SHAKESPEARE opened his play Twelfth Night with the famous quote: "If music be the food of love, play on". With Valentine's Day just around the corner, however, food itself is very much the food of love, so where can you go in Exeter for a romantic treat?

There is always a meal to remember to be had at Michael Caines' restaurant at ABode and this weekend is no different. There is a special Valentine tasting menu on offer for both lunch and dinner on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, which includes a glass of champagne and canapes to start, for £72 a head. As Michael is a great advocate of local produce, the menu includes such delights as fillet of silver bream and a glazed Creedy Carver duck breast.

If it's the Cathedral Green location you want but not the price, then why not try the Valentine's menu at ASK, which is offering three courses and a glass of prosecco for just £16.95 from February 10 to 14?

With salad, pasta, pizza, fish and duck all on the menu, there is sure to be something to appeal to every couple – just remember that either both or neither of you should order the garlic bread.

Romance is also in the air over at the Oddfellows Gastro Bar in New North Road, with four courses on offer for £29.50 per person. The bar is gaining a real reputation for its food as well as its cocktails and with local beef carpaccio as a starter and the catch of the day for a main course, you can indulge while supporting local producers.

Always popular is the Jack in the Green at Rockbeare, now in its 20th year of business, which garnered a glut of awards last year, including being named in the UK's top 100 restaurants and was also named the only "Bib Gourmand" restaurant in Devon by Michelin – an award for those giving outstanding value for money.

This year's Valentine's dinner starts off with a glass of pink prosecco and appetisers then continues through a locally based menu. Mains feature Exmouth crab, Westcountry beef fillet, John Dory and free-range chicken.

If you have room, there is cheese, rosewater creme brulee and coffee and petits fours to follow, for £57.50 per person.

But if you just don't have the time or the budget to go out for a slap-up meal, then why not pop along to Bertie Cozic's Gourmandine Crepes Cafe in the city centre at lunchtime? The former Exeter City player will be serving up the cafe's special Mon Amour Crepe, which consists of strawberries, whipped cream, vanilla gelato topped with chocolate sauce. There will also be a chocolate fondue for two to share, with marshmallows, strawberries mini-roll crepes and banana for dipping.

If you are quick, there are still a couple of slots left for a delivery of special cupcakes from Tea In the City and delivery is free in the Exeter area. Contact Emma-Louise Browse on 07834 556574. But if all else fails, pop down to FizzyWizzyWoo on Fore Street, grab a giant jar of Valentine's sweets and enjoy at home.