How Romantic: 7 Date Night Restaurants in Brisbane

Whether you’re looking to impress on a first date or want to let your partner know how magical they make your life, La Belle Vie is a stunning spot for date night. Looking out over the treetops of Mount Coot-Tha, “La Belle Vie” translates to “the good life”, and they live up to the name. Inside the glass-case restaurant, you will be treated to head chef Samuel Perrin’s expertise, heavily influenced by his provincial French upbringing. Enjoy a golden hour to rival all others as you tuck into such treats as Saint-Jacques (pan-seared scallops), Caille (Brisbane Valley quail coq a vin style) or Escargots (authentic French snails in garlic and butter). 

Relaxed rooftop dining at its finest, Melrose Restaurant offers pan-Asian cuisine designed for sharing and perfect for bonding over. This award-winning eatery comes alive with greenery, conversation, and flavour as you enjoy the company of your date. Delectable offerings include the scallop or polemo betel leaves, beef marrow rendang with sourdough, and the yellowfin tuna aburi served with avruga caviar. Another highlight is the pork knuckle, served in master stock caramel and with pickle mustard greens and nahm jim. 

The Walnut, restaurant to Royal on the Park Hotel, provides the perfect place to snuggle up with your date and enjoy rich flavours and a cosy atmosphere. Amongst the comfy seating, the classic wood panels and sparkling chandeliers, it’s easy to see that The Walnut has fifty years entertaining and delighting its patrons. Favourites here include steak frites (served with truffle butter), braised lamb shank or oysters three ways (natural with a hibiscus and galangal vinaigrette, grilled in garlic lemon butter and the classic kilpatrick).   

If you’re looking for a place to take your date that will feel like entering your own little world, Rothwell’s Bar and Grill is more than up for the challenge. Under a canopy of fairy lights and chandeliers sits a timeless hideaway that serves only the most indulgent meals. You can choose such dishes as steak tartare with potato crisps, campanelle with lobster and caviar, or you may even choose to order their famous 600g Beef Wellington to share. Paired with their extensive wine list, you can raise a glass to a wonderful evening at Rothwell’s.  

Within the warm yet bright atmosphere of Hizola’s Kitchen, patrons are invited to experience immersive, communal dining. Where better to get to know a potential love match than amongst the bright lanterns, lively atmosphere, and vibrant flavours of some of the best Cantonese food Brisbane has to offer. With meals made for sharing and easy to customise for dietary requirements, Hizola’s breaks the ice for you, as well as encouraging you to come back again soon! Fan favourites include pan-fried wagyu dumplings, braised pork boa or Chef’s Choice, where all think work is removed as you are presented with a selection of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. 

A homey, old-world Italian restaurant, Grappino Trattoria provides a classic dining experience that you and your date won’t soon forget. Surrounded by posters and more wine and grappa than you can count, Grappino will have you feeling like you’re having a romantic dinner straight out of the movies. Dishes to keep an eye out for include the gorgonzola cheese soufflé, zuppa di trattoria (porcini mushroom soup with champagne and white truffle oil) and the sand crab cannelloni, served with fine lobster sauce and fresh prawns. 

Want to impress your date with not only food but culture? Duckfat is the perfect place to do just that. Under the pretty pink of the cherry blossom tree and surrounded by modern art, Duckfat offers up not just a meal, but an experience. To truly appreciate the culinary expertise of this place, you may decide to order from their Banquet Menu. The Banquet-Me contains many favourites, including the French baguette and butter to start, confit duck as one of the mains and finishing with a Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée.