Melbourne
Best Restaurants for a Date Night in Melbourne
Discover the best romantic restaurants in Melbourne, recommended by World of Mouth experts.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Melbourne, Australia is a city full of romantic dining options that cater to all kinds of needs. Whether you're planning a first date, celebrating a milestone anniversary, or just in need of a memorable evening out, our curated list of the most romantic restaurants in Melbourne will help you make the perfect choice. Among the must-visit spots are Tonka with its exotic flavors, Scopri Italian Food and Wine for a classic European experienc, and Shira Nui, where you can find some of the best sushi in the city. What makes our list particularly trustworthy? It’s been curated based on recommendations from top chefs, food writers, and sommeliers such as Victor Liong, Pat Nourse, and Luke Whearty. Keep reading to discover the best restaurants in Melbourne for a date night like no other.
Tonka
Tonka is a modern Indian restaurant that offers a blend of traditional and experimental cuisine. Known for its flavorful dishes, the restaurant is particularly praised for its exceptional desserts and its warm, pillowy naan bread. The trout cooked in the tandoori oven is also a must-try, promising a memorable dining experience.
Scopri Italian Food and Wine
Scopri Italian Food and Wine is an Italian restaurant that offers a seasonally inspired menu. It is known for its exceptional farm-to-plate food, which is often mentioned as some of the best Italian cuisine available. The restaurant also offers two seating times, from 5.30PM to 7.45PM and a second sitting from 8.15PM to late, to accommodate the needs of its patrons.
Shira Nui
Shira Nui, a family-owned sushi restaurant, has been a staple in the food scene for over two decades. Known for its value-for-money sushi offerings, it is particularly recommended for its Omakase menu. The owners, Suzy and Hiro Nishikura, are recognized for their dedication and passion for their craft.
Hero at ACMI
Hero at ACMI is a day-to-night restaurant and wine bar that serves a seasonal menu crafted by renowned chef Karen Martini. The space is designed with abstract art, various shades of blue, sleek clean lines, and soft lighting, offering a calming ambiance. The restaurant is known for its wholesome dishes, beautifully presented, and an impressive wine list that is both high-quality and reasonably priced.
NOMAD Melbourne
NOMAD Melbourne is an Australian restaurant that serves dishes inspired by travels through Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East, cooked with fire and smoke. The menu includes dishes such as wood-fired flatbread, raw kingfish with avocado, and burrata with fennel jam, all made from locally sourced produce. Patrons recommend the affordable wine selection, the extraordinary flatbread, and the kingfish dish.
Kisumé
Kisumé is a calm and detail-focused Japanese restaurant known for its precision and refinement in every dish served. The chefs at Kisumé are known for their consistency, presenting each course as a work of art with a sleek and sharp aesthetic. As per the recommendations, it's regarded as one of the top spots for Japanese cuisine, offering a sexy vibe and a killer aesthetic.
Di Stasio Carlton
Di Stasio Carlton stands out with its distinctive approach to pizza, offering unconventional yet delightful toppings such as lobster. The restaurant is known for its Italian-inspired menu, with the lobster pizza being a favorite among customers, offering a unique blend of flavors enhanced by vermentino and a touch of chilli. Operating from Wednesday to Sunday, Di Stasio Carlton accepts various credit cards and applies a service charge for groups of 5 or more.
Osteria Ilaria
Osteria Ilaria is a modern Italian eatery known for its extensive global wine list. The restaurant is highly recommended by patrons for its creative yet familiar dishes, offering a blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine. From the reviews, it's clear that customers enjoy building their own eight-course meal, often paired with some of the finest Chardonnays.
Sunda Dining
Sunda Dining is an industrial-chic restaurant that offers a sophisticated interpretation of modern Australian cuisine, with a menu that draws on the flavors of Southeast Asia and native Australian ingredients. The restaurant is known for its roti covered in shaved truffle with vegemite curry and Bannockburn chicken with Thai sausage, gai lan and bush apple. The restaurant provides a four-course menu for all guests, and it is recommended to make reservations in advance to enjoy the dining experience.
Ishizuka
Ishizuka is a hidden gem offering a modern yet traditional kaiseki dining experience. It's known for its meticulous preparation techniques and excellent produce, served in an intimate and sleek environment. Ideal for special occasions and gourmet dining, Ishizuka is often considered among the top Japanese restaurants.
Chancery Lane
Chancery Lane is a modern bistro that combines the charm of old-world Europe with contemporary elements. The menu includes standout dishes such as lamb, beef, tartare, and foie gras, all prepared with an elevated touch. With a well-curated wine list and attentive staff, it offers a memorable dining experience that reflects the culinary capabilities of Melbourne.
Napier Quarter
Napier Quarter is a snug wine bar and bistro located in Fitzroy, known for its delicious snack options and high-quality wine selection. It also features a charming guesthouse upstairs, adding to its homely and intimate atmosphere. Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid missing out due to the limited capacity of the kitchen.
Alta Trattoria
Alta Trattoria is a comfortable Italian restaurant tucked away from the hustle and bustle, offering an elegant yet casual dining experience. The menu features fresh takes on classic dishes such as fettuccine with chestnut and speck, ravioli with cockerel and pine mushroom, and rabbit ragu. With affordable and tasty wines, friendly staff, and a warm atmosphere, Alta Trattoria is a noteworthy spot for Italian cuisine lovers.
Above Board
Above Board is an award-winning cocktail bar that operates on a walk-in basis, making it a spontaneous destination for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere. The bar is known for its hidden entrance and limited seating which adds to its intimate ambiance. Their remarkable cocktails are a favorite among visitors, providing a delightful experience for all.
The Everleigh
The Everleigh is a cocktail bar known for its precise and pristine art of cocktail-making. It's a venue that carries the spirit of a classic Manhattan speakeasy, offering an experience marked by meticulous drink preparation and inviting service. Since its launch in 2011, The Everleigh has received recognition both locally and internationally, featuring in the 'World's 50 Best Bars' list in 2013 and 2014.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
Melbourne
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over 2,000 destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Melbourne, Australia is a city full of romantic dining options that cater to all kinds of needs. Whether you're planning a first date, celebrating a milestone anniversary, or just in need of a memorable evening out, our curated list of the most romantic restaurants in Melbourne will help you make the perfect choice. Among the must-visit spots are Tonka with its exotic flavors, Scopri Italian Food and Wine for a classic European experienc, and Shira Nui, where you can find some of the best sushi in the city. What makes our list particularly trustworthy? It’s been curated based on recommendations from top chefs, food writers, and sommeliers such as Victor Liong, Pat Nourse, and Luke Whearty. Keep reading to discover the best restaurants in Melbourne for a date night like no other.
Tonka
Tonka is a modern Indian restaurant that offers a blend of traditional and experimental cuisine. Known for its flavorful dishes, the restaurant is particularly praised for its exceptional desserts and its warm, pillowy naan bread. The trout cooked in the tandoori oven is also a must-try, promising a memorable dining experience.
Scopri Italian Food and Wine
Scopri Italian Food and Wine is an Italian restaurant that offers a seasonally inspired menu. It is known for its exceptional farm-to-plate food, which is often mentioned as some of the best Italian cuisine available. The restaurant also offers two seating times, from 5.30PM to 7.45PM and a second sitting from 8.15PM to late, to accommodate the needs of its patrons.
Shira Nui
Shira Nui, a family-owned sushi restaurant, has been a staple in the food scene for over two decades. Known for its value-for-money sushi offerings, it is particularly recommended for its Omakase menu. The owners, Suzy and Hiro Nishikura, are recognized for their dedication and passion for their craft.
Hero at ACMI
Hero at ACMI is a day-to-night restaurant and wine bar that serves a seasonal menu crafted by renowned chef Karen Martini. The space is designed with abstract art, various shades of blue, sleek clean lines, and soft lighting, offering a calming ambiance. The restaurant is known for its wholesome dishes, beautifully presented, and an impressive wine list that is both high-quality and reasonably priced.
NOMAD Melbourne
NOMAD Melbourne is an Australian restaurant that serves dishes inspired by travels through Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East, cooked with fire and smoke. The menu includes dishes such as wood-fired flatbread, raw kingfish with avocado, and burrata with fennel jam, all made from locally sourced produce. Patrons recommend the affordable wine selection, the extraordinary flatbread, and the kingfish dish.
Kisumé
Kisumé is a calm and detail-focused Japanese restaurant known for its precision and refinement in every dish served. The chefs at Kisumé are known for their consistency, presenting each course as a work of art with a sleek and sharp aesthetic. As per the recommendations, it's regarded as one of the top spots for Japanese cuisine, offering a sexy vibe and a killer aesthetic.
Di Stasio Carlton
Di Stasio Carlton stands out with its distinctive approach to pizza, offering unconventional yet delightful toppings such as lobster. The restaurant is known for its Italian-inspired menu, with the lobster pizza being a favorite among customers, offering a unique blend of flavors enhanced by vermentino and a touch of chilli. Operating from Wednesday to Sunday, Di Stasio Carlton accepts various credit cards and applies a service charge for groups of 5 or more.
Osteria Ilaria
Osteria Ilaria is a modern Italian eatery known for its extensive global wine list. The restaurant is highly recommended by patrons for its creative yet familiar dishes, offering a blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine. From the reviews, it's clear that customers enjoy building their own eight-course meal, often paired with some of the finest Chardonnays.
Sunda Dining
Sunda Dining is an industrial-chic restaurant that offers a sophisticated interpretation of modern Australian cuisine, with a menu that draws on the flavors of Southeast Asia and native Australian ingredients. The restaurant is known for its roti covered in shaved truffle with vegemite curry and Bannockburn chicken with Thai sausage, gai lan and bush apple. The restaurant provides a four-course menu for all guests, and it is recommended to make reservations in advance to enjoy the dining experience.
Ishizuka
Ishizuka is a hidden gem offering a modern yet traditional kaiseki dining experience. It's known for its meticulous preparation techniques and excellent produce, served in an intimate and sleek environment. Ideal for special occasions and gourmet dining, Ishizuka is often considered among the top Japanese restaurants.
Chancery Lane
Chancery Lane is a modern bistro that combines the charm of old-world Europe with contemporary elements. The menu includes standout dishes such as lamb, beef, tartare, and foie gras, all prepared with an elevated touch. With a well-curated wine list and attentive staff, it offers a memorable dining experience that reflects the culinary capabilities of Melbourne.
Napier Quarter
Napier Quarter is a snug wine bar and bistro located in Fitzroy, known for its delicious snack options and high-quality wine selection. It also features a charming guesthouse upstairs, adding to its homely and intimate atmosphere. Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid missing out due to the limited capacity of the kitchen.
Alta Trattoria
Alta Trattoria is a comfortable Italian restaurant tucked away from the hustle and bustle, offering an elegant yet casual dining experience. The menu features fresh takes on classic dishes such as fettuccine with chestnut and speck, ravioli with cockerel and pine mushroom, and rabbit ragu. With affordable and tasty wines, friendly staff, and a warm atmosphere, Alta Trattoria is a noteworthy spot for Italian cuisine lovers.
Above Board
Above Board is an award-winning cocktail bar that operates on a walk-in basis, making it a spontaneous destination for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere. The bar is known for its hidden entrance and limited seating which adds to its intimate ambiance. Their remarkable cocktails are a favorite among visitors, providing a delightful experience for all.
The Everleigh
The Everleigh is a cocktail bar known for its precise and pristine art of cocktail-making. It's a venue that carries the spirit of a classic Manhattan speakeasy, offering an experience marked by meticulous drink preparation and inviting service. Since its launch in 2011, The Everleigh has received recognition both locally and internationally, featuring in the 'World's 50 Best Bars' list in 2013 and 2014.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
Melbourne
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over
2,200
destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
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