Looking for a romantic restaurant in Sydney? Well, you won’t be short of venues to go to.
Whether it be for a regular date, Valentine’s Day, to mark your engagement, or to commemorate your anniversary, there are plenty of places in Sydney at which you could celebrate your love.
From stunning venues, with incredible harbour views, to intimate bistros tucked away in quiet backstreets, here are 16 of Sydney’s most romantic restaurants.
Head to any of them, and you are sure to enjoy a lovely meal in wonderful surroundings.
The Grounds of Alexandria
A former pie factory might not sound like the most romantic of places to dine, but don’t be fooled by that. Make no mistake, The Grounds of Alexandria is undoubtedly one of the most stylish and unique date night dining options in the city.
Oozing charm and character, this venue features an exceptional bakery onsite, as well as speciality coffee roasters. It also has a lovely outdoor café area that boasts a massive courtyard with an organic garden.
The delightful food menu here offers a terrific range of home-style dishes that are perfect for sharing. One of the favourites is their delicious pulled-pork sandwich which is slow-roasted for hours. Their handmade pappardelle is delightful too.
Address: 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Hours: Mon – Thur 7 am – 9 pm, Fri 7 am – 9:30 pm, Sat 7:30 am – 9:30 pm, Sun 7:30 am – 9 pm
Phone: (02) 9699 2225
Altitude
Set within a space that occupies the 36th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel, the acclaimed Altitude Restaurant dishes up gourmet food and outstanding views of the Sydney Harbour.
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, the menu here showcases the best of modern Australian cuisine.
A lovely place to come before heading on to a show, dinner choices include serrano Parmentier and smoked duck breast. For something a little bit extra special, why not try the gold band snapper sashimi?
Just one bite of it will instantly make your taste buds fall in love!
Address: 176 Cumberland St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon 7 – 10:30 am, Tue – Thur 7 – 10:30 am, 12 – 2 pm, 6-10 pm, Fri 7 – 10:30 am, 12 – 2 pm, 3:30 – 5 pm, 6 – 10 pm, Sat 7 – 10:30 am, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 3:30 – 5 pm, 6 – 10 pm, Sun 7 – 11 am, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 3:30 – 5 pm.
Phone: (02) 9250 6000
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar
Located in Bondi, near the iconic ocean pool, Icebergs Bar & Dining is a true icon on the Sydney restaurant scene.
Set within a refined and elegant space, the menu here offers Italian classics that have been given a modern twist.
Their pork belly is legendary, while their fusilli with anchovy, seaweed and broccoli is a must try.
Don’t fill yourself up too much on their mains though, as you will definitely want to save some room for their incredible Tiramisù which is specifically designed for two people to share.
Address: 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Hours: Wed – Thur 12 – 11 pm, Fri – Sat 12 pm – 12 am, Sun 12 – 10 pm
Phone: (02) 9365 9000
Bennelong
Situated within the famous Sydney Opera House, Bennelong ticks all the boxes when it comes to romance.
Presented within an elegant multi-level space, it offers diners a charming ambience, terrific views and a sensational menu of gastronomic delights.
Championing quality Australian produce, their à la carte menu caters to all tastes with equal emphasis on exquisite flavours. They also boast a fantastic wine and cocktail menu too.
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Wed – Fri 5:30 – 8:45 pm, Sat 12 – 3:30 pm & 5:30 – 8:45 pm, Sun 12 – 3:30 pm
Phone: (02) 9240 8000
Saké Restaurant
Down by the Rocks, the Saké Restaurant is a terrific place to go for an upscale date night.
Presenting a menu of traditional and authentic Japanese dishes which has been given an innovative twist, the restaurant offers diners the choice of a full la carte menu or the ‘chef’s special selection’ banquet.
With everything from hiramasa kingfish, popcorn shrimp and Glacier 51 Toothfish available, you are sure to enjoy a high-quality date night experience.
Address: 12 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Hours: Monday Closed, Tue – Wed 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Thu 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Fri 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm, Sat 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm, Sun 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Phone: (02) 9259 5656
A Tavola Darlinghurst
When it comes to romantic food genres, Italian is right up there, and nowhere is this better evidenced than at A Tavola Darlinghurst.
Making Italian food with love, this exceptional venue in Darlinghurst is centred around a communal marble table, which makes for a very intimate experience.
The food menu here showcases a range of traditional dishes from various regions in Italy and features an excellent selection of pasta and fresh bread that is both housemade.
Address: 348 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Hours: Lunch Fri – Sun: 12 pm – 3 pm, Dinner Wed-Sun: 6 pm – late
Phone: (02) 9331 7871
BLACK Bar & Grill
A hearty steak might not be your first thought when it comes to deciding on culinary options for a romantic date night dinner. But then, Black Bar & Grill will give you food for thought.
Situated within The Star Sydney Hotel, this modern venue is set within a stunning space of elegant decor. It also features a terrific wine list and top-quality steaks.
It’s not just about the meat here though, although they do take centre stage. You can also get a
delightful selection of fresh seafood including prawns, oysters and lobster.
The desserts are pretty incredible here too.
Address: Harbourside, The Star, Level G/80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Hours: Wed – Thur 5 – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 5 – 11 pm, Sun 12 – 3 pm & 5 – 10 pm
Phone: 1800 700 700
Mjølner
Over in Redfern, Mjølner is a Scandinavian restaurant with a strong Viking theme.
Whilst its decor of replica Viking weapons and armour pieces might not be everyone’s idea of romance, the stunning venue offers something a little different on the Sydney dining scene.
For a start, you get to drink out of glass cups that are shaped like horns. But also you get to enjoy a whisky bar that is Viking-themed too.
When it comes to food, in good old Viking tradition you won’t go hungry, as they present a fabulous carvery.
Offering a daily rotation of four different mains, which include meat, a fish, a bird and veg – all on a rotisserie, the portion sizes fall very much on the side of generous here.
Address: 267 Cleveland St, Redfern NSW 2016
Hours: Wed – Sat 5 pm – 12 am, Sun 5 – 10 pm
Phone: (02) 8646 4930
L’Heritage
French is arguably the most romantic of all cuisines. So if you are looking for the perfect date night venue in Sydney then you should consider L’Heritage.
Located in Mosman, this classy French venue pulls out all the stops with a setting that is sophisticated and chic and service that is outstanding.
The food menu might cause you a headache or two, as it contains several traditional French classics that you will want to try.
Narrowing down your choice to one meal might be a bit of a challenge, but if you choose the duck a l’orange, Gnocchi ricotta, bouillabaisse or the classic steak and chips (entrecote frite) you won’t be disappointed.
After your main, the Mousse au Chocolat is a must-have for dessert, while they also have a terrific selection of imported French cheeses and wine.
Address: 7b Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Hours: Wed – Sun 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Phone: (02) 9968 1658
Alberto’s Lounge
Nestled in the heart of the CBD, Alberto’s Lounge presents a quaint 70s-inspired venue that offers a delicious mix of Italian food with a strong Aussie influence.
A relaxed and casual restaurant, its food menu features everything from braised beef cheek and house-made ricotta, to pasta e Fagioli and blue swimmer crab. All of which are beautifully plated.
For dessert, Alberto’s really spoils you for choice. With house-made gelato, Sicilian-style cannoli and macadamia panna cotta available, don’t be surprised if you order two sweet courses!
Address: 17-19 Alberta St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon – Wed 5 – 11 pm, Thur – Sun 12 pm – 12 am
Aria Restaurant Sydney
Another CBD favourite is the Aria Restaurant Sydney.
Situated on Macquarie Street, this critically acclaimed, two-hatted venue is owned by Matt Moran.
It is known for its exceptional use of seasonal Australian produce, fantastic harbour view – as seen from its glass walls – and first-class wine list.
Championing a paddock-to-plate philosophy, its main menu features such delights as WA snow crab and wagyu short rib. While its dessert list showcases the likes of lavender and black currant souffle and an outstanding range of Australian and international cheeses.
As romantic restaurants in Sydney go, Aria is right up there with the best of them.
Address: 1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Wed – Thur & Sun 5:30 – 9:30 pm, Fri 12 – 3 pm, 5:30 – 9:30 pm, Sat 5:30 – 9:30 pm
Phone: (02) 9240 2255
Empire Lounge
Over in Rose Bay, the Empire Lounge might seem like nothing more than a departure lounge for seaplanes on first look. But it actually offers an excellent dining experience for those on a date.
For a start the water views are amazing, and secondly, you get to take in the fabulous spectacle of planes taking off and landing.
But also you get to eat some wonderfully fresh seafood, like oysters, that are caught locally on the coastline of NSW.
If you are looking for a romantic meal to share with your loved one, then the whole lobster they offer is an excellent option. However, if you would prefer something to yourself, try the tiger prawns, barramundi curry or kingfish Crudo.
Address: Lyne Park, Rose Bay NSW 2029
Hours: Thur – Fri 12 – 10 pm, Sat 8:30 am-10 pm, Sun 8:30 am – 9 pm
Phone: (02) 9388 3884
Flower Child Cafe
Set within a venue that is resplendent with flavours and plants of all colours, the Flower Child Cafe is a nice and relaxed venue to visit for a casual, romantic date.
Presenting an all-day menu, which you can have for breakfast, brunch and lunch, you can enjoy the likes of Burgers, sandwiches, French Toast and tasty acai bowls, as you spend some quality time with your loved one.
Address: Shop 391/1 Anderson St, Chatswood NSW 2067
Hours: Mon – Sun 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sokyo
Run by Head Chef, Chase Kojima, Sokyo is one of Sydney’s best Japanese restaurants and an excellent place to go to for date night.
Another venue within The Star Sydney Hotel, the food on offer is world-class. Its menu features dishes like Sokyo Style Sashimi, Dengakuman, and Mushroom Tempura, all of which will blow you away.
To support the food offering, the drinks menu features a robust wine list and an excellent range of sake.
The venue itself is warm and inviting and has a relaxed ambience that encourages quiet conversation.
Address: Level G, The Darling The Star, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Hours: Mon – Thur 7 – 10 am, 5 – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 7 – 10 am, 12 – 3 pm, 5 – 11 pm, Sun 7 – 10 am, 11 am – 3 pm, 5 – 10 pm
Phone: 1800 700 700
Restaurant Hubert
Restaurant Hubert is another legendary restaurant on the Sydney dining scene.
Located on Bligh Street within the CBD, it boasts a vintage old-world feel, which is set within a very opulent space.
A classic French Style bistro, the food menu features dishes that are designed to be shared and enjoyed with a delicious selection of classic cocktails and French wines.
They also play jazz music too, which adds a certain je ne sais quoi to its overall ambience.
Address: 15 Bligh St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hours: Mon – Tue 5 – 12 pm, Wed – Thur 12 pm – 12 am, Fri – Sat 12 pm – 12:30 am
Phone: (02) 9232 0881
Quay Restaurant
When it comes to romantic restaurants in Sydney, the Quay Restaurant is right up there as one of the best.
Set within the Sydney Cove Overseas Passenger Terminal, this multi-award-winning venue is run by Head Chef Peter Gilmore.
Presenting a six or eight course menu that features black pearl mushrooms, roasted pasture raised duck and their famous white coral dessert, it serves up some of the best food in the whole of the city.
Which you can enjoy whilst taking in the 270-degree views of the harbour, and enjoying one of their signature cocktails or fabulous wines.
Address: Upper-Level Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW 2000
Hours: Thu – Fri 6 – 8:45 pm, Sat – Sun 12 – 1:30 pm & 6 – 8:45 pm
Phone: (02) 9251 5600