If a date on the Greek islands sounds dreamy, then book a table at Bondi’s beachside Mediterranean mezze bar, Ikaria. Named after an Aegean island, inspired by its laid-back lifestyle, this idyllic spot serves seasonal share plates meant for grazing. Dishes such saganaki (fried cheese) and fried calamari transport diners to a carefree summer holiday. The plates are accompanied by island-inspired cocktails, such as the Blue Zone Margarita and Aegean highball.

Award-winning Ursula’s offers a spectacular backdrop for a romantic date night to remember. The menu pays tribute to Australia’s history: Golden syrup dumplings with rum, raisin, and malt cream are inspired by the Country Women’s Association; beef carpaccio with makrut lime and spiced chile dressing is a homage to the classic version served at Darcy’s, the dining institution that called this 19th-century building home for four decades.

The Dining Room by James Viles offers everything required for a memorable proposal. This one-hatted restaurant in the Park Hyatt stands for a quintessential Sydney fine-dining experience with prime Opera House views. The Dining Room’s highly coveted window tables come at an extra charge per person, but there’s no better place to pop the question. On the menu, expect a journey through Australia, featuring regional and coastal ingredients plus seafood and meats cooked over coals.

When it comes to waterfront views and exceptional seafood, love.fish takes the cake. This sustainable seafood restaurant on the Barangaroo waterfront offers a casual dining experience, made for group dates. Choose from indoor, alfresco, or bar seating. No matter your perch, you’ll bond over sustainably sourced oysters, raw fish, seafood platters, and crustaceans.

With a cosy back courtyard and communal tables, this Israeli spot is a go-to for laidback romantic outings. Shenkin’s Enmore outpost exudes the signature warmth the family-run chain is known for. It’s hard not to fall in love over comforting favorites such as the restaurant’s signature shakshuka and sabih, a sandwich stuffed with fried eggplants, hard-boiled eggs, and tahini sauce.

The Squire’s Landing (Australia’s flagship James Squire Brewhouse) is a versatile venue for romantic nights, special occasions, or relaxed date nights with friends. Grab a limited-release James Squire brew and catch up with loved ones while listening to live music in the open-air brewery. For a night to truly remember, dine in style at the second-floor restaurant and take in panoramic Sydney Harbour views.

As a cross between a community motorcycle workshop and an all-day restaurant, Rising Sun Workshop spices up traditional date nights. By day, the friendly neighbourhood ramen joint serves breakfast ramen and Hokkaido buns (bacon, egg, cheese and kimslaw sandwiched between Japanese-style milk buns). At night, it unfurls a shareable à la carte menu from Thursday to Saturday.

Garfish overlooks Manly Beach and sets the scene for a romantic weekend lunch. The beloved seafood spot has a constantly changing blackboard menu of specials. Expect the freshest market fish in fan favourites such as snapper pie with roasted garlic, broccolini, and soubise sauce. Don’t miss a glass from Garfish’s varied wine list and enjoy it in the elegant dining room, Sugarfish Bar, or on the sun-kissed outdoor terrace.

Cosy up over a bowl of ramen at Bondi Beach’s beloved izakaya, Chaco Ramen. As the sibling venue to Chaco’s original ramen bar in Darlinghurst, this spot impresses with a more extensive selection of noodles, gyoza, and yakitori. Date night regulars are known to work through Chaco’s creative and unconventional ramen varieties, such as yuzu scallop and cold tomato truffle, though the menu also contains more traditional versions, such as the pork broth and chicken soy.