Romantic Dinner in Side: The Chateaubriand for Two

There are dinner dates, and there are dinners you still talk about years later. The Chateaubriand belongs to the second kind — a dish literally designed for two people to share, born in French kitchens and very much at home on a warm Side evening.

What makes it romantic

It is the thick centre of the tenderloin — the most tender stretch of the most tender muscle — roasted whole and carved for two. One plate, shared. No comparing orders, no fork diplomacy; the meal itself insists you do this together. At Hawaii it is a reservation dish, which only adds to the sense of occasion.

Building the evening around it

• Open with a cocktail — a Cosmopolitan and a Blue Hawaii from the bar's 30-strong list set the mood before the main event.
• Keep starters light — a shrimp cocktail or a goat-cheese salad with walnut and honey; the Chateaubriand deserves your full appetite.
• Wine — a Turkish red (Kavaklıdere Çankaya or Yakut) or the Idol Cabernet-Merlot; ask the team to match the night.
• Finish sweet — one Banana Split or Strawberry Love, two spoons. Obviously.

The practical romance notes

• Reserve ahead — the Chateaubriand is listed as a reservation item, so book and mention it; the kitchen prepares properly.
• Timing — later evening is softer light and softer noise; we serve until late (open daily 10:00–02:00).
• Anniversary or proposal-adjacent? Tell us when you book. Since 2000 we have seen a few; we know how to help the moment along.

Prefer the grand gesture with more fire? The 450g T-bone is the other statement cut — one each, and may the best appetite win.