Get Your Romance On At Brisbane’s Best Date Night Venues

A real hidden treasure worth seeking out, Mosconi is a chic two-level European wine bar and restaurant tucked around the corner off James St. Meet your date at the door, and spend countless hours talking over exquisite food and buttery wine among this moody, gorgeous setting. With a small handful of tables placed on the footpath outside the restaurant, those lucky enough to secure one will feel as though they’ve been whisked away to the City of Love, though a table inside is all the more cosy and intimate. With small plates of mixed olives, Pacific oysters with lime caviar, and scallops, to heartier meals like the linguini with Mooloolaba prawn, fermented chilli, zucchini, and lemon pangrattato or the casarecce beef cheek ragu, with aged reggiano, tomato, and crispy cavolo nero, an evening for two here can easily turn into a date night in Brisbane to remember.

With its dark and brooding interiors, smoky scents, and the soft chatter of the crowd, a date at Agnes is filled with mystery and enticement. Located inside an old brick warehouse, the drama, spectacle, and ancient skill of cooking over fire will ramp up the romance. Plating up simple, yet refined dishes, this restaurant is the perfect setting for a night out with your S.O. Come early and enjoy a cocktail on their rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline to really get you in the mood.

If oysters are a natural aphrodisiac, then you’ve booked the perfect restaurant to woo your S.O at SK Steak & Oyster. With its soaring ceilings, pale timber fit-out, curved leather boots, table lamps, grand piano, and stretched white tablecloths, a date night at this Brisbane favourite Gloftis restaurant means serious business. Paying homage to fine dining, this classic yet modern space feels like the perfect mix between a Mad Men scene and something out of a Bond film  – exciting, dangerous, and expensive. As for the menu, the focus is on good food presented in a straightforward fashion. Think prawn cocktails, oscietra caviar, and oysters served with Champagne mignonette. Yeah, it’s a lil’ bit fancy.

Step inside this heritage listed building and uncover this timeless bar and grill that’s dripping in old world charm. Taking its name from tailor and outfitter Thomas James Rothwell who once owned the building, the motto at Rothwell’s is simple and effective: eat well, drink well. Made for long lunches, evening cocktails, and intimate dinner moments, be dazzled by the romance of the interiors where cosy sea green leather banquettes, hints of marble and brass, and bespoke chandeliers sparkle above, adding to the ambience. Despite the old money feel, date night goers can expect a mix of reasonable and lavish meals such as hearty bowls of pasta with mushrooms or sea urchin and caviar – how decadent you decide to go is up to you. Though Rothwell’s only opened in late 2021, it feels as established as the heritage-listed building it resides in.

Red wine and a good steak are a match made in heaven, and at Walter’s, that’s just what you can expect. Bringing a timeless charm to downtown Brisbane, the steakhouse is a nod to the city that never sleeps. Created by three friends, Denis Sheahan, Paul Piticco, and Andrew Baturo who each share a fondness for New York, Walter’s is the epitome of a New York City steakhouse – impressive, uncompromising, and classic. Located in Old Mineral House overlooking the City Botanic Gardens, Walter’s serves up superior steak with careful attention given to their drinks menu. Walter’s Bar serves as the perfect place to enjoy a pre- and post-feast tipple, serving up high-end spirits, classic cocktails, and a winning selection of wines.

Feel the heat when you secure a date night at this fun-loving institution. Happy Boy serves up tasty Chinese food that’ll surprise you in more ways than one. Housed in a stunning light and airy space with ample seating and a huge alfresco deck perfect for a couple of drinks, the overall dining experience here is what matters most, and that’s what makes it a top date night option. Combining raw but elegant decor, unique dishes, and delicious drinks, Happy Boy is the banquet-style night out that brings the good times and tastes without burning a hole in your wallet.

Opening late in 2021, ESSA has already garnered a cult following with the Brissy’s foodie crowd, with its fluid and progressive spin on dining dishing up an experience unlike any other. With whispers and rumours of the project dating back to 2018, this long-awaited opening exceeds all expectations. The architecturally-designed split-level interior blends contemporary industrial materials with a relaxed, just mysterious-filled atmosphere, while Head Chef and co-owner Phil Marchant’s menu embraces ingredients sourced from local farmers, hunters, and providores, with raw, pickled, smoked, and woodfired dishes the main event. Those looking for a light-hearted casual date night meal in Brisbane ought to give it a miss, for this is one restaurant that doesn’t muck around.

Italian cuisine is a universal love language, especially when served in a relaxed yet sophisticated style at this exquisite steakhouse. Showcasing the finest Australian beef alongside their Italian heritage, Establishment 203 finds beauty in the simplicity across perfectly cooked steaks and homemade pastas. Get personal with your date as the dishes are served family-style here, and let the curated wine list from The 203’s award-winning sommelier team set the tone for an impeccable evening. 

Looking to impress a special someone? Step into Boom Boom Room – the CBD’s underground Japanese bar and restaurant hiding just beneath Donna Chang. One descent down the stairs and you’re immersed in moody lighting, velvet booths, and a sultry atmosphere that practically begs for a date night rendezvous. It’s intimate. It’s edgy. It’s the kind of place where sparks fly. From bold, artful sushi to cocktails that flirt with your tastebuds, the menu is made for sharing. Every bite brings a little drama, a little indulgence, and a lot of flavour. Whether it’s a first date or a long-time flame, Boom Boom Room sets the tone for a night that lingers long after the last course. Whispered between lovers and in-the-know locals, this is your ultimate after-dark escape.

Looking to impress on date night? Bisou Bisou has all the right moves. Tucked inside the ultra-stylish Hotel X in Fortitude Valley, this modern French brasserie oozes romance, with moody lighting, velvet booths, and the kind of menu that’ll have you swooning before the second course. It’s indulgent in all the best ways – start with gooey baked brie or silky pâté, then dive into classic steak frites, pot-cooked mussels, or something slow-roasted and show-stopping from La Rotisserie. The daily roast specials are designed to share (and yes, stealing bites off each other’s plates is encouraged). Whether it’s a first date, an anniversary, or just a reason to ditch your usual dinner spot, Bisou Bisou serves effortless charm and French flair seven days a week. Add a cheeky cocktail or a glass of red at the bar, and your très chic night out is sorted.

Slip behind the orange door on Ann Street and into the moody, magnetic world of Savile Row – arguably Brisbane’s sexiest hidden bar. Tucked just off the main drag of Fortitude Valley, this cocktail nooks made for intimate catch-ups and late-night whispers. Think low lighting, velvet curtains, glowing chandeliers, and plush booths perfect for two. The vibe? A little mysterious, a little luxurious, and effortlessly cool. Sip your way through a menu of original cocktails – each one inspired by the stories of London’s iconic Savile Row – or let the bartenders work their magic from a selection of over 1000 bottles. Whether you’re into something smooth and smoky or light and floral, they’ll tailor the perfect pour to match your mood. With its killer drinks, sultry setting, and serious charm, Savile Row turns a regular night out into a main character moment.

An espresso martini in one hand, their hand in the other, and the disco ball spinning overhead – this is how date night should look. Perched over the river with one of Brisbane’s best views, Mr Percival’s is the ultimate spot to turn up the charm. With serious Euro beach club energy, this iconic overwater bar transforms from sun-soaked afternoons to glittering nights as the skyline glows and the DJ sets the mood. Sip riverside aperitifs, then dive into a few share plates – think seasonal seafood and crispy wood-fired pizzas. Whether it’s your first date or your fiftieth, Mr Percival’s delivers all the essentials: good drinks, great food, and even better vibes.

With all the charm of a New York City supper club, TAMA Supper Club brings big-city energy to a vibey date night setting in The Valley. With a menu made for sharing, drinks made for cheers-ing, and a live DJ and saxophonist duo setting the tone, it’s romantic, it’s intimate, and it’s always a guaranteed good time. The menu strikes a balance between simplicity and sophistication, heroing premium local produce from Queensland’s most esteemed suppliers – think crab bisque linguine, spiced Moreton Bay bugs, lobster with caviar butter, and Wagyu beef cheek. Just don’t be surprised if your dinner date ends with dancing.

When it comes to setting the mood, Bar Pacino knows how to turn it on. Tucked along the Brisbane River with front-row views of the Story Bridge, this chic Italian-inspired bar and restaurant is the ultimate date night destination. Sip signature cocktails (Carlito’s Kiss is a must-try) and share plates of drool-worthy eats as the city lights sparkle around you. Whether it’s a first date, anniversary, or spontaneous midweek rendezvous, Bar Pacino brings the romance, the views, and the flavours to match. Trust us – this one’s a keeper.

Moody, romantic, and made for date night, Stanley brings a slice of Hong Kong’s Stanley Bay to Brisbane’s waterfront. Led by acclaimed chef Louis Tikaram, this Cantonese-inspired gem serves up fresh, flavour-packed dishes using the best local produce. It’s all about share-style dining, perfect for lingering conversations over signature plates that impress. Think classics with a twist – like the steamed Queensland coral trout with white soy, ginger, and shallot. Whether it’s your first date or your favourite tradition, Stanley’s dim lighting, waterfront views, and bold flavours set the mood just right. And if you’re after a pre-dinner sip or post-pizza nightcap, head upstairs to their dark, sultry bar, Stan’s – where handcrafted cocktails flow and the vinyl never stops spinning.

With a stacked lineup of bars and restaurants, Howard Smith Wharves is Brisbane’s ultimate date night playground. Kick things off with a sunset spritz at Mr Percival’s – where the drinks are as dazzling as the riverside view. Craving carbs? Head to Ciao Papi and split a bowl of freshly made pasta with a bottle of something fancy (bonus points for the tiramisu). Want something moodier? Stanley is always a good call. This two-storey Cantonese spot nails the romantic vibes with low lighting, luxe interiors, and next-level share plates. Afterwards, sneak upstairs to Stan’s Lounge for a moody nightcap. Keeping it more low-key? Felons Brewing Co. has you covered with live music, ice-cold beers, and hearty bites in a laid-back setting. It’s relaxed, a little bit rowdy, and perfect if you’re going for casual-but-cute. Let’s just say, you can’t ever go wrong with date night on the Wharves.

Set within the heritage-listed grandeur of Customs House, Patina is a romantic dining destination made for special date nights. Serving up contemporary paddock-to-plate fare with a refined yet relaxed feel, Patina’s intimate shared dining experience is perfect for connecting over flavour. Expect a seasonal menu that champions local produce and seafood – think freshly shucked oysters with Asian pear mignonette, wagyu beef tartare nestled in smoked bone marrow, and a Levantine-style 12-hour lamb shoulder with labneh and za’atar. Paired with a thoughtful wine list and indulgent cocktails that range from timeless to experimental, it’s a dining experience that’s as impressive as it is intimate.

Nothing says “I love you” quite like creamy stracciatella, refreshing Aperols, and velvety tiramisu. At Ciao Papi, nestled at the end of Howard Smith Wharves, romance is always on the menu alongside la dolce vita. This effortlessly stylish riverside spot is perfect for intimate dinners, long lunches, or sunset nibbles that turn into late-night feasts. Share plates of pillowy focaccia, al dente pasta, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and bright salads – all served with a refreshing river breeze. And when it’s time for dessert, grab two spoons to dive into their house-made tiramisu or white chocolate semi-freddo. Ciao Papi is the ultimate setting to indulge and celebrate love. Bellissimo!