Love, Tilly Devine, Darlinghurst

As far as wine bars go, Love, Tilly Devine is one of Sydney’s best. Tucked away in the backstreets of Darlinghurst this cosy little spot is perfect for impressing that special someone. Grab a seat in the window or head upstairs for romantic evening snacking and sipping your way through great produce and delicious wine. Order a bottle and sample your way through endless plates of snack-friendly dishes including cheeses, charcuterie, seafood and more.

Find Love, Tilly Devine at 91 Crown Lane, Darlinghurst.

Bar Totti’s, CBD

Bringing a taste of Totti’s Bondi to the CBD, expect wood-fired eats, house-made antipasti and re-imagined Italian cocktails at the newly opened Bar Totti’s. Perch yourself at the bar and knock knees with your better half with a drink in hand at this must-see CBD spot. For a fun date night, grab a seat at Bar Totti’s expansive horseshoe bar with high-top tables and DJs hitting the decks from Wednesday to Sunday nights.

Find Bar Totti’s at the ivy precinct, 330 George Street Sydney. 

Continental Deli, Newtown & CBD

From deli meats and cheeses to classic cocktails and house-made liqueurs, Continental Deli is the perfect spot for a fun, casual date-night dining experience. With two locations (Australia Street in Newtown and Phillip Street in the CBD, indulge in a share-style Mediterranean menu of seasonal produce, curated wines as well as their famous canned Mar-tinny and Can-hatten cocktails (batched and canned on-site).

Find Continental Deli at 210 Australia Street Newtown and at 167 Phillip Street Sydney.

Restaurant Hubert, CBD

Down the glowing spiral staircase, you’ll find Restaurant Hubert, a subterranean French restaurant and bar in the heart of downtown Sydney. Step back in time at this date-night favourite, with candle-lit tables and bar seating perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere. Whether you choose to snack your way through their Bar Pincher menu (the Steak Frites and Duck Osters Mignonette are a must) or dine your way through their A La Carte menu, you’ll be treated a delicious dining experience.

Find Restaurant Hubert in the basement of 15 Bligh Street, Sydney.

Dead Ringer, Surry Hills

Set in a heritage townhouse in the heart of Surry Hills, Dead Ringer a neighbourhood restaurant and bar with a made for enjoying with that special someone. This date-night venue features a Modern Australian menu infused with influences from Europe and Asia, delivering a unique dining experience. Sit alfresco in Dead Ringer’s garden terrace or grab a seat in this intimate dining room for a curated culinary adventure. From small plates of braised baby octopus, cured salon and chicken liver parfait to hearty mails of housemade gnocchi and pan-fried swordfish, there’s something for every taste on this menu.

Find Dead Ringer at 413 Bourke Street, Surry Hills.

Ester Restaurant, Chippendale

Speaking of neighbourhood spots, Ester delivers a casual fine-dining experience in the heart of the thriving inner-city suburb of Chippendale. Step inside this date-night spot and dine at one of Sydney’s best restaurants, with eats designed to be shared. This wood-fire driven menu boasts everything from charred cucumber and calamari to decedant shellfish platters ($44 per person). Order a bottle and settle in for an intimate dining experience with your date.

Find Ester at 46-52 Meagher Street, Chippendale.

Riley St Garage, Woolloomooloo

Bringing a slice of New York dining to Woolloomooloo, Riley St Garage is a grand 200-seat restaurant made for date-night dining. Since launching in 2013 the venue has won over Sydneysiders with an impressive oyster bar and raw menu alongside a selection of small and large share plates and desserts. The venue’s brass island bar invites couples to wine and dine with a cocktail in-hand.

Find Riley St Garage at 55 Riley Street, Woolloomooloo.

Bloodwood, Newtown

Step into the dark, moody space that is Bloodwood Restaurant in the heart of King Street in Newtown. This narrow converted terrace boasts a sustainably-driven kitchen and bar pouring natural wines, house-made cocktails and a mix of local and international beers. For a more casual experience nab a seat in the front room or move into the main dining room for an intimate dining experience.

Find Bloodwood at 416 King Street Newtown.

10 William Street, Paddington

For serious wine lovers, 10 William Street is a must-try date night spot. This bustling Paddington wine bar boasts an impressive selection of drops by the glass and bottle, a list that continues to evolve and shift with the seasons. Aside from vino, you’ll also find beautiful comforting bowls of handmade pasta, fresh salads and more. Make sure to come early as this spot attracts a bustling crowd over the weekend.

Find 10 William Street at (you guessed it) 10 William Street Paddington. 

Poly, Surry Hills

Is it a bar? Is it a restaurant? For Poly, the newly opened Surry Hills date-night venue, it straddles the line between both beautifully. Launched by the team from Ester and housed in the Paramount House Hotel precinct, expect a wine-friendly menu of eats along with funky, fizzy and out-of-the-box wines, beers, spirits and cocktails.

Find Poly at 74-76 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. 

Casoni, Darlinghurst

The recently relaunched Darlinghurst institution Casoni boasts a casual dining room meet bar vibe just off Oxford Street. This Italian eatery delivers a fun yet polished venue drenched in a glowing neon hue that makes this spot a cosy date-night favourite. On the menu expect home-style pastas (the pumpkin ravioli with pistachio, burnt butter and sage is a must-try) alongside local spirits, biodynamic wines plus a rotating selection of cocktails on-tap.

Find Casoni at 313-373 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst.

Coogee Wine Room, Coogee

With a 400+ wine list and a carefully curated menu (and just a stone’s throw from the beach, Coogee Wine Room is the perfect new spot to visit on your next date night. This split level venue moves from wine and cheese to a lavish dinner experience, snack your way through seasonal seafood, meat and fresh produce and more.

Find Coogee Wine Room at 222 Coogee Bay Road.