Wealth

Valentine’s Day: Pricey meals across the world

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As Valentine's Day comes around once again, many people across the world will be preparing to splash out on the one they love – and that includes a slap-up meal.

It is estimated that the average American will spend $142.31 this Valentine's Day weekend, while a total of $3.6 billion will be spent on the special night alone, according to the National Retail Federation.

But although many couples will spend a little, some foodies are likely drop a lot of dough. Here, CNBC takes a look at some of the most expensive set menus on offer this year.

By Alexandra Gibbs, special to CNBC.com


Rainbow Room, New York - $350

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Known for its glitz and glamour, New York City's Rainbow Room reopened its doors last October following its closure in 2009.

Located on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Plaza, the Rainbow Room is offering New York lovers a night of entertainment and a five-course menu of dishes, including poached Dover sole fillets, seared Maine scallops and dark chocolate soufflé.

The meal, cooked by executive chef Jonathan Wright, costs $350 per person; with entertainment by Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks.

While this event has already sold out, Rainbow Room is offering New Yorkers the opportunity to opt for their tasting menu ($225 per person), which includes a bottle of champagne, tuna tacos and "Petrossian caviar egg."

Total cost: $350 per person (excludes tax, gratuity and additional alcoholic beverages)

The Ritz, London - $350

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Located in Piccadilly, London, The Ritz is one of the capital city's most iconic and luxury hotels – and this year, it has gone all out with its Valentine's Day packages. From afternoon tea to a one-night stay with champagne on arrival, the Ritz has it all.

The four-course dinner itself, which costs £225 ($345) per person, includes a ballotine of Goose liver, turbot with cauliflower puree and Perigord truffle ice cream. There is also a vegetarian option for the same price, and both are accompanied by a live music.

The full "Romantic Escape" package, which includes a night's stay, will cost at least £1,320 ($2,008).

Total cost: £225 per person ($345.40)


Joël Robuchon Restaurant, Singapore - $359

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French chef Joel Robuchon manages restaurants in 11 cities across the globe, with a total of 25 Michelin stars.

This restaurant, located on the first floor of Hotel Michael in Singapore, offers a seven-course set menu this Valentine's weekend. Dishes on the extravagant "Flavours of Love" menu include sea urchin in a cauliflower veloute, steamed sea bass and langousitine with caviar and a "I'lanka" chocolate fondant with yuzu jelly.

Total cost: $488 per person (US $359)


Alain Ducasse at l'Hôtel Le Meurice, Paris - $512

Credit: Pierre Monetta (Le Meurice, Paris)

With a number of restaurants across the world, Alain Ducasse's menus are never cheap -- and that's especially the case in Paris, the city of love.

Part of the Dorchester Collection, the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse a l'Hôtel Le Meurice is offering a French-themed set-menu for 450 euros ($512) per person. Customers this Valentine's Day will taste delicacies including lobster with Jerusalem artichoke and Guinea fowl truffled pie.

Total cost: 450 euros per person (drinks not included) ($512)


Mint leaf of London, Dubai - $1,360

Credit: Mint Leaf of London, Dubai

Fancy enjoying a view of downtown Dubai over a glass of champagne? If so, you're in luck. Mint Leaf of London, in Dubai, has unveiled three choices of Valentine's Day meals.

The most extravagant option will see couples enjoy a three-course meal, while dining in a private room with a waiter on hand. Diners can not only expect complementary chocolates (for the lady) but Spiced Crust Soft Shell Crab and Pan Seared Venison Loin with Truffle Scented Lemon Rice, are featured on the menu.

Total cost: 4,999 AED for 2 people ($1,360)


Est., Sydney - $244

Credit: Merivale restaurants

Part of Merivale, a leading hospitability company in Australia, Est. is offering Aussie lovers a five-course menu with complementing wines this Valentine's Day.

The menu, which costs AUD $315 ($244), includes "scampi tartare with oscientra caviar" and "dry-aged heritage beef with bone marrow and truffle," and will be overseen by award-winning executive head chef, Peter Doyle.

Total cost: AU $315 per person ($244)


La Terrazza dell'Eden, Rome - $227

Nial Clutton | Dorchester Collection | Hotel Eden, Rome

Another restaurant from the Dorchester Collection, La Terrazza dell'Eden is in Rome, Italy.

For 200 euros ($227), the Michelin-starred restaurant is offering a range of dishes including turbot, chianina beef with black truffle emulsion and a dessert of pomegranate and beetroot sorbet.

The hotels under the Dorchester Collection are going all out for the St. Valentine's celebration, with luxury spa therapies and weekend breaks offered across Europe and the U.S.

Total cost: 200 euros per person ($227)


The Boulders, Arizona - $975

Credit: The Boulders, Arizona (Waldorf Astoria Resort)

One of the more extravagant menus on this list, The Boulders in Arizona is offering couples a five-course meal with the ride of their life… in a hot air balloon.

The Boulders is offering seven dinner options starting from $50 per person – the most exciting of which includes a five-course private meal for two on the 6th Fairway (golf course) and a balloon ride. Menu options include Kobe beef filet with roasted shallot whiskey sauce, Lobster bisque and flourless cake with "raspberry caviar."

Situated in the Sonoran desert, The Boulders is a Waldorf Astoria resort, and also offers guests a "grand canyon air tour," or a "desert Hummer adventure."

Total cost: $1,950 per couple ($975 each)


Logan Brown, New Zealand - $170

Credit: Logan Brown Restaurant, New Zealand

Logan Brown is located in New Zealand's capital, Wellington, and was founded by celebrity chef Al Brown and his business partner Steven Logan in 1996.

The sleekly-designed, award-winning restaurant is offering two dinner options for Valentine's Day, with its "Degustation Menu" costing its customers NZ $230 ($170) per person with matching wines. Pancetta-roasted monkfish with oyster beignet and almond puree, and cured king salmon with fish tartare and "popcorn scampi" are among the dishes featured.

Total cost: NZ $230 ($170) per person (including matching wines)


Beau Rivage, Geneva - $237

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The Swiss might be known for two delicacies -- chocolate and cheese -- but one menu hopes to impress with another set of flavors this Valentine's Day.

The five-star luxury hotel Beau Rivage, in Geneva, has an enviable lakeside view and an extravagant menu. For 220 Swiss francs ($237) per person, Beau Rivage's Valentine's offering includes a multitude of indulgent ingredients and includes pigeon with truffled skin, wild brill (flatfish) with pink lemon caviar, and blue lobster from Brittany, France.

And for 790 Swiss Francs, eager guests can spend the night, with 10 percent off the cost of dinner.

Total cost: 220 Swiss Francs ($237)