Everyone does dates differently; from an elegant candle-lit dinner to beer paddles or a night at the arcade.
However you’d like to play it, we’ve compiled a list of the best Brisbane date night spots.
Whether you’re chasing a romantic rendezvous, or something a little more fun and flirty, we’ve rounded up fourteen of the best spots.
Grab a Drink
The classic “grab a drink”, but let’s up the ante a bit.
Savile Row
Savile Row is a whiskey bar in Fortitude with an impressive range of whiskeys from all around the world, and an equally impressive cocktail list to match.
Plenty of mood lighting, upholstered booths and intimate seating make this place ideal for a first date or a 50th. If you’re looking for sophisticated, this is it.
The staff are also serious whiskey connoisseurs, so you and your date can learn a thing or two about your favourite tipple.
Noir Paddington
Noir is a wine bar located in the always-trendy Paddington. The fit-out is airy and open while simultaneously being intimate and inviting. For casual conversations over some seriously incredible wines, this is the place to be.
The ever-changing wine list has something for everyone, and the knowledgeable staff are more than happy to help you find your perfect drop.
Alongside their vinos a carefully curated charcuterie menu is available. Naturally, we’re partial to a good cheese and wine pairing.
Jungle
Jungle in West End is a must for fun and funky cocktails in an equally funky bar. This Polynesian Tiki Hut serves up classics like Pina Coladas and Margaritas with a twist, as well as their own unique concoctions.
The cocktails are bright, the vibe is truly tropical and the staff (and customers) are all friendly and exuberant. You can’t go wrong for a good time.
The space isn’t massive, which also makes it perfect for conversations – you won’t find any blaring bass in this bar.
Good Eats, Great Vibes
These venues have fun and delicious food in equally great atmospheres.
Ping Pong Asian
If you haven’t had the pleasure of dining at Ping Pong yet, it’s definitely worthy of your next date night. Amazing atmosphere, Thai food, and killer cocktails; what more could you want? The front of the venue is every Insta-lovers’ dream with pink everything from menus, walls, tables, signs, and hanging adornments, and the back of the venue is jungle-themed! PingPongs’ slogan is “the ingredients are fresh, our food is hot, and the vibe is cool” which couldn’t be more accurate! Make sure you book ahead for this popular little spot.
La Costa
Do you want to spoil your partner with a glamorous Italian Riviera-inspired restaurant and bar? La Costa is just that. Hidden behind the historic Fortitude Valley’s first picture theatre, La Costa will transport you to a place like no other. The atmosphere is radiant with the beautiful old-world meeting a Euro coastal setting. Plus there’s jazz music and, of course, delicious food. You can’t go wrong with one of their cocktails. Think Negronis, Olive & Tonics, Spritz, and many more. Enjoy the authentic La Costa experience with the arancini of the day, beautiful fresh bruschetta, or one of their classic pizza or pasta dishes.
El Camino Cantina
El Camino has locations in Chermside, South Bank and Bowen Hills. They serve up seriously fun Tex-Mex vibes. If an eclectic atmosphere and plenty of tacos and frozen margaritas are your idea of a good date, you can’t go past El Camino.
The venue itself is colourful and exciting, the menu is massive and packed with crowd favourites and it definitely won’t break the bank.
Luxing It Up
Whether it’s for a big celebration or you’re looking to truly impress, these are some of BNE’s fanciest date spots.
Hellenika
For sophisticated Greek eats, you can’t go past Hellenika. Located on the rooftop overlooking The Calile in James Street, Hellenika is perfect for a summer setting to transport you and your date to a Greek island.
Their food is simple and authentic, but with the best of the best produce selected and prepared immaculately.
Hellenika is one to add to the bucket list and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. You can pick the day and time to check out this classy joint – just make sure you book well in advance. Hellenika is the perfect place to gather, share, and enjoy.
SK Steak and Oyster
If you want to impress your date, this is one sure-fire way to do that. Meet one of Brisbane’s finest restaurants, SK Steak and Oyster. Located underneath the Calile Hotel in Ada Lane, Fortitude Valley, this stunning bar and restaurant can be described as ‘Mad Men meets James Bond.’ The beautiful architecture adds to the overall experience, with high ceilings and pale timber accents.
And not to worry if you aren’t a steak OR oyster fan, SK has plenty of other mains, pasta and risottos, salads, and more. Their cocktail list is equally jaw-dropping. You’d be remiss to not try one of their martinis.
Rogue Bistro
Hate the pressure of choosing what to eat? Rogue Bistro has a rotating six-course menu that changes every month and accommodates dietary requirements!
This minimalist style venue serves up modern Australian cuisine in a relaxed and inviting setting, perfect for taking the pressure off on first dates. In 2020 Rogue Bistro had a revamp. They swapped the old furniture for a new, luxe, all-black interior and an enclosed front patio, allowing a more intimate venue away from the busy industrial strip. From the moment you are seated, your dining experience starts. In the six-course meal, you will receive a snack, entree, two-part main, and two-part dessert. And with the luxury of having a rotating menu, you can even come back every month and have a whole new experience.
Donna Chang
Love luxe Chinese food? Then Donna Chang should be next on your date night list! With a subtle nod to Sichuan flavours and authentic Cantonese cuisine, Donna Chang is the perfect modern Chinese venue. The multi-level venue has a mezzanine level that captures the restaurant below that is open, bright, and exciting.
Donna Changs prides itself on sourcing the very best local ingredients to create unique dishes.
La Belle Vie Bistro
What’s more romantic than a traditional slice of France in the heart of Brisbane?
La Belle Vie Bistro is a beautiful restaurant in a prime position in Bardon, with sweeping hilltop views that are just breathtaking. The menu consists of all things classical and French with a modern twist. For the more daring couples, there are beautiful whole snails cooked in garlic and butter. The stunning floor-to-ceiling windows create a lovely atmosphere for you and your partner to enjoy and take in the scenery of Brisbane.
For Something Out of The Box
Holey Moley
Are you looking for something more on the experience side of dating? Hit up Holey Moley for a couple of putts around the course, some drinks, and food. Bound to bring out the competitive side of your chosen partner, Holey Moley features a nine-hole mini-golf course in the centre of Fortitude Valley. The drinks menu is well-curated with its list of cocktail jugs, cocktails, beers, wines, and must-try trophy cocktails! The food menu is tasty and straightforward, with options like pizza, toasties, burgers, and more to keep you from getting famished while playing. Once you’re finished with your game, you can even keep the party going and battle it out on the ping pong or arcade machines.
B Lucky and Sons
One part cocktail bar, one part old school games and arcade games, and one part pawnshop, B. Lucky and Sons is bound to be an experience for you and your date. Walking into B. Lucky feels just like an old arcade with games galore and fun times ahead, but without children and plenty of alcohol on offer.
The space is decked with games including Mario Kart, space invaders, NBA hoops, Whack N’ Win, dance games, and many more classics. The drink selection at B. Lucky is full of unique cocktails, funkily presented, that compliment the pub-style menu.
Netherworld
Netherworld is Fortitude Valley’s OG arcade and games bar. With arcade games, pinball machines, board games and more on offer, including classics like Donkey Kong and Ms. Pacman, you can spend hours working your way through them all. And if you get hungry, there are plenty of food options available, along with plenty of craft beers on tap.
It does tend to get quite busy on weekend nights, so keep that in mind if deep and lengthy conversation is what you’re after.
Now in true date fashion, don’t forget to book ahead of time.
Tag us at @brisbane on Instagram with photos of your dates in these venues! Happy dating Brisbane.
