Discover Brisbane's must-try dinner date venues to spark some romance
We all love a good date. Whether it's someone you've just met, or a long term partner, this is the Discover Brisbane list of ideal dinner date venues to ensure a great evening, and spark some romance. From the more casual affair, through to laid-back wine bars, as well as the fancy-pants kind of evening, there should be something for everyone on this list to make it a “Valentine's day” any night of the week.
In no particular order:
Tucked away in a restored cellar in Spring Hill is where you'll find La Cache à Vin. Meaning "a stash of wine", this restaurant not only serves up some of the best French food in Brisbane you'll ever taste, but it's also a wine store, so you can pick up a bottle of France's best, on your way out. But we're getting ahead of ourselves. La Cache a Vin is a true hidden gem, and as you enter you'll be immediately taken by its charm, the nooks and crannies that make for romantic moments, and the history of the space, with it's original brickwork, and exposed timber, showing.
As Thierry Galichet's return to the Brisbane dining scene, it's no surprise that this place would impress. Those of you with long memories will remember him as owner of Montrachet in Paddington for many years.
The menu is a brilliant offering of classic Lyonnaise dishes and other regions of France, and we'd recommend the Scallops, the risotto with scampi, soupe du jour, poisson du jour, pretty much everything. Save room for dessert and try the Entremet de Chocolat Truff (classic chocolate cognac ganache with crème Anglaise and strawberry coulis). With excellent service to match the great food, one can easily just relax and be immersed in the ambiance of the restaurant. The wine list is all French and derived from France’s leading wine-making regions so definitely purchase a bottle on the way out to enjoy at home. Or if your super romantic date is a hit, their place.
Where: 215 Wharf Street, Spring Hill Qld 4000
More Info here
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane. Inside La Cache a Vin in Spring Hill
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane Scallops from La Cache a Vin.
Taking inspiration from the modern bistros of Paris, and housed in a rustic heritage building, Clarence is a cosy addition to Woolloongabba's dining scene. Brought to you by two hospo veterans in Franklin Heaney and Ben McShane, Clarence's menu is all about locally sourced and sustainable produce, whilst also evolving and adapting, depending on what's available.
That means, patrons should enjoy what's on offer as it may not be on the menu again! Dishes are perfect for sharing so it's best to try a little of everything. The green beans, white peach, almond, marjoram, asparagus, clams, bourride, raw scallops are must-haves! For the larger options try the chickpeas trompette zucchini, and the chicken jerusalem artichoke.
As for wines, Clarence has carefully curated their list towards small batch, unique wine makers that are often biodynamic and natural.
Where: 617 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
More info here
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane
Is this Brisbane’s most romantic dining destination? A dimly lit restaurant inside a historic revitalised 120+ year old building with high ceilings, vintage-inspired lighting, exposed brick walls, and a 3m glass-walled climate controlled wine cellar in the centre of the venue, makes for a stunning impression.
Food and wine has equal focus at Rosmarino with a unique curated list (by Andrea Gatti) of biodynamic organic wines that you can't get at your local shop. Complementing your wine is the made-from-scratch menu items of elevated italian flavours from chef Dario Manca. An evening at Rosmarino does not disappoint either. From the crack duck to the pan seared scallops to the scampi risotto, the food is absolutely divine. Service, which is always a huge consideration for us when dining out, is flawless from start to finish.
With its elegant interiors and warm hospitality, Rosmarino makes for a perfect date night, and its case for one of the most romantic spots for a meal in Brisbane.
Where: 6 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
More info here
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane
Nestled in the antiques district of Woolloongabba inside the heritage listed “Moreton Rubber Works” building (circa 1889), this restaurant is like an Italian classic. Traditional, rustic, honest and elegant all at the same time. It’s old-world charm combining with its friendly Italian accented staff makes it a ready-made venue for romance. Like you’ve taken a trip to Italy for your date.
The restaurant is nicely laid out, with the tables surrounded by shelves of wine. It makes sense, as In Italy, ‘enoteca’ means wine library. You'll soon realise their wine list is an encyclopaedia of artisan producers, where you can sift through with your date regional varietals, to decide on which perfect glass to have. Food-wise, 1889 Enoteca serves up some of the best pasta in Brisbane, paying respect to its Roman traditions. Dishes like cacio e pepe; handmade spaghetti tossed with aged pecorino Romano. Most famous of all though is their soft melt-in-your-mouth heavenly pillows of love, gnocchi, which has remained a fixture for years. For good reason too! Pan-fried in a parmesan cream, with just the right amount of black truffle tapenade combined with the rustic flavours of the pork fennel sausage. If you're date doesn't work out, at least you know you'll always have that connection with gnocchi.
Where: 10-12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba Qld 4101
More Info here
Image Credit: 1889 Enoteca Instagram.
Laneways, Wine and Jamón. It's a perfect combination as we've discovered and as a result, have come to frequent this cosy and intimate wine bar. Situated in Fish Lane South Brisbane, La Lune Wine Co is a welcoming, casual, European-inspired wine bar offering an extensive wine list, specialty made-to-share eats, and excellent service from their knowledgeable sommeliers. It's tailor made for that first date, where you want to impress with a nice venue, but keep things easy-going with conversations over a full-bodied red or a crispier fresh white, and a tasty plate to share. Afterwards, it's perfectly situated for a stroll hand-hand through Fish Lane.
Where: Shop 5, 109 Melbourne Street (entry via Fish Lane), South Brisbane
More Info here
Image Credit: La Lune Wine Co Instagram. South Brisbane in Fishlane
Maeve is a simply stunning Wine Bar and Diner found upstairs in a heritage listed art-deco building, that was once a former bank. Conveniently located across QPAC (for those pre or post-show drinks), on the corner of Grey and Melbourne St, South Brisbane.
Discover what lies beyond the copper doors, and take the alluring burgundy stairs (Grey St side), to be transported to a cosy light filled dining area with a distinctly European vibe. Dark wood furniture, pale timber polished floors, with the space arranged to make the most of the views over across the Cultural precinct.
Maeve is all about the wines of course with an impressive curated list of wines from around the world; Spain, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Germany, and France, as well as NZ and all of the best regions within Australia. However, where the experience takes it up a notch is the spectacular food that's designed to be shared and enjoyed with great company.
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane Inside Maeve Wine Bar in South Brisbane
Find yourself saying “Yum” multiple times through snacks such as, the oysters with sherry vinaigrette and wild scampi caviar, or saganaki in fermented garlic honey, the flavoursome charred leek, or the more substantial tasty charcoal grilled flank steak.
The open plan kitchen adds to the intimate and special feel, and with their simply outstanding service and affordable price points, it makes for a truly spectacular experience. Maeve has the potential to be a true Brisbane institution for many years to come.
An impressive dinner date venue if there ever was one!
Where: Upstairs, Level 1/39 Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
More Info here
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane. Oysters from Maeve.
Southside Restaurant
In case you haven't found your way to South Brisbane’s FishLane in a while, you'll notice things are a little different. The Town Square redevelopment; tucked underneath the South Brisbane rail line has become an urban oasis.
The lush greenery and new dining precinct has brought with it new openings, such as @barbrutusbne, and the cool coffee-kiosk-by-day and cocktail-bar-by-night @kikki_kiosk. Already one of the most popular dining destinations though, from the team behind Rick Shores and Little Valley, is the captivating multi-storey restaurant @southside_restaurant.
The menu kicks off with a selection of dim sum featuring the likes of prawn and truffle har gow, herb xiao long bao, but a selection of share plates showcases Southside’s emphasis on communal dining.
The Hiramasa kingfish with charred onion, and salt & Pepper Cuttlefish Sandwich being must-trys, highlighting a diverse offering. Rice and noodle dishes are also featured such as char kway teow with Moreton Bay bug and lup cheong (Chinese sausage) another highlight. Southside's beverage list is equally diverse with wines from around the world. Try a couple of glasses of the Latta Rattlesnake wine... the perfect accompaniment to your meals.
Where: Fish Lane Town Square, South Brisbane
More Info here
Image Credit @discoverbrisbane Hiramasa Kingfish. Southside Restaurant’s asian inspired menu.
Image Credit @discoverbrisbane Dim Sum from Southside Restaurant in Fish Lane, Town Square.
When people usually ask us where's the next place they should dine at, our response (more often than not), is Restaurant Dan Arnold. If you want food that is unlike anything you’ve tried, and a feast for the senses, then Restaurant Dan Arnold is a must visit. Named after it's chef, Dan was born in Brisbane, but trained extensively in France for several years, with some of those years under three Michelin star L’Espérance, and two Michelin star Serge Vieira. On top of that, Dan, also represented Australia at the Bocuse d'Or 2017, the “Olympics” for the culinary world, (where Australia finished eighth), and also placed Bronze for 2016 Bocuse d’Or Asia-Pacific competition.
With a young family, a return home was imminent and inspired Dan (with his wife) to open his own Restaurant. Australian flavours are a showcase of the Restaurant's seasonal menu, with dishes prepared in an open kitchen allowing for an enhanced experience and connection between chef and diner. It's all about set degustation menus, with both three courses, and five course options available, and in recent times, a “carte blanche”, where you leave it up to the chef. There is of course optional wine matching and a cheese course on offer adds that French touch towards the end of your meal.
Truly a gem, with exceptional service, and a culinary journey for the senses; Restaurant Dan Arnold is a world class Restaurant that Brisbane should be proud of.
Where: 959 Ann Street Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
More info here
Image Credit: Restaurant Dan Arnold Instagram
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane
One of 2019's superstar openings, Joy (located in Bakery Lane, Fortitude Valley), is a unique experience that Brisbane has been craving. Brought to you by couple Tim and Sarah Scott; two passionate individuals with depths of experience from working in some of Australia's top dining institutions. Sepia, Gerard's Bistro, Urbane and Sixpenny.
The restaurant is a 10 seater space, with a cool mural on the wall, chill-hop music vibes, and feels more like you're at your friends house for dinner, but fancier food. Friends who happen to be top chefs, and cook amazing food.
Tim and Sarah, do everything themselves and you get to see all the action in addition to being able to chat to them.
It's a refreshing way to dine, and something that Brisbane has clearly needed. We loved watching the harmony and energy of the two of them working together where everything flows nicely.
The menu will change on a regular basis, and is best described as Japanese inspired, Tim-and-Sarah style. Wines have been selected by Russ Berry, and we also really love the gorgeous handmade ceramic dinner ware by Yen Ceramics. There's two sittings but we recommend the later option, to enjoy the "long" menu. Of course, you must book!
Everything was excellent, but the stand-out dish (of the opening menu) is the Smoked zucchini with cuttlefish and fragrant herbs (served with home made buckwheat bread). The dessert of soft-cheese matcha mandarin and quinoa is a dessert of your dreams.
Joy is a special place, aptly named for the feeling it evokes once you take a bite of their food, and is one to watch!
Where: Bakery Lane, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
More Info here
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane
If Community and Sustainability were buddies, they'd meet at Grown Cafe for catch-ups over delicious Vegan food and awesome coffee. But if they were dating, it would be dinner over some Swede Pastrami with turnip, fermented chilli dressing and greens, over a glass or two of fine organic vegan wine. This is plant based food at its finest. Great to know, if you ever have a potential date who's vegan. Grown is in leafy Buchanan St in West End, and whilst life began as a cafe, it has evolved into a fairly fine restaurant, doing dinners from Tuesdays through to Saturdays from 5:30pm to 9:pm, as well as their monthly degustation dinners.
Located at the base of an apartment building, it is a welcoming modern space with an open kitchen, and a completely plant-based menu sourcing ingredients from local farmers with as much of it; organic and biodynamic, as possible.
Coffee is also sourced locally, with the house blend supplied by Dramanti but also have a rotation of single origins from Light Coffee, Parallel Roasters and others.
We loved the food offering here so much, we returned twice in two days, and also did a degusation dinner. Our experience was rounded out by excellent friendly service. So whether you're vegan or not, this place is proof that one can have an amazing time over delicious plant-based food perfectly made for sharing with your date.
Where: Shop G03/21 Buchanan St, West End QLD 4101
More Info here
Image Credit: @grown_bne
A caravanserai is a roadside inn where travelers could rest after a day's journey. Similarly, this traditional Turkish restaurant, located in a Queenslander in West End, is a welcoming, relaxed haven, set against the backdrop of West End's diverse street life. Charming, and made for share plates amid colourful authentic Turkish décor. The ambience, of gorgeous lamps and lights sourced from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, there's outdoor seating, and the mezes, shish kebabs, mussels in wine broth, apple teas, turkish coffees should all be top of your order list. What's great is that its BYO, so you can dash across the road, buy a perfect bottle for your date, and be transported to another land. Finish the evening off with the sticky fig and macadamia pudding to share, and you'll be planning the next date in no time. Caravanserai has been around for years, a Brisbane institution, which is a testament to how good they are. A Turkish delight!
Where: 1 Dornoch Terrace, West End Qld 4101
More Info here
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane Fig and Macadamia Pudding Caravanserai West End.
Image Credit: Caravanserai Restaurant Instagram.
Who needs romance when you can have pizza? Have both we say! La Lupa in West End, is relaxed restaurant on Montague Road within an apartment complex. The staff are very friendly, personable and all-round fantastic. La Lupa's focus is authentic Roman-style pizzas, with the dough prepared and rested for up to 72 hours which makes the pizzas lighter, and thin.
The ingredients are organic, fresh, and sourced locally, and there's a carefully curated Italian wine-list, sourced especially to suit the Roman (thin and crispy style) of pizza. It's possibly one of the best pizzas we've had in Brisbane!
Perfect amount of sauce and toppings and if you get the chance, try the Pizza Terrona: tomato base, mozzarella, hot salami, gorgonzola, kalamata olives and the pizza Carbonara: with crispy Pancetta.👌Another must-try is the peach salad with prosciutto, & Buffalo mozzarella it's all delicious!
The menu lends itself to sharing, so it's perfect for those romantic dates, and with the atmosphere including the occasional language barrier from staff, you'll feel like you were on a date in Italy.
Which would you choose, Love, or Pizza?
Where: 3/321 Montague Road, West End Qld 4101
More Info here
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane. Pizza Carbonara with Pancetta by La Lupa in West End
An institution in leafy Bardon, formerly Lutece Bistro & Wine Bar, now La Belle Vie, boasts views of Brisbane (through floor-to-ceiling windows) and makes for a romantic date in the ‘burbs in an authentic French setting.
From start to finish, service is seamless with the team of mostly French staff, adding to the “joie de vivre” in the air. It's what you'd imagine a typical French restaurant should be. With a revered reputation from the days of respected chef and former owner Romain Bapst, a mainstay signature dish is the sand crab lasagne with creamy crustacean sauce.
With the delicious food paired with an excellent wine list, one can see why this place is well loved. For a night in France, without the expense of an airfare, Lutece certainly makes for a great date.
Where: 60 MacGregor Terrace, Bardon QLD 4065
More Info here
Image Credit: DiscoverBrisbane Instagram
Located inside a heritage listed sandstone building in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, it was previously home to Queensland’s first radio station, and Qld Government Savings bank, amongst many things. Fast forward to now, and it is Donna Chang; a perfect blend of opulent old-world elegance, meets modern Chinese cuisine.
The restaurant is one of ornate high ceilings, glistening chandeliers, marble tables, intricate details, and an eye-catching staircase leading to the 2nd level private dining rooms. This is a perfect date night venue, because the building also houses The Boom Boom Room. Located underground at the far end of the restaurant, the former bank vaults have been converted into a sexy, and dark bar with cosy secret nooks from where to start your date with a cocktail in hand.
Back upstairs, Donna Chang’s menu is divided into raw dishes, starters, dim sum, seafood, poultry, meat, wood-fired dishes, sides, and if you after a feast, the banquet is a great option. Group executive chef Jake Nicholson, head chef Jason Margaritis and head dim sum chef Sam Lie have a focus on Chinese dishes with Sichuan and Cantonese flavours.
Of course, to finish your date on a high, try the dessert of soft serve Taro and smoked white chocolate if still available on the menu.
Where: 3/171 George Street, Brisbane City Qld 4000
More Info here
Image Credit: Donna Chang Instagram.
Occupying a laneway in trendy James Street, Gerard’s has become one of Brisbane’s most popular venues over the last 6 years since it opened. A jewel in the Moubarak family’s hospitality crown, much of Gerard’s Bistro’s success can be attributed to former head chef Ben Williamson, (who recently departed at the end of 2018). The menu combines tradition, and contemporary flavours, with middle eastern influences to create a mouth-watering dining experience.
Recently though, Gerard’s has embarked on a new chapter with top Sydney chef Adam Wolfers arriving to head up the restaurant. There’s plans to showcase the cuisine of lesser known Middle Eastern regions using Australian native ingredients as well as adding new signature breads to the menu to complement the famous flat-bread. Of course, you can’t go to Gerard’s without trying some of their famous flatbreads, still to this day, handmade by the family matriarch Salwa Moubarak.
Gerard’s has inside and outside dining creating a relaxed ambience that suits the menu’s made-to-share style. With your date, you’ll be tempted by tasty staples such as the fried cauliflower tahini ras-el-hanout, or the moreish Bekaa (chicken) wings, or even the more substantial melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket. Whatever the case, you can rest assured knowing that you’re in for a lovely evening.
Where: 14/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
More Info here
Image Credit: Gerards Bistro Instagram. Adam Wolfers Chef.
The newest and highly anticipated Middle Eastern inspired bar and kitchen to hit Fortitude Valley. Perfectly located under the Ovolo Hotels, it's name is a playful homage to the spice blend Za'atar. Much like it's namesake spice, one taste of Za Za Ta will leave you thrilled, and enthralled by it's uniqueness long after you're done.
Chefs Roy Ner and Dario Manca have brought distinctly modern twists to Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine, designed to be savoured amongst friends. The interiors are stunning, taking inspiration from Victorian era and Queensland architecture, combining wooden furniture, persian carpets, timber floors, globe lights to create a warm atmosphere. The design separates the restaurant into distinct sections and just like the Za’atar spice makes for an eclectic experience taking you to delicious directions.
You must try the Yemenite butter bread, goats curd, with zhug chilli; is something we've never had before but incredible. "Last meal on earth" worthy. The Charcoal Rainbow trout, and the Fremantle Octopus, with camel nduja, eggplant, and salted walnut is just as impressive.
Add some Beef cheek and silver beet dumplings, and the slow cooked saffron Maghrebi veg and you have yourself an exotic trip.
If you have room, enjoy a drink or two in the intimate private parlour, to finish off a perfect evening.
Where: 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006
More Info here
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane. Yemenite Butter Bread from Za Za Ta.
Housed in the heritage-listed Rothwell’s building in the city’s luxury Edward Street precinct, opposite Gucci, Rothwell’s Bar & Grill is set to become a much needed dining destination in Brisbane. On offer is a trip to the best classic dining rooms of the world, inspired by the likes of The Savoy Grill in London, or Musso & Frank Grill in L.A. Something owner Dan Clark (of 1889 Enoteca, Addley Clark Fine Wines) along with Chef Ben Russell (Aria Sydney, & Brisbane) envisioned after 25 years travelling to some of the world's most iconic classic dining rooms.
For the menu expect produce-driven cooking, the best cuts of Australian beef and handmade pasta as well as the freshest local seafood. “It’s classic cooking techniques and European sensibilities, all the things I learned early in my career that I’ve returned to,” he said.
The centrepiece of the 90-seat dining space is the Marble Bar, an expansive white Italian marble seated dining space where jacketed chefs will shuck oysters onto custom silver trays that were handmade in London exclusively for Rothwell’s. Walls lined with cosy leather banquettes featuring vintage table lamps offer a more intimate dining experience.
Downstairs provides an intimate private dining room surrounded by sandstone walls lined with more than 2,000 bottles of wine which will see the space also become the restaurant's wine cellar.
Finish the night with a digestif from the dedicated Armagnac cart where bottles have been collected from Europe over the past decade dating back to the 1920s.
Where: 235 Edward Street, Brisbane Qld 4000
More Info here
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane
This cosy neighbourhood restaurant in Coorparoo is dedicated to Paellas and Spanish dishes made for sharing. Perfect for a date! Owners Manuela and Kevin’s ethos for the restaurant is really about the Spanish way of dining; the conviviality of food that brings people together where everything is house made, using fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavours. The couple have extensive hospitality credentials with the kitchen overseen by Kevin, having spent his formative years training with celebrity chef Miguel Maestre. Manuela on the other hand grew up with a world champion pastry chef father in Italy, and also worked at Gemelli down the Gold Coast.
The restaurant lends itself to relaxed dining with the interior evoking the Mediterranean sea with pastel blues, and the earthy hues of the Andalusian region, whisking diners away to Spain, even if for a moment.
Where: 131 Leicester Street (shop B ) Coorparoo
More Info here
Image Credit: Emma Sheldrake
A place we frequent and often recommend to visitors and friends alike, this is a true late night jazz bar in the heart of Brisbane City. A double storey venue in a beautiful heritage listed building, it combines a street-level piano bar and brasserie, with a traditional basement (70-seat) eatery-bar and live-performance jazz space, that is open until the wee hours serving food and drinks. You'll be drawn by the sounds emanating below street level, and as you walk down to the basement, you'll love all the photos of the jazz legends that adorn the wall. Named after Miles Davis's last studio album, this venue has brought jazz alive in Brisbane, with a buzzing atmosphere for the cool cats.
Whether it's watching a ticketed event special guest performance, or the late night free jam sessions, sit back, relax and enjoy with a glass of bubbles or Shiraz in hand.
Where: 101 Edward St Brisbane City Qld 4000
More info here
Image Credit: @discoverbrisbane
One of Brisbane’s fine dining institutions, Bacchus has always impressed us when we’ve visited. It's fine dining but there's also an understated elegance to the place; perhaps it's because the staff are down-to-earth, brilliant at what they do, and always exceptional with service without any hint of pretentiousness.
Now under the baton of Chef de Cuisine Manuele Erriu, the menu reads as a celebration of local produce, sourced responsibly and seasonally with thoughtful consideration for the native gifts of the land, accompanied by the best signature products the world has to offer. Plates are a canvas for this culinary team, and each dish is painstakingly prepared and presented.
Bacchus offers A-La Carte or Degustation, so if you can afford the latter, try the experience with your date. A degustation is really all about delighting your senses; and like a great movie, the experience has a story to tell through its protagonists and should have you emotionally invested. Each course will take you on a spectacular ride of flavours, textures and visuals (through beautiful plating), and with the exemplary service, will leave you and your date wanting more!
Location: Podium Level, Rydges South Bank, Glenelg Street & Grey Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
More Info here
Image Supplied
