Melbourne Bars and Restaurants That Are Undeniably, Unabashedly Romantic
Low lighting, jazz playlists, opulent cocktails — these top Melbourne date spots will help you to start planning the perfect Valentine's Day.
There are many different occasions that call for a slightly sexy or fabulously flirtatious setting. Maybe it's a first date and you're looking to impress, or your 30th wedding anniversary and you need to rekindle that spark, or perhaps you feel like treating yourself to a solo outing somewhere special. So we've rounded up the Melbourne bars and restaurants that are undeniably and unabashedly romantic.
Here you'll find low-lit drinking dens, special suburban spots, smooth soundtracks, rooftop bars with alluring views, cosy restaurants conducive to a little canoodling, and much more. So put on your best lingerie, a bit of red lippy and head to one of these bars and restaurants for your next romantic rendezvous.
Recommended Reads:
The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne
The Best Bars in Melbourne
The Best Restaurants in Melbourne
The Best Restaurants in the Melbourne CBD
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BarOmnia Bistro & Bar
625 Chapel Street, South Yarra
The menu is stacked with contemporary takes on European classics — but you could simply drop by for the dry-aged roasted duck and a bottle of wine and be very happy.
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BarNapier Quarter
359 Napier Street, Fitzroy
A small all-day cafe and wine bar winning locals over in the backstreets of Fitzroy.
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RestaurantTyga
91 Koornang Road, Carnegie
The neo-Southeast Asian restaurant channels the energy, rhythm and flavour of 1970s Bangkok with a nostalgic retro fit-out, non-stop spinning vinyls, and a bold and creative menu.
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RestaurantReed House
130 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Reed House is found in a historic bluestone building, serving British classics with a contemporary twist.
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RestaurantPipis Kiosk
129a Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park
This picturesque restaurant is changing the way Melburnians perceive seaside dining — for the better.
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RestaurantOfficina Gastronomica Italiana
534 Malvern Road, Prahran
The all-day dining destination serves generous and comforting Italian fare with an extensive selection of Italian wines.
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BarMoondrop Bar
150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Guests will be greeted with touches of Chan's Chinese heritage on all fronts: from Mahjong tables serving as furniture, to Chinese hip hop and R'n'B playing through the speakers.
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RestaurantCordelia
180 Rathdowne Street, Carlton
Fresh and sustainable seafood, a considered wine list, and laidback, unpretentious vibes, make this sun-drenched spot perfect for your next leisurely lunch or date night.
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RestaurantDaphne
52 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Step into Hannah Green's new home just a couple doors down from Etta, with her new restaurant set to offer warm hospitality rooted in community.
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RestaurantCarnation Canteen
165 Gore Street, Fitzroy
Carnation Canteen feels like a warm, inviting dinner party, at your chic friend's house.
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RestaurantBistra
157 Elgin Street, Carlton
This intimate Carlton bistro is the ultimate romantic dining destination.
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Restaurant98 Lygon Street Bar & Bistro
98 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
The menu blends classic bistro dishes and Mediterranean flavours, while also showcasing local produce.
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Restaurant7 Alfred
7 Alfred Place, Melbourne
Your hardest (and only) choice of the meal will be which sauce you go for.
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RestaurantSteer Dining Room Restaurant
15 Claremont Street, South Yarra
A palace for red meat lovers.
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RestaurantAmatrice Rooftop Restaurant
16 Stephenson Street, Cremorne
Zip away to Italy in the back streets of Cremorne, with aperitivo sips and specialty pasta 10 stories above the ground.
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BarBeneath Driver Lane
Shop 3, Driver Lane, Melbourne
Blues and bourbon in a moody underground space.
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RestaurantAru Restaurant
268 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
This considered offering heroes cooking techniques from eras past and a surprising fusion of flavours.
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RestaurantNavi
83b Gamon Street, Yarraville
An innovative 25-seat fine diner from an acclaimed chef, nestled in the heart of Yarraville.
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BarAster Cocktail & Wine
31 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne
Aster is Ferdydurke's replacement, swapping out live music for more grown-up date-night vibes.
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BarBianchetto
26-28 Cotham Road, Kew
Joe Vargetto is blending old-school Italian sensibilities with contemporary cool at this trendy Kew spot.
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RestaurantFrance-Soir
11 Toorak Road, South Yarra
Melbourne's quintessential French bistro with over three decades under its belt.
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BarStokehouse
30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda
After a devastating fire, St Kilda's Stokehouse has made its comeback — and it's here to stay.
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RestaurantPoodle Bar & Bistro
81-83 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
The two-storey bar and bistro in Fitzroy continues to shine with its Euro-accented menu, sunny courtyard and lively atmosphere.
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RestaurantGimlet at Cavendish House
33 Russell Street, Melbourne
Andrew McConnell's elegant cocktail bar and European bistro serves up caviar, champagne and truffles aplenty.
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RestaurantVue de Monde
525 Collins Street, Melbourne
One of the most celebrated fine diners in Australia — with world-class views, too.
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BarMusic Room
270 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Melbourne's first dedicated 'listening bar' boasts a 3000-strong vinyl collection and DJ Jnett in the role of Music Director.
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RestaurantFreyja
477 Collins Street, Melbourne
A sophisticated exploration of 'new Nordic' cuisine boasting Michelin cred, where traditional techniques are cleverly fused with modern Scandi flair.
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BarNaught Cocktail Bar
32 Peel Street, Eltham
This cocktail den by award-winning distillery Naught will entice you out of the city with its elegant sense of drama and menu of crafty gin sips.
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RestaurantYugen Dining
605 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Chapel Street's sumptuous subterranean Japanese diner and bar has a flair for the dramatic.
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BarAbove Board
306 Smith Street, Collingwood
Nab one of just 12 seats at this hidden, minimalist cocktail haunt — and prepare for some world-class drinking.
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BarNick & Nora's
80 Collins Street, Melbourne
This opulent CBD bar boasts over 400 bottles of champagne, three balconies and a roaring 30s vibe.
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BarPepe's Italian & Liquor
275 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
You'll find cheesy bowls of gnocchi, meatball pizza and giant sundaes at this 1930s New York-Inspired Italo-American joint on Exhibition Street.
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BarHeartattack and Vine
329 Lygon Street, Carlton
The new Italian kid on the Carlton block is cool, comfy and serves chicchetti all night.
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RestaurantLagoon Dining
263 Lygon Street, Carlton
You'll find popcorn chicken and umeshu spritzes at this sleek Lygon Street spot.
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BarState of Grace
27 King Street, Melbourne
The CBD venue has reopened in a new and improved location complete with a hidden drinking den.
Top image: Aster.