Romantic dining in Brisbane

Whether you need the perfect restaurant for a special occasion such as an anniversary, a birthday, or even a proposal, or you’re chasing a romantic vibe for a casual night for just the two of you, Brisbane is overflowing with restaurants that fit the bill.

Treat your loved one to dinner at one of Brisbane’s most romantic restaurants.

• Special occasion ($45+ mains)
• Fine dining ($35-45 mains)
• More casual restaurants (under $35 mains)

Special occasion romantic dining  ($45+ mains)

ARIA – modern Australian

No matter the season, head chef Ben Russell crafts an exquisite menu at celebrity chef Matt Moran’s Aria. The restaurant holds an award-winning wine list and a spot in Gourmet Traveller Magazine’s Hall of Fame for winning Wine List of the Year three times.

Homage – modern Australian

With a focus on local and seasonal produce, Homage is a special destination restaurant located within Spicers Hidden Vale in the Ipswich area and ideal for creating unforgettable memories.

Montrachet – French

For a truly intimate French experience, Montrachet is the one. Don’t miss out ordering the crab soufflé, and be warned that it only opens the doors Monday to Friday.

Stokehouse Q – modern Australian

With views like no other, Stokehouse Q is the place to impress at South Bank. Perched on the river’s edge, let sweeping views of the city sweep your date off their feet.

Urbane – degustation

Multi-award winning restaurant Urbane is a master of its craft. The degustation venue uses top-quality local produce, herbs from a vertical garden out back, honey from its rooftop and composts all organic matter (using its own machine) back into soil to give to its farmers. 

Jellyfish – seafood

This riverfront seafood restaurant aims to source and serve anywhere between eight and 14 species of fish daily. Jellyfish took the gong for Best Seafood Restaurant at the 2013 National Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Awards.

Bacchus – modern Australian

Bacchus is an elegant dining space with options to suit all. Select from the la carte menu, or choose one of the degustation menus (from a petite option to dessert one).

Il Centro – Italian

Since 1992 Il Centro has delighted diners with a modern Italian menu that features a Queensland twist. No other dish fits the bill quite as well as the legendary sand crab lasagne – a must try.

Alchemy – modern Australian

With stunning and uninterrupted views of the Story Bridge and Brisbane River, Alchemy is a romantic dining spot in Brisbane CBD. Choose from the a la carte or degustation menu.

Deer Duck Bistro  – degustation

Sit back and enjoy the show. Located on Brisbane’s west side, Deer Duck Bistro is an intimate spot that’s both a feast for the eyes and the stomach.  Dine on a modern Australian menu in an old world setting.

Gambaro’s Seafood – seafood

A classic choice, Gambaro Seafood Restaurant has been the go-to celebration dinner place for more than 60 years. Keep an eye out for lobster month and special events.

Black Hide – steak

In 2014 Black Hide won the gong for Best Steak Restaurant in Australia at the National Restaurant & Catering Awards. Book a seat to find out why, and choose from Queensland’s finest Wagyu and Angus cuts.

Pethers – modern Australian

Enjoy two or three courses overlooking lush rainforest in the heart of the Scenic Rim at Pethers. The kitchen uses primarily locally sourced goods from the region, or its own garden.

Fine dining romantic restaurants ($35-45 mains)

E’cco – modern Australian

Brisbane institution e’cco has had doors open for more than 20 years with good reason. Taking the reins from Philip Johnson, head chef Simon Palmer has taken e’cco to the next level – without taking away the favourites.

Lutece – French

French food oozes romance, and no restaurant does it quite like Lutece. Dine on the famous sand crab lasagne or half duck while admiring floor-to-ceiling views out to the west.

Sake – Japanese

Cosy up to your date at the sushi counter and watch chefs prepare before your eyes, or take a table with Story Bridge views. Venture further into Japanese cuisine with the tasting menu, or select from the a la carte offering.

1889 Enoteca – Italian/Roman

There's something incredible to be said for the gnocchi at 1889 Enoteca. This old-world establishment sits within the Woolloongabba Antique Precinct and oozes decadence of yesteryear.

Gerard’s Bistro – Middle Eastern

Gerard’s is the spot to go for modern Middle Eastern-influenced fare in a relaxed yet sophisticated dining atmosphere. Head chef Ben Williamson takes inspiration from southern Europe, the Middle East and north Africa and delivers it to your plate.

Tartufo – Italian

Step into a slice of Europe at Tartufo. This exquisite Italian restaurant is themed with red booths and long marble bar. 

Madame Wu – Asian fusion

Sink your teeth into Moreton Bay bug-stuffed dumplings at Madame Wu. Located by the river at Eagle Street Pier, this funky and fresh Asian fusion restaurant is worth writing home about.

Blackbird – modern Australian

Dine by the river in the opulently decorated Black Bird Bar & Grill. The venue has a focus on sustainability, rare breeds and whole beast cooking, and uses a special Infierno 96 wood grill to cook its meats.

Aquitaine Brasserie – French

Aquitaine boasts a contemporary French menu inspired by L’Aquitaine in south west France. Set at River Quay in South Bank, the riverfront restaurant adds a touch of French class to the area.

Moda – Spanish

Featuring a contemporary tapas menu, Moda is a blend of French, Catalan and Italian influences. Choose your own selection or opt for Javier’s three-course table experience.

Mondo Organics  – modern Australian

The first licensed organic restaurant in Australia, the Mondo name is synonymous with organic fine dining. 

Customs House – modern Australian

White table linen lines rows of tables that sit on the terrace beneath the striking historic Customs House on the Brisbane River. Enjoy fresh and seasonal produce at a moderate price.

Otto Ristorante - Italian

Located four storeys up in the 480 Queen St development and overlooking the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge, OTTO Ristorante is serving Italian cuisine that takes its inspiration from the south of Italy for Brisbane diners to enjoy. Every course is a delight, the wine list is extensive and the service is incredible.

Madame Rouge - French

Francophiles rejoice! Madame Rouge is dishing up classic yet exquisite French cuisine that will delight your tastebuds. The wine list is extensive, and the menu looks so good you'll struggle to make a choice.

More casual romantic restaurants (under $35 mains)

Coppa Spuntino - Italian

Whether it’s for an apperitivo hour cocktail and plate of fresh-shaved prosciutto at the bar, or a sit-down spread of share plates – Coppa is the place to impress a date in Brisbane city.

Libertine – French Vietnamese

French meets Vietnamese in the dramatic dining room of Libertine. Choose from the a la carte menu or share a seven-course banquet for just $55 each.

Julius Pizzeria – Italian

No where does quick, easy Italian quite like Julius Pizzeria and sibling Beccofino. Try the incredible duck ragu papadelle, or opt for a crispy wood-fired prosciutto pizza.

Bucci – Italian

Set on trendy James St, Bucci serves no-fuss seasonal Italian from its popular buzzing venue. Finish the meal by sharing what Bucci calls "the best chocolate cake ever".

Bar Pacino – Italian

With an alfresco deck overlooking the Story Bridge, Bar Pacino is a well-priced casual spot to take a date.

Billykart Kitchen – modern Australian

Known for doing an excellent brunch, Billykart Kitchen cracks open the doors after dark from Tuesday to Saturday at West End. Early risers can alternatively head in for breakfast.

Public – modern Australian

Public is for the adventurous date. It is Brisbane’s first restaurant to serve insects on the menu, and the KFD (Kentucky Fried Duck) is a bucket-list must-eat.

Happy Boy – Chinese

Pair cheap and cheery Chinese with great wine in an old warehouse and you have the popular venue Happy Boy. 

Esq – modern Australian

The a la carte little sibling of Brisbane’s divine three-hatted Esquire, Esq is the perfect date venue to treat your significant other without hurting the credit card.

Bar Alto – Italian

Dinner and a show? Too easy. Head to the Brisbane Powerhouse for any range of endless entertainment and stop by Bar Alto on the top deck for an intimate Italian feed by the river.

Balfour Kitchen  – modern Australian

Set in an old Queenslander, The Balfour Kitchen is the star restaurant attached to luxury boutique accommodation Spicers Balfour. Head chef William Wallace lets local ingredients do the talking here.

LongTime – Southeast Asian

Head down a fairy-light lit laneway to hip restaurant/bar LongTime. Tuck into a spicy Moreton Bay bug curry with your date, and get merry with a couple of cocktails.