It’s that time of the year, folks. Time is passing so quickly this 2026: Ash Wednesday and the Chinese New Year are both coming up, but before we observed those holy day and holiday, it’s time to start looking for the best rates for flowers and dinner, and if I’m being honest, this whole week is Valentine’s Week. For a memorable experience, nothing beats a Valentine’s Day restaurant in San Juan like Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. More and more couples, and yes, families too, choose to celebrate on the days leading up to February 14, after all, love is a many-splendored thing, and the best way to mark it is via the most convenient, stress-free and traffic-free date. One restaurant I’m recommending is Qui, unabashedly romantic and undeniably a most appetizing destination for the Day of Hearts!
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The Gorgeous Restored Antique House
Just off Gilmore St. in the middle of San Juan, Dos Castillas is a street that you’ve probably seen dozens of times but never entered. It’s a bit of a smaller side road in the midst of the bustling city. In the middle of the street, on the left side, you’ll see available parking, but no sign of the house. Walk to the gate, and be amazed. The house, first built by the Sta. Romana clan in 1950, has been restored, and beautifully so. The ground floor lobby, the terraces, and the second floor of what’s been called their “Big House”, are all once again ready to welcome guests. Fans of Art Deco, take note, you’ll have a fine time.
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The Diversity of Pan Asian Cuisine
In 2023, the Panlaqui family – there’s the source of the restaurant’s unique name – took charge of renovations. Blending timeless elegance with modern flair, it resulted in Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie. Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie Valentine’s Day restaurant in San Juan is truly the place for lovers of Asian cuisine. There’s a little bit of Asia mixed with definite Filipino flavors, The unique and compelling flavors of Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Japan, providing distinct choices, backed up by familiar Filipino flavors. And everything is served in a warm, inviting setting, guaranteeing a truly refined dining experience.
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Comfort Food, Always
The menu is definitely interesting. I had the Hokkaido Corn and Clam Chowder, and that was filling to say the least – the clams providing a surprising touch to the warm hug of the soup. I loved the Steak & Watermelon Salad, the crisp freshness of the watermelon, complementing and fully embracing the delicious cook of the steak. But I am, a simple eater, so I ended up thoroughly enjoying the Qui Fried Chicken – fried until Golden Brown Delicious, served a trio of homemade sauces, Asian slaw, Piri tamarind gravy, and Harissa ketchup? It was divine. Furthermore, for visitors seeking a special Valentine’s Day restaurant in San Juan, Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie is highly recommended.
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Two Kinds of Sisig!
The Panlaquis are from my home province of Pampanga, and when I found out that they served two kinds of my ultimate food, Sisig, I had to order them both. I was not disappointed. First up, from the appetizers, the Krapow Sisig Nachos: they arrived with three kinds of crisps, and the sisig in a bowl, Distinctly Tex-Mex in execution, I could have been happy with just this, but the Sisig No.4 arrived, and it was classic Capampangan, arriving grilling on an iron pan, with mayonnaise and an egg to puncture and spread all over. It wasn’t purely classic, but for non-Capampangans, and for those like me who embrace every kind of sisig? It was, as we say in Pampangaq? “Ferpect”! If you want a truly festive Valentine’s Day restaurant experience in San Juan, Qui Pan-Asian Brasserie is the answer.
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The Sweet Pasalubong Corner
Before leaving Qui, you have to try their fan favorite dessert: the Puto Bumbong Basque Cheesecake. It’s not a seasonal dessert, so you can order it anytime, and it is, upon breaking it open, an explosion of purple Christmas flavors. Very highly approved! Finally, don’t miss out on the goodies they sell in souvenir bottles, from lengua de gato to torrones de polvoron, and even Spanish sardines, you’ll be glad you can take home delicious foodstuff from Qui, because no matter how full you are? You’ll get ravenous soon enough…
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