5 Melbourne creatives share their favourite date night spots
IMAGE VIA DEGOEY PLANET
WORDS BY GENEVIEVE PHELAN
Only the hottest haunts.
I’ve always found that first-date flirting is done best with some good cocktail-induced lubrication and non-messy share plates. This could be in the context of a spark-igniting first date, a shocker of a blind date or an anniversary dinner with a worthy lover.
My ultimate date night could be platonic or romantic in nature, but the brief is always salty, tasty food, cool energy, maximum atmosphere and delicious drinks. I like music and noise, to feel like things are bustling around me.
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Right now, it’s very pertinent as I navigate singledom for the first time in a while. Hypothetically, if I was picking the postcode, I’d either opt for a suave wine bar like Albert’s in Armadale, or something more chill like Toorak Cellars around the corner and Don’s in Prahran. My regular spots (ahem, Union House, Bodriggy, Frédéric) are off-limits because I frequent them far too often with friends.
Another goodie is Clover on Swan Street (I did this recently and shared a bottle of pinot noir plus honey bread). And if we’re venturing North, I’m vibing The Moon, Builders Arms or Naked for Satan – the latter just screams date night in a good way and has served me well in the past. In the city, Osteria Ilaria is charming for bougie Italian or Movida as a classic. I’m not a dessert girl (sue me), but a cheeky gelato wouldn’t go astray to cap off any dinner date in the summer.
I’m always on the lookout for new places though, so I’ve asked some in-the-know locals. From European-leaning wine bars to edgy Northside haunts, here are the go-to dating venues of five Melbourne creatives.
Ariana Tapsell, Founder of Maid of Socials
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Our fave (and local) date night spot is Caffe e Cucina. [I] love the different vibes of the restaurant – outside for a balmy summer’s eve, balcony for a bit of romance and privacy or inside for the warm, cosy Italian ambience! Amazing service, moody lighting and classic delish Italian food. Our favourite main dish is the lamb ragu hands down, and the beef carpaccio is the ultimate starter (with a glass of red too)!
Asheda Weekes, copywriter and Founder of I Do Club
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My fiancé and I recently moved to the city, so naturally with the plethora of wine bars and restaurants we have a nice list to work through. Last week we had a late-night dinner at Myrtle Wine Bar and let me tell you, we’ll be back there again. Nestled in Warburton Lane, its namesake says it all with a menu of seasonal Australian produce and wines. With generous servings (hello plate of skin-on fries) and live music to boot, its atmosphere is relaxed and vibrant in equal measure. Best bit? You can stumble down to Murmur Piano Bar for moody speakeasy ambience and delish cocktails. Ultimate date night sorted.
On the food menu, we’re ordering the chicken breast, pine mushroom farce, potato pie, pencil leeks, jus gras – that potato pie is IT. Scalloped potatoes with a pie crust? Um yes. My drink of choice is the Italian Plastic Golden (skinsy orange vino). Next time, I’m trying the house-made sausage rolls with Beerenberg tomato sauce.
Cait Emma Burke, Fashion Journal’s Editor
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I’m a real stickler for lighting when it comes to date spots. Bright overhead lighting? Absolutely not. My old faithfuls are both in Brunswick East and are super close to my house, which means I don’t have to navigate public transport prior to the date and arrive frazzled and windswept. Old Palm Liquor is dimly lit, cozy, and has the best thick-cut chips and a top-notch selection of wines.
The beer garden is the best for a first date; it’s spacious but intimate and has a bit of a European feel to it. I also love Uncle Joe’s, which is similarly dimly lit but a lot smaller, which I’ve found can be perfect for a third or fourth date once you’re a bit more comfy with each other. It also often has great records playing (think Kate Bush and Roxy Music).
Nicole Williams, photographer and Head of Visual Direction at Stable
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For a first-date kind of vibe, I would most definitely be keen on Builder’s Arms on Gertrude Street. The cheeseburger is like no other and when you know, you know. If the date is going well and the conversation is strong, I’d suggest hitting up my new favourite intimate bar, Above Board. It’s super cozy and feels very members-only (which I love). It’s the sort of place you know you’re going to impress someone with.
Their cocktails are insane and if the date kind of starts to fizzle, at least you can count on their amazing staff to talk to. Ha! If the date is succeeding, here’s a bonus tip: end the night at Smith Kebabs with a cheeky kiss after a garlicky onion kebab.
James Parr, model, disability advocate and writer
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My all-time favourite date night spot is Naked for Satan. It has been my default for a long time now. I love it because it feels lowkey, chill and casual (especially for a first date). The vibe and ambience don’t feel uncomfortable, so I can really be myself, feel less distracted and not over-stimulated. Whether it’s a date with my friends or one with someone new, it has always been my first choice.
For first-date ideas in Melbourne, head here.
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