Great food can make a date memorable, but the right venue transforms it into something unforgettable. Whether it’s candlelight flickering against exposed brick or the quiet confidence of a hidden gem below street level, romantic restaurants are all about mood, intimacy and shared pleasure—on the plate and off it.
From indulgent omakase in Brisbane to old-world Italian charm in Sydney, these five venues know how to set the stage for romance.
Machiavelli Restaurant – Sydney CBD, NSW
Descending into Machiavelli Restaurant feels like stepping into a secret society of Sydney's inner circle. Hidden beneath Clarence Street, this iconic institution has charmed locals and power-lunchers alike for more than three decades. Think moody lighting, framed portraits and swinging cured meats—the kind of place where stories are shared over Chianti and pasta is taken seriously. The ambiance whispers of old-school Italian romance with a generous pour of nostalgia and Negroni.
On the menu, tradition reigns with a touch of refinement. Kick things off with golden-fried King prawns and a tartar sauce that hits all the right notes, then move onto the pappardelle duck ragu—silken strands of pasta dressed in Madeira sauce with thyme and bursts of cherry tomato. For the ultimate indulgence, order the signature steak Diane, pan-seared with garlic and Worcestershire demi-glace, best enjoyed with creamy mashed potato and seasonal vegetables. It's food from the heart, served with a side of history.
CC’s Bar and Grill – Cairns, QLD
Tropical romance meets outback soul at CC’s Bar and Grill, tucked within the Crystalbrook Bailey hotel in Cairns. Earthy tones, red banquettes and softly glowing pendant lights set the mood for a sophisticated take on the classic steakhouse. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or simply spoiling someone special, this is a venue designed to impress—where every detail, from the locally sourced timber to the Tablelands beef, speaks of thoughtful elegance.
Begin with seared scallops, their delicate sweetness offset by spicy chorizo and butternut squash emulsion. But the star here is the signature dry-aged tomahawk steak—succulent, smoky and impossibly tender, served with grilled bone marrow, micro greens and your sauce of choice. Not a steak lover? The crispy skin duck with kipfler potatoes and juniper jus offers an equally seductive alternative. Every bite feels bold yet intimate, much like the setting itself.
Located on Fitzgerald Street, Acqua e Sale is a seductive Italian escape in the heart of Perth’s CBD. The name—meaning ‘water and salt’—nods to the elemental simplicity of great Italian cooking, and that philosophy is evident in every plate. Step into this dimly lit, industrial-chic space and you’re transported to the Mediterranean, where food is celebration and every meal is a slow-burning affair.
Start with seared beef carpaccio adorned with pickled shallots, taleggio mousse and a rich black cabbage purée—a clever, textural prelude to the pasta to come. The housemade ravioli filled with beef cheek and stracciatella is a luxurious highlight, bathed in truffle cream and finished with a rich jus. Weekly specials like spaghetti with sea urchin and bottarga offer daring bursts of briny flavour, designed to be paired with a bold red or a soft smile across the table.
A true jewel box of Japanese fine dining, Takashiya in South Bank is a sensual, immersive experience tailored for romantic evenings. Nestled within the luxurious Emporium Hotel, this omakase restaurant offers a front-row seat to culinary artistry, with flowers cascading from the ceiling and an ambient glow that seems to slow time. Every course is theatre; every bite, a declaration of intent.
The omakase journey spans up to 20 exquisite courses—think lobster sashimi topped with pearls of caviar, followed by tender Wagyu wrapped around seasonal truffle. Each dish is meticulously prepared and presented at the Chef’s table, creating a dialogue between diner and chef that elevates the entire experience. It's a shared voyage through flavour, precision and beauty—ideal for couples who appreciate detail and delight.
Figo Italiano Restaurant & Bar – Broadbeach, QLD
On bustling Surf Parade, Figo Italiano offers a contemporary Italian dining experience designed to woo. With its blush salmon tub chairs, marble-topped tables and ambient lighting, the interior alone is enough to stir the senses. But it’s the attention to ingredient-driven cooking that truly seals the deal. Figo celebrates the uncomplicated elegance of Italian cuisine, served with modern finesse and just enough theatre to feel special.
Begin with an unexpected standout—smoked pig wing, glazed with honey and paprika. It’s smoky, sweet and falls effortlessly off the bone. From there, move to a bowl of mafaldine pasta brimming with prawn, calamari, fish and mussels, all bathed in a silky white wine butter sauce. For a final flourish, order the linguine with blue swimmer crab—zesty, delicate and layered with garlic, lemon zest and parsley oil. It’s a seaside romance served on a plate.
The recipe for romance is simple: an intimate setting, a glass of something sparkling and food that lingers on the lips and in the memory. These five venues deliver all that and more, whether you're wooing someone new or rekindling a long-standing flame. Whichever you choose, just be sure to linger a little longer—because in these places, romance is always on the menu.
