3033)

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This post is paid for by Galleria

Photos: Robynne Tindall, courtesy of Galleria