The 20 Most Romantic Restaurants in Sydney for an Unforgettable Date Night

Looking to charm your partner, reignite a spark, or simply bask in a beautiful meal together? Sydney’s CBD is brimming with restaurants that were practically made for romance—think low lighting, velvet booths, harbour views, and menus so divine they practically whisper sweet nothings.

Love deserves more than just a night out—it deserves an experience. Whether you’re celebrating your first kiss, a golden anniversary, or a question that will change everything, Sydney offers a collection of dining destinations where romance isn’t just welcomed—it’s woven into every candlelit corner, every harbour view, every course served with care.

This carefully curated list of the 20 most romantic restaurants in Sydney will guide you to the perfect setting to share love, laughter, and lingering glances. These venues aren’t just for couples in love; they’re for anyone who wishes to celebrate connection—be it a date, a reunion, or a moment of quiet indulgence for yourself which will help you plan a swoon-worthy evening from entrée to “shall we get dessert? ”

🌹 Tips for Planning the Perfect Romantic Night in Sydney

• Reserve in advance – The most romantic venues are often the most exclusive.
• Time it beautifully – Book just before sunset to catch Sydney in its golden glow.
• Dress with intention – Romance is a ritual. Style your evening accordingly.
• Add a flourish – A rooftop toast, handwritten note, or bouquet goes a long way.
• Choose your mood – Do you want mystery, intimacy, or elegance? Let the vibe lead.

Pro tip: Pair your evening with a meaningful gesture—like a promise ring or keepsake—to make it not just a date, but a memory.

🌆 Before or After Dinner Ideas

Elevate your evening with a little extra magic:

• Opera House Tour or Performance – A perfect prelude to Bennelong
• Barangaroo Waterfront Walk – Lovely before dining at Oncore
• Harbour Ferry Ride – Ideal after Bar Patrón or Oborozuki
• Rooftop Cocktails – For post-Quay or Glass Brasserie elegance
• Harbour Bridge Stroll – Especially enchanting after Charlotte Bar & Bistro

Hidden underground with moody lighting, plush booths, and a wine list made for lingering. It’s where you go when you want to impress without shouting it.

Hidden beneath King Street in the heart of the CBD, The Gidley is a subterranean sanctuary of velvet booths, candlelight, and old-school opulence. It’s a steakhouse – but sultry, with a touch of Gatsby  glamour and a wine list that encourages you to settle in and stay a while.

Expect prime cuts, buttery sauces, and indulgent sides, all served with polished charm. Whether it’s a low-lit date night, a poker-themed private event, or an upscale dinner that whispers rather than shouts, The Gidley nails understated sophistication.

Candlelight meets sleek design with an adventurous Japanese menu. Order sake to share and lean into the sushi-fuelled intimacy.

Set within Sydney’s historic Rocks district, Saké offers a refined take on contemporary Japanese dining. Candlelit tables sleek timber finishes and a vibrant open kitchen create a space that feels both stylish and intimate – perfect for romantic dinners, elegant celebrations or discreet private events. 

The menu is a bold yet balanced exploration of modern Japanese flavours. Think pristine sashimi, inventive sushi rolls, and slow-cooked wagyu – all artfully presented and designed to share. Signature dishes are elevated by a curated list of sake, premium wines, and cleverly crafted cocktails.

A nostalgic escape filled with handmade pasta, great records, and natural wines. Come for the amatriciana, stay for the vibe.

Tucked behind an unassuming laneway in the heart of the CBD, Alberto’s Lounge is a love letter to classic Italian hospitality with just the right amount of Sydney cool. It’s all low lighting, vintage vinyl, handwritten menus, and handmade pasta – the kind of place where the food is honest, the wine is natural, and the energy hums without ever trying too hard. 

The menu champions soulful Roman dishes – cacio e pepe, amatriciana, silky ragu – served alongside sharp aperitivos and a wine list full of character. It feels retro, but not in a gimmick way – more like a time capsule of good taste and good times. 

Come for the pasta, stay for the vibe. It’s the type of spot that becomes your new favourite- whether you’re on a date, deep in a bottle with friends, or just dining solo with a spritz.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, city lights, and elevated Australian-European fare. An ideal spot to toast to love 41 storeys above the chaos.

Soaring above George Street inside the Hilton Sydney, Glass Brasserie delivers an elevated dining experience with panoramic city views and a menu that reflects modern Australian elegance with European technique. Designed by celebrity chef Luke Mangan, the space is all glass, light, and sleek sophistication – a striking setting for everything from boardroom lunches to anniversary dinners. 

The menu is refined yet approachable : think signature kingfish sashimi with ginger and shallot, ravioli of spanner crab with lemon beurre blanc, or a grain-fed eye fillet paired with silky truffle mash. For those with a sweet tooth, the liquorice parfait is a cult favourite.  

Add to that an extensive wine list and dedicated afternoon tea service on weekends – and you have one of Sydney’s most versatile and stylish dining destinations, 41 floors above the bustle.

Set in a heritage cellar with moody lighting and prime steaks, this one’s for carnivores with a romantic streak.

Tucked into a heritage cellar in The Rocks, The Cut Bar & Grill blends old world charm with a moody, masculine edge. Exposed sandstone, leather banquettes, and flickering low lighting set the tone – it’s polished, plush, and built for indulgence.

This is a haven for serious steak lovers. Prime cuts are dry-aged and grilled to perfection – from richly marbled rib-eyes to the signature Rangers Valley wagyu. Seafood is equally strong, with oysters, sashimi, and pan-roasted barramundi rounding out the offerings. And with an extensive wine list and attentive service, it’s the kind of place that makes even a Tuesday night feel like an occasion.

Spicy margaritas, fun vibes, and a direct view of the Harbour Bridge. Perfect if your love language is tacos and tequila.

Overlooking Circular Quay with front-row views of the Harbour Bridge, Bar Patrón is where bold Mexican flavours meet Sydney’s sparkling waterfront. Inside, it’s all polished tile, warm lighting, and Latin rhythm – a high energy spot that feels festive from the first sip to the last bite. 

The menu is a modern tribute to classic Mexican fare : crispy fish tacos with chipotle crema, zesty ceviche, slow-braised pork carnitas, and fresh house-made tortillas. Wash it all down with one of their signature margaritas – spicy, smoky, or classic – or go straight to the top shelf with a curated flight of Patrón tequila.

Elegant waterfront dining with sweeping harbour views and seafood-forward menus perfect for sunset romance.

Overlooking the glittering waters of Rose Bay, Catalina is Sydney’s answer to waterfront elegance. This long-standing institution pairs crisp white tablecloths with ocean breezes, offering a luxurious yet relaxed dining experience that feels like a gentle escape from the city. 

The menu leans seafood-forward with sophistication – think freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, sashimi-grade yellowfin tuna, and pan-seared snapper with lemon beurre blanc. Paired with a chilled glass of Champagne or something from their award-winning wine list, it’s the perfect spot to catch the sunset and linger a little longer.

A Michelin-level experience overlooking the harbour, with impeccable detail in every dish. Come here if you’re hoping to “wow”.

Elevated high above the harbour in Crown Sydney, Oncore by Clare Smyth delivers a dining experience that’s as breathtaking as the view. The first international outpost by an acclaimed British chef (of three Michelin-starred Core in London), this is fine dining at its most precise, personal, and poetic.

Expect a tasting menu that reads like a story — from the signature Potato and Roe to exquisite seafood and Australian seasonal produce, every dish is a study in refinement and restraint. Service is seamless, the pacing impeccable, and the setting — with sweeping skyline views — made for unforgettable moments.

Overlooking the beach with breezy Sardinian fare. Pro tip: catch the sunset before your booking.

Perched just above the sand at Freshwater Beach, Pilu offers an elegant interpretation of Sardinian cuisine in one of Sydney ‘s most idyllic coastal settings. Under the direction of chef Giovanni Pilu, the menu celebrates honest, regional flavours using seasonal Australian produce alongside select Italian imports. Signature dishes-like handmade pastas, seafood crudo, and slow-roasted suckling pig – reflect a commitment to tradition, delivered with contemporary finesse. 

Set within a classic weatherboard beach house, the dining room overlooks rolling waves and golden sands, creating a mood that’s both relaxed and refined. Service is warm and intuitive, striking that rare balance between professionalism and familiarity. Whether you’re watching the sun set over Freshwater within a glass of Vermentino in hand or celebrating a milestone with family and friends, Pilu is a destination that feels unmistakably Sydney – coastal, sophisticated, and quietly unforgettable.

Tiny, intimate, and all about simple, perfect food and wine. An ideal pick for a midweek surprise date.

Tucked away off Angel Place, Ragazzi is a cosy CBD pasta bar with serious charm and even more serious wine. From the team behind love, Tilly Devine, it delivers handmade pasta that changes with the seasons – think cavatelli with goat ragu, buttery spanner crab mafaldine, or a no-fuss cacio e pepe that hits just right. 

The 250+ bottle wine list leans Italian, the energy is always buzzing, and the space-moody, wood – lined and intimate – feels like a secret you’re glad you found. It’s the kind of place where dinner rolls into drinks, and one bowl of pasta turns into three. Late-night, date-night, or weekday lunch – Ragazzi nails it.

Offering kaiseki and teppanyaki experiences, Oborozuki pairs exquisite dishes with panoramic harbour views.

A contemporary Japanese – French fine-dining sanctuary perched atop Circular Quay at Bennelong Point, Oborozuki delivers a theatrical and impeccably crafted seasonally-inspired à la carte and Teppanyaki experience – with sweeping views of the Harbour. Headed by Chef Daeun Kang, the menu fuses precise French technique with Japanese minimalism to showcase premium Australian produce and elegant, artful dishes. 

Step inside a sleek two-level space featuring a show kitchen bar, initiate private Teppanyaki rooms and dramatic harbour-facing dining rooms bathed in natural light and sophisticated mood lighting. Complemented by an extensive wine and premium sake list, Oborozuki is ideal for special occasions, romantic nights or even entertaining VIP guests in the heart of Sydney.

This open-air restaurant feels like a whimsical European garden—right in the city.

The Garden at The Strand is an enchanting alfresco dining destination tucked within Sydney’s historic Strand Arcade, offering a whimsical, European-style garden setting right in the CBD. First-floor treetop plantings, soft lantern lighting and leafy arches create a quiet oasis above George Street-ideal for romantic lunches, afternoon drinks or intimate catch-ups with friends. 

The menu features light, seasonal fare-think fresh salads, gourmet snacks and gelato-paired with refreshing cocktails, teas, and barista-made coffee. Open weekdays from 9am and across weekends, The Garden blends heritage charm with relaxed sophistication, making it a delightful escape just moments from Martin Place, Wynyard, and St James stations.

Grand art deco interiors and a focus on premium Australian produce. Sophistication lives here.

Located inside the iconic 1936 Art Deco City Mutual Building on Hunter Street, Rockpool Bar & Grill is Sydney’s premier steakhouse and seafood destination. Celebrated for its wood-fired meats-especially dry-aged Cape Grim and Blackmore Wagyu-and sustainable Australian seafood, the menu is complemented by an extensive, award-winning wine list and crafted cocktails. 

Inside, soaring marble pillars and cathedral-high ceilings set the stage for warm, polished service in a stunning heritage dining room. Ideal for business lunches, romantic dinners, late-night drinks at the adjoining bar, or private events. Whether you’re after the best steak in Sydney or a standout fine-dining moment, Rockpool delivers consistently exceptional food, wine, and atmosphere.

French wine, classic dishes, and a view of the harbour? Say no more.

Charlotte Bar & Bistro brings classic French charm and contemporary flair to McMahons Point’s Blues Point Road. Housed in an elegant, heritage-inspired space with rich timber panelling, mirrored accents, and moody lighting, the venue offers both a relaxed bar downstairs and an intimate dining room upstairs. It’s perfect for romantic dinners, scenic brunches, or stylish private events. 

The menu features refined yet comforting French cuisine-from escargot, gyoza and chicken liver parfait to steak frites and the signature boeuf en-croûte royale. Complementing the food is a standout drinks list with French, Champagnes, bespoke cocktails and premium spirits. With generous weekend lunch hours, weekday happy hour specials, and private dining rooms for up to ~40 guests, Charlotte nails both casual elegance and special-occasion dining.

Old-school charm and soul-warming Italian dishes. Bring your appetite and your heart.

A warm, buzzy neighbourhood trattoria and wine bar tucked into historic corner terrace on Campbell St. Open from 5pm till late, this Surry Hills favourite is run by the team behind Bistrot916, serving elevated-Italian comfort fare like prawn ravioli in brown-butter sauce, burrata with anchovies, and lamb ragù – each dish delivered with flair and precision. 

Discover a slick multi-level space: candlelit wine-cellar dining downstairs, vintage-lit bar above, and vibrant street-level stools perfect for after-work drinks. With a standout Italian-focused  wine list, amari and Negronis on tap, and attentive, friendly service, Pellegrino 2000 is perfect for lively catch-ups, cosy dates, or celebratory dinners in the heart of Surry Hills.

Chic design meets elegant flavours. A stylish choice for a romantic escape.

A vibrant French bistro, bakery, and deli nestled beneath the Harbour Bridge in LavenderBay. Start your day with fresh croissants and breads baked four times daily, or settle in for lunch or dinner of French classics with a contemporary twist-think steak frites, steak tartare, grilled spatchcock, and seafood selections. The stylish, skylight-lit dining room, and adjoining bar are perfect for relaxed dinners or weekend champagne lunches. 

Just around the corner, discover the Boulangerie & Traiteur for take-home delights : viennoiserie, charcuterie, rotisserie chickens, and gourmet prepared meals. Between bustling weekday mornings, and laid-back sunset dinners, Loulou brings the spirit of Paris to the shores of Milsons Point.

From moody candlelit corners to breathtaking harbour views, this guide reveals 20 of Sydney’s most romantic restaurants. Whether it’s a first date or a celebration of many years, you’ll find the perfect place to dine, flirt, and fall in love all over again.