All coupled up? Fall in love with each other, and the food, at one of the romantic restaurants around Melbourne. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, or just looking to treat your boo, you’ll find plenty of dreamy spots that are filled with elegant dishes and excellent ambiance. Dine in grand, historic venues, or get cosy in one of the more intimate settings. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s plenty of romantic restaurants in Melbourne that are sure to deliver. We’ve found some special venues to get you started.
1. Reine & La Rue
Wander into the grand Cathedral Room of Reine & La Rue, and feel like the star in your very own romantic movie. Look around the opulent space, then tuck into an elegant French menu. Catch up over oysters and caviar, before moving on to larger meals like market fish or grain-fed wagyu. Don’t forget dessert, including a selection of heavenly fromage. For something more intimate, the eight-seater bar, La Rue, should do the trick. Indulge in wine and snacks in this cosy space. See more here.
📍380 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Gimlet at Cavendish House
If you’re looking to impress, why don’t you take your loved one to Gimlet at Cavendish House? This fantastic spot has been declared as one of the best restaurants in the world, one of the best steak restaurants in the world, and was also noted for having the best wine list in Australia in 2024. Feel a sense of nostalgia in this charming space, find an intimate booth, and get cosy over cocktails, mains and desserts. Gimlet is open daily from noon, closing at 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight every other day. See more here.
📍33 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Yugen
If you’re looking for ambiance, Yugen is a safe bet for romance. Feel transported into another world as you descend into this subterranean restaurant, and find a dimly lit table underneath the sparkling chandelier. Find something from the a la carte menu, or opt for the chef’s tasting experience instead. Otherwise, head into the 6-seater mezzanine bar for an omakase you’ll never forget. See more here.
📍Shop 10/605 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141
4. Maison Bâtard
Find plenty of romance at the four-level venue, Maison Bâtard. Indulge in French-inspired cuisine and plenty of wine in the restaurant on the lower two floors.. Or head up to the rooftop, or La Terrasse, which features a leafy maple tree in the centre. If you’re more of a night owl, there’s also a supper club in the basement. Check it out.
📍23 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. Grossi Florentino
The lovely Grossi Florentino has three areas to choose from depending on your mood. Find a touch of elegance and luxury in Florentino, and tuck into dreamy Italian dishes while surrounded by stunning decor. Pop into Grill for more casual, Tuscan cuisine, and swing by the Cellar Bar for drinks, pastries and more. Choose your adventure here.
📍80 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
6. Stokehouse
For romance by the sea, whisk your loved one away to the Stokehouse precinct in St Kilda. They’ve got a couple of romantic restaurants for you to choose from. On the ground floor, you’ll find an excellent mix of pasta and European mains at Stokehouse Pasta & Bar. Head upstairs to Stokehouse for relaxed fine dining menu alongside an award-winning wine list. Or, sit out on the terrace without worrying about a booking, and enjoy drinks and bites at Stokebar. Find out more.
📍30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182
7. Vue de Monde
Make your partner’s heart soar by taking them up 55 levels to the legendary Vue de Monde. This fine dining establishment has a delectable tasting menu that’s perfect for special occasions. Pair it with wine for the ultimate experience. You can also pop into Lui Bar for cocktails, drinks and snacks if you’re after something lighter. Learn more here.
📍55 Rialto Towers, 525 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
8. Castlerose
Descend into the dimly lit supper club, Castlerose, and enjoy seasonal delights, such as lobster rolls, charcuterie and cigars made from confit duck. Don’t forget to check out their cheese trolley, and find plenty of libations, including cocktails, wine and spirits. See more here.
📍67 Palmerston Cres, South Melbourne VIC 3205
9. Cuter & Co
Keep the romance going with a decadent meal by candlelight at Cutler & Co. There’s plush booths to help you stay close together, and plenty of seasonal dishes that will have your mouth watering. If you’re thirsty, they’ve got an award-winning wine list that will suit any occasion. See more here.
📍55/57 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
10. Aru
Relax in the earthy dining room and find the perfect marriage of Asian flavours and native Australian ingredients at Aru. Feel your senses ignite as your meal is grilled or finished over a wood-fired hearth. Find plenty of bites, large plates for sharing, rice, noodles, and of course, dessert. They’ve also got plenty of cocktails and an impressive wine list. See more here.
📍268 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
11. Luci
You’ll find the beautiful Luci set within the grand hall of the historic Equity Chambers Building. Meet among the marble columns and have an utterly elegant meal. This particular restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so it’s perfect for dates at any time of day. Find out more.
📍472 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
12. Navi
If you’re looking for romantic restaurants in the west of Melbourne, Navi is sure to impress. This fine dining establishment is an intimate space, so you’ll feel like you’re in your own little world. A signature tasting menu is available for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, as well as for lunch on Saturday. You’ll need to make a reservation, but if you’re after something a little more casual, you can pop into the Lounge for drinks and snacks. More info here.
📍83b Gamon St, Yarraville VIC 3013