17 Of Brisbane’s Most Romantic Restaurants For Your Next Date Night
According to the songs, love is a many splendid thing—it’s grand, it’s all you need and it’s in the air. Young love, old love, puppy love, friend love, Tinder love, even unrequited love—here at Urban List we think they all deserve to be celebrated (or commiserated if referring to the latter) not just on Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, but any day and for any excuse.
You know what they say: full bellies = warm hearts, so cancel mini golf, turn off Netflix and say ‘no’ to strolls on the beach—fill those bellies and stoke the fires of love. Roses are red. Violets are blue. If you love food, then here are the most romantic restaurants in Brisbane/Meanjin for you.
Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Brisbane again—get us in your inbox here.
1889 Enoteca
10-12 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Image credit: 1889 Enoteca | Instagram
1889 Enoteca is a darling slice of Rome in Woolloongabba’s antique quarter with the dreamiest atmosphere to boot. Whether you’re seated by the brick walls lined with wine bottles or the charming outdoor terrace watching the passersby, your visit will be full of elegance and classic Italian dishes handcrafted to perfection. Ps. We recommend ordering the carbonara.
The 203
6 Marshall Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: The 203 | Supplied
When it comes to romantic restaurants, Italian food is a no-brainer. Throw in the finest Australian beef and a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere straight from a movie montage and you have yourself The 203. This dreamy restaurant is as easy on the eyes as it is on the palate, known for its refined fusion of steak and Italian cuisine. It’s also sure to score you major brownie points—from the service to the offering, The 203 has curated every detail to sweep you off your feet.
Bar Francine
29A Vulture Street, West End
Image credit: Bar Francine | Instagram
This neighbourhood bar is the place to be for a date night that’s cosy, colourful and maybe just a little bit cheeky. Bar Francine serves tasty shared plates tailored to suit the season and a wine list that spotlights independent makers creating with heart. With music and laughter as your soundtrack, you’re sure to feel right at home.
Layla
Cnr Montague Road & Raven Street, West End
Image credit: Layla | Instagram
Tucked under the heritage-listed Thomas Dixon Centre is Layla—a spice-forward destination with playful accents and aromatic appeal. The moody lighting and plush seating makes this the perfect date night spot, especially if you both like connecting over boundary-pushing flavours without the fuss. Not hungry for the full she-bang? Then the sun-soaked courtyard is calling your name, with cocktails and plates to share.
Mosconi
164B Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Mosconi | Instagram
Who knew that a surplus World War II building (one of Brisbane’s very few, we might add) just off James Street could be transformed so beautifully into a European-esque alley wine bar and bistro? Mosconi’s rustically chic interiors of monochrome fresco flooring, chestnut wood and forest green walls, together with their menu smattered with European flavours will transport you to Italy in the best possible case of deception. We love to love the burrata to start, followed by the lamb shank ragu. But it’s their wine list that will have you at ‘hello’—a true masterpiece of Australian and European vino wares.
Libertine
5/61 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Libertine | Facebook
With chandeliers, boudoir-inspired interiors and some sought-after nooks to sit in, Libertine is a Barracks favourite, adored by all for its delicious and opulent French-Vietnamese menu and décor. Create your own banquet to share from classic Asian-style favourites, each with a decadent twist—think Moreton Bay bug toast, King Prawn croissants, twice-cooked pork belly or a DIY green papaya salad. Arrive early and have a cocktail together—the Libertini is a fun and fruity take on an old darling.
Rogue Bistro
14 Austin Street, Newstead
Image credit: Rogue Bistro | Facebook
Rouges often get a bad name (unless you like that in a beau), but not this gem. Newstead’s Rogue Bistro may currently be operating out of their sleek function space next door, but it's dark and sultry vibes are still ready to knock your socks off. With a six-course degustation menu that changes every month, all the hard work of choosing what to order is done for you—so you've got more time to really get to know each other (especially if you opt for the matched wines to help ditch the inhibitions and get the conversation flowing).
Montrachet
1/30 King Street, Bowen Hills
Image credit: Montrachet | Instagram
Fare straight from the City of Love? That’s a recipe to romance if we’ve ever heard one, and also exactly what you can expect at French fine dining institution Montrachet. With its red leather seats, white cloth tables and timeless charm, Montrachet certainly knows how to keep it classy. As for the menu, expect traditional flavour and a refined touch that will have you lingering a little longer.
Deer Duck Bistro
396 Milton Road, Auchenflower
Image credit: Deer Duck Bistro | Facebook
Delight in a uber indulgent degustation at this intimate bistro in Auchenflower. Deer Duck’s moody lighting and lush antiques set the scene for a clandestine rendezvous, but the modern European menu will have you shouting from the rooftops. As we mentioned earlier, pull out all stops and experience one of the degustation menus (five, short or long course) AND wine pairings for something extra special.
Rosmarino
6 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Rosmarino | Facebook
With vintage looking lights hanging from high ceilings, exposed brick walls, pops of sage green and a glass-walled wine cellar in pride of place in the centre of the venue, Rosmarino is a stunner, and the perfect spot for an intimate date night. Take a seat and start your romantic feast with antipasti and focaccia—save room for mains though, because you won’t want to skip out on the house made pastas and mains like the white chocolate cured Wagyu 9+ steak. If you can fit anything else in after that, there’s always a weekly rotating dessert—and their tiramisu just happens to be the best we’ve ever tasted.
You might also like:
Essa
181 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Essa | Fortitude Valley
Just off the bustling main strip in Robertson Street, ESSA is moody and atmospheric, with darkened interiors that set the mood as soon as you walk in the door. A couple of seats at the bar is as intimate as it gets, and you’ll feel as though you have your own personal bartender. This is a spot for the serious foodie couple though—simple but creative dishes hero local produce, with entrees like fried chickpea beignets with caramelised scallop cream and shared mains like the stuffed lamb saddle and a side of fried kipfler potatoes with compté.
Mr Vain
1a/610 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Mr Vain | Facebook
This dimly lit Valley spot oozes romantic vibes and sophistication, with just a touch of retro charm thrown in. Hidden down a laneway off Ann Street, Mr Vain features a small bar area where you can grab a drink before you sit down to a feast of pan-Asian flavours, alongside a cocktail list that is just as creative as the food menu. But for us, the love fest starts with their potato and goat's curd potstickers, stracciatella with fried bread and smoked lamb ribs with red vinegar caramel.
Donna Chang
3/171 George Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Donna Chang
In a classic love story of east meets west, we have Donna Chang, (another) CBD restaurant with all of the date night vibes. The food boasts a union of iconic eastern flavours, Sichuan and Cantonese, with the menu uniquely off-set with two key cooking methods—woodfired and traditional dim sum. The interiors are utterly jaw-dropping, with pink velvet booths and crystal chandeliers, all in the surrounds of one the city’s most historic old bank buildings. Be sure to share a dessert, whether it’s the dark chocolate mousse or the fried caramel ice cream—or don’t share at all.
Stanley
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Stanley | Facebook
Though a table out on Stanley’s riverside deck is a gorgeous spot for dumplings and champagne, it’s their upstairs dining room where we’d be taking a date. Here you’ll find jaw-dropping interiors far and away from the sunny spaces outside, complete with mural-lined walls and hanging lanterns that pay homage to traditional Chinese design aesthetics. It’s the perfect romantic destination for making eyes at one another while you scoff Peking duck pancakes and salt and pepper squid. Just don’t make a mess with your chopsticks.
Malt Dining
28 Market Street, Brisbane CBD
Image credit: Malt Dining | Facebook
Looking for the perfect place to show your someone special a real good time? Malt has, and always will be, the epitome of luxurious Brisbane fine dining. Not only for its location—the historic three-level Wenley House in the heart of the CBD—but it’s award-winning food, cooked to be shared and enjoyed together. The menu is a multicultural spread, easy to navigate and wonderfully delicious.
Agnes
22 Agnes Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Agnes | Instagram
If the flickering firelight coming from the kitchen doesn’t do it for you, dessert up on the rooftop terrace with the rest of your bottle of wine sure will. Agnes’ dimly lit interiors are just the spot for a loved up rendezvous, with the kitchen turning up the heat—literally. The only problem? You’ll be so full by the time you leave that you won’t be feeling any action when you get home.
Sushi Room
48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
Image credit: Sushi Room | Instagram
Looking for a restaurant that’s sure to impress? Sushi Room is the carefully considered Japanese fine dining experience that will absolutely hit the mark. From sips to bites, the flavours here are nuanced and harmonious, while the restaurant itself calls for settling in and letting the sophisticated ambience weave into intimate conversation. Bonus points if you opt for the omakase at the chef’s counter, where you can literally watch the magic happen.
Looking for more romantic night out ideas? Head here:
Image credit: Rosmarino | NIRA Creative
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.