I Only Have Pies for You – 7 Venues for the Perfect Date Night

Love is definitely in the air and romantic Spring dinner dates on the menu this weekend! 

Those looking for the perfect restaurant to wow their sweetheart have plenty of choice as venues around the country put their best foot forward as the ideal romantic destination. Here are seven we think you should try for your next date night:

Expect nothing less than mouth-watering food, expertly mixed cocktails and service that makes you feel like you have known the team for years at la baia bar-cucina on Beaconsfield Parade in Albert Park. Located on the corner of Kerferd Road, overlooking the beach and mesmerising sunsets, this Italian haven offers an extensive menu designed to accommodate most dietary requirements, showcasing all your favourite dishes from different parts of Italy that would make Nonna proud to serve.

 

For the ultimate Date Night order exclusive imported wines to elevate each course to the next level in a cosy and warm atmosphere, while mesmerising sunsets and ocean views are just the cherry on the top – think dishes like calamari with lemon and confit garlic aioli, before mains such as lamb rack with smashed rosemary potatoes, roasted field mushrooms, marinated lentils and spiced red wine reduction.

Sit back, put your sunnies on and feel the sea breeze at Captain Baxter in St Kilda. This iconic destination in the Sea Baths Complex has been Melbourne's go-to venue for lunch under the sun, drinks at sundown and relaxed dining for many years. Sporting a light, bright look inspired by tropical beach bungalows of the 1920s, the retractable roof brings guests even closer to the ocean as they sip a signature cocktail.

 

Whether you swiped right and got a match, are heading out on a double date, or planning a dinner catch-up with a friend you haven’t seen in ages, The Captain has a table for two for you. With a menu designed to share in pairs, look no further for your next Date Night than a banquet and Spritz option available on Friday nights for just $58 per person; expect dishes such as fried chicken, kimchi spice, mango and pineapple hot sauce, followed by master stock roasted pork belly, fried potato and cos salad.

Nestled on the Esplanade with stunning views of Mornington Park and the bay, Mr Vincenzo’s offers a unique blend of traditional Italian flavours and contemporary flair. Step inside and be transported to a 1970s coastal retreat with distinctive décor including wine bottle-green floors, cork accents and sunny yellow walls; vintage photos of Napolitano beach add a touch of nostalgia, celebrating the rich Italian heritage that inspires culinary delights on the menu.

 

Say that’s amore to Date Night starters of crispy squid, with lemon yoghurt and dill, before perfect pasta plates like lobster tortelloni with bisque butter sauce and fennel; for a romantic main, opt for lamb ragu, creamy polenta, gremolata and sides of kipfler potatoes and broccolini with garlic, chilli and pangratatto. Baked cheesecake, butterscotch sauce and brown butter Graham crumb make for an indulgent finish.

Tucked away in the back streets of Camberwell, Boss Pizzeria entices locals with authentic aromas and a contemporary Melbourne touch. Located on Cookson Street, just across from the train station, it's time to eat like a boss at this fun and funky eatery, where rustic brick and red neon signage beckon guests indoors.

 

On balmy Date Nights sit street side, while sipping an icy brew and pick up a slice of wood-fired Napoli-style pizza topped with garlic prawns, roasted zucchini, roasted red onion, mascarpone, Parmigiano and fresh oregano; or devour the Cicciotto with fior di latte, cavolo nero, Italian pork sausage, asiago, Parmigiano and chilli, washed down with a glass of red wine.

Le Pas Sage on Hindmarsh Square in the heart of the city is a French bar and bistrot offering a unique dining experience to discerning Adelaide foodies. Exuding a cosy yet sophisticated ambience, this venue’s name translates to ‘the Naughty Ones’ and it follows this ethos by challenging conventional and outdated perceptions of French cuisine by celebrating the rich diversity of culinary art.

 

Each dish is crafted with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, transforming simple elements into extraordinary meals as seen in mains such as confit de canard – slow-cooked confit duck legs with truffle mashed potato and a petite salad on the side – or beef fillet, served with heirloom carrots, mashed potatoes, Paris-style mushrooms and red wine sauce.

Standing alone as a culinary oasis along a leafy stretch of Riversdale Road in Hawthorn, Choi’s is where Melburnians head for casual lunches and banquet dinners to celebrate milestones, achievements and special occasions. An unassuming façade disguises an elegantly decorated interior, showcasing a traditional Chinese identity in a modern ambience.

 

This hidden Date Night gem promises a refined yet dynamic interpretation of traditional cuisine that has stood the test of time and taste; begin your romantic adventure with Chef’s special soft-shell crab tossed with spicy herbs and chilli, before Cantonese crispy duck with red curry sauce and sides of steamed rice, wok-tossed Chinese broccoli and stir-fried garlic spinach.

Dine amongst stacked sandstone walls, timber beams and parquet flooring at Vaby's Restaurant on Station Street in Picton. This corner venue housed in The Old Cheese Factory, exudes classic charm with a stone fireplace roaring during chilly months to set a welcoming vibe, while the upstairs function room is ideal for any event from weddings to work parties.

 

Chill out with your special someone on a lounge in front of the bar while sipping a glass of Shiraz and sharing entrées such as sizzling garlic prawns, served in a traditional hot pot with toasted bread; then spoil your date with a seafood platter for two with BBQ octopus, beer-battered flathead, mussels, prawns, lemon pepper calamari, pan-fried salmon, oysters, fries, salad and tartar sauce.