IGA is serving up a free pop-up dining experience in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, designed to help romance bloom in the most unexpected of places: the supermarket aisle.

On 12 February, Romeo’s IGA South Eveleigh will turn into an intimate setting for couples to share a three-course meal together.

The menu, curated by MasterChef winner Justin Narayan in collaboration with IGA, celebrates local flavours with a generous side of romance.

Guests will also be invited to wander the aisles and select their own sides, sauces and little extras, adding a personalised touch to the dining experience.

Changing attitudes to Valentine’s dining

New research shows that for those who celebrate Valentine’s Day more than eight in ten Australians (84%) would enjoy their meal more if they could customise it, while 60% say traditional set menus don’t offer good value.

“Valentine’s Day can sometimes feel like a lot of pressure – fancy menus, strict bookings, and rules about how the night should look,” said Chef Narayan. “This flips that on its head.

“It’s still a beautiful three-course meal, but it’s relaxed, playful and personal. Being able to wander the aisles and choose the little extras together makes it fun – and honestly, that’s usually where the best conversations happen.”

Romance with Romeo’s

IGA Store Owner Joseph Romeo acknowledges it’s hard for locals to get a booking every year for Valentine’s Day.

“And with a family name like Romeo, we simply couldn’t resist celebrating the day,” he said.

“With generations of love in our local supermarkets across Australia, we’re proud to host lucky couples with a unique and special evening that will be one to remember.”

Make your plans

Bookings for the free exclusive dinner are available via Eventbrite with limited seats to keep the experience intimate and special.

For those unable to attend on the night, IGA is making sure the romance doesn’t stop there. A simplified version of the three-course menu will be available on the IGA website, allowing couples to recreate the experience at home.