With its unspoiled beaches, steady supply of sunshine, and spectacular harbor, 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.
A Middle Eastern place in Enmore promises laidback first date vibes and flavorful Israeli plates. In Bondi, a romantic izakaya bar serves scallops and truffle ramen with housemade sake. In the Park Hyatt, an awarded fine-dining experience with spectacular Opera House views awaits.
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 stellar dates – read on for a guide.
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 highball. 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 award-winning fare at one of the most romantic restaurants in Sydney – visit Ursula’s in Paddington
Award-winning Ursula’s offers a spectacular backdrop for a romantic date night to remember. The menu pays tribute to Australia’s history: Golden syrup dumplings with rum, raisin, and malt cream are inspired by the Country Women’s Association; beef carpaccio with makrut lime and spiced chile dressing is a homage to the classic version served at Darcy’s, the dining institution that called this 19th-century building home for four decades. Wood’s award-winning cooking (honed at city hotspots such as Tetsuya’s, Rockpool, and Pt Leo Estate) is innovative as ever. To that, add a refreshed space, imagined by designer Brahman Perera—the custom lights resemble elegant dresses, mid-twirl. The result is a contemporary-chic restaurant with multigenerational appeal, ideal for an anniversary or romantic milestone.
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For a lively brunch at one of the best restaurants for dates during the day – try Shenkin in Enmore and Erskineville
With a cosy back courtyard and communal tables, this Israeli spot is a go-to for laidback romantic outings. Shenkin’s Enmore outpost exudes the signature warmth the family-run chain is known for. It’s hard not to fall in love over comforting favorites such as the restaurant’s signature shakshuka and sabih, a sandwich stuffed with fried eggplants, hard-boiled eggs, and tahini sauce. For a more private picnic, grab a pastry and cup of Shenkin’s specialty coffee and stroll over to nearby Enmore Park.
📍 Enmore — Check Availability
📍 Erskineville — Check Availability
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For a proposal-worthy place at one of the most romantic restaurants in Sydney – pop the question at The Dining Room by James Viles in Sydney CBD
The Dining Room by James Viles offers everything required for a memorable proposal. This one-hatted restaurant in the Park Hyatt stands for a quintessential Sydney fine-dining experience with prime Opera House views. The Dining Room’s highly coveted window tables come at an extra charge per person, but there’s no better place to pop the question. On the menu, expect a journey through Australia, featuring regional and coastal ingredients plus seafood and meats cooked over coals. Splurge for the beer-glazed bavette skewers or whole southern rock lobster, and pair them with fine wines, locally crafted beers, and spirits.
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For top-notch seafood with a romantic backdrop for a lunch date – don’t miss Garfish in Manly and Crows Nest
Garfish overlooks Manly Beach and sets the scene for a romantic weekend lunch. The beloved seafood spot has a constantly changing blackboard menu of specials. Expect the freshest market fish in fan favourites such as snapper pie with roasted garlic, broccolini, and soubise sauce. Don’t miss a glass from Garfish’s varied wine list and enjoy it in the elegant dining room, Sugarfish Bar, or on the sun-kissed outdoor terrace. If things are going especially well, stretch the daytime date with a scenic beach stroll. For more of a café ambience, share a platter of seafood for a lunch date at the Crows Nest location.
📍 Manly — Check Availability
📍 Crows Nest — Check Availability
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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, king prawn and mussel orecchiette, and truffled pomme purée.
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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 flirty Love Royal crafted with housemade lychee and strawberry purée, Champagne, and sour cherry.
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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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For an unconventional quirky date restaurant – don’t miss Rising Sun Workshop in Newtown
As a cross between a community motorcycle workshop and an all-day restaurant, Rising Sun Workshop spices up traditional date nights. By day, the friendly neighbourhood ramen joint serves breakfast ramen and Hokkaido buns (bacon, egg, cheese and kimslaw sandwiched between Japanese-style milk buns). At night, it unfurls a shareable à la carte menu from Thursday to Saturday. There are signature and vegetarian banquet menus for special occasions, and a thoughtful beverage lineup that includes the house G&T, skin contact wines, and lagers on tap. A date here makes a true difference: Rising Sun invests all profits from the kitchen into its enterprise so that someone who is passionate about motorcycles can afford to work on them.
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Melissa Woodley is a Sydney-based food and drink writer. Follow her food adventures in Sydney and beyond on Instagram @sporkdiaries.
