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 – dim lighting, secluded booths, seats so close you can’t help but touch (accidentally, or not so accidentally) and endless options for cocktails or a glass of red.
When you’re in the mood for romance, Melbourne has got the best bars to seal the deal. Whether it's a first date or date number 20, you are bound to impress with a booking at one of these CBD hotspots.
Read on to find our picks of the most romantic bars in Melbourne to elevate date night…
Lilac Wine Bar
Inspired by Jeff Buckley’s timeless classic, Lilac blends a soulful, Brooklyn-esque vibe with vintage interiors and the warmth of wood-fired, smoky dishes. Sip on thoughtfully crafted cocktails, like the decadent Lamington with cherry brandy, spiced coconut liqueur, and cacao, or the signature Lilac Martini with 22 Gin, fermented peach vermouth, smoked bone, and a subtle peat rinse. With organic, small-batch wines spanning from the Adelaide Hills to Burgenland, Austria, Lilac is effortlessly cool, vibey yet unpretentious—the ideal spot to charm your date, whether it’s a new flame or a long-time love.
Oh and Lilac’s snack menu? Elite! Think oysters, honey-drizzled grilled cheese gildas, and punchy lamb skewers with a chilli sauce. Try one of everything, then end on a Neapolitan popsicle for a an extra sweet and nostalgic touch.
31 Stephenson Street, Cremorne
Lui Bar
Found on level 55 of the Rialto, Lui Bar is the gold standard of special occasion dates. Sure, you go for the view, but you stay for the out of this world cocktails that are some of the city's finest. For all the espresso martini lovers out there, proceed at your own risk with the Vodka Pour Over - it's that good you'll struggle to drink the basic version ever again.
We know what you're thinking, why not choose the more appropriate sibling venue Vue De Monde? Don't get us wrong, Vue De Monde is one of the best romantic restaurants in Melbourne, but you probably already knew that. Upstairs boasts a more relaxed energy where you can cosy up to your beau without the formal dining setting.
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, tucked 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 or 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. Dolly is Melbourne’s destination for unforgettable romance and vintage allure.
20 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Embla
This dark, wood-lined CBD wine bar is as sophisticated as it is laid-back, abuzz every night of the week with colleagues, friends and lovers enjoying thought-provoking wines and A-grade plates out of the wood-fired oven.
Embla's self-described “slightly weird” list leans natural and small producer, while their famed roast chicken with whole garlic cloves is worth the visit alone. It's one of the most romantic bars in Melbourne, without question.
122 Russell Street, Melbourne
Old Palm Liquor & Bahama Gold
The team behind beloved retro-Euro spot Neighbourhood Wine have backed it up with another winner in Old Palm Liquor. This charming Lygon Street bar boasts a comfortable, lived-in feel via panelled timber walls and vintage bar stools, while the open fireplace is sure to be competitive real estate come winter.
There are 12 taps pouring a host of interesting local brewers, but the wine list is the main star and the go-to for date night – a powerhouse list covering every region and price point, with plenty of minimal intervention picks among them.
Looking for the perfect mid-week date spot? Look no further than Bahama Gold! OPL's attached bar serves up seriously good pizzas crafted by the talented team from Da Bruno, alongside a fantastic selection of cocktails and natty drops. As cool records spin, you can relax with a seat at the bar or outside on the pavement, creating a laid-back vibe perfect for getting to know each other.
133B & 135 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Kirk's Wine Bar
Fancy a date at the closest thing to a Parisian wine bar we have in the city? Say hello to one of the most romantic of Melbourne's wine bars, Kirk's.
The small space has a charming, lived-in aesthetic, with warm service and a buzzing atmosphere, spilling from the inside out onto the bounty of small round tables bustling with conviviality. It's sure to put you and your date at ease from the get-go, with its blend of new-world casual and old-world sophistication, and new and old world wines to sip at.
Food wise, the European-accented menu offers an array of beautiful imported cheeses and house-made charcuterie, the freshest, most briny oysters and a range of well-crafted share plates and larger dishes.
Sitchu Tip: The cosy space fills quickly, so try and get there early.
46 Hardware Lane, Melbourne
Gracie
A cosy hotspot on funky Hardware lane, Gracie is a wine and sake bar with a laidback feel, ideal for a cheeky drink or two after dinner... providing the date is going well!
If you've got some first-date jitters, may we suggest meeting here for a casual drink as the sun goes down in Melbourne? With seats spilling out on to the street providing ample people-watching entertainment, it is irresistibly charming without the fuss.
37 Hardward Lane, Melbourne
Waxflower
Is your date a music lover? Show off your credentials by taking them to Waxflower, a trendy spot that’s half European wine bar and half Japanese listening bar.
The thousands of vinyl records lining the walls and the airwaves will provide plenty of conversation material as you share delicious food and natural wines.
And, if the volume of the music means you have to keep edging closer together to converse, well that’s just a bonus.
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.
Sip on expertly-made Bellinis, Martini's and Manhattans until the small hours.
19 Bond Street, Melbourne
Bar Romanée
Take a first date to Bar Romanée and if you don’t fall in love with each other, at least you'll fall in love with the venue’s gorgeous food and wine.
This warm neighbourhood wine bar offers the kind of relaxed intimacy that allows you to really get to know your date – and it’s an equally great spot for rusted-on lovers.
Classic European wines and bistro dishes made with stunning Victorian produce mean you’ll leave rosy-cheeked and satisfied.
25 Anderson Street, Yarraville
Public Wine Shop
A date at Public Wine Shop exudes coolness. The hot ticket wine bar is walk-in only, making it the ideal place for a free roving evening that’s unhurried – maybe a twilight walk in Edinburgh Gardens, then a drink at Underwood while your table gets ready.
Once you’re in you’ll be plied with plates of bliss-inducing snacks and wine to linger over, as the always-buzzy energy of the place takes your date up a notch.
179 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North
Dessous
There’s just something about a basement bar that oozes romance. Perhaps it’s because it feels like you’re in your own universe, cut off from the outside world, with no sense of time or place.
Lock eyes with your lover all evening at Dessous, a sleek subterranean bar in Flinders Lane, and one of the most romantic bars in Melbourne.
Candlelight bounces off the bar’s brush concrete (as well as your date’s features) as you order elegant cocktails and globetrotting food.
164 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
The Ugly Duckling
There’s nothing ugly at all about this sophisticated but soothing bar in the heart of Richmond.
The team behind The Ugly Duckling have created a lovely venue that’s stylish but relaxed, with funky snacks and a wine list that explores orange wines and fizzy pét-nats.
It’s a gorgeous pick for a dusk date in summer, with the last of the afternoon light streaming in through their heritage glass atrium.
238 Swan Street, Richmond
Poodle Bar & Bistro
This handsome art deco bar is a place that’s sure to impress. Dark wood and cosy leather banquettes will have you sidling up to each other for your tête-à-tête supper, unless you choose to park out in the vibey courtyard on balmy evenings.
Poodle’s fresh take on Euro bistro food and perennial good times atmosphere will have you both not wanting to leave.
81-83 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Bar Margaux
Date night goes on and on and on at Bar Margaux, a transportative basement bar inspired by the French brasseries of New York and one of the most romantic bars in Melbourne.
Lose all sense of time as you cosy up in their vintage red leather banquettes and order rounds of oysters and martinis.
On Friday and Saturday nights they’re open all the way until 3am, so you won’t have to worry about interrupting the flow of your date to find your next venue.
111 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
New Gold Mountain
Tucked away in the kind of unassuming laneway this city is famous for, New Gold Mountain is an opulent Chinese-themed cocktail bar that’s rich in all things romance.
Enter through the lacquered red door and discover a hidden world of jade-green tones, lavish touches and bejewelled lanterns for a look that’s part opium den, part date night gem.
21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne
Gerald’s Bar
The inner North’s premier date spot, Gerald’s oozes old school romantic charm in Melbourne.
An intimate candlelit bar whose charismatic staff are well versed on the lengthy wine list – this is the kind of place that never feels like it’s trying too hard (and never fails to impress).
Grab a bar seat, and be sure to bump knees in the process.
386 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
The Everleigh
Tucked away on Fitzroy's buzzing Gertrude Street, The Everleigh evokes faded memories of the speakeasy bars of old.
It’s only fitting then that they serve up ‘classic cocktails from the golden era’, complete with chandeliers and suave bartenders in vintage waistcoats.
If you’re looking to charm your date, this is the place - it is one of Melbourne's most romantic bars, after all.
150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Ponyfish Island
Sipping on ice-cold sparkling bev as the sun sets over the Yarra with Melbourne's glistening CBD as your view – you certainly can’t beat that for atmosphere.
Nestled under a pedestrian bridge right on the river, Ponyfish Island plays host to one of the city’s most enchanting and unique locations.
Nab a sundown perch at the bar for a drinking experience that’s intimate, buzzy and more than a little bit special.
Evan Walker Bridge, Southbank, Melbourne
Siglo
The original and the best, sophisticated lovers have been romancing and enjoying many a drink at Siglo’s table-clothed rooftop terrace for years.
Perched above the city’s theatre at the cocktail-loving ‘Paris end’, a sense of European style and elegance permeates as chatty patrons savour fine wines whilst overlooking the glittering streetscape below.
One of the most romantic bars in Melbourne, this is the kind of spot you will want to frequent.
Level 2, 161 Spring Street, Melbourne
Bar Romantica
It’s all in the name. What was once a cheerfully and slighty-sleazy late-night joint has since transformed into a stylishly sleek, film noir-inspired diner (never fear, it’s still open after hours).
Complete with red leather booths, old-world mahogany detailing, smooth tunes and lighting dimmed to perfection – all that’s left to do at Romantica is find a little corner to get cosy and coy in.
53 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Cicciolina
A true Melbourne icon, you’re all but guaranteed a successful evening at St Kilda institution Cicciolina.
The restaurant’s back bar, with its art-lined walls and charming ambience, conjures up the kind of low-key romance that sneaks up on you.
Before you know it, you’ll be gazing longingly at your date and whispering sweet nothings at one of the most romantic bars in Melbourne…
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 almost aperitivo hour, so check out these fab happy hour deals across the city
