Catching up with your platonic soulmate should be as special as they are, and Allysan fits that brief perfectly. The soft yet sleek interiors echo the quiet elegance of the menu and invite you to settle in for a decadent meal, a well-earned drink and a juicy catch-up. Whether you are sharing antics alongside a plate of oysters, whispering conspiratorially over a side of Wagyu, or divulging details between bites of truffle fettuccine, you'll be left feeling satisfied and pleased in this cosy slice of luxury.  

Under the iconic arched ceiling, surrounded by chatter and terrazzo, entering Leigh Street Wine Room is like entering a secret world. A world where the food is mouthwatering, the wine is excellent and the company is superb. Intimate and lively, you and your bestie can share smaller flavour-packed plates, order hearty mains or select from the extensive wine list while you relax into the atmosphere. Leigh Street is a community gem, where you can immerse yourself in an ambiance brimming with life, connection and enjoyment.  

Imagine a place where you can experience the flavours, ambiance and relaxation of the mediterranean without the plane ticket. Now imagine that place exists, is nestled on King Street Wharf, and is waiting for you. Let your worries wash away, laughter drifting on the breeze as you and your bestie lounge on comfy outdoor seats and clink cocktails. Watch the world hurry on by against the backdrop of glistening water, enjoying char-grilled octopus, handmade sheftalia sausages, or George’s Lamb Feast. 

As warm and welcoming as only the friendliest neighbourhood Italian restaurant can be, Julio’s is the perfect place to take your best friend on the date they deserve. Soak in live music over happy hour and let the night run late and long as you enjoy pizza, pasta or panna cotta (or all three). With your belly full and cheeks sore from smiling, you leave feeling warm and fuzzy, already planning your next visit. 

Regaling each other with tales, sipping drinks and enjoying incredible food while you look out over the water, the Story Bridge and city skyline sparkling back at you, is the very thing your sitcom dreams are made of.  The vibes are immaculate, the atmosphere relaxed yet energising, as you enjoy modern Australian, paddock to plate, premium dining under the festoon lights. Alternatively, pop by for Sunday long lunch, where the nine courses showcase fresh, high-quality produce, meat and seafood. Oh, to be alive and with your bestie at Patina.  

You’re never too old to live out your fairytale dreams, and Stamford Park Homestead is the perfect place to do just that this National Best Friend’s Day. The lovingly restored property is as timeless as it is whimsical, history and magic dripping from every eave as the sun shines through windows and across linen tablecloths. Enjoy high tea out on the verandah, looking out over the estate as you enjoy tartlets and croquettes, sandwiches and scones. And tea, of course. Bond over old memories while making new ones during this unique dining experience.  

Under the glow of pink neon lights, the vibrant water lily mural contrasts beautifully with Lilymu’s dark and sleek interior. This contemporary Asian eatery creates flavours as vivid and exciting as its decor, each ingredient fresh and ethically sourced. Travel the continent as you explore everything from curries to ssam, gyoza to ceviche. You can also choose a banquet, a selection that showcases their kitchen’s range and deft mastery effortlessly while you enjoy a meal you and your bestie won’t soon forget. 

Can’t choose between spoiling your bestie with thought-provoking art or delicious food? Now you don’t have to. Dining under the breathtaking cherry-blossom and surrounded by intriguing art pieces, dive into a dining experience that is as intriguing as it is delicious. Turning tradition on its head, Duckfat offers recipes that are edgy, refreshed and mouth-watering all at once. Try the beef tartare with its egg yolk lovingly placed on top, the just seared red tuna in cajun spice, or of course, the pan-fried duck breast. 

Tucked away in Hobart’s CBD, La Sardina Loca is a converted stable turned Aperitivo bar, and invites you to hide away from the real world for a few hours. The sandstone courtyard decorated with fairy lights gives a secret garden feel, perfect for trading secrets and letting your worries melt into the evening air. Share any selection of plates, each one containing deliciously prepared and cooked local produce. 

The perfect place for a laid back yet invigorating best friend date, Hideaway Kitchen and Bar is vibrant, lively, and packs flavourful punch after flavourful punch. Using the best Australian ingredients to showcase Asian cuisine, the menu is extensive and colourful as the umbrellas that stand overhead. Sit indoors or outdoors while you enjoy share plates, dumplings, noodles or bao. Choice will be your biggest challenge here, as the menu overflows with flavourful options, each one more inviting than the next.