It’s tough being in a relationship, especially after those first 3 months pass by and you’re sadly no longer in the honeymoon stage. Keeping the romance alive and surprising each other takes a lot of effort and we seem to get everything and anything delivered these days so why bother getting off the couch? (Besides answering the front door to get your UberEATS delivery). Well, we have done the digging for you to find the perfect Friday night date restaurant or the casual Saturday afternoon outdoor dining experience…whichever you and your significant other prefer. (You don’t even have to tell them we did all the hard work…it’ll be our little secret).
Olio
2-10 Kensington Street, Sydney
Sicilian is the new Italian. Located on Kensington Street, Olio, translated to be olive oil in Italian, is the newest restaurant on the block. Featuring light oak timber, a Mediterranean blue and olive green colour palette, exposed brick, high ceilings and large windows to allow plenty of natural light. A contemporary indoor dining area for a relaxed atmosphere.
If the weather holds up (even if it doesn’t, you’ll be under cover), you can have a romantic evening in the Tarrazza (pretty self-explanatory…or the Terrace for those who didn’t do too well in their Italian classes) for a unique dining experience overlooking Kensington Street surrounded by lush olive trees. What could be better than a private rooftop terrace? Not exactly private per say, but only shared with 38 other strangers enjoying delicious meals.
Start your night off with sharing a plate of deep fried arancini rice balls, move on to homemade egg tagliolini pasta and finish off with some dolci…my favourite course! Your choices include classic Italian tiramisu, the chef’s signature semifreddo or chocolate millefoglie (a delicious vanilla slice). Don’t miss out on big Sicilian flavours!
Botanic Gardens Restaurant
Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
If you’re after a cute afternoon date (or you both tend to sleep in and your perfect excuse is now a mainstream trend called brunch), then Botanic Gardens Restaurant is the perfect oasis for you. A fan of open-air dining? Enjoy your food with a view? If you nodded along, you’ll be impressed with stunning garden surroundings and harbour views along with the modern interior for a great dining experience.
Using only the season’s freshest produce, Botanic Gardens’ menu changes seasonally to keep you on your toes. Offering all your favourite breakfast classics including smashed avo, French brioche toast or a Botanic breakfast. If you prefer lunch, then your choices include Smoked Venison Loin, Pan Roasted Chicken Ballotine, Open Ravioli of Roasted Pumpkin…okay, I need to stop listing these delicious foods before I drool all over my keyboard. Let’s move on to dessert with a Rich Dark Chocolate Fondant that will be the perfect dish to end your food extravaganza. Vegan desserts are also available upon request. Need I say more?
Manly Wine
8/13 S Steyne, Manly
If you’re that couple that prefers to swap skinny jeans with shorts and classic toe-pointed men’s shoes for thongs, then Manly Wine is the perfect place for you and your partner. A beach café, restaurant and wine bar overlooking the ever-iconic Manly Beach. Who says date night has to be spent at a romantic restaurant in the city?
Manly Wine offers relaxed beach vibes, modern interior designs with all its cute furniture. You can even sit by the window and people watch/stalk…if that’s the kind of date you’re into. Or soak in the uninterrupted views of the beach and embrace the sunshine. Daily specials include Double Steak Frites on Mondays, Sexy Sashimi Date Night on Tuesdays (this is all planned out for you if you’re indecisive), Fisherman’s Catch on Wednesdays and so on. Why not enjoy fresh seafood paired with a glass of wine (there is an extensive list for you to look at) and creative cocktails?
A dip after your date? Sounds pretty good. Open 7 days a week.
Méjico
105 Pitt Street, Sydney
Located in the heart of Sydney CBD, Méjico provides the ultimate Mexican experience in an enjoyable environment that offers the perfect ‘date night’ vibe.
From market to table, this is how we eat. Basically, Méjico creates meals from the freshest ingredients from their producers and their menu truly depends upon the seasonal availability. You can indulge in a refreshing watermelon salad then make your way through a grilled ocean trout taco with a side of jalapeño poppers. Feeling a bit adventurous? Try the Margarita Cheesecake!
There is a tequila wheel. Yes, you read that correctly. With over 250 tequilas, you are certainly spoilt for choice. So give the wheel a go to determine your flavour. Not in the tequila mood? No worries! There is an extensive wine list, cocktails and beers for you to enjoy.
Join Méjico for $3 Taco Tuesday’s.
Steel Bar & Grill
60 Carrington Street,Sydney
Steel Bar and Grill offers a contemporary modern Australian cuisine with an indoor dining area and outdoor deck. Featuring leather chairs, timber tables, brushed-steel décor for a classy night out.
For the ultimate dining experience, Steel offers an open plan kitchen for you to be a part of all the theatrics and drama whilst top chefs are cooking your meals. There are a range of dishes on the menu that include Yellowfin Tuna Tataki, Truffle Mushroom Risotto, Twice Cooked Lamb Rump and the list goes on. Even a variety of steaks prepared on the Argentinian wood-fire grill. What could be more romantic than sharing a dessert? Sharing two! Indulge in a Chococcino if you’re chocolate lovers, an Affogato for coffee addicts or Pina colada for those who are coconut obsessed.
$5 happy hour specials from Monday to Fridays starting at 5pm.
By Sahar Nessar
