Melbourne’s most romantic date-night restaurants

Looking for an intimate hideaway for dinner à deux? Treat your valentine to good food, wine and romance in these softly-lit retreats.

Maison Bâtard

Dine at the romantic and fitting new addition to the Paris End of Collins Street. Maison Bâtard is a luxe, four-storey French bistro from famed restaurateur Chris Lucas. Start with a basket of house-baked baguettes and try the pear and hazelnut cheese souffle. For a main, order the eye fillet steak tartare with mustard and potato crisps. Then complete the evening with a cocktail at Le Club downstairs.

Regale

From the minds behind Tori's comes the new Asian fusion restaurant Regale. The sleek space is situated inside the heritage-listed Carlton Brewery. Its industrial feel is complemented by warm lights and intimate seating. Sit in for date night and share a feast of flavour-forward Thai food. Think steaming claypots of crying tiger beef and spicy squid.

Reine & La Rue

The stunning 139-year-old Gothic Bank building is home to one of Melbourne's most luxe dining experiences. Find Reine & La Rue in the former stock exchange and dine under the grand arches. The French-inspired menu is brimming with fine-dining favourites. Think caviar service, freshly shucked oysters and Wagyu by the kilo.

Cellar Caffetteria

A new subterranean dining space has opened in the historic Coles Cafeteria. Located beneath the Rodd & Gunn store, Cellar Caffetteria is a modern and moody Italian diner. Grab a drop from the vast collection of local and international wines. Then settle in for freshly baked focaccia, antipasti and house-made pasta. Finish with a playful cocktail. Perhaps a moka pot martini for a rare take on a traditional espresso martini.

The Terrace

Planning a brunch outing? Treat your date to Melbourne's version of Monet's Garden and soak up glorious views at The Terrace. Located in the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, this picturesque spot serves refined breakfast dishes, cult-status hotcakes, cocktails and top-tier coffee. Keep the romance going and book a boat cruise around Ornamental Lake.

No35

Take your date to dizzying heights on the 35th floor of the Sofitel. At No35, you can enjoy sweeping city views at breakfast, lunch or dinner. But it's particularly beautiful at night. Indulge in dishes designed for two, from lamb shoulder to entrecôte steak. Then share a decadent French dessert.

Society

Whether it’s your first date or 10th anniversary, Society promises a night to remember. Statement crystal chandeliers twinkle above as lamplight glows on curvaceous booth seating. Sip classic martinis in the lounge, before enjoying an extraordinary dining experience. Start with the king prawn salad or wood-grilled calamari for entree. Then order the rock lobster or smoked prime ribs to share.

The European

At the old-world European, wines are French or Italian and the menu is an elegantly Euro melting pot. Start as you wish to continue, with caviar, oysters and Champagne. Share a plate of gnocchi or spaghetti marinara with mussels, then lean back in your bentwood chairs to make room for dessert. Think rhubarb and blackberry creme brulee or chocolate delice with mandarin sorbet.

Ototo

Enter the world of Ototo. Dark and moody, lit by a rosy ribbon of light overhead, it’s tailor-made for clandestine catch-ups. Take your seat by the bar and watch as expert mixologists shake up custom cocktails. Indulge in a set menu or order the Hokkaido squid or gochujang fried chicken à la carte. Venture upstairs for tableside omakase at sister restaurant Akaiito.

Eureka 89

Eureka! We've found Melbourne's most glorious views. Eureka 89 soars 300 metres above sea level. Time your visit to watch the sun set over the glittering city skyline as you enjoy up to eight curated courses. With a seasonal modern Australian menu, you'll always be served art on a plate. Try indulgent dishes like truffle potatoes and dry-aged duck with pear and blackberry. Then have your wine hand picked by the sommelier.

Tipo 00

Take the pressure off date night, and settle in for an evening of pasta and wine at cosy Tipo 00. Feed your appetite for the good things in life by starting with fresh sourdough and chef-selected salumi. Move on to sophisticated but hearty house-made pastas. Try the ragu gnocchi or squid ink tagliolini. Then finish with the famous mascarpone tipomisu for a sweet treat with bite.

Vue de monde

With those bewitching 55th-floor views to distract you, your eyes might wander from your partner at Vue de monde. But don’t worry, they’ll be busy admiring the menu at this fine dining icon. Australian ingredients star in hearty dishes like red kangaroo or the chocolate soufflé with billy tea ice cream.

Aru

The wood-fired hearth sets the tone at Aru, from the modern Asian cuisine to the room’s sensual warmth. Intimacy is on tap too, with fellow diners draped in shadows cast by clever spotlights. Fire-tempered dishes emerging from the open kitchen include small plates of torched yellowtail. Share barramundi garnished with fresh dill, and caramelised cheesecake for dessert.

Heartling

Make a reservation at Melbourne's most exclusive dumpling restaurant. With space for just ten diners, you'll feel very special when you nab a seat at Heartling. The focus here is on 'slow dining' – a meditative food experience that allows you to savour every flavour. Choose the meat, seafood or plant-based menu, then indulge in a series of handcrafted, heart-shaped dumplings. Splurge on dessert, you won't be disappointed.