Romantic restaurants Sydney; our favourites

Looking for some scintillating Cantonese cuisine? Few places do it better than Mr. Wong. Slap-bang in the centre of town and housed in what used to be the Tank nightclub, this cavernous 240-seater eatery is popular amongst Sydney’s gastronomes. Chef Dan Hong has ensured that there’s an authenticity about the place you’d struggle to find elsewhere. Highlights include the delicately done dim sum, glorious roast duck and the particularly moreish mud crab.

Photo: Zomato

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Established in 2007 by Eugenio Maiale, A Tavola has garnered a reputation as one of Sydney’s most authentic Italian restaurants. Why has it become so popular? The answer to that rests on Maiale’s upfront approach to cooking. Simplicity is the order of the day at A Tavola; handmade pasta and honest ingredients give the place a homely vibe. Close your eyes and you could be in Abruzzo! Locations in Darlinghurst and Bondi.

Photo: A Tavola

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Fronted by the talented Nathan Sasi, Mercado is a joint renowned for its hands-on style of cooking. Pretty much all of the produce in this CBD restaurant is made from scratch and in-house – locally sourced meat is butchered onsite, fresh bread is baked daily and artisanal cheeses are lovingly crafted by Mercado’s kitchen crew. A proper carambolage of European flavours, Sasi’s scran is a heady fusion of bold tastes and unique twists. 

Photo: Concrete Playground

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Granted, this isn’t an option if you’re after a sit down meal. But why not forfeit dessert and head on down to Gelato Messina for a lip-smacking Italian treat. After all, what could be more romantic than sharing a few scoops of gelato and going for a stroll around town? With 10 stores in Sydney you’re not short of options either. Perhaps the hardest thing is picking a flavour – they’ve got over 40 to choose from! A slighlty uncouth inclusion on a list charting Sydney’s top romantic restaurants, but a sure-fire winner for sure!

Photo: Gelato Messina

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Given its subtle art-deco facade, you could be forgiven for failing to spot Woolloomooloo’s Riley St Garage. Lauded for its Manhattan Meatpacking District aesthetics, everything from the exposed brickwork to the well-stocked bar screams prohibition chic. Order yourself a cocktail at tuck into a meal that’s not shy on the flavour front. Everything on the menu is meant for sharing, something that lends itself to the restaurant’s conviviality. Certainly one of Sydney’s top romantic restaurants!

Photo: Riley St Garage

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If you’re after authentic Japanese eats then look no further than Kaiseki-style eatery Sokyo. Set in The Star, Pyrmont’s sprawling entertainment complex, this romantic restaurant in Sydney’s CBD oozes sophistication from the get go. The sleek interior juxtaposes seamlessly with the precision-sliced sashimi, whilst subtle flavours blend in with the muted decor. Succulent cubes of beef robata are essential if you want to indulge in a sticky BBQ treat. Don’t forget the Sake either!

Photo: Supplied

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Arguably the most urbane establishment on this list, The Bridge Room is a must do if you’re looking for a fine dining experience in an effortlessly chic environment. Headed up by Ross Lusted, there’s a strikingly artistic quality to everything that makes its way onto the tables here. Polished parquet flooring and designer furniture compliment the beautifully prepared food with understated élan. Take a seat and find out why Lusted’s contemporary Australian fare has bagged The Bridge Room countless accolades.

Photo: Tobias Partners

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This Surry Hill’s institution is a staple fixture on Sydney’s foodie circuit. Pioneered by Nathan Sasi (who’s now based at Mercado), Nomad’s open-plan environs make for a perfect date spot. Fabled for its Moorish-inspired menu and extensive Aussie wine list, everything edible at this spot is bound to blow your taste buds away. Order the charcuterie platter for an indulgent entree fit for any discerning carnivore.

Photo: Nomad

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When Paul Cooper and Erez Gordon took over the same premises once occupied by Surry Hill’s much-loved French eatery Tabou, they knew they had big boots to fill. It’s safe to say that they rose to the challenge, and excelled. With their innovative take on modern European cuisine, Bishop Sessa’s kitchen plates some of the city’s most original food. Try out the degustation menu for a tantalising sojourn through the culinary catacombs of chef Cooper’s imagination. 

Photo: Supplied

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Avid Pescatarians listen up; head here if you want to indulge in the freshest seafood going. Nestled on the opposite side of Blackwattle bay to the city’s world famous fish market, the Boathouse’s clean lines and harbour-side views give it an almost yacht-like quality. And if the maritime panorama wasn’t mesmeric enough, just wait until you see the menu. Scintillating oysters, beautifully prepared fish and carefully curated vino put this Glebe haunt amongst the finest romantic restaurants in Sydney.

Photo: The Boathouse

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