If you break out into a cold sweat at the thought of organising a dinner with a hot new date (or an unattractive old date, whatever floats your boat), you’re not alone. The pressure to get the joint right is immense.
To ensure smooth sailing, we’ve picked an en pointe restaurant from each of Australia‘s major cities (yes, even you Darwin) so that you have a fall-back plan if you find yourselves in a restaurant-related pickle. Date like a boss and open a Bank of Queensland Day2Day Plus bank account to be in the running for $2,000*.
Your date will be so distracted by the experience, they won’t even notice your complete inability to break the ice without resorting to questions like, “Have you ever been in a long-term relationship?”
Melbourne – Chin Chin
125 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfKiBhgHhqJ/?hl=en&taken-by=chinchin
Not only do Chin Chin offer a ridiculous menu (the ‘Feed Me’ option will leave you comatose in the best possible way), there’s also an underground bar/eatery which promises the same food but with a more relaxed vibe. Perfect for whispering sweet nothings like “I forgot my wallet” in your date’s ear.
If you want the Chin Chin experience but don’t live in Melbs, there’s also one set up in Sydney.
Sydney – Ester
46-52 Meagher St, Chippendale NSW 2008
It’s fitting that the first item on Ester‘s menu are roasted rock oysters.
The entire venue itself is like a man-made aphrodisiac – its woodfire oven and bare concrete walls are bound to get even the most disinterested of dates a little intrigued. Plus, they serve every hard liquor under the sun, so you can show off your sophisticated know-how by ordering a vodka coke with a sippy straw. Pure elegance.
Brisbane – Gerard’s Bistro
14/15 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeU8HNmFmm2/?taken-by=gerardsbistro
Gerard’s Bistro is an ideal place to head if you’re unsure what your date likes to eat as ol’ mate Gerard serves dishes from Africa, the Middle East and Europe. So, unless the person you’re trying to woo is unbearably picky and therefore not worth your time, they’re bound to find something they enjoy.
Also, they serve suckling pig with burnt butter. Jesus take the wheel.
Hobart – Ettie’s
100 Elizabeth St, Hobart TAS 7000
It might be wise to point out that Ettie’s has an inviting leather couch fit for two (well, technically three, but you can tell the stranger who’s killing the mood to get off your lap and sit on their own seat).
Ettie’s also moonlights as a bar and bottle shop, so if the night progresses nicely, you could purchase a nice bottle of wine and continue the date back at someone’s humble abode.
Darwin – Stone House
33 Cavenagh St, Darwin City NT 0800
Stone House takes the self-proclaimed title as Darwin’s first proper wine bar. There may be a wine-related turf war brewing in Darwin if any other venue gets wind of that little tidbit.
Regardless, bring your companion along and chow down on tapas, glug Spanish wine and gaze at each other with a mixture of lust and apprehension.
Canberra – Monster
Ground/25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra ACT 2601
There’s something about a restaurant describing themselves as “industrial-chic” that immediately pricks up ears. Flashbacks to boozy nights at the Ruin bars in Budapest, perhaps?
Regardless, sign us up. Monster has a distinct look which is bound to be a conversation starter as well as one helluva menu.
Adelaide – Shiki
Upper Lobby, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWtSlw_jdGO/?taken-by=shikiadl
Teppanyaki is a legit lifesaver. Not even kidding, if you’ve accidentally spilt wine on your date or you’ve said something inappropriate about their dead dog, you just turn to one of the masterful chefs doing their profesh thing and all will be right again – sort of.
Head to Shiki and let chef Kenny Trinh serve you perfect Japanese while showing off his craft.
Perth – C Restaurant in the Sky
Level 33/44 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Okay, so rotating restaurants admittedly sound like a bit of a gimmick, but C Restaurant is serving views – along with some impeccable dishes and some ridic cocktails to boot.
You can also bring a pair of binoculars along just in case you and your date realise you have a mutual love for eavesdropping on unsuspecting strangers while they go about their business. Ah, young love.
You’ll also need a way to pay for all of this wining and dining – dating ain’t cheap and we already spend a fair whack on unnecessary things:
To fund your next dozen or so dates with the potential love of your life, you could win 2000 bucks by opening a Day2Day Plus bank account with Bank of Queensland – $0 account keeping fees with no minimum deposit. Sign up and go into the running to win $2000* every week for eight weeks.
If you’re keen, check out the deets here.
*Terms and conditions apply.
