The Most Romantic Bars in Sydney for a Vibey Date Night

Sydney is bursting with beautiful bars, but there’s an art to picking an amorous spot for date night. At the very least, it should be intimate and softly lit, with a quiet booth or hidden corner to cosy up in, away from the crowds. Whether you’re going on your first date or want to take your long-term lover on a special night out, this edit is where you will find Sydney’s most romantic bars.

Love, Tilly Devine

Wine and romance go hand in hand at Love, Tilly Devine. Tucked away in a Darlinghurst alley, this intimate bar (named after the famous 1930s brothel Madame) is a great place to come for a good conversation and a glass of wine. There are over 300 varieties on offer, so if you’re a bit of a wine buff then this is the place to show off your skills.

91 Crown Lane, Darlinghurst

Bar Lucia

Inspired by the elegant architecture from the streets of Madrid, Bar Lucia brings a laid-back Spanish air to Potts Point. The vibe is sultry and romantic with candles and flowers littered throughout. Expect a range of classic Spanish-style tapas including Jamon Iberico Bellota Puro, roast sea scallops on the half shell with saffron butter, Ox tongue with salsa pintxo and salsa verde, anchovies with salsa Spinader all curated by Head Chef Alberto Palacios.

Head Sommelier Kasia Sobiesiak takes charge of Bar Lucia’s wine list, centred on supporting local Australian producers with an emphasis on female winemakers.

5 Kellett St, Potts Point

Ante

Sure cocktails and wine are fun but if you’re keen to mix things up when wooing that person who makes your heart skip a beat, make a booking at Ante to err, up the ante! Bad jokes aside, this adorable Newtown venue is bound to impress. Modelled after Japan’s famous jazz cafés, Ante pairs delicious sake with great records.

On the hustling bustling King Street, this bar is home to one of the best sake selections in Australia and makes for one of the best date night locations in Sydney. With over 65 unique sakes and 2500 records, this is a delight for all the senses. As well as the sakes, Asian-inspired cocktails and a range of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks, Ante has a seasonal menu with snacks and larger dishes. 

146 King Street, Newtown 

Letra House (Image Credits: Nikki To)

Letra House 

This late-night spot is the perfect special touch for a pre or post dinner drink. Enter the underground bar via cobblestoned Kent Street and emerge into a haven of exposed brick, walnut-stained timber and mood lighting. Over 50 bottles of wine are available by the glass on any given day with a focus on lesser-known regions such as Lebanon, USE and Greece. As for bites, Letra House‘s menu revolves around Spanish-style plates with tapas, cured meats and larger plates 

346 Kent Street, Sydney 

Bar Tilda (Image Credits: Jason Loucas) 

Bar Tilda

Bar Tilda boasts plenty of cosy nooks and old-world charm, a great combination when you’re looking to woo. You’ll also find a whisky armoire — a 100-strong collection of Australia whiskies — as well as ‘the Bar Tilda martini experience, which involves a martini made to your specifications tableside. As for eats, the Bar Tilda menu is polished yet relaxed with a delicious cheeseburger, cacio e pepe popcorn and a chopped salad among the snacks on offer. Perfect for snacks and chats!

61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney 

Since I Left You (SILY)

If you have a feeling drinks might turn into dinner, head to this small bar in the CBD. When you get there, go straight to the lush, leafy courtyard – an urban oasis surrounded by towering city skyscrapers. As the fairy lights twinkle, sip on creative cocktails, listen to live music, and nosh on the bar’s famously good finger food. Oh hello, romance!

338 Kent Street, Sydney

The Champagne Bar 

Overlooking the glittering harbour on level 3 of the Sofitel Darling Harbour, The Champagne Bar is as romantic as they come. Cosy leather booths, glitzy adornments and warm interiors contribute to the ambience whilst a curated cocktail list and French-inspired bites are yours for the taking. 

Sitchu Tip: For the most romantic cocktail of them all, be sure to sample Dantes Escape which uses exclusive spiced rum specially crafted for The Champagne Room by local distiller Brix. 

12 Darling Drive, Sydney

Charlie Parker’s

Foodies love Fred’s in Paddington and for a romantic night, start with a drink (and a cheeky cheese board) in the speakeasy-style bar downstairs. With dim lighting, dark woods and luxe leathers, Charlie Parker’s is as intimate as it is charming. The bartenders are at the top of their game and will mix up any concoction you want, even if it’s not on the menu.

380 Oxford Street, Paddington

The Cumberland 

There’s just something about basement locations that bring an air of mystery and allure. So if you’re after something a little different, The Cumberland in Manly is your spot. Tucked behind a fridge door in an unassuming laneway, this venue brings an underground speakeasy to the heart of Manly — with a Spanish twist!

The stylish basement eatery has a selection of over 250 whiskies, natural wine, craft beer and an extensive cocktail menu, including prohibition classics, tipples inspired by original counties from Sydney as well as a section dedicated to ingredients that have been locally foraged and found. As for bites, you can graze from their tapas menu or their deli and cheese plates. 

17/19 Central Avenue, Manly 

Dear Sainte Eloise

This Potts Point wine bar has the date night brief down to a tee. The shelves are lined with 400 bottles of wine from around the world, and there’s a sommelier on hand to help you choose a delicious drop. The best bit? It serves small share plates until 11.30pm, just in case you get carried away with conversation…

Shop 5, 29 Orwell Street, Potts Point

Worked your way through the most romantic bars in Sydney and want to keep your love story going? Take a look at our guide to Australia’s most romantic getaways and our edit of the most romantic accommodation in Margaret River.