Overview
Befriending a new couple isn't always easy. Your first collective outing can be just as awkward as any first date. With so many options around town, narrowing down the right restaurant can be daunting— and finding that sweet spot of top-notch food combined with a relaxed vibe is far from simple. That's why we've teamed up with Citi to bring you our list of the top spots for a double date in Sydney — think leafy courtyard seating and lush harbour views.
And, with the Citibank Dining offer, you can indulge even further with a complimentary bottle of wine at any one of these five venues. Just tell your waiter you'll be paying with your Citi card, and the wine is yours for the choosing — with each restaurant offering two different bottles. Trust us, your new couple friends will be impressed with any one of these.
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For more Middle Eastern dining, book your double date into Redfern’s longstanding Israeli restaurant Kepos Street Kitchen. Owner Michael Rantissi brings his Israeli heritage into the menu with authentic eats served in simple and modern surrounds. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch daily, while dinner service is on offer Wednesday through Saturday. We recommend booking in for the nighttime service here, as the diner takes on a more sophisticated, though still casual, vibe at night. Don’t forget to nab that complimentary bottle of wine with your meal — options include the Yarra Valley pinot noir or a Marlborough riesling.
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Set in a Bourke Street terrace, Dead Ringer features a particularly lovely courtyard that is ideal for double dating in these warmer days ahead — and is especially popular during its boozy weekend brunch. This neighbourhood haunt also boasts head chef Tristan Rosier (ex-Est), who is turning out a seasonal menu of share plates, with a focus on top-notch produce. At the moment, those include the hand-tied burrata with zucchini and pine nuts, and the gnocchi with smoked eggplant and mushrooms. When it comes time to order drinks, make sure to grab your freebie, which is either a Canberra syrah or a Tumbarumba chardonnay.
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This lower north shore pub was given a gorgeous revamp at the end of 2018 and has now become a go-to dining destination for elevated pub food and views aplenty. Of the latter, the best spot in the house is out on the 70-seat, wraparound balcony, which overlooks Cockatoo Island. But don’t worry if weather doesn’t permit outdoor seating, because the indoor dining room also offers panoramic harbour views. Bring your new friends along for seasonal comfort food — the menu includes braised brisket and ale pot pies and herb and cheddar crumbed chicken, plus four cuts of steak and two Sunday roast options. While you’re at it, indulge in a complimentary bottle of Yarra Valley pinot noir or Marlborough pinot gris.
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If the sound of a free bottle of Parlez Vous rosé or Partisan Trenchcoat GSM is music to your ears, stop by this Marrickville favourite and say “Hello Auntie”. Prepare your new friends for the kind of fun, family style eating they can expect in the future, complete with slurping down a big bowl of pho or using your hands to tuck into some delicious and authentic Vietnamese dishes. As well as a fresh and fragrant menu that puts a modern twist on traditional flavours and techniques, the low-lit, industrial-style space is decked out with knick-knacks and memorabilia — ideal conversation starters if you find yourselves in a lull.