For special occasions or monthly kid-free escapes, nailing the exact vibe for date night can be tough. If your romantic go-tos are starting to feel a little stale, there’s plenty going on around Melbourne to level up your romance game. Thanks to Crown, we’ve curated three epic date nights to help shake things up and sweep your significant other off their feet.
If You’re Looking To Keep It Casual
Some of the best dates happen from the most casual plans. For a chilled afternoon or laidback Friday night head for knock-offs together at The Pub and fill up on classic pub fare between chit-chats. Find a seat among the elevated pub interior and lean into the casual vibes ordering the classic chicken parma with a refreshing pint close by to wash it all down. Pop by on a Tuesday and stay for trivia from 6.30pm where you can win a $100 gift voucher to fund your next date.
There’s no better way to cut the tension and keep the easy-going vibes flowing with a couple of rounds at Holey Moley. Tee up against your date on 18 themed courses from a savage Houdini’s box of swords to a lifesized game of operation. Between rounds sip on witty signature cocktails and snacks from their menu of classic Americana eats. We recommend sharing a Rub A Dub Tub cocktail served in a miniature bathtub. Fuel up with a share plate of crispy on the outside gooey on the inside Mac And Cheese Bites.
Embrace The Finer Things With A Bougie Date Night
Elevate the reliable dinner and drinks with a bougie twist for your next date. Dress up and show off the finer things in life with a night of fancy cocktails and equally as fancy feasting. Start with drinks at the effortlessly luxe cocktail bar The Waiting Room. Get cosy among plush decor and velvety floor-to-ceiling curtains and explore inventive cocktails together. Embrace the theme of the night and order their signature earl grey martini, an elevated twist on a classic cocktail.
Next, transport your date to the streets of Paris with a fancy feast from the country that does it best. Make a reservation at Bistro Guillaume and explore French cuisine with a contemporary twist. Enjoy steak frites and souffle among the chic French bistro interior looking out to inner-city views. Lean into the Parisian lifestyle together, and as a nightcap enjoy a refreshing cucumber gimlet on the patio seating.
If French isn’t your preferred feasting, make a booking at world-renowned Japanese restaurant Nobu. Experience esteemed Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s fusion of Japanese and South American eats with Tanoishi Hour. Available during all opening hours, enjoy a banquet of Nobu’s signature dishes and cocktails. Share wagyu tacos and hiramasa yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño with seasonal fruit sakes to taste throughout.
A fine dining experience not to be missed, this is a night you and your significant other will be raving about well after the date is over.
For The Dates Best Shared
Whether it’s a double date, anniversary or even birthday—some dates are better shared. Swap out separate meals for share plates and embark on an adventure for the senses altogether when dining at Ging Thai. Matching a bright interior with vibrant flavours, wow your date (and plus ones) with their modern take on Thai classics. Toast the night with a round of Pash And Smash cocktails with gin, Cointreau, passionfruit, basil and chilli. We recommend beginning with a plate of their oysters with punchy green nam jim for the table, before sorting the mains. Impress by ordering the Red Duck Curry with grape, pineapple, bamboo shoots and kaffir lime for an unlikely twist. With so many more scrumptious dishes on their menu, we suggest ordering a few plates for the table to share and enjoy.
Plan a double date at Jukes and battle it out on the mics to discover the superior couple musically. Choose from ten themed rooms and dress up in the costumes and accessories on offer, before belting your go-to ballads together. With cocktails and snacks available between, nibble on crudites and dip into chocolate fondue together before your next big set.
With so many places to take your date night to the next level, explore more experiences at Crown here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Crown Entertainment and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Images: Urban List
Patrons must be 18+ to consume alcohol and must not be prohibited from the casino or any Crown property for any reason. Bookings are subject to availability and venue trading hours. Menus are subject to change. Guests must advise restaurants of any special dietary requirements or allergens at the time of booking. Crown practises the responsible service of alcohol. See Crown website for entry conditions and for more information.