The holidays isn’t only the season for giving, it’s also the season right before Valentine’s. Make sure you don’t start 2016 heartbroken by investing on your official or brewing relationship this Christmas season (if you haven’t all year-round). Take a break from the holiday-preparation madness, and put your expression of appreciation, love and generosity on full blast.

Eat a whole wheel of cheese if you have to, and take your bae on a date fit to be featured on chick-flicks. Here are 8 romantic restaurants to hold your very own chick-flick scene in.

1F Greenbelt 5 Mall, Legaspi Village, Makati City | (02) 720 8667

GF Resorts World Manila, 100 Andrews Avenue, Pasay City | (02) 5510925R2 Level Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City | (02) 478 6136

2F Shangri-La Plaza Mall, East Wing Expansion, Mandaluyong City | (02) 654 1421

LG Central Square, 5th Avenue cor. 30th Street, BGC, Taguig City | (02) 950 8275
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Make your bae feel like royalty by dining at TWG. Pretend to be the Dutch and Duchess of Cambridge while you sip on aromatic teas and eat tea-infused dishes with fancy cutlery. First-timers can’t miss out on the Aviator Salad, TWG Tea Lasagna, Chicken Roulade and Seared Matcha Salmon.

For something more unique than the usual dinner dates, try their impressive afternoon tea sets, which are available from 3pm to 6pm.\. Don’t forget to put your pinkies up.

455 P. Guevarra Street, San Juan, Metro Manila | (02) 7269326, (02) 7255089
reservation@cafeysabel.com |Facebook Page |Website

Just the sight of Cafe Ysabel’s exteriors will impress your date. It looks like a well-preserved ancestral mansion that Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara may have a date in. Extending the impressive facade, the interior is lovely and cozy as well.

What used to be San Juan’s hidden gem has become a foodie destination. This restaurant has been around for more than 20 years, yet it remains relevant to the culinary scene. It may be because Cafe Ysabel makes fine dining accessible with excellent dishes that are very reasonably-priced.

Every grumbling tummy is sure to find something appetizing in Cafe Ysabel’s 12-page menu. Considering you’re going for a romantic date, you can’t go wrong with a U.S. Rancher Steak Fillet paired with Willy’s Truffle Fettucine or Truffle Pizza. End the meal right with a decadent dessert, JunJun’s Chocolate Souffle or Gene’s Creme Brulee.

5F Clipp Center, 11th Avenue cor. 29th, BGC, Taguig City | 0917 806 5292
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If you think your bae would love something more modern when it comes to the food and ambiance, treat him/her to Vask’s innovative Spanish delights. Vask has three dining rooms, each with a distinct personality. There’s the Tapas Bar & Dining Room, the Outdoor Lounge and the Degustation Art Gallery. You might want to reserve a table at the art gallery for your romantic date.

Surrounded by beautiful art works (aka conversation pieces), take your taste buds on a 5-course or 9-course adventure. Let Chef J. Luis take the wheel, and you won’t be disappointed with his creativity that has been the talk to the town. Of course you can also order ala carte, and try standout dishes like the Txuleton Steak with Himalayan salt, Salpicon de Marisco or fresh seafood salad and various kinds of unique pintxos.

154 Maginhawa, Diliman, Lungsod Quezon, Kalakhang Maynila | 09228243051
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Trying new things with your partner is great for the relationship. For a delicious new experience, go on a date at quirky Van Gogh is Bipolar. Sample Jetro Rafael’s mood-altering dishes, which helps the bipolar chef’s happy hormones stay in control. The dishes are generally healthy, too.

You have to indicate your mood meter — whether you’re happy and chill (vegetarian), happy (pescatarian), or chill (carnivore). You then select your choice of set meal, and you’ll be happy to know that there’s a “lovers’ feast for twin souls.” The dishes change from time to time, but you can expect a meal that’s unique and an experience that’s definitely memorable.

80 Malinao, Calbayog Street, Mandaluyong | (02) 5344633
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Just a few minutes away from hectic Shaw Boulevard is a quaint little restaurant resembling an Italian wine cellar. Galileo Enoteca extends its fine interiors into the quality of its authentic Italian food. They offer a wide selection of cheeses, cold cuts, wine and Italian staples like pizza, pasta, risottos and paninis. Don’t forget to insert some protein in your carbs-feast with awesome mains like the Chicken Piccata and Salmon in White Wine.

34F Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo De Roxas, Salcedo Village, Makati City | (02) 7505810 to 11
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If the weather allows, hold your date outside for a majestic view of Makati. You and your bae are bound to get reflective as you look at the hustle and bustle of the city from way above. If you aren’t so lucky to get a table outside, the dining room inside will still impress your date with its elegance.

Wine and dine your bae with well-known Chef Jessie’s expertise. Try their tasting menus for something indulgent, but ordering ala carte is perfectly fine as well. Don’t miss out on Top of the Citi’s speciality dishes — the Sea Bass with Goose Liver, Angus Beef Tenderloin and Lamb Chop with Adobo Sauce. Finish it off with their signature dessert, Chef Jessie’s cheesecake.

Manila Marriott Hotel, 10 Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay City | (02) 9889999
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Dominated by red, black and fire, there’s no denying that Cru Steakhouse screams sexy. Manila Marriott’s steakhouse is famous for serving one of the best steaks in town, which makes it perfect for a special holiday date. From the private couch booths, you can watch chefs grill your steak.

Their appetizers and non-meat dishes are outstanding, too. Crowd-favorites are the Salmon Tartare, Cru Crab Cakes, Organic Tomato Salad. If both of you are steak-lovers, Cru’s Angus Beef Prime Rib Steak is absolutely must-order. It’s a huge slab at 900 grams and already comes with five side dishes and two sauces.

Purok 138, Brgy. Neogan, Luksuhin-Mangas Rd., Alfonso, Tagaytay City | 09178992866, 09188992866
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Chef Antonio “Tonyboy” Escalante, the genius hands behind Antonio’s, has been recognized as the country’s top chef many times. Let your special someone experience that kind of gastronomy, and take her to the famous white mansion in Tagaytay. From your entrance up to the bill, you’ll be treated to excellent and thoughtful service. Of course the food is star, so come starved and look forward to leaving with an incredibly happy tummy.

Each main course comes with soup, salad, dessert and coffee or tea. Prepare to have a hard time ordering, because you’re going to want to try everything. Practice you and your bae’s self-control, and go for their samplers to try a bit of everything. Whatever you end up getting, you can be sure that you’ll be tasting premium and fresh ingredients prepared with culinary expertise.

Any other romantic restaurants fit for a chick-flick scene? Make Christmas warmer and Valentine’s Day happier for lovers, and share your restaurant-suggestions below!