Valentine’s Day 2026 became the single biggest dining day in Australia over the past 12 months, according to new data from OpenTable — and the shift to a Saturday this year appears to have supercharged the celebration.
Seated diners on February 14 jumped 51% compared to the same day in 2025, with the extended Valentine’s Day weekend (Friday through Monday) also up 24% year-on-year.
Perhaps the most striking trend was the rise of group celebrations. Parties of six or more grew by 122% on the day — the largest increase of any party size — suggesting Australians are increasingly treating the occasion as a reason to gather with friends and family, not just couples.
That said, tables for two remained the most popular booking size, keeping Valentine’s Day firmly rooted in its romantic traditions.
The results reflect a broader momentum around dining occasions in Australia, with operators well-positioned to capitalise on landmark dates as consumers continue to prioritise experiences.
