Sharing a meal together is an intimate act - a disarmed moment, where walls come down and conversation seems to flow as easily as the wine. No matter your love language, an unforgetable meal enjoyed with your significant other is there to supplement. And while it's true that the best dining experiences depend on the people you share them with, sometimes there are occasions that call for something that little bit extra. For nights, (and days), where the champagne should be flowing, glasses clinking and the tiramisu shared, we've rounded up 16 of the most romantic, one-of-a-kind restaurants in Sydney that will keep you cushioned in a love bubble for hours.
1. Bennelong (CBD)
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Is there anything more romantic than dining inside one of Sydney's most iconic buildings? Fine dining institution Bennelong is located inside the Sydney Opera House, and is renowned for the way executive chef, Peter Gilmore, uses quality Australian ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind à la carte menu. The multi-floor layout of the restaurant ensures that exceptional views can be guaranteed from any point. But it's the architecture of a restaurant housed inside one of the Opera House sails that is the real magic. Although it may be tempting to dine during the day, a dinner time booking is arguably more intimate. The brass-gold Tom Dixon lamps and lantern-lit tables will make you feel like there's no one else in the room.
2. 6HEAD (Sydney Harbour)
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What's more romantic than indulging in some steak and red wine while the sun sets over the harbour? 6HEAD specialise in the alchemy of food, creating an exceptional fine dining experience as a steakhouse, and boasts one of the most incredible dining views in the city. And while 6HEAD certainly is known for its great steak, you can't go wrong with any of the offerings on their menu – from Appellation Oysters to delicious entrees that will start the evening off right.
3. Alberto's Lounge (CBD)
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If your love language involves a healthy balance of wood panelling, Amatriciana and cannoli, then Alberto's Lounge is the date night spot you have to add to your list. Known as the Italian cousin to Restaurant Hubert – another favourite on our list of romantic resturants in Sydney – this unmissable jaunt is the perfect mix of Australian and Italian cuisine with a 70s-inspired backdrop. What makes Alberto's Lounge so special is that it's one of those spots you would surely miss if you weren't looking. Slip in from 5pm any night of the week and stay til late – it's amazing how time slips away in a place like this when you're with the right person.
4. Una Más (Coogee)
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By now, most people who consider themselves 'foodies' would know about Coogee Pavilion's latest fine dining instalment, Mimi's. What often goes overlooked as one of the more understated, but equally romantic restaurants in Sydney is its next door neighbour – Una Más. This Mediterranean-inspired spot is tapas done right, in every sense of the word. Sitting along the large, open windows gazing into the entirely open-plan kitchen and impressive collection of terracotta ceramics is reminiscent of scene picked straight from A Bigger Splash. The buffalo mozzarella dolloped on lemon leaves and pasta with anchoives and olives are dishes you'll want to share...
5. Restaurant Hubert (CBD)
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Walking into Restaurant Hubert is like entering a new world entirely. Descend the winding staircase into a scene of opulence and flowing champagne as live jazz music bounces off the walls. Once you settle into one of the restaurant's highly-desirable booths, you'll find it hard to leave. The menu itself reads like a romance novel – avruga caviar and sea urchin, roasted snails with house XO sauce, Gallic crème caramel... the list goes on. The wine list is unmatched; boasting an endless variety of drops that will see you sippin' and snugglin' all night long.
6. Aria (CBD)
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Another iconic venue in Sydney's dining scene is Aria. Matt Moran's two-hatted restaurant has earned its place on our list of romantic Sydney spots for its sweeping harbour views and seasonal Australian produce. True to Moran's cooking style, Aria is an elevated, sophisticated take on paddock-to-plate; think raw mooloolaba scallop, jerusalem artichokes and blood orange souffle. Whether you dine during the day or at night, this is definitely a spot for a special occasion.
7. 10 William St (Paddington)
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Nestled into the fabric of Paddington's William Street is Italian eatery, 10 William St. This intimate, unassuming but unbearably delicious spot is must-try for a mid-week date night. But don't be fooled, the ambience, mouth-melting whipped bottarga, and creamy tiramisu will keep you cushioned in a love bubble for hours. Old-school romance with a wine list that ensures the drinks are always flowing, 10 William St is a fixture on our list of the most romantic Sydney restaurants.
8. Catalina (Rose Bay)
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If your idea of romance is waterfront views and exceptional seafood, look no further than Catalina in Rose Bay. Although this venue isn't as intimate as some of the other restaurants on the list, there is nothing quite as memorable as watching the sun set at this unforgetable location. Each dish is assembled like a love note – ingredients placed purposefully and in tandem with one another. A vibrant explosion of love and incredible produce on a plate.
9. Quay (The Rocks)
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A master of the craft, Peter Gilmore knows what it takes to create magic on a plate, which is why Quay is his second venue to land on our list of most romantic restaurants in Sydney. One step inside and the reason is obvious, as your greeted with 270-degree views of Sydney's harbour. Turn your attention to the menu where flavours like koji butter and rich fermented shiitake custard will tantilise your tastebuds. This is a dining experience for the ages.
10. Spice Temple (CBD)
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Sometimes, finding the perfect restaurant for you and a significant other is all in the name; and Spice Temple promises more than just fiery modern Chinese flavours. The animated front door leads you down a set of stairs into the main dining space, where red velvet couches line the walls and low-hanging lamps offer just enough light to see the face across from you. The most important face, of course... Amongst the list of exceptional dishes is the three milk cake that is the perfect end to any meal. How you decide to split the indulgent helping of cream, dried raspberries and pistachios is up to you.
11. Ormeggio at The Spit (Mosman)
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One of Mosman's most notable fine dining establishments, Ormeggio at The Spit. If you're looking for a truly authentic, Italian seafood experience with incredible views, this is it. The menu is completely meat-free, offering the best in high-quality sustainable seafood, great cocktails and desserts that will leave you wanting more. The relaxed, European-inspired ambience is great for those moments of casual romance – like spontaneous Sunday lunches that turn into long nights.
12. Nour (Surry Hills)
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A romantic dining experience is just as much about the flavours than anything else, and Nour has flavour-packed down to a T. Located on Crown Street in Sydney's Surry Hills, one step through the door will instantly transport you into a Mediterranean wonderland. At Nour, the menu takes classic Lebanese flavours and playfully tease out their full potential – the perfect scene-setting beginning to a night you'll hope will never end. Don't go without the restaurants signature dishes, like chicken bits shawarma and carob glazed lamb shoulder. You won't regret it.
13. Lilymu (Paramatta)
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Who said romantic fine dining only existed in the city? Parramatta's Lilymu is putting on quite the show with its decadent, luxurious interiors and a menu to match. Executive head chef, Brendan Fong's, latest venue is serving up traditionally inspired and curated dishes from China and South East Asia; incorporating a fresh, yet delightful modern perspective. Inspired by admiration, passion, and rebirth, is there a more perfect place to enjoy your next date night?
14. Club Fontana (Redfern)
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Effortless and understated, but with delicious Italian fare, Club Fontana is a perfect first date spot. Nestled into Redfern, it's the perfect spot to dance, wine and dine into the evening. Booking a table here feels coming home to a dinner party with friends - expansive and non-performative.
15. DOC Pizza (Surry Hills)
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For the unpretentious date, there's nothing better than sharing a pizza - particularly if that pizza is from DOC Pizza. The renowned pizza purveyors opened the doors to their Sydney location only two years ago, and it's every bit as intimate and delicious as its Melbourne counterparts.
16. Ante (Newtown)
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Impress your date with an evening at Ante, a Japanese-inspired listening bar slinging over 60 kinds of sake. The evening's entertainment? You'll be listening to the eclectic sounds of owner Matt Young's personal collection of over 2500 records.
17. Cantina Ok! (CBD)
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For the adventurous, this hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar operates out of a laneway garage, seating only 20. Take your pick of a curated list of rare Mexican spirits, or indulge in one of their intriguing weekly cocktail specials. You'll need to get a bite to eat elsewhere, but this will surely impress even the most intrepid of dates.
18. Yellow (Potts Point)
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A perfect coalescence of fine dining and vegetarian / vegan fares that showcases locally grown produce and a contemporary wine list. Potts Point's Yellow is a moody and mouth-watering option for a plant-based night out.
