No matter if you’re a born romantic or break out in hives at the sight of a Hallmark movie, Valentine’s Day is still the perfect excuse to make a thoughtul gesture for a loved one. These foodie ideas are perfect for the more spontenous lovers among us.

Splash out in a deli spread

Pack a rug, stake out a spot, and leave the catering to the experts. From community favourites to chic new takes, gourmet delis are enjoying a revival. Earning comparisons to cult LA grocer Erewhon, Brisbane’s Evra Marketplace lets diners build plates from its wholesome hot and cold bars. In Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Norma’s Deli is always bustling with salty beachgoers loading up on dips with fresh pita, slabs of spanokopita or hearty salads. On Victoria’s Surf Coast, build a spread to whisk down to the beach at Mortadeli, which offers sliced-to-order cold cuts, cheeses, terrines, tinned preserves and fresh produce.

Say it with pastry

A boom in bakeries is ushering in a level of edible artistry at an achieveable price point. Just in time for Valentine’s, Black Star Pastry at QT’s month- long pop-up is introducing the cult bakery to all-new cities, including Perth, Newcastle, Canberra and the Gold Coast, with decadent sweets at QT’s restaurants or in room service. Lune is bringing the love to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney with The Valentine, a strawberry cremeux creation with a buttercream rosette.

Related article: Win hearts with these decadent chocolate desserts

Scoops for two

Like pastries, frozen desserts are in a sweet spot (just look at your nearest Yo-Chi). A scoop to go, a stroll, and they’ll be melting. Never one to miss a milestone, Messina has dropped The Love Tub, with salted caramel cheesecake gelato in a vivid red shell. Chef Adam D’Sylva is marking the new Balwyn outpost of his Melbourne gelateria Boca Gelato with a Valentine’s Day collab – the Blood Orange Sorbet with Twist’d Spritz.

Choc-full of love

Chocolate is a classic for a reason, so don’t resist it when you’re looking for a sure-to- please gift. Koko Black’s Valentine’s Day drop has gestures at all price points, from the cute single Heart Pops to the 30-piece Lots of Love Gift Box. At Haigh’s, build your own edible bouquet with pick-and-mix choc hearts and truffles, or pick up the heart-shaped truffle gift box.

Star-crossed sipping

Tableside service is rolling out nationwide, lending cocktail hour the pomp of a multi- course meal. Perth’s new seaside favourite, Gibney, performs a traditional absinthe service at your table. Gimlet in Melbourne gives classics such as the Manhattan and toreador the silver service treatment; while in Sydney’s CBD, Bar Tilda’s martini cart will stir all the right feelings.

Related article: 22 romantically red recipes for Valentine’s Day