IF EATING red pepper mousse out of a heart-shaped dish just isn’t your thing, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Cupid has come up with an alternative way to woo your loved one this Valentine’s Day, writes Katherine MacAlister.

Yes, food is still involved and yes, it should still bring a smile to your beloved’s face, but it doesn’t need to be slushy.

Yo Sushi, main picture, is an obvious choice because it’s worth a trip for the novelty factor alone.

Sitting on stools choosing sushi according to its colour-code off a conveyor belt should impress any date.

And if they want candle-light and roses then you know they’re not for you. Plus the food is great, healthy, fun and can cost whatever you want, because it depends how many portions you consume.

l 73-75 George Street, Oxford. 01865 566420.

Manos in Jericho has got to be a winner because downstairs in this Greek delicatessen is a room full of sunken cushions and low silver tables, so you can recline in style and feed each other olives or baklava, without breaking the bank.

It’s not a restaurant but more of a cafe/delicatessen and you can order mezze and eat in or take it away. Plus, the Greek food here is fantastic.

So choose your fresh food from behind the counter and then lounge at leisure. Perfect for a low-key but romantic night out.

l 105 Walton St, Oxford. 01865 311782.

If you want food to make you smile then head to the White Horse in Forest Hill on Saturday night.

The Thai restaurant is laying on a special menu for £25 including champagne, and having had a sneak preview I can vouch for its volume, flavour and authenticity. Or, if you’ve got that loving feeling all day long, then pop in for lunch.

At £5 for two courses you can’t beat it, because the food here is as good as you’ll find at any Thai restaurant in Oxfordshire. And with those kind of credentials, your date will be impressed not only by your knowledge, but also your taste.

l White Horse, Forest Hill. 01865 873927.

Coco’s, top left, would be the sure fire way to win me over on Valentine’s Day.

Sexy, contemporary and relaxed, the mood is already set in this new Oxford eaterie near the station, with its smoky walls, Italian comfort food, delicious cocktails and a smouldering ambience.

If my husband is reading this, I’ll see you there.

l Café Coco (Royal Hotel), 17 Park End Street, Oxford. 01865 793857.

Jamie’s Italian, bottom left, has got to be on the list, not only because it’s fun, different and the food is fabulous but also because you can’t book.

So if you’ve completely forgotten it’s Valentine’s Day and want to save face, then just turn up and queue for a table like everyone else, or sit at the bar and sip cocktails until a space becomes available.

That way, your date for the night will never be any the wiser. As Jamie would say ‘perfick!’ l 24-26 George Street, Oxford. www.jamiesitalian.com And of course, an old favourite – Branca, top right.

Classic and cool, this laid back Italian in Jericho is opposite the Phoenix Cinema.

So beat the crowds and eat early or late with a movie thrown in for good measure.

And by the way The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button starts at 8.30pm and Vicky Cristina Barcelona at 9pm, if you fancy a late one.

l 111 Walton St, Oxford. 01865 556111.