Brisbane Bars and Restaurants That Are Undeniably, Unabashedly Romantic
Low lighting, jazz playlists, opulent cocktails, pastel hues, breathtaking views — this is all on offer at the best romantic bars in Brisbane.
Alright, alright. So we've sat here all day grumbling about Valentine's Day, about manufactured romance, about disingenuous 'love'-related holidays and the atrociously high price of roses. Words like 'phooey', 'poppycock' and 'hell naw' have been bandied about. And, we've uttered these thoughts no matter the time of year, rallying against commercialised affection.
Pay no attention to the phones under our desk, messaging that special someone, planning a little get-together later on. If we run into you at the best romantic bars and restaurants in Brisbane, don't be too harsh on us. We love love.
Recommended reads:
The Best Rooftop Bars in Brisbane
The Best Beer Gardens in Brisbane
The Best Dog-Friendly Bars, Cafes and Restaurants in Brisbane
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BarStan's Lounge
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City
You'll find XO sand crab cigars, vintage cocktails and late-night dancing at this bar above Howard Smith Wharves' Cantonese restaurant Stanley.
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RestaurantMademoiselle
39 Hercules Street, Hamilton
Rise Bakery's Harry Ohayon and Maxime Bournazel have doubled their footprint at Portside with this Parisian bistro.
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BarMontrachet
30 King Street, Bowen Hills
Brisbane's famous French restaurant is back in business on King Street under chef Clément Chauvin.
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RestaurantSupernormal Brisbane
443 Queen Street, Brisbane City
Andrew McConnell has expanded his Melbourne restaurant to Brisbane, bringing its lobster rolls and Asian-influenced dishes to a prime riverside location.
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RestaurantSokyo
William Street, Brisbane City
At its first outpost outside of Sydney, this luxe Japanese fine-diner is dishing up eye-catching sushi, sashimi and more at Queen's Wharf.
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BarBar Miette
443 Queen Street, Brisbane City
Andrew McConnell's hospitality empire has arrived in Brisbane with this Euro-leaning terrace cafe and wine bar.
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RestaurantBlack Hide Steak and Seafood
33 William Street, Brisbane City
Black Hide's Queen's Wharf restaurant is Brisbane's new go-to for steak, seafood and cocktails with a view.
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BarCicada Blu
33 William Street, Brisbane City
This sky-high Brisbane cocktail spot sits 100 metres above the city on Queen's Wharf's Sky Deck.
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BarClub Félix
33 Felix Street, Brisbane City
Make an after-hours date for cocktails and wagyu cheeseburgers at this supper club inside Felix Street's revived Naldham House.
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RestaurantAttimi by Dario Manca
224 Given Terrace, Paddington
This 28-seat Italian fine-diner in Paddington takes inspiration from Michelin-starred dining in Europe.
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RestaurantCloudland Garden Restaurant
641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Fifteen years after setting up shop on Ann Street, this Fortitude Valley venue has turned its ground floor into a restaurant.
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BarFrog's Hollow Saloon
26 Charlotte Street, Brisbane City
Inside a retrofitted brick warehouse from the 1910s lives a bustling bar promising good times and great cocktails.
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RestaurantEmme
22 James Street, Fortitude Valley
You'll find this woodfired eatery serving up a Jordanian- and Moroccan-inspired menu in Spoon Deli Cafe's old James Street digs.
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RestaurantSK Steak & Oyster
48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
With a mini grand-piano and impeccable wine list, a night of elegance awaits.
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BarMaggie May
84 Longland Street, Newstead
This Newstead supper club is Brisbane’s gloriously 70s-inspired go-to for cocktails and all-day bites.
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BarSouth City Wine
148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
A Woolloongabba favourite for wines from around the world and French-leaning bites.
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BarSOKO Rooftop
7 Symes Street, Fortitude Valley
Head to this luxe 14th-floor restaurant and bar for Peruvian and Japanese cuisine.
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BarHervé's Restaurant and Bar
31-37 Collingwood Street, Albion
Tuck into French-inspired dishes and wine in Albion’s revamped timber mill.
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RestaurantCasa Chow
148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
This pastel-hued Woolloongabba eatery serves up Chinese Peruvian dishes.
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BarStratton Bar and Kitchen
3 Stratton Street, Newstead
Drop doughnuts into dripping sauce and sip lamington cocktails inside two old WWII hangars.
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RestaurantSasso Italiano
148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
This negroni-loving South City Square eatery takes its cues from 70s-era Italian joints.
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BarRothwell's Bar & Grill
235 Edward Street, Brisbane City
This European-influenced restaurant and bar sits inside a heritage-listed building.
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RestaurantIppin Japanese Dining
97 Boundary Street, West End
Tuck into a decadent Japanese meal in West End’s West Village.
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BarDr Gimlette
109 Edward Street, Brisbane City
Enjoy table service in this romantic spot from the team behind a laneway favourite.
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RestaurantSono
39 Hercules Street, Hamilton
A long-term Hamilton stalwart for Japanese fine-dining on the Brisbane River.
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BarFiume Rooftop Bar
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City
Peer over the river, hang out on daybeds by the pool and sip cocktails — all on a rooftop.
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Bar1st Edition
22 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley’s haunt for comic-book lovers no matter the occasion.
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RestaurantJoy
694 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
This cosy Bakery Lane restaurant only seats ten at its chef’s table.
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RestaurantEssa Restaurant
181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley
This darkly lit Fortitude Valley fine-diner focuses on locally sourced ingredients.
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BarDeath and Taxes Brisbane
36 Burnett Lane, Brisbane City
This hidden laneway bar is filled with romantic dark corners and tasty cocktails.
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RestaurantThe 203
6 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley
A polished Italian steakhouse built around premium Aussie beef.
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BarThe Inchcolm Bar
73 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill
Soak in the retro glamour and pretend you’re in a 1920s Paris salon.
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BarOoh La La Rooftop
611 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
Gaze out over the city while slurping down oysters and sipping hot whisky cocktails.
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RestaurantStanley
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City
This Cantonese bar and restaurant combines river views, cosy nooks and a leafy courtyard.
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RestaurantThe Lex Brisbane
81 North Quay, Brisbane City
W Brisbane’s New York City-inspired restaurant comes complete with cocktail trolleys.
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RestaurantSame Same
46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Tuck into a Thai meal from the ex-Longtime team, or head upstairs for more than 140 types of tequila.
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BarWalter's Steakhouse and Wine Bar
219 Alice Street, Brisbane City
A New York-inspired steakhouse with old-school charm in Brisbane’s CBD.
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BarIris Rooftop
458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
The Mediterranean-inspired venue sits atop Brunswick Street’s Hotel X.
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BarSavile Row
667 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Sip cocktails beneath a dazzling chandelier at this moody Fortitude Valley bar.
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RestaurantDonna Chang
171 George Street, Brisbane City
Treat your date to crayfish, crispy pork bao and other dishes with Sichuan and Cantonese influences.
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RestaurantBianca
46 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Tuck into Italian dishes with an Aussie twist in Fortitude Valley.
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BarElectric Avenue
23 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
A multi-faceted Woolloongabba bar features its own secret whisky room — if you can find it.
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BarLefty's Music Hall
15 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace
Caxton Street’s go-to for whisky, southern-style food and Americana rock.
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BarLa Lune Wine Co
109 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Say cheers to French wine at this Euro-style South Brisbane bar and restaurant.
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RestaurantSushi Room
48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
James Street’s Japanese fine-diner serves up caviar rolls and wasabi cocktails.
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BarSixteen Antlers
Corner Ann And Roma Streets, Brisbane
Head up 16 levels for sky-high drinks and views over the city.
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BarBoom Boom Room
171 George Street, Brisbane City
An underground CBD bar and restaurant located in a heritage-listed former bank.
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RestaurantVertigo
119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Always wanted to eat dinner 17 metres up while hanging over the side of Brisbane Powerhouse?
