With its unspoiled beaches, steady supply of sunshine, and spectacular harbour, Sydney is easy to fall for. Many of the city’s restaurants also exude an effortless charm, well-equipped to host any intimate occasion. Scattered around the city, the best romantic restaurants in Sydney await.
Head to the CBD for an elegant brasserie, or visit Surry Hills for a cosy trattoria. In Bondi, a romantic izakaya bar serves scallops and truffle ramen with house made sake and spectacular Opera House views await on the waterfront.
Whether it’s for the first date or the 20th, an anniversary feast or a laidback group hang, Sydney bursts with charming spots to celebrate. Read on for a guide to the most romantic restaurants in Sydney that set the scene for a memorable date—even before the food arrives—and book your spot on OpenTable today.
The most romantic restaurants in Sydney for the perfect date night
For one of the best date spots in Sydney for a fancy night out – check out Glass Brasserie in Sydney CBD
Elegant and airy, Glass Brasserie is one of Sydney’s most refined and romantic restaurants. Housed in the iconic Queen Victoria Building, this spacious restaurant lives up to its name with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light. Head chef Natalie Murphy crafts straightforward, honest brasserie-style dishes. And with over 3,500 wines curated by experienced head sommelier Mauro Bortolato, finding a pairing as perfect as your own is easy. Try seasonal options like the summer tart with smoked mozzarella and peaches or the creamy baked brie with fig and honeycomb. The Glass Banquet puts together the best dishes of the season, including the charcoal Southern Tasmanian squid and the O’Connor grass-fed rib eye.
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For one of the most romantic restaurants in Sydney for French dining – visit Claire’s Kitchen at Le Salon in Surry Hills
Enjoy a classic French dining experience at Claire’s Kitchen at Le Salon. From the menu to the charming waiters, to the antique French furnishings and decor, every part of this romantic restaurant screams French opulence. Settle into one of the soft Louis XV chairs and peruse the menu of classic French dishes. Start with twice-cooked three cheese souffle or some French snails in garlic and brandy butter. Follow it up with a bouillabaisse de Claire, a classic seafood stew with aromatic saffron, or boeuf bourguignon with smoked bacon lardons. For dinner and a show, book the mezzanine level on Tuesday and Friday nights for an intimate cabaret evening.
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For one of the best restaurants in Sydney for a relaxed date by candlelight – book a table at Pellegrino 2000 in Surry Hills
A cosy, bustling wine bar and trattoria, Pellegrino 2000 is a go-to spot for romantic evenings. With exposed brick walls, shelves stuffed with wine bottles and candlelit tables, Pellegrino 2000 creates an intimate, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for date night. The curated trattoria menu is designed to match the wine list. Share the fritto misto selection of seasonal seafood, or try the house ricotta with roasted tomato. For your main, dig into tender veal saltimboca or delicately sliced rib-eye steak with bagna cauda sauce. Alternatively, order the menu del giorno and let the chefs build your perfect meal.
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For special occasions at one of the most iconic restaurants in Sydney – visit Margaret in Double Bay
Named for head chef Neil Perry’s mother, Margaret embodies her caring nature in all aspects of its operation. By cultivating relationships with Australia’s best producers and suppliers, Perry is able to bring in the best sustainable seafood, direct from the fisherman who catch it. Start with freshly shucked oysters and tuna crudo. From the wood-fire grill, try West Australian pearl perch or Eastern Rock lobster with your choice of dressing. Served up in a spacious dining room decked out in soft beiges and browns, this neighbourhood restaurant is perfect for any special romantic occasion.
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For a dreamy first date at one of the best Greek restaurants in Sydney – visit Ikaria in Bondi
If a date on the Greek islands sounds dreamy, then book a table at Bondi’s beachside Mediterranean mezze bar, Ikaria. Named after an Aegean island, inspired by its laid-back lifestyle, this idyllic spot serves seasonal share plates meant for grazing. Dishes such saganaki (fried cheese) and fried calamari transport diners to a carefree summer holiday. The plates are accompanied by island-inspired cocktails, such as the Blue Zone Margarita and Aegean sprits. The formula makes for a class yet casual setting—perfect for a first date. For more Mediterranean vibes, visit Ikaria’s sister venue Iberica.
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For romantic dates with Opera House views – book at The Squire’s Landing in Sydney CBD
The Squire’s Landing (Australia’s flagship James Squire Brewhouse) is a versatile venue for romantic nights, special occasions, or relaxed date nights with friends. Grab a limited-release James Squire brew and catch up with loved ones while listening to live music in the open-air brewery. For a night to truly remember, dine in style at the second-floor restaurant and take in panoramic Sydney Harbour views. The seasonal modern Australian menu pairs gorgeous local produce with the James Squire craft beer range, including handmade burrata, juicy chargrilled king prawns and tender coffee-cured smoked duck breast. For February 14th, impress a special someone the special Valentine’s Day share-style set menu with dazzling water views.
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For a date with a group at one of the best romantic restaurants in Sydney for seafood – try love.fish in Barangaroo
When it comes to waterfront views and exceptional seafood, love.fish takes the cake. This sustainable seafood restaurant on the Barangaroo waterfront offers a casual dining experience, made for group dates. Choose from indoor, alfresco, or bar seating. No matter your perch, you’ll bond over sustainably sourced oysters, raw fish, seafood platters, and crustaceans. The love.fish bar showcases local spirits, environmentally conscious wines, and seasonal cocktails, including the Naked Colada, a fresh take on an old classic featuring Four Roses bourbon.
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For an intimate izakaya bar with housemade sake – visit Chaco Ramen in Bondi
Cosy up over a bowl of ramen at Bondi Beach’s beloved izakaya, Chaco Ramen. As the sibling venue to Chaco’s original ramen bar in Darlinghurst, this spot impresses with a more extensive selection of noodles, gyoza, and yakitori. Date night regulars are known to work through Chaco’s creative and unconventional ramen varieties, such as yuzu scallop and cold tomato truffle, though the menu also contains more traditional versions, such as the pork broth and chicken soy. Chaco’s distinctive ramen is complemented with housemade flavoured sake, frozen cocktails, and Japanese beers.
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more restaurants in Sydney
Hungry for more? Explore more of the most romantic restaurants in Sydney for memorable date nights on OpenTable.
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