6 Wine Bars for Romantic Rendezvous and After-work Catchups.

We’ve rounded up six of our fave wine bars to imbibe, eat and socialise when the mood strikes…

Whether dining alfresco on balmy nights or indoors where curved booths await those looking to enjoy a lively conversation, Icarus on Peel Street in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD beckons for an evening to remember. Perhaps cosy up at a table for two in rustic surrounds of well-worn brick and softly glowing candles as you peruse a menu offering mouth-watering choices from wood-grilled octopus to Wagyu rump with charred onion and jus.

 

Beef tartare, smoked bone marrow and potato cakes entice to start, before larger plates such as venison haunch, spring salad and chocolate chilli; or roast chicken, membrillo, radicchio, hazelnuts and chicken jus.

Bringing a unique taste of Asian-inspired food and cocktails to Maroochydore, head to Corbin’s Kitchen & Wine Bar on Duporth Avenue for fun in the sun. Dine alfresco on warm Sunshine Coast days as you people-watch and enjoy balmy breezes with a cold glass of wine in hand; or head indoors to join a lively buzz of conversation as family and friends catch up over a bite to eat.

 

Dinner guests can start with small bites like karaage chicken with sweet and sour sauce, or cured scallops, pepita satay and chilli oil; while those with larger appetites devour twice-cooked pork belly with sides of jasmine rice, steamed greens and charred roti with smoked onion butter.

Find a wine bar and bottle shop representing sustainable winemakers, wine drinkers and wine ethos at Glou on Smith Street in Collingwood. Tucked in between sustainability-focused Friends of the Earth and Beermash, this wine dispensary sells vino exclusively from kegs into reusable bottles from one of 16 on-tap varietals.

 

The kegs are topped up from producers’ barrels as a way to sidestep environmental pitfalls of traditional packaging, reducing the cost of bottles, labels, corks and distribution. While wine-to-go is the main focus, you can also stop awhile in clean and bright surrounds of high ceilings, white walls and potted plants to enjoy bar snacks and catch up with mates. 

Bar Bianco, on the corner of Malvern and Williams Roads in Prahran, is not just a place, but a travel and culinary experience that starts from the moment you walk through the door. A refined location in the heart of Hawksburn Village, embellished by bespoke interiors and cuisine inspired by traditional romantic Italy with a hint of European flair, join the locals for an espresso, long lunch, aperitivo hour, or romantic dinner.

 

The piatti piccoli and antipasti selection is a labour of love, dive right in with bresaola, rocket and shaved Parmesan, or salmon crudo, asparagus tartare, pickled tomato and herb oil; pasta lovers opt for pappardelle with slow-cooked lamb ragu and pecorino.

For innovative fare that's pushing the taste boundaries, head to Cecilia's in Toowoon Bay. This coastal venue on Toowoon Bay Road has a modern, sleek look with comfortable seating and a sit-down bar, where guests can watch Chef Adam at work in the kitchen.

 

A recycled feature wood wall, whitewashed furniture and splashes of greenery set a laid-back vibe, ideal for lingering over smoked kingfish, mandarin, pickled ginger, dill and chilli; moving onto memorable mains like dry-aged rib eye, pickled mustard, lemon and caramelised shallots, enjoyed with a glass of Pinot Noir.

Enjoy the flavours and experience of Naim Restaurant in a relaxed wine bar setting at The Hamsa Room on Collingwood Street in Paddington. Serving as a complementary feature to Naim, The Hamsa Room echoes design features like Moroccan-inspired tiles on the bar and intimate table settings along with a selection of grazing plates, cocktails, craft beer and wine.

 

Meet friends for an after-work drink and snack on prawn tartlets with chermoula sauce and red chilli, or chicken terrine, lightly pickled vegetables and tomato kasundi sauce; washed down with a glass of Orbis Tempranillo Rosé, or Laurent Perrier Champagne.