Love Is In The Air At These Dreamy Date Night Restaurants

Table for two

By Style Journo | 9th June 2023

Love is a many splendored thing, and nothing brings two people closer together than a shared love of food.

Whether it’s a casual bite, drinks accompanied by nibbles, or something more grandeur, a mutual passion for flavours can ignite flames outside of the kitchen. A man’s stomach, after all, is the way to his heart.

From cheap and cheerful to experimental and unexpected, the next time you’re planning a night out with the one you adore don’t stumble– just reach for this list! We’ve shared with you our go-t0 pet friendly cafes and the best BYOs in town, but if it’s a romantic table for two you’re after, this is for you – we’ve rounded up 21 date night-approved restaurants in Brisbane to get your heart racing.

By the way, we consider everyone in this list the best of the best! To make finding your next favourite that much easier, we’ve ordered the list alphabetically by suburb and also have filtering tabs for your convenience. Did we miss someone from the list? Let us know here!   Hide the form

FILTER BY
All
  • All
  • Brisbane CBD
  • North Brisbane
  • East Brisbane
  • South Brisbane
  • West Brisbane
  • Gold Coast
  • Noosa
  • Sunshine Coast
SORT SUBURB BY
A - Z
  • A - Z
  • Z - A

Oh Boy, Bok Choy!

Stafford

Fire up date night with playful takes on South East Asian flavours at Oh Boy, Bok Choy! You and your boo will be treated to a journey through the east via your plate, dipping through the recipes of Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Thailand with corn riblets with furikake, popcorn cauliflower with a chilli caramel, or tamarind glazed pork belly. Situated on the bustling Stafford Road, Oh Boy, Bok Choy!’s cosy dark interior and dim lighting creates the perfect escape, while embracing the vintage romanticism of the 1950s building it lives in. This fusion restaurant also serves as a foolproof spot for a blind date, with a strong vegetarian and vegan offering, as well as gluten-free dishes, so no date feels awkward about special dietary requests!

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

Miss Sophia’s Gelateria

Stafford

How sweet is love?! For your next night out with your S.O, skip dinner and head straight for dessert at Miss Sophia’s Gelateria. Churned on-site daily using Maleny milk and cream, expect melt-in-your-mouth flavours that’ll have you coming back for more. Plus, with a Cadbury chocolate tap and toppings bar, indulge your every sweet-tooth fantasy! The question is: will you get one scoop or two?

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Mosconi

Fortitude Valley

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.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Agnes

Fortitude Valley

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.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Montrachet

Bowen Hills

No one does romance better than the French, so why not get your heart racing with a date night at one of Brisbane’s most acclaimed French restaurants? With a delightfully fresh seasonal menu, Montrachet is a popular go-to for those chasing exquisite cuisine and intimacy to boot. Start the night out with a bottle of crisp French wine and bask in the ambience of the restaurant’s bistro-style surroundings – a surefire way to set the tone for the perfect date night.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

1889 Enoteca

Woolloongabba

Get your heart racing with a table at this intimate restaurant that serves traditional Roman fare with a boutique list of premium and natural wines imported from the motherland. 1889 Enoteca is an award-winning restaurant in the Moreton Rubber Works building that boasts some of the best Italian in town, paying respect to Rome with its imaginative flavours. On the menu, you’ll find dishes like fried zucchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies, Sand crab tagliatelle with chilli, garlic, and chives, Saltimbocca alla Romana – veal with prosciutto, sage, and vignarola – and desserts sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. In Italy, ‘enoteca’ means wine library, and in Woolloongabba it does too: sift through an all-Italian wine list of imported, regional varietals sourced from artisanal producers. Oh, amore!

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

SK Steak & Oyster

Fortitude Valley

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.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Nota

Paddington

Good things come in small packages, and this relative newcomer to Brissy’s quality dining scene proves just that. Nota restaurant has expanded its casually elevated dining space, transforming the former shop-next-door into a exquisite wine bar, making this the perfect location for a special night out. Sip back and enjoy a pre-dinner drink from their curated wine list before indulging in a delectable meal. Expect ingredient-driven cuisine in a relaxed yet refined setting. Not too flashy, but just polished enough, Nota is a winning choice for an intimate outing.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Rothwell’s Bar & Grill

Brisbane City

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.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Bisou Bisou

Fortitude Valley

French for ‘kiss kiss’, Bisou Bisou amplifies the romance with their Parisian-inspired brasserie and aperitivo bar. From the gastronomic geniuses behind Donna Chang, Boom Boom Room, Izakaya, and Blackbird Bar & Grill, this French experience will have you feeling magnifique into the moonlight hours. With a modern take on the comforting flavours of a French-style brasserie, the delectable menu has been curated with a Queensland palate in mind, so you can savour the tastes of a frivolous French holiday any night of the week. Oh là là! 

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Hikari

Teneriffe

Dip into the flavours of Japan at Hikari – Teneriffe’s charming hole-in-the-wall izakaya. Perched on a leafy corner, this casual eatery and bar serves up authentic Japanese fare with beer, whisky, and sake surrounded by white paper lanterns. Fusing flavours together to create fresh plates designed to be shared, this easygoing, ambient option is a fun night out for those looking to keep it lowkey.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Walter’s Steakhouse

Brisbane City

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.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Spicers The Balfour Kitchen & Bar

New Farm

Tucked away in a leafy heritage streetscape, love is certainly in the air at The Balfour Kitchen & Bar. Whether you’re sitting inside the elegant Queenslander, sipping cocktails on the rooftop bar, or dining in the lush courtyard, the opulent ambience lends itself to a gorgeous date night that will have you feeling a world away from Brisbane without the long drive. Plus, there’ll be plenty of spice in the evening, with punchy award-winning Vietnamese fare showcasing sustainably sourced seafood, ethically farmed meats, and hero vegetables, expertly balancing the aromatic flavours of the cuisine. It’s getting hot in here for sure!

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

The Crown Hotel

Lutwyche

Looking for a relaxed date night closer to home? Then head on down to Crown Hotel and let the easy-going atmosphere whisk you away. Having undergone an incredible renovation to turn the 140-year-old venue into a top spot on your regular rotation, settle back under the fairy lights in the beer garden and sip your way through a gorgeous Sunny State afternoon, or head into the bistro to dine on hearty classics that celebrate the best in Queensland produce. If you don’t want to spend a second away from your date, you’re in luck – at the Crown you can order right on the table.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

Victoria Park

Herston

Add a lil’ fun to your date night with a trip to Victoria Park, where things are done different. Skip the usual dinner and a movie routine in lieu of a game of putt-putt at their 18-hole course before tucking into a delightful meal at the Bistro. A scenic spot with sweeping views of Brisbane surrounded by manicured gardens, Victoria Park is a magical place to book a table for two. Their seasonal menu is packed with fresh local ingredients, and with signature cocktails, wine, and beer available, you’ll want to sit and savour the moment. With live tunes setting the mood every Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, you’ll want to start date night a whole lot earlier at Victoria Park.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

Happy Boy

Fortitude Valley

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.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

ESSA Restaurant

Fortitude Valley

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.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Melrose Restaurant

Bulimba

Turn up the heat for your next date night by snagging a spot at Oxford Street’s renowned slice of Bali! Half flavourful restaurant, half unique cocktail bar, Melrose offers contemporary Asian within a menu curated to share and wow. From Nusa Dua Fridays with live DJ sets and sunset specials, to the fragrant dishes like char grilled Ōra King salmon and khao soi gai curry, each detail of Melrose has been expertly finessed to ensure the vibes are always immaculate, whenever you’re there. Pro tip: the gorgeously lush interiors makes Melrose the perfect place for a dreamy anniversary pic or to make your beau’s Insta debut!

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

ZA ZA TA

Fortitude Valley

With exotic and fragrant flavours that will have even the non-vegetarians asking for seconds, date night at ZA ZA TA will see you transported right into the melting pot of Tel Aviv. On a background of Middle Eastern edge and Victorian-inspired interiors, this urban oasis is perfect for intimate connection and scintillating conversation. Their menu of smoked, slow-cooked, and spiced eats pack a delightfully delicious punch, especially when paired with their boundary-pushing cocktails and energetic artisanal wines. We recommend saving your focus for your habibi by opting for the Taste of ZA ZA TA set menu, with culinary wonders at every course.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

Arcade Wine

Ashgrove

Tucked away in a hidden arcade, this cosy and ambient 25-seat enoteca provides the perfect intimate setting for two. Step inside to find the red-hued interior adorned with shelves of exotic wine bottles, mirrors, and climbing greenery, alongside candle and lamp-lit tables, while the outside seating congregates around vintage wine barrels and high top tables. For the lovebirds, a curation of delectable Italian vinos will set the mood for a romantic date night, while the ever-changing menu of housemade tapas is sure to satiate your cravings. Good food, great wine, and even better company is a match made in heaven at Arcade Wine.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

D. Vino Bistro & Vinoteca

Woolloongabba

Serenaded by saxophone over tapas-style dishes, bring your date to this hidden gem and they’re sure to be impressed! D.Vino is an intimate 35-seater wine bar with a spotlight on each table to truly make you and your boo feel like the only two people in the world. Taking cues from the wine haunts of Piedmont in northern Italy, the moody bar dishes up Italian and French cuisine using local produce, alongside a 200+ wine list and classic cocktails with a modern twist. Fancy dinner and a show? Pull up a seat at the bar around the charcoal grill centrepiece and watch the chefs grill away with an aperitivo in hand.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Victory Lane

Ascot

A winery-inspired dining spot, slick garden-style pavilion, and indulgent fine dining menu – say no more! If you’re already envisaging sipping red wine with your love while chatting over a gourmet three-course meal, we suggest booking a table for two at Victory Lane. This date night-approved spot will have you wining and dining on the finest foods around. From 12-hour braised lamb, coral coast barramundi, and spiced cauliflower (a dish that vegetarians will swoon over), be sure to end the night on a high with their almond and orange financier dessert. *Chef’s Kiss*!

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

Archer Brewing

Wilston

On cloud nine? Take your date with you at Archer Brewing. Set inside an old WWII hangar in Wilston, Archer is home to a bevy of Australian made brews and bites made for locals, by locals, and no, it’s not just beer. From  after-work drinks to dinner or for a fun twist on date night, this expansive venue has plenty of cosy spots just perfect for two with a menu to match. Enjoy a cocktail (the espresso martini is a real heart warmer), a taco, or even their famous baked brie for a brewery experience that’ll have you both flying.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

Deer Duck Bistro

Auchenflower

Did someone say degustation? Take your date to the next level with a candlelit, epicurean odyssey at Auchenflower’s Deer Duck Bistro. Featuring a carefully curated menu of modern Australian and European cuisine, refreshing cocktails, and delightful pre-dinner snacks, this hidden suburban gem is sure to win you points from the very first course. From Sardinian ravioli and Moreton Bay bug to matcha panna cotta and a perfectly paired wine list, Deer Duck Bistro is fine dining at its best, and a date night institution that can’t be missed.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

Xin Chao

Bowen Hills

Made with love for you and your love, Xin Chao offers wholesome Vietnamese fare in a cosy eatery perfect for a lowkey date night. Soak in the electric ambience of King St and dig into an array of dishes guaranteed to satisfy all the senses. With soul-soothing noodle soups, rice dishes with marinated meats, fresh vermicelli salads, and banh mi featuring on the fragrant menu, Xin Chao also serves up  a whole heap of vegetarian gluten free options to ensure all bases are covered. Get your hands on sticky glazed chicken wings, soft shell crab bao, and heart-warming pork and prawn wonton noodle soup beneath the wooden beams and you’re sure to feel the love.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

La Belle Vie Bistro

Bardon

A night in Paris? Oui, oui! At La Belle Vie Bistro, you can bring the city of love to the one you’re wooing, right in the heart of Brisbane’s leafy Bardon. From romantic lamp-lit tables, to traditional French fare, an atmosphere to rival any Parisian bistro, and a delectable variety of organic and biodynamic French wine, La Belle Vie sets the scene for romance like no other, in a glass encased venue with inimitable views over the flickering lights of the city. La perfection!

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

Olive Thyme

Albion

A restaurant designed around the true Turkish culture of bringing people together, it’s no wonder Olive Thyme is the one of the best restaurants around to head to for a cute date night. Blending traditional Turkish cuisine with modern inspiration, Olive Thyme’s menu is full of delicious dishes that can be shared over a juicy glass of their carefully curated selection of sustainable and organic boutique wines. Whether you’re after a little lunch or a delectable dinner, Olive Thyme has your flavourful date night dishes covered.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

Ming Ming’s Kitchen

Wilston

Mood lighting? Check. Fresh, mood-enhancing fare? Check. Cocktails that will have you both cooing after the first sip? Check, check, check! Next date night, win them over with a romantic dinner at Ming Ming’s Kitchen. With an outdoor terrace that’s perfect for people watching, plenty of cosy corners, an expansive bar that’s straight out of Sex and The City, and a menu full of your favourite Vietnamese flavours, it’s the perfect spot for two, no matter what your mood. Our picks? We never go past their classic lychee martini, lemongrass beef vermicelli salad, and crispy truffle mushrooms.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

The Jetty

South Bank

Date night with beautiful views of the Brisbane river at sunset – sounds amazing, right? That’s what you get when you head to The Jetty in South Bank for a satisfying dinner date night. With a menu full of culinary classics, The Jetty is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a lovely night out with your special someone. For something a bit more intimate, we recommend trying one of The Jetty’s signature takeaway picnics, because who wouldn’t love a tasty cheese platter and wine in a cosy spot along the river?

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

Newmarket Village

Newmarket

A table for two is easy to find at Newmarket Village, where a multitude of restaurants are serving up a range of cuisines to you and yours. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic Chinese flavours at Little Red Dumpling where they bring the heat with sweet and sour dishes designed to share, or feel like a casual meet up at Newmarket Hotel (pub classics and fresh seafood never fail!), you’ll find plenty of ways to wine and dine your S.O here. And, for those who fancy a movie, the plush, five-star service at Reading Cinemas gold lounge is sure to put you in the good books!

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

Bar Pacino

Brisbane City

When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine, that’s Bar Pacino. With an Italian flair and electric ambience, the views of this iconic institution are bound to impress your date right off the bat – hello, Story Bridge! Twirl your fork into delicious shared plates of classic fare, like pasta, pizza, burgers, and salad, and wash it all down with house cocktails or a sip from the global wine list. Bar Pacino lets you enjoy date night your way, whether it be grand declarations of love on the expansive outdoor balcony or sharing intimate conversation besides the floor-to-ceiling glass windows indoors. Feeling nervous? Enjoy liquid courage in the form of their signature Nutella shot!

Website | Instagram | Facebook

View this post on Instagram

The Wolf

Brisbane CBD

Step into a new world together at The Wolf – Brisbane City’s latest food offering from the brains behind Stanton Brasserie & Bar. Here, old-world European charm is rife – from the furnishings to the finishes, dining menu, and more, it’s a step back in time with a nod to the 1960s Louis Vuitton era. You’ll be captivated by the experience as much as the food as you enter through a cellar wall corridor, through a burgundy velvet drape, and into a dimly lit and seductive venue. As for what’s on the table, you’ll dine on nothing but the best oysters, amuse bouche, crab bisque, and more, all created using European flavours and techniques. An experience unto its own, a table for two at The Wolf is always a good idea.

Website | Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Still hungry? You can check out the rest of the best in food here. Or, you can read the latest issue of Style here.

Load More