Love is definitely in the air and romantic dinner dates on the menu this weekend!
Those looking for the perfect restaurant to wow their sweetheart have plenty of choices as venues around the country put their best foot forward as the ideal romantic destination. Here are six we think you should try for your next date night:
Contemporary Fine Dining
Combining the goodness of food with the love of meeting and serving great people, those seeking inspired fare in Bendigo head along View Point to find Alium Dining. Set in the former Royal Bank, this elegant restaurant offers contemporary fine dining alongside a selection of the best of Central Victorian wines in stylish surrounds of green velvet, chandeliers and dark wood tables.
Start a romantic rendezvous with grilled prawns, chimichurri, mountain pepper cracker and pickled pig face; then delight the senses with mains such as pork belly, white corn grits, pickled kohlrabi, local plums and jus, enjoyed with a glass of Mandurang Valley Shiraz.
Warm & Rustic Romantic Surrounds
Referring to the time period when pizza was first created in Naples, Melburnians stop by Circa 900 Pizzeria Napoletana on Sussex Street in Pascoe Vale to appease Italian cravings. Specialising in true Neapolitan pizza and street food using recipes passed down through generations, drop into this well-loved dining destination and relax in warm and rustic surrounds of exposed brick as tantalising aromas waft from the pizza oven.
Kickstart your date night with calamari fritti, served with seafood sauce and lemon wedges, before sharing an agnello pizza with tomatoes, fior di latte, marinated lamb, roast peppers, Spanish onion, goats’ cheese and garlic sauce.
Fine Fare to Share
Come home to Mum at Maman Bar & Kitchen on James Street in Burleigh Heads for fine fare to share. This restaurant is all sleek lines, white and bright, creating an ideal ambience for lingering over delicious Mediterranean to Middle Eastern bites, sustainable wines and no-nonsense cocktails to toast all those near and dear.
Founded by two Mums – Lizzy and Karen – each dish is served with love from local and organic ingredients, which have been nurtured from the ground up. Settle in with your special someone and share a tagine of lamb, with dates, almonds, lemon couscous and yoghurt; or grilled octopus,
kipfler potato salad and Romesco sauce.
Perched on the Banks of River Torrens
Just a short stroll from Adelaide's bustling CBD, find a sense of tranquillity upon entering Jolleys Boathouse Restaurant, situated at the end of Jolleys Lane. Perched on the banks of the River Torrens, Jolleys has long been a favourite destination for locals of Adelaide and visitors alike thanks to uninterrupted views and a relaxed atmosphere. An innovative menu based on local, seasonal produce is well complemented by an extensive wine list which highlights both local and international grape varietals.
To begin a date night feast, perhaps start with aged beef tartare and a Manchego croquette, or fried quail, honey mustard bearnaise and hot sauce; moving onto mains such as dry-aged duck breast, roast witlof, fresh cherries and a side of kipfler potatoes and salsa verde butter.
Multi-sensory Restaurant Experience
Expect a visually stunning Melbourne dining experience at hidden gem Shelanous on Rouse Street in Port Melbourne. One of the most unique restaurants the city has to offer, every dish on the degustation menu is a culinary journey; perfect for those seeking date night ideas or group activities, with a soundscape carefully curated to enhance the overall ambience.
Be enveloped in an array of seasonal aromas from dishes created by Chef Rony Parienty, who fuses classic techniques with contemporary flair to tantalise all five senses. More than just a restaurant, Shelanous is a romantic dining destination for those seeking fun, luxury and attentive service.
Culinary Adventure Like No Other
Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure like no other at A Taste of Avon on Tyers Street in Stratford. This newly-opened Gippsland dining destination will tantalise tastebuds from the moment you step inside as you are transported to a world of mouth-watering flavours and signature plates of pasta.
Treat your special someone to starters such as herb-infused calamari, lemon and dill mayo and caramelised lemon;while seared pork belly, blistered cherry tomatoes, roasted onions, apple, fennel, celeriac and cauliflower purée entice for a memorable main.
