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Subscribe Most Romantic Bars in Melbourne for Your Next Date Night
Set the scene for an unforgettable evening at these effortlessly romantic bars in Melbourne.
Let us set the scene—soft, moody lighting, cosy booths built for two, seats so close your knees might brush (accidentally or delightfully on purpose), and a wine list that begs you to linger over one more glass.
When the mood calls for romance, Melbourne delivers in spades. From hidden basement gems to glittering city views, these bars are made for sparks to fly.
Read on for our favourite romantic bars in Melbourne—each one ready to elevate your next date night into something unforgettable.
Gemini
Gemini in Coburg is a rare gem that radiates effortless romance from the moment you walk in. Thoughtfully designed soundproofing keeps the buzz at just the right level—vibrant but never overpowering—so conversation flows easily over candlelit tables. Amber lighting casts a golden glow across the room, wrapping everything in warmth, while the lovely, welcoming team makes you feel right at home.
Set in the quietly charming suburb of Coburg, Gemini hums with the kind of energy that makes it perfect for first dates and for new parents nervously—but thrillingly—escaping their bubs for the first time. The wine list is cracking, the mood is easy, and the food? Irresistible. Think: ricotta with lush olive oil and pillowy focaccia, snapper crudo, tapioca fritti with fig mostarda, or a wagyu steak with fries and black garlic anchovy butter. Honest, joyful, and quietly dazzling—Gemini is a love letter to modern romance, and it might just steal your heart.
158 Sydney Road, Coburg
Gigi by Entrecote
Gigi by Entrecôte sweeps you off your feet with Parisian charm and sultry glow. Hidden down a bluestone laneway off Greville Street, this intimate champagne salon wraps you in velvet, crystal chandeliers, and the kind of hushed intimacy that invites stolen glances and shared secrets. Sip delicate grower champagnes or flirt over their signature floral cocktails, while sharing indulgent bites like caviar rösti. Open late and buzzing with romance, Gigi is the perfect secret hideaway for a sparkling night of sweet seduction in Melbourne.
level 1/143 Greville Street, Prahran
Le Splendide
There’s truly no place like Le Splendide in Melbourne. This moody, velvet-draped sanctuary in South Yarra wraps you in an intimate Parisian embrace, where buttery lighting, plush red carpets, and a no-cameras policy set the stage for whispered conversations and truly getting to know one another. With exquisite grignotages and a wine list that sings of champagne and old-world charm, it’s the perfect refuge to lose yourselves in each other—where every moment feels as splendid and rare as the city itself.
9 Toorak Road, South Yarra
Mr Mills
Descend into Mr Mills, Melbourne’s sultry subterranean supper club, where Iberian-inspired dishes and seductive cocktails set the scene for an unforgettable night. After a brilliant dinner at Marmelo upstairs, slip down the chartreuse staircase into a velvet-draped haven of candlelight, plush booths, and whispered secrets. Savour smoky swordfish, raw tuna on toast, and tantalising drinks like bergamot margaritas or tomato-anchovy martinis. With a moody soundtrack and intimate atmosphere, Mr Mills is the new date night in the city you didn’t know you needed.
Basement/130 Russell Street, Melbourne
Apollo Inn
Step through the unmarked door and you’ll find Apollo Inn—a sultry little enclave where martinis are crisp, conversation flows, and the lighting is soft enough to make anyone look like a film star. With glossy timber, vintage charm and a menu that whispers indulgence, it’s made for lingering rendezvous. Order oysters, sip something strong and stirred, and let the mood do the rest. It’s not just a bar—it’s foreplay in a velvet booth, right in the heart of the city.
165 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
The Alps
Housed in a former milk bar, The Alps radiates warmth and charm, with bottle-lined walls and a crackling fireplace that invite lingering. Wines from Burgundy to Beechworth are poured with care, each glass a cue to lean in closer. Share anchovy toast, gravlax or a beautiful cheese plate as conversation flows and the outside world fades. Low-lit and low-key, it’s effortlessly romantic—the sort of bar where sparks feel natural and the night stretches on.
64 Commercial Road, Prahran
The Walrus Oyster Bar
With its soft lighting, moody palette of olive greens and golden hues, and a seductive tide of oysters and wine, The Walrus in St Kilda is romance on a half shell. Whether you’re sipping pét-nat at the bar or savouring pintxos tucked into a cosy corner, everything here feels effortlessly intimate. The space hums with low conversation and clinking glasses, where hours melt away and every detail feels like a well-kept secret between lovers.
Ground Floor/9 Inkerman Street, St Kilda
Lola Belle
Lola Belle exudes timeless romance, tucked along Brunswick Street in a charming gold rush-era building steeped in history. Once home to wine merchants and nightclubs, today it’s a dreamy retreat for daiquiri and champagne lovers alike.
Old-world elegance shines through bentwood chairs, leaded glass, and mossy green tiles. Sip on champagne (an ode to Melbourne’s lavish past) or explore over 40 rums, paired with artisanal cheeses, tinned fish, and charcuterie. The perfect date night awaits.
233 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Lilac Wine Bar
Inspired by Jeff Buckley’s timeless classic, Lilac captures a soulful, Brooklyn-esque vibe, blending vintage charm with the warmth of wood-fired, smoky dishes. Sip on exquisitely crafted cocktails like the decadent Lamington—cherry brandy, spiced coconut liqueur, and cacao—or the signature Lilac Martini, featuring 22 Gin, fermented peach vermouth, smoked bone, and a delicate peat rinse. With a curated selection of organic, small-batch wines from the Adelaide Hills to Burgenland, Austria, Lilac is effortlessly cool and inviting—the perfect place to enchant your date, whether it’s a new romance or a lasting love.
The snack menu? Pure indulgence. Think fresh oysters, honey-drizzled grilled cheese gildas, and fiery lamb skewers with a chilli kick. Order one of everything, then finish with a Neapolitan popsicle for a sweet, nostalgic finale.
31 Stephenson Street, Cremorne
Lui Bar
Found on level 55 of the Rialto, Lui Bar is the gold standard for special occasion dates. While the stunning views draw you in, it’s the extraordinary cocktails—some of the finest in the city—that keep you coming back. Espresso martini lovers, beware: the Vodka Pour Over is so good, you might never settle for the classic version again.
You might be wondering why not choose the more formal sibling venue, Vue De Monde. Don’t get us wrong—Vue De Monde is one of Melbourne’s most romantic restaurants, but upstairs at Lui Bar, the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed, perfect for cosying up with your beau without the formality of fine dining.
Rialto Tower, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne
Henry Sugar
Add a little sweetness to your evening at Henry Sugar, one of Melbourne’s most romantic wine bars. Settle outdoors on Rathdowne Street with oysters and Negronis, or cosy up inside with natural wines and creative, comforting dishes. Perfect for a date night, this intimate spot invites you to linger, laugh, and indulge in refined fare that’s as memorable as your company. Henry Sugar’s warm, inviting charm promises a night of romance and flavour you won’t forget.
Sitchu Tip: Got a weekend lunch date in mind? They’re now open for Saturday lunch.
296-298 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
Dolly
Dolly, hidden inside the chic Le Méridien Melbourne, is your next must-visit for a swoon-worthy night out. Enveloped in retro glamour with a moody 1930s charm, it’s perfect for romance and late-night revelry. Sip cinematic cocktails as you savour oysters, snapper crudo with raspberry vinaigrette, and a rich Director’s Cut Beef Wellington with roasted cauliflower.
For the finale, indulge in the dramatic Bombe Alaska, topped with caramelised popcorn and salted caramel ice cream.
20 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Embla
This dark, wood-lined CBD wine bar hums with intimate energy, effortlessly blending sophistication and warmth. Embla’s cosy corners and flickering candlelight create the perfect setting for whispered conversations and lingering glances, making it a beloved refuge for lovers and friends alike. The carefully curated list, favouring natural and small-producer wines, invites discovery, while the famed roast chicken, infused with fragrant whole garlic cloves, is a comforting dish to share. Embla is truly one of Melbourne’s most romantic bars.
122 Russell Street, Melbourne
Old Palm Liquor & Bahama Gold
The team behind the beloved retro-Euro favourite Neighbourhood Wine have outdone themselves with Old Palm Liquor, a cosy Lygon Street bar that feels like a cherished hideaway. Warm timber panelling and vintage bar stools create an inviting, lived-in atmosphere, while the open fireplace promises to be the perfect winter rendezvous spot.
Twelve taps showcase intriguing local brews, but it’s the wine list that truly enchants—a carefully curated collection spanning regions and price points, brimming with minimal intervention gems ideal for a romantic evening.
For a relaxed midweek date, Bahama Gold, Old Palm’s adjoining bar, offers sumptuous pizzas from the Da Bruno team alongside expertly crafted cocktails and natural wines. With cool vinyl spinning and a languid atmosphere both inside and on the pavement, it’s a dreamy setting to unwind and deepen your connection.
133B & 135 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Kirk’s Wine Bar
Craving a date night that captures the essence of a Parisian wine bar? Meet Kirk’s—one of Melbourne’s most romantic wine bars and the city’s closest homage to French charm. This intimate spot exudes a warm, lived-in glow, with attentive service and a lively buzz that spills onto the terrace’s small round tables. The seamless blend of new-world ease and old-world elegance sets the perfect mood for sipping exceptional wines. Feast on European-inspired delights—from imported cheeses and house-made charcuterie to briny oysters and thoughtfully crafted share plates.
Sitchu Tip: Arrive early—this beloved gem fills up fast.
46 Hardware Lane, Melbourne
Waxflower
Got a music lover on your hands? Impress them with a visit to Waxflower—a stylish fusion of European wine bar and Japanese listening lounge. Surrounded by thousands of vinyl records, the soundtrack sets the mood as you share delectable dishes and vibrant natural wines. And if the music’s volume nudges you closer for whispered conversations, consider it a welcome excuse to lean in a little more. Waxflower turns every sip, bite, and beat into the sweetest shared moment.
153 Weston Street, Brunswick
Jayda
More is more at the sultry Jayda, an opulent CBD cocktail bar that’s a vision of velvet, gold and black marble. All that flattering low lighting and moody ambience will set you up for a thrilling evening as you share oysters and Oscietra caviar, then converse late into the night over fabulous cocktails. The strawberries and cream Negroni is to-die-for.
19 Bond Street, Melbourne
Bar Romanée
Take a first date to Bar Romanée, and if sparks don’t fly between you, they’re sure to ignite over the exquisite food and wine. This inviting neighbourhood wine bar wraps you in a warm, relaxed intimacy—perfect for deep conversation or quiet connection. With a thoughtfully curated selection of classic European wines and bistro dishes crafted from the finest Victorian produce, you’ll leave feeling rosy-cheeked, content, and already planning your next visit.
25 Anderson Street, Yarraville
Public Wine Shop
Public Wine Shop in Fitzroy North is the perfect hideaway for a spontaneous date. Start with a twilight stroll through Edinburgh Gardens, then wander in for an intimate, walk-in-only wine experience. Gather around the communal timber table, sip natural wines sourced from small producers, and share French-inspired plates that spark conversation. With its warm glow, rustic charm, and ever-changing menu, this buzzy yet cosy spot transforms an ordinary night into an effortlessly romantic adventure.
179 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North
Dessous
There’s something undeniably seductive about slipping underground for the night—and Dessous, hidden beneath the treaded-with-intent pavement of Flinders Lane, nails the brief. This sleek subterranean bar is all moody ambiance and slow-burning charm, where time seems to pause and candlelight bounces off the brushed concrete (and your date’s features). With its softly lit corners, elegant cocktails, and globe-trotting dishes made to linger over, Dessous is a dreamy, dim-lit hideaway that turns an ordinary evening into something unforgettable.
164 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
The Ugly Duckling
There’s nothing remotely ugly about this elegant Richmond bar. The Ugly Duckling strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and ease—think plush interiors, polished service, and just enough edge to keep things interesting. Settle in beneath the stunning glass atrium as golden hour filters through, and sip your way through a list of punchy pét-nats, crisp whites, and beautifully curated cocktails. With inventive snacks to match, it’s a dreamy spot for a romantic rendezvous.
238 Swan Street, Richmond
Poodle Bar & Bistro
Poodle Bar & Bistro is a polished art deco dream—effortlessly stylish, a touch nostalgic, and brimming with date night potential. Inside, moody timber, soft lighting and leather banquettes set the tone for an intimate supper à deux, while the courtyard hums with flirtatious energy on warmer nights. With its refined Euro bistro menu, exceptional wine list, and that just-right balance of elegance and ease, Poodle is where sparks fly and second dates are sealed.
81-83 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
New Gold Mountain
Hidden behind a discreet red door in one of Melbourne’s classic laneways, New Gold Mountain feels like stepping into a secret whispered only to the most discerning romantics. Inside, moody jade-green walls, velvet textures, and softly glowing lanterns cast a dreamy haze over the room, evoking the mystery of an old-world opium den with a sultry, modern twist. Intimate, decadent, and utterly transportive, this cocktail sanctuary is a date night treasure you’ll want to keep all to yourselves.
21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne
Gerald’s Bar
The inner north’s reigning king of cosy date nights, Gerald’s Bar is all flickering candlelight, charming chaos, and timeless romance. With shelves stacked high with wine and regulars perched elbow-to-elbow, it’s where flirty conversation flows as easily as the Pinot. Let the effortlessly charismatic staff guide you through the generous list, then settle in at the bar—knee-bumps inevitable, sparks likely. Catch it in North Carlton soon, with Gerald’s set to open a new chapter on Lygon Street later this year.
386 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
Ponyfish Island
As golden hour spills over the Yarra and the city skyline begins to sparkle, there’s truly nothing like sipping something cold and fizzy at Ponyfish Island. Tucked beneath a footbridge and surrounded by water, this hidden gem feels like a secret whispered just between the two of you. With the river gently lapping below and Melbourne’s glimmering lights above, it’s an effortlessly romantic escape—intimate, a little whimsical, and utterly unforgettable once the sun starts to dip.
Evan Walker Bridge, Southbank, Melbourne
Siglo
The original and still the gold standard, Siglo has long been the go-to rendezvous for Melbourne’s most discerning romantics. High above the city’s theatre district at the cocktail-loving ‘Paris end’, its white tablecloths, vintage charm, and glowing terrace set the scene for timeless seduction. European elegance lingers in the air as glasses clink and lovers bask in the city lights below. One of the most romantic bars in Melbourne—and one you’ll find yourself coming back to, again and again.
Level 2, 161 Spring Street, Melbourne
Cicciolina
A true Melbourne icon, Cicciolina in St Kilda promises an evening that’s effortlessly enchanting. Its back bar, adorned with art-lined walls and bathed in warm, inviting light, sets the scene for a romance that unfolds quietly but powerfully. Here, low-key charm meets whispered secrets—before you know it, you’ll be stealing glances and sharing sweet nothings in one of Melbourne’s most irresistibly romantic bars. Love, it seems, is always on the menu.
103 Acland Street, St Kilda
Planning a daytime date next? We’ve got you covered for those too, with the best brunches in Melbourne followed by a hand-in-hand stroll of our favourite art galleries. After that, it’s aperitivo hour, so check out these fab happy hour deals across the city.
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