In our very food and drink focused culture, choosing where to go on a first (or second or third) date can make or break the union. You don’t want to be that person who suggests a bad venue, or somewhere you can’t talk, or somewhere that’s a little two quiet. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite venues that are just the right amount of romantic. Whatever the stage you’re in.

Bomba

For wherever you are in the dating game. 

Bomba, plus the more casual upstairs rooftop bar, gives you choice when it comes to what you want on your date. Also conveniently located in the heart of the CBD. For the earlier dates when you don’t want to commit to dinner (you know, in case they’re crazy), head to the rooftop for a cocktail or two and a snack. You can always migrate downstairs if the crazy levels are low. For a second or third date when you want to be able to have a nice dinner with good wine and impressive food, head downstairs to Bomba for a create-your-own-adventure dinner of paella and vermouth.

Bomba
103 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
bombabar.com.au

Mr. Miyagi

For some fun served with your fried chicken.  

There are times when you want your date to be relaxed, fun, and with a few giggles thrown in there. Mr. Miyagi, the inauthentic Japanese restaurant on Chapel Street is the perfect venue. With puns all over the walls, menu, and uniforms, there will be plenty of talking points. The menu is also not just filled with sushi and sashimi, so if fried chicken or salmon tacos are more your thing, Mr. Miyagi has you covered.

Mr. Miyagi
99 Chapel Street, Windsor
www.mrmiyagi.com.au

Ladro

For authentic pizza and just the right amount of noise.

Pizza is a great first date food. It’s easy to eat, it’s filling (so no one will be getting a little too drunk), and it’s rare to find someone who won’t eat it. Ladro knows how to make pizza well, which helps too. They’ve also got a killer list of wine and beer to keep the conversation flowing. The space is the right mix of relaxed, yet nice, making it the perfect place to impress without looking like you’re trying to hard.

Ladro
224 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
162 Greville Street, Prahran
ladro.com.au

The Everleigh

For a late night that turns into an early morning.

And by early morning, we mean at your table drinking cocktails. Geez, not on the first date. This place is for serious cocktails and intimate evenings. The small space only allows for a small crowd so you’ll be able to talk to your date while deciding what to order next. We suggest letting the bartender choose something nice, they always get it right.

Everleigh
Upstairs, 150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy 
www.theeverleigh.com

City Wine Shop

For a refined palate.

When one wall of the restaurant is filled with wine, you know you’re off to a good start. And with that much emphasis on quality, you know you’re going to leave a good impression. The food menu is that perfect mix of dinner, snacks, desserts, and cheese. Meaning wherever the night is, there is something to nibble on. Maybe a prawn and zucchini risotto, a chocolate fondant pudding, or a plate of cheese with another glass of wine.

City Wine Shop
159 Spring Street, Melbourne
www.citywineshop.net.au

Milk the Cow

For all the cheese and all the wine. 

With one venue northside and one southside now, it doesn’t matter where you’re coming from, you can meet in the middle with cheese. It’s a win win really. With a range of booze and cheese matching happening, there will be plenty to talk about and who knows, the experience might even tell you a little more about each other than a convesation can. At least you’ll know whether or not they like stinky cheese or plain cheese, white wine or sticky wine. The important things, right?

Milk the Cow
157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
323 Lygon Street, Carlton
milkthecow.com.au

Saint Crispin

For something a little impressive.

When you want to go all out for a date but without a whole lot of the pretence, Saint Crispin is the perfect place to go. Stunning food, beautiful wine, impressive venue, but all without stuffiness that can often make a first date awkward. You can go for the spectacular seven course tasting menu, or order as you go. With mains like the glazed lamb neck, beetroot, quinoa, nuts, and aubergine, things will be impressive either way. 

Saint Crispin
300 Smith Street, Collingwood
www.saintcrispin.com.au

Hellenic Republic

For Greek food and hospitality as it was meant to be.

Hellenic Republic is one of our favourite venues for a night that’s relaxed and easy but filled to the brim with tasty food. House made breads covered in dips, saganaki topped with figs, and meats cooked to perfection. It’s just as you want your Greek food to be. And the staff are as friendly and professional as can be. While it’s not the cheapest Greek food in Melbourne (which on a date is a good thing, you’re here to impress after all), it’s one of the best experiences.

Hellenic Republic
434 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
26 Cotham Road, Kew
hellenicrepublic.com.au

Cumulus Up

For really nice wine and intimates chats.

Cumulus Up is perfect for a play-by-play date. A drink in the upstairs wine bar doesn’t commit you to anything, but if things start to go well, you can linger all night with a menu and wine list that means you won’t want to leave. With about 20 wines by the glass, you can also shop around before committing to a bottle. And a tip? Order the duck waffles. Just do it.

Cumulus Up
Upstairs 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
cumulusinc.com.au

Meatball & Wine Bar

For an affordable, casual evening.

Meatball & Wine Bar is the perfect place for a casual date night. With quick and easy food choices, in a nice and relaxed setting, it’s the perfect dinner spot after a drink or two, or the perfect place to start the evening. We’d probably steer clear of too many ball puns on a first date, but hey, it could work for you. After some meatballs, we’d suggest sharing an ice cream sandwich. Cute.

Meatball & Wine Bar
135 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
105 Swan Street, Richmond
98 Smith Street, Collingwood
www.meatballandwinebar.com.au

Le Bon Ton

For anything from Frick Chicken to oysters and champagne.

Le Bon Ton is a customise-as-you-please evening, making it a perfect spot for a date. You can head to the beer garden for a few cheeky beverages and some fried chicken before heading on your merry way, or you can linger for a little longer with cocktails and a trip to the oyster room. With the American style backdrop and a cozy interior you won’t be left with awkward silences. There’s plenty to eat and see.

Le Bon Ton
51 Gipps Street, Collingwood
www.lebonton.com.au