Araneta City unveils dining, entertainment for CNY, Hearts Day

Araneta City is rolling out new dining and entertainment offerings in February as the commercial district positions itself as a destination for Chinese New Year gatherings and Valentine’s Day celebrations.

The developments include new food concepts at Gateway Mall 2 and a premium cinema experience at Gateway Cineplex 18, catering to both family-oriented festivities and couples seeking upscale leisure options.

At the center of the Chinese New Year offerings is World Kitchens, a recently opened dining destination on Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2. The venue brings together 15 show kitchens featuring international cuisines under a single, full-table-service format.

World Kitchens was created by Singapore-based food and beverage entrepreneur Andrew Tan Hock Lai and is inspired by comfort food from various regions. The concept allows diners to order from multiple kitchens through an AI-powered system, enabling shared meals without guests leaving their seats. The setup is designed for group dining, a key component of Lunar New Year celebrations.

Expanding the World Kitchens lineup is 18 Jade, a new show kitchen specializing in classic Chinese cuisine. Led by Singapore-based Chef Peng, the restaurant offers traditional dishes such as crispy Peking duck and shark’s fin soup. The concept emphasizes heritage cooking and symbolism associated with prosperity and value, aligning with Chinese New Year traditions.

Also newly opened within World Kitchens is World Cellar, a wine-focused concept offering selections sourced from established wine-producing regions. Wines are available by the glass or bottle and can be paired with dishes from any of the show kitchens. The concept aims to provide a premium wine experience while maintaining pricing closer to retail through direct sourcing and controlled storage.

For Valentine’s Day, Araneta City is highlighting Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge, a luxury cinema located at Gateway Cineplex 18. The theater features La-Z-Boy recliners, spacious seating, and personalized service.

The cinema experience includes an exclusive partnership with Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, with gourmet meals such as grilled steaks and side dishes served during the film. Tickets are priced at ₱1,200 and include premium seating and food offerings.

With the introduction of new dining concepts and high-end entertainment options, Araneta City is expanding its offerings for February, targeting both traditional holiday gatherings and romantic leisure activities within a single destination.