Another 5 of Sydney's most romantic restaurants

Bennelong, Circular Quay - Credit: Bennelong

1) For an iconic night: Bennelong, Circular Quay

The Bennelong dining room is one of the most spectacular and romantic in Sydney. It sits in Circular Quay within a sail of the Sydney Opera House; you can admire the bones of the striking architectural feat above you and, through a grand window, look out onto the harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Curated by lauded chef Peter Gilmore and his team, the menu traverses the high points of Australian cuisine and celebrates local ingredients. End the night with a nod to the very icon you sit in, represented by a sculptural pavlova with meringue wings fanning out like the Sydney Opera House’s sails.

2) For pretending you’re in Japan: Nom Japanese, Darlinghurst

Not all date nights have to be extravagant; sometimes a casual meal that transports you away from the familiar is what you need, and Nom delivers. This tiny Darlinghurst restaurant is run by chef Kimiko Uriu; an intimate experience ubiquitous in Japan but a rare find in Sydney. You’ll feel like you’ve been invited over for a dinner party, but one that will exceed all expectations with sushi, tempura and a sake service to rival Sydney’s best bars.

3) For beach views: Sean’s Panaroma, Bondi

Sean's Panaroma, Bondi

Sean’s has been a date-night pick from the year it opened, 1993, and this romantic restaurant with a view is now regarded as a Sydney institution. The fact it looks out onto Bondi Beach helps, but so does the pared back excellence of Sean Moran’s cooking and the charming interiors featuring a chalkboard menu, walls adorned with art, striped tablecloths and tiled floors. While the vibe never changes, the menu does almost daily, but expect European-led farm-to-table cooking that matches the view.

4) For plant-based lovers: The Sunshine Inn, Redfern

You could finish a date at The Sunshine Inn without ever noticing there’s no meat on the menu. That’s because being vegetarian is not their primary MO – they just want their guests to have fun. You’ll feel that in the music, the relaxed menu of pastas and bar snacks, the casual service and the variety of people dining alongside you. At this dimly lit diner on the main street of Redfern, you’ll be talking late into the night over well-priced focaccia, natural wines, cake and excellent cocktails.

5) For a quiet moment before a gig: Yeodongsik, Lidcombe

Yeodongsik, Lidcombe - Credit: Yeodongsik

If the second half of your date night is going to be at an exciting event at Sydney Olympic Park, Yeodongsik is the perfect place for a moment of peace before it all kicks off. The Korean soup restaurant is a rare venue that is quiet without being boring. The manner of the staff, the soft jazz and lightly seasoned food leaves diners feeling incredibly peaceful and thus softly spoken, so it’s easy to hear your date. Get there early – there are no bookings and there can be queues.
* Destination NSW