12 romantic Sydney restaurants for any kind of date

If a date on the Greek islands sounds dreamy, then book a table at Bondi’s beachside Mediterranean mezze bar, Ikaria. Named after an Aegean island and inspired by its laid-back lifestyle, this idyllic spot serves seasonal share plates meant for grazing. Dishes such saganaki (fried cheese) and fried calamari transport diners to a carefree summer holiday. The plates are accompanied by island-inspired cocktails, such as the Blue Zone Margarita and Aegean highball. The formula makes for a class yet casual setting—perfect for a first date.

Travel back in time at Sydney’s coolest underground movie theatre, Golden Age Cinema & Bar. Set in the old screening room of the heritage-listed Art Deco Paramount Pictures building in Surry Hills, this is a shoo-in venue for an early-in-the-game date. Pull up a chair at the Golden Age Bar for a casual drink; cocktails such as the Clockwork Orange (gin, Early Grey, orange, and lemon) pay homage to classic films, and pair well with snacky plates including fish tacos and roasted eggplant with harissa and mint yogurt. Then settle in to watch a Hollywood classic or the hottest new release. For live music on the Golden Stage, book a seat at the bar on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evenings.

With a cosy back courtyard and communal tables, this Israeli spot is a go-to for laidback romantic outings. Shenkin’s Enmore outpost exudes the signature warmth the family-run chain is known for. It’s hard not to fall in love over comforting favorites such as the restaurant’s signature shakshuka and sabih, a sandwich stuffed with fried eggplants, hard-boiled eggs, and tahini sauce. For a more private picnic, grab a pastry and cup of Shenkin’s specialty coffee and stroll over to nearby Enmore Park.

The Dining Room by James Viles offers everything required for a memorable proposal. This one-Hatted restaurant in the Park Hyatt stands for a quintessential Sydney fine-dining experience with prime Opera House views. The Dining Room’s highly coveted window tables are $20 extra per person, but there’s no better place to pop the question. On the menu, expect a journey through Australia, featuring regional and coastal ingredients plus seafood and meats cooked over coals. Splurge for the whole southern rock lobster or Stone Axe full-blood wagyu, and pair them with fine wines, locally crafted beers, and spirits.

Garfish overlooks Manly Beach and sets the scene for a romantic weekend lunch. The beloved seafood spot has a constantly changing blackboard menu of specials. Expect the freshest market fish in fan favourites such as snapper pie with roasted garlic, broccolini, and soubise sauce. Don’t miss a glass from Garfish’s varied wine list and enjoy it in the elegant dining room, Sugarfish Bar, or on the sun-kissed outdoor terrace. If things are going especially well, stretch the daytime date with a scenic beach stroll.

The Squire’s Landing (Australia’s flagship James Squire Brewhouse) is a versatile venue for romantic nights, special occasions, or relaxed date nights with friends. Grab a limited-release James Squire brew and catch up with loved ones while listening to live music in the open-air brewery. For a night to truly remember, dine in style at the second-floor restaurant and take in panoramic Sydney Harbour views. The seasonal modern Australian menu pairs gorgeous local produce with the James Squire craft beer range, including handmade burrata, king prawn and chorizo orecchiette, and truffled pomme purée.

When it comes to waterfront views and exceptional seafood, love.fish takes the cake. This sustainable seafood restaurant on the Barangaroo waterfront offers a casual dining experience, made for double dates. Choose from indoor, alfresco, or bar seating. No matter your perch, you’ll bond over sustainably sourced oysters, raw fish, seafood platters, and crustaceans. The love.fish bar showcases local spirits, environmentally conscious wines, and seasonal cocktails, including the flirty Love Royal crafted with housemade lychee and strawberry purée, Champagne, and sour cherry.

Cosy up over a bowl of ramen at Bondi Beach’s beloved izakaya, Chaco Ramen. As the sibling venue to Chaco’s original ramen bar in Darlinghurst, this spot impresses with a more extensive selection of noodles, gyoza, and yakitori. Date night regulars are known to work through Chaco’s creative and unconventional ramen varieties, such as yuzu scallop and cold tomato truffle, though the menu also contains more traditional versions, such as the pork broth and chicken soy. Chaco’s distinctive ramen is complemented with housemade flavoured sake, frozen cocktails, and Japanese beers.

Pasta and wine are the love languages at Osteria Coogee, a hidden gem on the Northern Beaches, known for remixed Italian classics. Post up on a high stool at the window and order an icy glass of vino before indulging in Osteria’s seasonally driven tasting menu, featuring housemade focaccia, porcini mushroom and truffle gnocchi, and of course, tiramisu for dessert. The simple flavours and sincere Italian hospitality fuel a night to remember, so it’s no surprise the Osteria is a crowd favorite for anniversaries and romantic milestones.

As a cross between a community motorcycle workshop and an all-day restaurant, Rising Sun spices up traditional date nights. By day, the friendly neighbourhood ramen joint serves breakfast ramen and Hokkaido buns (bacon, egg, cheese and kimslaw sandwiched between Japanese-style milk buns). At night, it unfurls a shareable à la carte menu from Thursday to Saturday. There are signature and vegetarian banquet menus for special occasions, and a thoughtful beverage lineup that includes the house G&T, skin contact wines, and lagers on tap. A date here makes a true difference: Rising Sun invests all profits from the kitchen into its enterprise so that someone who is passionate about motorcycles can afford to work on them.

Bella Brutta, arguably one of Sydney’s best pizza places, is a lively spot for group dates. The Newtown joint is the brainchild of the teams behind LP’s Quality Meats and Porteño, and combines friendly service with sumptuous woodfired pies. Bella Brutta’s long marble bar is ideal for couples to share antipasti plates of bread and burrata; banquette seating hosts larger groups splitting signature clam pizza with bottles of natural Italian wine.