Cover image: Onslow. Venues listed in no particular order.
If you’re looking for a hot tip on where to bring your date this year, you’re in the right place. We’ve done the homework so all you need to impress is this list.
From harbour-side fine dining to intimate wine bars tucked away in heritage buildings, these restaurants know how to set the scene for love. Here are our top picks for the most romantic dining experiences this Valentine’s Day season.
Top Restaurants to Book for Valentine's Day in 2026
Perth, Western Australia
1. Bertie's Wine Bar
Nestled in Perth’s heritage precinct, Bertie Wine Bar exudes old-world charm with exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and cosy banquettes that create an atmosphere that’s effortlessly romantic. This intimate venue celebrates European wine culture with an impressive selection spanning classic regions and emerging producers, complemented by French-inspired bistro fare.
Perfect for: Wine enthusiasts and couples seeking intimate, conversation-friendly dining
2. C Restaurant
Who can argue that there’s something undeniably romantic about dining in the sky? C Restaurant in Perth offers revolving 360-degree views of the city skyline, Swan River, and surrounding hills—all from the 33rd floor. As the restaurant slowly rotates, you’ll enjoy an ever-changing backdrop to your meal—a delicious 3-course set menu for Valentine’s. It’d be impossible to have a dull moment up here.
Perfect for: Couples celebrating milestones who want dramatic views for the memorable occasion
Queensland
3. Madame V, Gold Coast
Step into the glamourous world of Art Deco elegance at Madame V, where plush velvet seating, geometric patterns, and flattering mood lighting channel the golden age of luxury ocean liners. The sophisticated atmosphere and theatrical dining presentation creates the perfect setting for date that resembles a romantic vintage movie. For Valentine’s Day, they’re curating a special banquet menu
Perfect for: Couples who appreciate a little glamour alongside great food, and love an excuse to dress up for the evening
4. Alchemy Restaurant, Brisbane
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Brisbane River and Story Bridge at this riverside gem, where the view becomes especially magical at dusk. The open kitchen that cooks up their refined tasting menu adds energy and theatre, while the waterfront setting is the picture of tranquility. Expect a three-course Valentine’s set meal from lunch to dinner, from $140pp.
Perfect for: Foodie couples seeking refined dining with a riverside ambience
5. Pier 33, Mooloolaba
Here’s a Valentine’s date idea where you can kick off your shoes and feel the sea breeze. With it’s premier waterfront location, Pier 33 delivers quintessential Australian coastal romance. Expect relaxed beachfront setting meets tasteful fine dining at this venue, perfect for sunset strolls before or after your meal.
Perfect for: Laidback couples seeking romantic escape with coastal charm
6. Santini's, Hervey Bay
This beautiful restaurant in Hervey Bay embodies a blend of Italian heritage and Australian roots, which you’ll experience through the unfussy, heartfelt menu. The space lets in plenty of natural light and a view of the bay, making this the choice for a bright and breezy lunch date. The Valentine’s Day experience features an exclusive set menu special from $135pp.
Perfect for: Couples who are looking to enjoy fresh modern cuisine with ocean views
New South Wales
7. Sugarlane
This Thai favourite in Lane Cove offers celebrating couples punchy flavours to spice up their date. For the occasion, they’re cooking up an Asian-fusion feast to share. For $85pp, settle in over 8 courses featuring salmon ceviche, steamed dumplings, grilled squid, crispy chicken, warming curries and a sweet finish of deep-fried ice cream.
Perfect for: First dates or long-time loves who want to spice things up
8. Coral, Terrigal
Perched right on the Terrigal seafront, Coral brings elevated coastal dining with a view that steals the show. This is where fresh seafood meets premium cuts in a refined waterfront setting. The spacious dining room and ocean views make it perfect for intimate celebrations, though you might find yourself lingering over that last glass of wine just to soak up the atmosphere a little longer.
Perfect for: Couples seeking spectacular ocean views and a menu that doesn’t make you choose between surf and turf
9. Nick's Seafood Restaurant
An iconic fixture on Cockle Bay Wharf, Nick’s Seafood Restaurant champions its ‘Sea to Plate’ philosophy with daily hand-picked produce from Sydney Fish Markets. The harbourfront location means champagne with a view, while the kitchen turns out everything from freshly shucked oysters to giant lobsters. Whether you snag a table on the spectacular alfresco or settle inside, this is waterfront dining that delivers on both atmosphere and quality.
Perfect for: Seafood lovers who want to go all out with harbour views
10. Amarilla
Named after the Spanish word for “sparkling,” Amarilla brings bold Iberian flavours to Terrigal Haven. This Spanish-inspired hotspot is all about sharing – crisp cocas (Spanish-style pizza), vibrant tapas, and generous raciones plates designed for two. The waterfront setting overlooks the sunlit waters of Terrigal Haven, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a relaxed social vibe.
Perfect for: Couples who love to explore bold flavours, and enjoy a lively atmosphere
11. Signal Box
Housed in a heritage-listed 1936 railway signal box, this Newcastle gem blends industrial history with modern bistro dining. The dining pavilion is almost entirely steel and concrete – a deliberate nod to the city’s working-class past – while hydraulic glass windows open up to let the harbour breeze in. The menu is approachable yet refined—think fresh oysters, scallop risotto, and melt-in-your-mouth short ribs. A spiral staircase leads to a rooftop perfect for sunset cocktails.
Perfect for: Couples who appreciate unique architecture, local history, and a dining experience that blends industrial cool with harbourside romance.
12. The Basin Dining Room
Set within the Mona Vale Surf Club, The Basin Dining Room delivers unparalleled beach views with laid-back elegance. The seasonal menu works closely with local producers to showcase the best quality ingredients, from seafood specialties like lobster rolls and fish pie to creative mains. Enjoy this with their special four-course menu at $149 pp. Whether you’re out on the balcony watching the waves or tucked inside with ocean views, this is a Northern Beaches standout.
Perfect for: Beach-loving couples who want quality coastal dining without the formality
13. Bellevue Cottage
Tucked into a heritage-listed Victorian building dating back to 1896, Bellevue Cottage by Antoine is where French romance meets Blackwattle Bay views. The waterfront terrace is perfect for sunshine-soaked dining, while the historical dining rooms inside retain their nostalgic charm. Enjoy an evening of their exquisite French-inspired dishes and fine wine with the 3-course Valentine’s Experience, featuring petit camembert, lamb confit and lavender panna cotta.
Perfect for: Couples who want world-class French technique, heritage charm, and a tasting menu that tells a story.
Melbourne, VIC
14. Bistro Gitan
Set opposite Fawkner Park in a stunning Victorian building, Bistro Gitan brings the warmth of a French bistro with flourishes from Spain and Italy. The menu celebrates generous European comfort food — steak tartare and garlic baguettes!— while the wine list presents both Old and New World selections. The intimate dining rooms make it perfect for celebrations or date nights when you want refined cooking without the starch.
Perfect for: Couples who want to feel like you’ve been transported to a Parisian neighbourhood bistro.
15. QT Kitchen
This modern Vietnamese fusion gem has been turning heads since 2017, blending traditional Vietnamese techniques with modern Australian produce. The menu ranges from classic Hanoi-style spring rolls and warming pho to bold fusion creations like the Whisky Flame Chicken. The minimalistic space balances dining sophistication with cosy informality – perfect for celebrations where the food does the talking.
Perfect for: Adventurous couples who enjoy their meals for sharing, with flavours that pack a punch.
16. Henry and The Fox
Located in Melbourne’s vibrant CBD, Henry and the Fox is a modern restaurant, bar, and cafe that’s become an iconic vegan-friendly destination for locals and visitors alike. The menu is a delightful fusion of Modern-Australian cuisine with European touches, all of which lean plant-based. The atmosphere blends contemporary vibes with warmth, featuring an exclusive laneway-style function space and a terrace adorned with greenery.
Perfect for: City-dwellers who want a versatile date spot with that quintessential Melbourne laneway charm.
Tasmania
17. The Astor Grill
In a fabulous 1920s Art Deco building on Macquarie Street, The Astor Grill delivers contemporary dining with old-world elegance. The philosophy here is simple: source the best quality local Tasmanian produce, including oysters from the Astor’s own farm at Pipeclay Lagoon. With an extensive wine list and impeccable service, this is classic dining done to perfection for a solid Valentine’s date.
Perfect for: Couples who appreciate pristine Tasmanian ingredients served with old-school charm
18. Pearl + Co.
Situated right on Victoria Dock, Pearl + Co is Hobart’s award-winning oyster bar and seafood restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the working fishing port. The menu highlights Tasmania’s incredible oyster varieties and sustainable seafood with a true hook-to-plate philosophy. With boats close enough to touch and seasonal specials year-round, this is an authentic Tasmanian experience that celebrates the state’s best seafood producers.
Perfect for: Couples who want dockside dining with a front-row seat to Tasmania’s working waterfront and freshest catches
Adelaide, SA
19. Windy Point Restaurant
Perched high with panoramic views that stretch endlessly from the Gulf of St Vincent to the Adelaide Hills, Windy Point offers a dramatic backdrop for Valentine’s Day dinner in the city. The elevated location alongside the menu of modern Australian cuisine with global influences create a romantic escape that feels worlds away from everyday life. They’re also running a 5-course dinner event including a premium four hour beverage package at $295 per ticket.
Perfect for: Couples who find romance in a sweet escape and sweeping vistas
20. Lenzerheide Restaurant
Tucked away in Hawthorn, Adelaide, Lenzerheide brings European alpine charm to South Australia with a cosy, chalet-inspired setting. The elegant destination is offering a relaxed Valentine’s Day a la carte lunch for couples who’d like a change of pace. But for more intimate nighttime vibes to share with someone special, go all out to celebrate the evening with their curated set dinner menu ($135pp).
Perfect for: Couples seeking old-world European romance and flexible options
Canberra, ACT
21. Corella Bar
Canberra’s Corella Bar brings contemporary sophistication to the capital with a sleek, modern interior that balances urban edge with inviting warmth. The stylish space features mood lighting and thoughtful design that creates an intimate vibe, while the menu showcases modern Australian cuisine with Asian influences—think fresh seafood, innovative small plates, and dishes designed for sharing.
Perfect for: Cosmopolitan couples who appreciate modern Australian dining with creative twists
22. Black Salt Dining
Black Salt Dining brings the quintessential lakeside dining experience that sets the tone for romance. The space features an understated design and intimate lighting that creates a sense of occasion, while the menu celebrates seasonal Australian produce with dishes that balance creativity and classic technique—expect beautifully executed seafood, premium meats, and thoughtful vegetarian options.
Perfect for: Couples seeking polished, contemporary dining in an elegant setting
New Zealand
23. The Fat Farmer, Palmerston North
Tucked into Hokowhitu Village, this vintage venue blends rustic timber and intimate booth seating—cosy nooks perfect for lingering over long dinners. From their hearty sharing plates to the eclectic drinks, The Far Farmer rounds out an experience that feels both elegant and effortlessly relaxed. There’s also a special set menu to share this Valentine’s Day along with a sweet treat and a drink ($90pp).
Perfect for: Couples who love to share, savour, and graze at their own pace
24. Onslow, Auckland
Set within a landmark Auckland address on Princes Street, this sophisticated yet relaxed dining room features lofty ceilings, cityscape views, and timeless style that nods to the old world while staying decidedly modern.
The menu by Chef Josh Emett’s centres on New Zealand’s finest seasonal ingredients, working closely with local farmers and producers who share the restaurant’s commitment to excellence. The refined Valentine’s Day menu features five courses, with a glass of Ruinart Champagne on arrival ($215 pp).
Perfect for: Couples seeking a world-class dining experience with polished service for the special occasion
Most Romantic Restaurants in Every City
Can’t get enough of date night? Here are more of our top picks for the most romantic dining experiences for the Valentine’s Day season.
