Melbourne - What's the Dating Scene Like?
While dating apps dominate modern matchmaking, Melbourne’s dating scene allows for chance encounters. As one local observes, "Your best bet for meeting someone organically? A Fitzroy wine bar or a gallery opening—just ask a stranger what they think of the art, and you’ll be talking for hours." The city’s walkable laneways, hidden bars, and buzzing cultural events make it ideal for strengthening and deepening connections, whether forged online or by chance.
A well-planned first date in Melbourne is never ordinary. Appreciate fine dining? The city's top-tier restaurants offer some of the best culinary experiences in the country, from intimate Japanese degustations to bold, boundary-pushing modern Australian fare. Meanwhile, the rooftop bar scene is unparalleled—imagine sipping a Negroni while watching the sun dip behind the skyline at HER or gazing across the Yarra from Siglo with a glass of Champagne in hand.
Yet, perhaps the most intriguing part of Melbourne’s dating culture is its underlying informality. Here, a first date could just as quickly be at a hole-in-the-wall dumpling joint as a Michelin-starred fine diner. This fluidity allows relationships to develop organically—an espresso at Patricia Coffee Brewers could seamlessly turn into a long afternoon wandering through the NGV, then into an evening of cocktails at Eau de Vie.
But make no mistake: Melbourne’s dating scene demands a certain level of discernment. It’s a city that rewards those who seek out the exceptional, the hidden, and the expertly curated. The key to navigating it successfully? A sense of curiosity, a willingness to explore, and an appreciation for the high and low of what this city offers.
Ideas for Where To Go on a Date in Melbourne
Best Melbourne Restaurants to Take a Date
Vue de Monde
The Ultimate Fine Dining Experience - Central Business District
Perched on the 55th floor of Melbourne’s iconic Rialto Tower, Vue de Monde offers a dining experience that is both breathtaking and profoundly refined. With floor-to-ceiling windows providing sweeping panoramic views of the city, the atmosphere sets the stage for a high-stakes, unforgettable date. At the helm is Executive Chef Hugh Allen, a protégé of René Redzepi from Noma, who brings an innovative touch to contemporary Australian cuisine. Dishes like paperbark-wrapped marron, kangaroo tartare, and wattleseed-infused desserts showcase the best local produce with avant-garde precision.. This is Melbourne’s premier destination for a special occasion.
Gimlet at Cavendish House
European Glamour Meets Melbourne Cool - East End
If there’s a restaurant in Melbourne that feels like a scene from a classic film, it’s Gimlet at Cavendish House. Located in a 1920s-era building in the CBD, this Andrew McConnell-led venue brings the romance of European brasseries into the modern era. The high ceilings, moody lighting, and marble-topped bar create an elegant and effortlessly cool atmosphere. The menu is a love letter to timeless European dishes with a contemporary twist. The lobster vol-au-vent is an instant classic, buttery and flaky, while the dry-aged ribeye with Café de Paris butter is a must for steak lovers. The cocktails are just as well-crafted—the signature Gimlet, made with house-made lime cordial, is a revelation.
Attica
Boundary-Pushing - Ripponlea
For a date that’s as much about discovery as it is about indulgence, Attica is in a league of its own. Chef Ben Shewry’s three-hat restaurant is consistently ranked among the world’s best. Its tasting menu highlights rare and hyper-local Australian ingredients in ways that surprise and delight. Dishes here are not just food; they are conversations in themselves. Expect the unexpected—emu liver pâté, saltwater crocodile ribs, or bunya nuts infused with caramel. Attica is one of the few places to experience indigenous ingredients presented with this artistry. . Every course feels like a journey through Australia’s natural landscape, from the Outback to the sea, making this the ultimate date night for adventurous food lovers.
Kazuki’s
Japanese-French Elegance - Carlton
Kazuki’s is an unbeatable choice for a date about intimacy, elegance, and impeccable service. Tucked away in Carlton, this Japanese-French fusion restaurant is a masterclass in balance—both in flavor and atmosphere. Chef Kazuki Tsuya seamlessly combines Japanese precision with French decadence, resulting in a refined, sophisticated, and deeply comforting menu. The seven-course degustation, featuring delicate sashimi, smoked duck, miso-infused butter, and Yarra Valley trout roe, is the best way to experience the kitchen's artistry. The service here is some of the best in Melbourne, striking the perfect note between attentiveness and discretion. The curated sake and wine pairings add another layer of indulgence.
Matilda 159
Fire-Driven Flavour - South Yarra
If your ideal date spot is bold, smoky, and effortlessly stylish, Matilda 159 is the place to be. Helmed by Scott Pickett, this woodfire-focused restaurant in South Yarra serves primal yet sophisticated food. Open-flame cooking is the star of the show here—charred kangaroo skewers, ember-roasted pumpkin, and slow-smoked short rib all carry that distinctive fire-kissed flavor. The design reflects the menu’s philosophy: warm timber tones, leather seating, and an open kitchen showcasing the live flames. With low lighting and a sexy, intimate ambiance, Matilda 159 is ideal for those who want a less formal but incredibly memorable date night.
Di Stasio Città
Ultimate Italian Romance - Central Business District
Few places in Melbourne capture the romance of Italy quite like Di Stasio Città. This CBD outpost of the legendary Di Stasio in St Kilda is a love letter to classic Italian hospitality, with marble interiors, moody lighting, and crisp white tablecloths. Unapologetically Italian, the handmade pasta is flawless, the veal saltimbocca is rich and indulgent, and the classic tiramisu is a mandatory finish. A Negroni or a bottle of Barolo seals the deal, setting the scene for a long, languid evening. The art-filled walls and grand European aesthetic make this one of Melbourne’s most romantic dining rooms. For a first date that feels cinematic or a special night out that lingers in memory, Di Stasio Città is as close to perfection as it gets.
One of a Kind Date Experiences for Melbourne
Helicopter Ride Over the 12 Apostles
Take a private helicopter tour along the Great Ocean Road for a date that redefines unforgettable. The tour ends with a bird' s-eye view of the breathtaking 12 Apostles. The sheer spectacle of the rugged coastline, combined with the exclusivity of the experience, makes this the ultimate romantic gesture.
Private Tour of the NGV After Dark
Skip the crowds with a private, after-hours tour of the National Gallery of Victoria. Led by an expert guide, this experience offers unparalleled insight into the gallery’s vast collection, with a post-tour Champagne toast in the Great Hall beneath the famous stained-glass ceiling.
Champagne and Oysters at Arbory Afloat
In the warmer months, Arbory Afloat transforms into a Mediterranean-inspired oasis on the Yarra. Book a private cabana, order a round of oysters and chilled Champagne, and enjoy one of Melbourne’s most luxurious waterfront experiences.
Hidden Jazz Club at Paris Cat
Paris Cat Jazz Club offers an intimate and immersive jazz experience tucked away in an unassuming laneway. The candlelit tables and world-class musicians create an atmosphere reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy—perfect for a late-night rendezvous.
