Image credit: Mecca Bah Sydney. Venues listed in no particular order.
Sydney knows how to do romance, and it usually starts at the table. Think candlelit corners, moody interiors, menus designed for sharing and a glass of something special to really set the tone. From intimate date-night favourites to effortlessly elegant dining rooms made for long, lingering evenings, the city is full of places that turn a simple dinner into a moment. Whether it’s a first date, an anniversary or just an excuse to lean into a little midweek romance, there’s no shortage of swoon-worthy options. To save you the scrolling, Now Book It has rounded up 8 of Sydney’s most romantic restaurants, all ready to book right now.
1. Altitude 1148
If you’re up for some romance with a view, Altitude 1148 is the kind of cliffside hideaway that turns dinner into a mini adventure. Perched above the Illawarra coastline with panoramic sea breezes and sunset vibes for days, this chic, contemporary spot pairs modern Australian dishes, with tasty nods to Indian flavours and a strong wine list with sweeping views that practically flirt back at you. Whether you’re kicking off with barista-made coffee and cheeky cakes or settling in for seafood that tastes as good as the scenery looks, it’s perfect for long chats and stolen glances over dinner.
Location: Southern Gateway Centre, M1 Princes Motorway Bulli Tops
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 7.30am-6pm; Friday to Saturday 7.30am-8pm
2. Mecca Bah Sydney
Nestled right on the waterfront, this vibrant Middle Eastern-meets-Mediterranean gem turns date night into a mini holiday without leaving Sydney. Step through its palace-style doors and you’ll be greeted with chic interiors, fragrant mezze and tagines made for sharing, and panoramic views of Darling Harbour that set the mood from sundown to starry night. Sip exotic cocktails like a Marrakesh Kiss or Beirut Berry crafted by master mixologists, or toast with a glass of wine as the harbour lights twinkle in the background, perfect for cosy conversations and cheeky laughs. With lively additions like belly-dancing evenings, bottomless brunches and stunning sunset vibes, it’s the kind of place that makes every date feel like an adventure.
Location: 32-34 The Promenade, King Street Whard
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11.30am – 9pm; Friday to Saturday 11.30am – 10pm; Sunday 11.30am – 9pm
3. Nick's Seafood Restaurant
For classic Sydney romance with a waterfront backdrop, Nick’s Seafood Restaurant delivers in all the right ways. Sitting right on Darling Harbour, this long-standing favourite is all about polished service, sweeping views and seafood that speaks for itself. Expect pristine oysters, whole lobsters, market-fresh fish and their famous seafood platters, best enjoyed with a glass of champagne as the sun sets over the water. With its elegant dining room, alfresco seating and unmistakably special-occasion feel, it’s the kind of place that turns a dinner date into a proper event that’s timeless, indulgent and undeniably Sydney.
Location: The Promenade, Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour
Hours: Daily 11.30am – 3pm & 5pm – 10pm
4. NEL Restaurant
If you’re after something seriously memorable for date night, NEL Restaurant delivers an immersive dining experience that’s anything but ordinary. Tucked away in Surry Hills, this intimate spot is all about a constantly changing multi-course degustation that evolves with creative concepts and seasons, so no two visits feel the same. The vibe is warm and stylish yet relaxed, with diners watching every plate come together in the open kitchen as flavours take you on a journey through native ingredients and global influences alike. From artfully reimagined dishes to thoughtful wine pairings and a setting that feels just right for a special night out, it’s the kind of meal that turns dinner into an experience worth booking well in advance.
Location: 75 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 5pm – late; Saturday 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – late
5. I Maccheroni
For lovers of rich flavours and timeless Italian charm, I Maccheroni brings a slice of la dolce vita to Sydney’s dining scene. This long-esteemed Paddington favourite pairs classic Italian cuisine, think perfectly al dente pasta, slow-simmered sauces and house-made desserts, with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for date night. The dining room’s warm lighting and attentive service set the stage for a meal that feels both special and effortlessly welcoming, whether you’re sharing antipasti or lingering over a bottle of Italian wine. It’s the kind of place where conversations flow as easily as the carafe, making it a wonderful choice for an intimate night out that feels genuinely memorable.
Location: 65 Berry Street, North Sydney
Hours: Monday to Friday 7am – 2.30pm
6. Cecilia Sydney
Cecilia Sydney feels like the kind of place where your date will naturally run long, in the best way. Tucked away in North Sydney, this modern Italian spot blends polished design with an easy, buzzy energy that makes it perfect for relaxed romance. The menu leans into bold, comforting flavours with a refined edge, from beautifully made pasta to crowd-pleasing classics done properly, while the wine list quietly encourages you to stay for just one more glass. It’s stylish without being stiff, intimate without trying too hard, and ideal for nights that start with dinner and end with plans to come back again.
Location: 65 Berry Street, North Sydney
Hours: Monday to Friday 7am – 2.30pm
7. Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant Sydney
Perched right on Sydney’s iconic waterfront at The Rocks, Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant delivers a classic harbour‑side dinner with views that practically do the talking before your first course even arrives. With panoramic sights of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from its covered terrace, it’s hard not to feel the romance as you toast with fresh oysters, expertly prepared seafood and seasonal dishes that take advantage of Australia’s finest produce with a contemporary twist. Under the guidance of an experienced kitchen team, the menu strikes a lovely balance between familiar favourites and creative flair, making it ideal for a date night that feels both special and effortlessly Sydney. Whether you’re soaking up the sunset over a seafood platter for two or savouring a long lunch with wine by the water, this spot turns harbour views and delicious food into a night to remember.
Location: 7 – 27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11.30am – 3pm & 5pm – 10pm; Friday to Sunday 11.30am – 10pm
8. Cucinetta Sydney
This neighbourhood favourite pairs hearty, seasonal Italian fare with an intimate atmosphere that feels both relaxed and special, from wood‑fired pizzas to house‑made pastas and beautifully balanced antipasti. The open kitchen adds a lively energy, so you and your date can watch the chefs at work while sipping on Italian wines or spritzes that keep the conversation flowing. Whether you’re settling in for a long dinner or popping in for a leisurely lunch with a view of bustling cobblestone streets, Cucinetta makes every meal feel like a celebration of good food and even better company.
Location: 103 Woolwich Road, Sydney
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 5.30pm – late; Friday to Sunday 11.30am – late
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