I Do: 8 Brisbane Restaurants to Propose In

Okay, imagine this: you and your soon-to-be betrothed looking out over Story Bridge, the twinkling city lights reflected in the harbour, the soft glow from the overhead light installation creating the perfect photographic lighting. The scene is set, all thanks to Patina. Located in one of the city’s most iconic heritage-listed buildings, this is one of Brisbane’s most romantic dining settings. It’s a classic, and you can never go wrong with a classic.

High above Fortitude Valley, Soko feels like a wildly glamorous urban rainforest. Everything at Soko is bold; the atmosphere, the exotic Peruvian–Japanese fusion flavours, right down to the cocktail and sake list. You can pick your perfect spot – out among the trees on the terrace or inside at the greenhouse-style dining pavilion with soaring ceilings, hanging plants, pendant lighting and green velvet chairs. Once you’ve got your “yes”, you can get the perfect photo with the city skyline in the background.  

ēmmē is understatedly cool. Pared back and elegant, it’s kind of like an art gallery mixed with a restaurant. While the decor is luxe, the vibe is surprisingly laid back, so it’s perfect if you want something a little more chilled than a fine dining situation, and for those who prefer quiet romance over spectacle. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and the wine stays topped up. If you’re after an intimate, organic-feeling moment — the kind of quiet, sincere proposal in a restaurant — ēmmē is hard to beat. 

Deer Duck is intimate, moody and utterly charming. Antique furniture, rich fabrics, chandeliers, vintage paintings — it’s like stepping into an old European salon. The modern European degustation menu is equally elaborate, and each course brings with it a new wine pairing from the restaurant's cellar. The whole vibe feels special and a little different to the ordinary, making it the perfect spot for such a momentous occasion.  

If your proposal plan needs energy, colour and a touch of drama (the fun kind), Queen's Wharf's opulent Latin American-inspired restaurant, Azteca, might be the one. Expect mood lighting, sculptural décor, statement floor-to-ceiling windows, and a menu that leans into Latin flavours with an Asian twist. Agave spirits take centre stage behind the bar (excellent for calming last-minute proposal jitters), and the whole space hums with energy. If you want your proposal to feel lively, celebratory and full of personality, Azteca is a stellar choice. 

Nothing says romance like Paris, and if you can’t actually be in Paris, this is the next best thing. Classic, elegant and timeless, Montrachet is Brisbane’s answer to Parisian romance. It’s not at all stuffy – the vibe is more akin to being in a little corner French bistro, with exposed brick, warm lighting and deep red leather banquettes. It feels friendly and welcoming, and the French menu is exceptional.  

If the thought of proposing has your stomach in knots, maybe a decadent meal isn’t what you’re after. That’s cool, we’ve got the perfect solution. Savile Row is a cocktail bar that is dark, moody, glamorous and full of chandelier-lit charm. The cocktails are world-class (and strong, which might help), and there are plenty of private nooks perfect for a more intimate proposal.  

Bar Miette is sweet, cosy and full of Parisian charm. As dusk falls, the tables out on the terrace that overlook Story Bridge are softly lit with small table lamps, and the light bounces off the overhead umbrellas, giving the whole space a cosy, intimate feel. The vibe is deeply European in a low-key romantic way, and from the menu you can expect European-leaning share plates, elegant desserts and a beautifully curated wine list.