SINGAPORE — Call us cynical, but it is rather surprising how so many couples are still buying into off-the-shelf declarations of an aptly romantic meal come Valentine’s Day. While more are dining at home – a survey by food delivery service Foodpanda said more than 150 respondents cited home is the most romantic place on the island after Marina Bay Sands – we have to admit that everyone does enjoy a lavish pampering once in a while.

This year’s celebration falls on a Sunday, and while some might lament a late night rendezvous knowing that the next day will be a Manic Monday, there is a solution: There are at least three meals in the day to pick from. Here are some unique proposals to consider.

SEAFOOD BRUNCH AT HUMPBACK (18/20 BUKIT PASOH ROAD, TEL: 6750 4461)

Fans of this Seattle-style seafood restaurant’s S$2-to-S$3-an-oyster during Happy Hour will appreciate that the offer has been extended to its new Sunday brunch menu, including this Valentine’s Day. Diners can look forward to between two to four varieties from Washington (USA), depending on availability, which could include those sweet and hearty variety from South Puget Sound; and Hama Hama pacific oysters from Hood Canal. Highlights from its ala carte brunch menu include devilled eggs with fish mousse and ikura to snack on; eggs benedict with crab and avocado; soft shell crab with gruyere; and even a considerate choice of buttermilk fried chicken served with sriracha hot sauce. Take a cheeky quiz about you love life to see if the chef recommends the seafood tower (S$90 for one tier/S$190 for two tiers) as a much needed boost of aphrodisiacs. Available from 11am to 3pm tomorrow.

ALL DAY SEAFOOD AT OCEANS OF SEAFOOD (PASARBELLA @ THE GRANDSTAND, TEL: 6466 1005)

Speaking of a laidback ode to a lovers’ meal, this Grilled Seafood Valentine’s Day Platter for two (S$88) is an ideal first date ice breaker sans the fancy distractions. The platter comes with two glasses of white wine to complement the rich lobster bisque and Pacific oysters to start. The main attraction is a whole Boston lobster with homemade garlic butter, served alongside gigantic Pacific white prawns and half-shell scallops. All its seafood is air-flown from Japan, the United States, Britain and Norway. Available all day (11.30am to 9.30pm) today and tomorrow.

A DIZZYING AFFAIR AT 1-ALTITUDE GALLERY & BAR (1 RAFFLES PLACE, LEVEL 63, TEL: 6438 0410)

Whether you choose to cook at home or kick the evening off with Stellar’s celebratory six-course dinner menu (S$200 to S$240 per person), which features, among several highlights, a pairing of Sevruga caviar with sea urchin to start, followed by a gamberi prawn carbonara with parmesan cream, soft poached egg yolk and bacon ash; the spectacular 360-degree view of the city’s skyline from the island’s highest al fresco bar is perfect cherry on the cake. Some of Italy’s best pours will be in the spotlight alongside specially created cocktails such as the Mediterranean-inspired Love Potion. Bar bites are available ala carte. Cover charge: S$40 per person (includes a housepour and a glass of Moet Rose or Love Potion cocktail). Today and tomorrow.

ALL ABOUT THE VIEW AT SKY ON 57 (SANDS SKYPARK, TOWER 1, LEVEL 57, TEL: 6688 8857)

It probably makes more sense to go for the six-course dinner menu featuring smoked haddock, Scottish bamboo clam, Maine lobster and Wagyu beef cheek, priced at S$250 with a glass of champagne. But all you really want is to take in the view, there is also a special package for two at Flight, the restaurants outdoor terrace and lounge. Priced at S$142, it includes a set of canapes and two glasses of R&L Legras, JQ Selection, Brut Rose, Grand Cru, Chouilly, NV. You can also choose to go ala carte. Available today and tomorrow.

CHOCOLATE DECADENCE AT THE COURTYARD (THE FULLERTON HOTEL, TEL: 6733 8388)

If you’re looking to splurge on dessert, it would be hard to ignore this popular chocolate buffet, featuring artisanal Amedei chocolate imported from Tuscany in Italy, which is put to good use in handcrafted themed delights such as the Bitter Amedei 9 (75 per cent) chocolate-salted caramel tart; Gocce (35 per cent) milk chocolate-lavender chocolate cake; and the Amedei (70 per cent) chocolate sabayon. And let’s not forget the decadent chocolate fountain with fresh strawberry lollipops and homemade raspberry marshmallows for dipping. In addition, choose from eight different percentages of cocoa at the Hot Chocolate Connoisseurs’ Bar, for a bespoke cup of premium hot chocolate a la minute.

Today and tomorrow 7pm to 11pm, the Amore di Cioccolato — A Chocolate Love With Amedei buffet is priced at S$49 per adult; S$25 per child; S$59 per person with a glass of dessert wine, red or white wine; S$69 per person with a glass of champagne; and S$99 per person with free flow of champagne. Visit www.fullertonhotel.com/dining/ for reservations or enquiries.

RUSTIC FRENCH FEAST AT COCOTTE (2 DICKSON ROAD, TEL: 6298 1188)

The restaurant’s focus on communal dining and sharing dishes is the answer to your search for an unfussy Valentine’s Day dinner. The five-course menu (S$88 per person) kicks off with a classic selection of homemade foie gras mousse, duck rillette and country terrine. There are also fried salt cod and potato fritters, and a salad organic greens, pear and blue cheese to start with. For the main course to share, diners can choose between a cocotte of French river crayfish, blue mussels, flower crab and clams, all simply cooked with white wine, garlic and parsley; Cape Grim MBS 2+ beef oyster blade, slow-cooked then charcoal-grilled to finish; and the restaurant’s signature roast of half-a-cage-free, hormone- and antibiotics-free chicken. Desserts include a Dame Blanche, creme brulee and honey and lavender madeleines. Dinner tomorrow only.

WINE AND CHEESE AT CATALUNYA (THE FULLERTON PAVILION, 82 COLLYER QUAY, TEL: 6534 0886)

It might be your preferred end to a meal, in place of something expectedly sweet. Regardless, a cheese platter of five Spanish cheeses from the north, south, east, west, and central regions of the country is delightfully indulgent way to while the evening away. Especially since these are paired with three Spanish wines of verdejo, tempranillo and Predro Ximenez grape varietals. These include the Manchego (a popular sweet and fruity cheese produced in the La Manche region of Spain) paired with a glass of Fenomenal white wine. Priced at S$65, the set serves two and can be had over lunch or dinner, or as an experience in itself at the bar. Available until tomorrow. DON MENDOZA