Sydney’s Best Restaurants and Bars For a Date

DRINKS & SNACKS

This edgy, sustainability-driven bar in South Eveleigh (from Scout’s Matt Whiley) has considered every detail from the intricate cocktail menu to the coasters. Terrazzo tables made from recycled materials, industrial details and dim lights set the right mood, while snacks include a silky hummus, puffed beef tendons and eggplant ceviche. Drinks-wise, keep it light with a fig leaf whisky highball or dive in with a twisted classic; signature drinks are bold, with ready-blended cocktails from Copenhagen’s trendy Empirical on hand, too.

Pyrmont’s best-kept secret, a visit to this chic backstreet wine bar and bistro sets the tone for a great night out. Be it perched at the bar or at a corner table – gorgeous nooks abound – the quaint space exudes old world elegance with modern finishes, like vintage bistro chairs and artwork. Snacks are excellent (start with olives and the butternut and almond gazpacho, or a plate of salumi and cheese), with a robust list of wines and heartier bistro dishes if you decide to stick around.

A TOUCH OF SCENE

For us, it’s the intimate, understated space at this legendary wine bar and bistro that feels special. From locals to industry pros, 10 William delivers every time on flavour and service. Contemporary, Italian-leaning plates are some of the best you’ll eat in town, while a democratic list of classic and low-intervention wines linger, both in flavour and memory. Marble tables and leather booths create an environment to cosy up in, while the buzz from its dining room is worth the trip alone.

Above P&V wine shop, this new-school French bistro stands tall with flavours that travel to France and beyond. Industry buffs run the show, with leather booths the colour of burgundy, exposed brick walls and wooden tables creating a space to feast and exchange into the night over a bottle (or two). The move drinks-wise is to BYO from the bottle shop downstairs, while the frequently changing chalkboard menu revolves around seasonal veg, fish and meat bistro dishes like a warm scallop vol-au-vent, grilled ox tongue ‘au poivre’, or a comforting plate of mushrooms persillade.

‘SOMEWHERE FUN’

DIY tacos, made-to-order tortillas warm off the grill, and an intense mezcal menu make this Potts Point marvel an ideal spot for a fun date. The décor pays respects to the Sonora desert, with burnt orange and earthy tones lending a cosy touch to the artfully industrial interior. A laid-back atmosphere and lively crowd (we’d expect no less from the team behind Taqiza and Carbon) set the scene for upscale riffs on Mexican-inspired dishes.

A go-to for an uncomplicated good time, this plant-based Latin American joint in Surry Hills delivers every time. Scarlet red walls, pumping music and flowing margaritas set the tone, while inventive fare packs a flavour bomb with each bite – try the cauliflower spiked with oregano-paprika salt and cashew crema. A buzzing vibe and low tables occupied by a trendy, dressed up crowd seal the deal.

KEEP IT CASUAL

A neighbourhood favourite, this classic spot’s refined comfort fare is some of the best around, with familiar classics like roast duck and pasta primavera uplifted with precision and finesse. Details and consistency keep the restaurant’s regulars coming back. Green striped walls and large overhanging lamps elevate the décor, while the restaurant’s windows are thrown open on warm days, lending the space a relaxed inside-outside feel. Go for a leisurely meal and take your time with each course – great for a casual (and grown-up) date.

Attached to Paramount House Hotel, this cool Surry Hills wine bar is perfect for hushed trysts over a few glasses of pinot noir. It’s the type of space that’s great for any kind of date – lean in and enjoy its classic comfort with thoughtfully created dishes to match. The grilled potato bread is excellent.

‘LADY AND THE TRAMP’-STYLE

It’s all about the sauce here, both metaphorically and literally. At this glam steakhouse, guests travel to another era as they enter a world of hushed conversations and hidden corners. The plush, dimly-lit room – jazz on the speakers, vintage décor throughout – feels like a basement time warp hidden away in Sydney’s CBD, perfect for private trysts embellished with martinis and oysters. Food-wise, expect plenty of nostalgia – perfectly charred ribeyes off the grill, classic salads, crab cakes and plenty of caviar.

Angel Place has been transformed since the arrival of this acclaimed pasta and wine spot. The atmospheric, dimly-lit space buzzes with diners enjoying plates of handmade pastas – from tortellini en brodo to mortadella-stuffed agnolotti – with an intimate fit-out working particularly well for cosy dates. An early dinner is a great option at this venue, while those looking for the energy of a busy room should stick around until later.

GETTING SERIOUS

Offering panoramic views of Bondi and vibrantly coloured plates that bounce off the tables, Sean’s is a place for all occasions and a favourite with a stylish, artsy crowd. Blackboards inscribe the menu of seasonal and fresh food from Bilpin, the owner’s own farm. An intimate and unforgettable place, with one of the most memorable dining rooms anywhere.

A seafood bar and restaurant of the highest order, acclaimed chef Josh Niland knows exactly what he’s doing, conjuring up innovative dishes with seafood few can only dream of. Diners sit at a long, elegant marble bar that dominates the narrow space, with plenty of theatre from each chef preparing and plating dishes in front of guests. A perfect mix of classic seafood and champagne elegance, with food scene cred thrown in for good measure.

WINE BARS

Frequently collaborating with zero-intervention Australian wine producers for their list, Arthur knows a thing or two about quality. The intimate space in Surry Hills is inviting and has a strong local following – perch yourself and your date at the marble bar, or grab a table to dive into the restaurant’s superb (and accessible) tasting menu.

An intimate space showcasing a number of Australian wineries, as selected by owners and wife-and-husband duo Suzanne and Tony Cox. It’s the family-affair nature of this space that makes the pairing of food and wine stand out. Come for an enjoyable evening of beautiful pairings and great conversation – and we’re not just talking about you and your date.