Unique Restaurants to Dine with Your Significant Other

by OpenTable Team

Updated August 07, 2023

Hungry for a dining experience that's tailor-made for you? We’ve got you covered. Here are our top restaurant picks for your next outing. Bon appétit!

Credit: Yūgen Dining

Yugen Dining

4.6

4.6 (486)

$101 and over

Asian

South Yarra

About the restaurant

Yugen redefines dining after dark. A promise of an experience where food, drink, and music continue well into the night. A subterranean setting with a refined industrial feel, offering dishes and beverages influenced by the cultural richness of Asia. Tradition met with the intuition of a contemporary flair.

Top review

Penny

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing dining experience!! Food and service were great!!

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4.8

4.8 (548)

$41 to $100

European

South Yarra

About the restaurant

Located on the corner of Chapel St and Toorak Rd in South Yarra, Omnia blends the energy of a European Bistro with Australia’s best produce, bringing fine-dining craftsmanship to culinary classics in the heart of South Yarra.

Awarded 2 hats in 2023 and 2024, Omnia is steeped in genuine old-world hospitality with an acute eye on quality and seasonality. Take a seat in our light-filled Conservatory, cosy Barrel Room or lean into the vibrant ambience of the Main bar. Come alone, meet with friends, and toast with us.

Groups of 7 or more are invited to enjoy our curated group menu featuring our seasonally sourced dishes, and timeless classics. Email us on info@omniabistro.com.au for any group reservations enquires.

Top review

Casey

Dined 4 days ago

Our favourite restaurant in Melbourne, the food is always perfect, the cocktails and wines are too notch and and the staff are incredibly attentive, we always receive standout service here, highly recommend

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Experience

Group Lunch Set Menu – 3 Courses $85pp

Experience

Lunch Set Menu – 2 Courses $49pp

Experience

Lunch Set Menu – 3 Courses $64pp

Clam Bar

4.7

4.7 (529)

$41 to $100

Steak

Sydney CBD

About the restaurant

A New York-inspired seafood Grill and steakhouse in the heart of the CBD.

Top review

Nada

Dined 7 days ago

Wonderful food and service was exceptional. Thank you to the lovely lady who served us she was amazing .

Warabi

4.7

4.7 (105)

$101 and over

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

A contemporary Japanese dining experience, Warabi emphasises seasonal ingredients and elevated beverage pairings in an Omakase setting, celebrating the Kappo style of cuisine philosophy.

The Kappo dining experience at Warabi is a set menu that changes at the discretion of the head chef, whose detailed focus is on preparing courses based on the availability of the finest seasonal ingredients. A casual yet refined dining experience, Kappo directly translates to ‘cut and cook' and celebrates the chefs' craftsmanship and precise preparation techniques.

The multi-course 'Impression' menu is guided by the chef and changes daily, where the energy of dishes reflects the seasons and highest quality of ingredients available.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 28, 2023

Service was excellent! Staff were both observant and knowledgeable. Food was average.

Freyja

4.7

4.7 (544)

$41 to $100

Australian

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Located within the historically rich confines of the Olderfleet building on Collins Street in Melbourne, our culinary philosophy celebrates harmonious fusion of Australian ingredients and flavours with the time-honoured principles of Nordic cooking. We seamlessly blend classic culinary techniques with innovative philosophies, presenting a modern interpretation of Australian dining with a unique twist.

Top review

Simon

Dined on Dec 23, 2024

I had a memorable evening meal here. After stupidly eating a big lunch, I went for some lighter options. The oysters with mango and jalapeno were a gorgeous start, and the terrine was particularly good. Very respectful, polite service, friendly, and attentive without me feeling at all bothered. Nice decor and interesting art on the walls. I hadn't eaten Sturia Oscietra caviar before, but this was a special ocassion, so I splashed out. And I wasn't disapppointed. It was sensational - the kind of thing that makes you close your eyes and groan with each mouthful. The smoked sour cream was a lovely addition, though I went lightly with it to best enjoy the amazing melt-in-the-mouth feeling and complex flavour of the caviar. Without the aditional cost of the caviar, the prices were quite reasonable considering the quality of the food and service. I only wish I'd had enough appetite left for desert. Can't wait to return and try some of the heavier dishes.

Makaveli

4.7

4.7 (51)

$40 and under

Italian

Bondi Beach

About the restaurant

An Italian inspired eatery promising to serve as a home away from home. Makaveli provides a warm and welcoming space for a morning coffee, an afternoon bite, or a lively evening out. The carefully curated menu includes a selection of snacks and shareable plates, designed to complement an innovative beverage selection which features locally sourced coffee and creative cocktails. The menu at Makaveli is a tribute to the joy of sharing food, with an emphasis on communal dining. Key menu highlights include Burrata, Kingfish Crudo, and Stracciatella di bufala. Makaveli will also emphasise supporting local, independent wineries, showcasing their unique flavours and craftsmanship.

Top review

Lucy

Dined 6 days ago

We love Makaveli !! The $26 fresh Gnocci and wine was excellent and the service was amazing considering we took so long deciding what to order! I asked for no Parmesan cheese due to my allergy and the waiter noticed that the dish contained pesto (which has Parmesan) and kindly told the chef to remove, which I wouldn’t have realised otherwise! 10/10 experience

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Experience

Bottomless $99pp, non refundable deposit required

Serai Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (613)

$101 and over

Filipino

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

When Ross Magnaye and Shane Stafford started Serai, their vision was to create a restaurant that would fit perfectly in the heart of the Philippines. To replicate the spirit, vitality, passion and sense of fun, they knew Serai would become a home from home for our diners.

At our restaurant, right in the heart of Melbourne, you can watch the chefs prepare and fresh food daily in our open kitchen at the chef’s omakase table or relax in the restaurant and bar with a glass of our hand picked, vin naturel selections or signature cocktails.

Top review

Ruben

Dined 3 days ago

Worth every praises for this restaurant. Excellent

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Kingsleys Australian Steakhouse

4.5

4.5 (465)

$101 and over

Steakhouse

Sydney CBD

About the restaurant

A traditional steakhouse experience with a modern twist, Kingsleys Australian Steakhouse has all the sophistication of an established steakhouse yet its rustic charm gives it a funky edge on the rest. A veteran but a pioneer none the less, the oldest, wisest but coolest steakhouse on the Sydney block where the best steakhouse experiences happen.

Top review

Philip

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

We specifically went to this steakhouse because of a recommendation from our tour guide. We made a last minute online reservation and also called ahead. They graciously set aside one of their last kangaroo fillets. When we arrived the host immediately recognized us and seated us at our table. The meal was wonderful! For starter we had the bread and olives tray, along with a glass of wine. The kangaroo was cooked perfectly, tender and delicious. It was accompanied by our sides that we ordered of frites and roasted carrots. The kangaroo fillet was a 200 gram (7 ounce) cut and we shared our entree and had plenty to eat. Highly recommend this restaurant!

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4.4

4.4 (170)

$101 and over

Asian

Sydney CBD

About the restaurant

Our menus will take you on a culinary journey throughout Asia, paying homage to our cultures by elevating traditional flavours through modern techniques. Enter underground and indulge in a mouth-watering menu of shared plates and cocktails.

Top review

Kerrie Thi

Dined on Jan 10, 2025

A great dining experience for any occasion. My husband and I have been wanting to try Hustlers.Syd for a while now and it did not disappoint! Very welcoming staff, the menu looks delicious especially the entrees, will definitely be back soon to try the rest of the other dishes. Food came out fast which was good cause I was pretty hungry. lol To end the dining experience, upon paying the bill we had the opportunity to play an odd or even dice game but unfortunately we did not secure the 5% discount off the total bill. Oh well better luck next time!

Steersons Steakhouse

4.5

4.5 (641)

$101 and over

Steakhouse

Barangaroo

About the restaurant

Discover Steersons, an elegant waterfront steakhouse nestled on the upper level of King St Wharf (accessible via Lime St). Immerse yourself in a refined yet inviting ambiance. Whether you choose to unwind on the terrace or dine indoors with captivating harbour views.
Allow the friendly and experienced team at Steersons lead you through a selection of the highest quality beef cuts, all sourced from premium locations across the country, including Northern & Southern Tablelands, and the renowned Riverina region.
Elevate your dining experience by selecting a wine from the impressive 150+ wine list, or explore the extensive collection of single malt whiskies.
No matter the occasion, Steersons promises to deliver the ultimate steak experience.

Top review

Jon

Dined 5 days ago

We were on holiday and chose Steersons Steakhouse for a special occasion. We were not disappointed, excellent service, fantastic food, beautiful setting above Darling Harbour, would happily recommend.

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Popular dish

Fillet Mignon YG

Essa Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (735)

$41 to $100

Wine Bar

Fortitude Valley

About the restaurant

ESSA provides a destination to escape the expected.

Just like the raw interiors in which we reside, our work is simple but considered.

The ethos in the kitchen embraces collaboration with local farmers, hunters and providores, promoting an environmentally conscious approach to the menu. Harvest driven dishes provide the creative parameters for our ever evolving dining experience.

ESSA is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm till late and Friday and Sunday lunch from 12pm.

Top review

Amy

Dined 1 day ago

Incredible food and the Friday menu is a great way to try different things.

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Experience

Five Chefs, Five Plates

Experience

$68 Friday Lunches at ESSA

Experience

Sunday School at Essa

Pretty Little

4.9

4.9 (92)

$41 to $100

Australian

Balaclava

About the restaurant

Google Review
*****
This place is an absolute gem. A very intimate experience, the owner Mike and Chefs Mikey and Laurent are gifted people who make you feel at home. Food is absolutely incredible, so much flavour with seasonal ingredients. Amazing local wine pairings. Cannot speak highly enough of this place!

features include:
Open plan kitchen with food prepared directly in front of our guests.
Warm and cozy lounge with fireplace for winter.
Secluded, rear private courtyard.
Engaging and vibrant dinner party setting.
Seasonal set menu.
Wine and beverage pairings.
Private dinners available.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jun 7, 2024

Always an amazing meal! Food, ambiance, service, everything was fantastic.

Zushi Surry Hills - Omakase

4.7

4.7 (25)

$101 and over

Japanese Speciality

Surry Hills

About the restaurant

Omakase means, “leave it up to the Chef” so let Chef Han take you on a tantalising journey of 20 courses, using the finest local Australian and Japanese produce.

OMAKASE MENU FEB/MAR 2024
Sweetcorn cold soup, truffle olive oil, paprika
Potata Pave, scallop, sea urchin, kombu
Ika Somen, calamari noodle, ikura, cucumber, bonito jelly
Chawanmushi, paradise prawn, mentaiko, sweetcorn
Abalone Tempura, abalone liver sauce, asparagus, pecorino, sushi rice
JPN A5 Wagyu steak, grilled medium rare, JPN A5 Wagyu Steak, foie gras, leek, wasabi
Sorbet
Omakase Nigiri
Southern calamari (Shark Bay WA)
Konbujime snapper (NZ)
Scallop (JPN)
Akami zuke (SA)
Scampi (WA)
Blue mackerel (Wollongong)
Salmon belly (TAS)
Bluefin tuna O-toro (JPN)
Sea eel (JPN)

Chef’s Signature hand roll +$20
Miso soup
Seasonal Fruit
Genmai Cha

*This menu can change subject to availability of ingredients. Sorry, we are unable to cater for allergies or dietary restrictions.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jul 18, 2024

The value for the amount of food we received was worth every dollar. $200pp for 20 dishes that tasted great with great vibes all round.

Hero ACMI

$41 to $100

Australian

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Hero's menu reflects, award winning chef, Karen Martini's love of cuisines from all over the world, techniques and produce used to create them, but overall, it showcases Karen's cooking ethos of simply using and highlighting the absolute best of Victorian seasonal produce.

Hero overall is uncomplicated and accessible contemporary dining with a European twist. Expect good sized portions, a special experience of different flavours, colours and textures, with the same being said about the atmosphere. Hero is somewhere you can sit back, work your way through the menu, and take in and reflect upon Melbourne’s famous food and art culture over specially selected wines and cocktails.

An all-day menu will run from 12pm until late daily, providing travellers, movie-goers and business lunchers with a reliable haunt at any time.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 28, 2023

Really enjoyed our experience at Hero. Atmosphere, food, amazing service all rolled into one at a price that wasn’t too over the top. Highly recommended.

Kobo

4.8

4.8 (102)

$101 and over

Korean

Circular Quay

About the restaurant

Kobo is the workshop for Hatted Chef, Jacob Lee, a space for him to demonstrate his love for his homeland of Korea, re-engineering regional dishes onto a contemporary platform, incorporating Japanese and Australian influences for a dining experience like no other.

A solid marble chef’s table is front and centre, seating 8 guests at a time for an intimate chef's table (meaning “I leave it up to you.”), Chef Jacob breaks the menu down into “Episodes” with each episode featuring a core focus on a culinary moment of his life.

Kobo is located in Sydney's new Quay Quarter Lanes, a short walk from Circular Quay station, nestled just behind the historic Hinchcliffe House.

Top review

Gary

Dined on Nov 27, 2024

Exquisite food paired with exceptional soju and wines presented in a refined style and supported by interesting stories of the chef’s childhood that inspired his creations!

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