A scroll through Joel Bennetts' socials and it’s easy to see why the Sydney-based chef is one of the nation’s most coveted cooks: perfect plates of pasta doused in slow-cooked sauces, towering sandwiches on bronzed brioche, slices of rare steak with a verdant salsa verde, and simple salads transformed into works of art.
Those familiar with Joel’s Instagram feed would have also noticed the more recent addition of his partner, Ophillia Hess.
"I DMed Ophillia while on a work trip," Bennetts confesses. "We had a phone call that same day, and two days later, she picked me up from the airport. We’ve pretty much been inseparable ever since."
For the dashing duo, the recipe for a flawless date night combines great company with a sprinkle of spontaneity, design-forward spaces and a whole lot of laughs. “Ophillia has the humour of a comedian, so date night is never without a laugh.”
To find out how this culturally tapped-in couple keeps their relationship fresh, we partnered with Listerine—the ultimate date night wingman to boost your confidence—to talk about their go-to spots for date night in Sydney.
Olympus
Joel and Ophillia don’t deliberate on what to order when they walk into Olympus, Sydney’s Greek restaurant that according to Bennetts, is “like nowhere else in Sydney”.
“Straight up, we’ll have six oysters and the whipped taramasalata,” shares Bennetts. Best enjoyed from their preferred perch by the wall.
The dreamy open plan dining room—centred around a blooming bougainvillea that sits pretty under a retractable oculus glass ceiling—is made for people watching, flowing conversation and soaking up the atmosphere. “It has a calm energy with a hint of reincarnation, almost like you've stepped into Greek heaven,” Bennetts muses.
Club Fontana
Martinis at Club Fontana are a non-negotiable for Joel and Ophillia. The insalata di polpo and gnocchi fritto, both creations by chef-owner Daniel Johnston, are also must-haves.
“Dan's food never misses,” raves Bennetts. “His attention to detail is nothing short of spot on. He only uses the ripest, most in-season ingredients to decipher his menu.”
The red-hot restaurant feels more like an Italian dinner party for two: frivolous, understated and seemingly effortless, with a warmth that makes you want to stay all night.
“Nothing in this restaurant feels overdone. Dan and Ivy have done such an incredible job at giving that warm feeling to the restaurant and dining experience.”
Letra House
Romance at Letra House is ramped up right from the get-go. "Even the entry feels like part of the journey," notes Bennetts, referencing the cobblestone laneway that guides you into the late-night underground wine bar.
Once inside, it’s all moody Barcelona-inspired interiors, vermouth poured from a porrón, refined Spanish share plates and ambient lighting that according to Bennetts, “has the eyes feeling easy, allowing for maximum comfort over a few late-night tipples.”
For Joel and Ophelia, their nightcap is always two glasses of vermouth sipped over a shared baked custard with plums, plus tempered goat’s cheese.
Cantina OK!
"We love Cantina OK!, because there is nothing like it in Sydney" Bennetts says of the pint-sized margarita mecca. "It's more like something you’d find in Mexico or somewhere in South America."
Known for its authentic drinks and knowledgeable staff, there are two must-haves on the menu according to the loved-up couple: the Margarita OK!, a highly-smashable ménage of mezcal, tequila and lime, boosted with fresh orange peel oil and poured over shaved ice—plus the ‘weekly fruit’, freshly-cut fruit that varies from day to day, sprinkled with chilli salt and served as a chaser with every shot.
Insider tip: wear comfy shoes and be prepared to be in close quarters with your neighbours. The standing-room-only bar can only fit about 20 people.
Clam Bar
“On our first visit we were ready for Bill Murray to make a cameo,” Bennetts laughs, alluding to the West Anderson-esque interiors of this New York-inspired steakhouse.
Glass sconces and vintage Heinz posters adorn the wood-panelled walls, and chandeliers hang from the ceiling over the parquetry floors. “This genius restaurant has more character than most. It's the perfect place to dine when wanting to leave the day you’ve had behind and be whisked into an almost film-like series of moments.”
To start, Joel and Ophelia go for the beef tartare accompanied by a chilled half dozen oysters with a ginger and turmeric mignonette. For mains, it’s vongole pasta, impromptu Lady And The Tramp moments not guaranteed, but possible.
Inspired to hit a fresh date spot with your squeeze? Yes, chef! For every plate of spaghetti vongole or mezcal margarita, Listerine is here to help kill bad breath germs and freshen breath. Get more details here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Listerine and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.