Date night isn’t just about the food - it’s about the atmosphere, the experience and the little details that turn a meal into a memory. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta by the water, an indulgent seafood tower or share plates packed with flavour, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants for a romantic evening.
For authentic Italian run by Canberra stalwart Carlo Tosolini, look no further than Molto Italian at the Kingston Foreshore. This seaside trattoria boasts modern interiors with high ceilings, dark wooden table settings and an open kitchen and bar, alongside a wood-fired pizza oven. The space is warm and intimate yet effortlessly stylish - ideal for couples looking to share a meal over candlelight with stunning views of Lake Burley Griffin. Molto’s menu reads like a love letter to Italy, with hand-cut pasta and an extensive selection of stuzzichini designed to be savoured together.
Start with beef carpaccio topped with fried capers, arugula, Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic glaze before diving into pappardelle with slow-cooked beef cheek and chicken fegato pancetta. Feeling extra indulgent? The linguine with blue swimmer crab, chilli and cherry tomatoes in a rich tomato bisque is a must-order, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine.
Mode Kitchen & Bar – Sydney CBD, NSW
Great food, great drinks and great company - Mode Kitchen & Bar on George Street understands that the best date nights are all about simple pleasures done exceptionally well. Located in the heart of the Sydney CBD, this sleek restaurant strikes the perfect balance between a casual bistro and fine dining, with polished wood finishes, statement pendent lighting and plush banquette seating setting the scene for an unforgettable evening. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or impressing someone new, Mode’s sophisticated yet welcoming ambience makes it an ideal choice.
Start with yellowfin tuna tartare, paired with labneh, tomato consommé jelly and bottarga for a fresh and vibrant beginning. For a true showstopper, share Mode’s signature seafood tower for two - a decadent spread featuring rock lobster with dill mayo, spanner crab salad, Tiger prawns with cocktail sauce, abalone with ponzu, scallop and tuna sashimi and freshly shucked Sydney rock and Pacific oysters. It’s indulgence on ice, perfect for lingering over with a glass of bubbles.
Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar – Broadbeach, Qld
Bringing a touch of European coastal charm to the Gold Coast, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar on Victoria Avenue is a dreamy escape for couples looking for an effortlessly romantic setting. Located on the ground floor of The Oasis Shopping Centre, Sofia’s boasts a breezy yet refined interior with whitewashed walls, warm wooden accents and a striking bar stocked with premium spirits and wines. The fit-out transports diners straight to an endless Summer on the Italian coast, making it the perfect spot for long, leisurely dinners.
Sofia’s is known for its signature wood-fired bread, freshly shucked oysters and table-side theatrics with its much-loved cacio e pepe, served straight from a 40 kg aged Parmesan wheel. For seafood lovers, the prawn linguine is another standout, with perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky sauce that’s both comforting and luxurious. Pair it with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio, and you’ve got date night perfection.
Toro Bar & Kitchen – Maroochydore, Qld
Few things are as romantic as sharing plates of sizzling Spanish tapas and Toro Bar & Kitchen in Maroochydore delivers just that. With a rustic yet modern aesthetic featuring polished concrete floors, wooden tables and exposed ceiling beams, this Sunshine Coast hotspot exudes an intimate and inviting charm. Located on the ground floor of the Kon-Tiki Business Centre, it’s the kind of place where the drinks flow, the food keeps coming and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
Start your evening with a selection of small plates, like beef tartare with shallots, mustard, paprika and egg yolk, or plump prawns with aioli and lemon. The real star of the menu is the lamb shoulder chilindron - a slow-cooked, deeply flavoured dish with rich tomato and red pepper sauce, served alongside crispy potatoes and char-grilled greens with Romesco and lardo. It’s bold, hearty and full of Spanish soul, making it the perfect dish to linger over with a bottle of Tempranillo.
For a date night with a bit of attitude, Potluck on Glen Huntly Road in Caulfield is the place to be. Inspired by the chaos and charm of family dinners, this modern Chinese eatery is a celebration of big flavours, bold dishes and a lively atmosphere that encourages fun. Here, you’re just as likely to fall in love over a plate of dumplings as you are to end up fighting for the last bite - it’s all part of the experience.
Start with crispy fried chicken served with fried basil and Korean honey mustard, or go for the prawn and pork wontons swimming in a sweet soy broth. If you’re looking for a dish to share, the special fried rice with Chinese sausage, Tiger prawns and seasonal vegetables is a must. Packed with umami and wok-fried to perfection, it’s the kind of comforting yet exciting dish that makes for a memorable meal. Pair it with a couple of cocktails and let the night take you where it may.
From intimate waterfront dining to sizzling Spanish feasts and indulgent seafood platters, these top restaurants are guaranteed to set the scene for a romantic night out. Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, a great meal in a beautiful setting is always a recipe for love.
So, where will your next date night take you?
