First date? The most interesting dining spots in and around Melbourne to check out

A South Melbourne hidden gem, Park Street Pasta features a creatively seasonal menu that changes fortnightly, featuring (you guessed it) wildly delicious pasta with fresh handmade noodles. We recommend getting two bowls to share with your date so you can taste both the pork shoulder & beef brisket pappardelle and the Gippsland rabbit ragu tagliatelle.

With alfresco dining great for warmer weather and romantic vibey surrounds, Park Street is the perfect spot for wining and dining that’s impressive without being stuffy.

With a name like that, one can only expect great date nights at this cosy little laneway spot that’s one of Melbourne’s best cocktail bars. Full of allure and old-world character, this charming nook serves up classic cocktails and seasonal small plates perfect for sharing with your plus one.

Grab a cocktail off Romeo Lane’s of artful creations and nibble on their sharp selection of snacks like prosciutto and roasted peppers for an intimate night out.

Romeo Lane’s Holiday Never cocktail is a crowd favourite worth trying.

Date nights at Richmond’s WAYGOOD look a lot like intimate dinners over plates of Italian food backdropped by stone walls and crooning music.

Turn up the romance here with beautifully plated dishes that’ll set any foodie’s heart alight. Grilled kingfish cooked in miso butter and cauliflower steak with pistachio dukkah can only be topped by their sheep’s yoghurt pannacotta – if this doesn’t help you seal the deal for a second date, we’re not sure what will.

Hot tip: Get your heart set on WAYGOOD’s Southern Rangers 200g Sirloin Steak.

This romantic tapas bar is rife with darker corners perfect for a conversation with your date that has some actual privacy. Bomba Bar’s mood is vibey and there are almost always people at this restaurant and rooftop bar combo, largely thanks to their delectable selection of tapas.

Enjoy plates of excellently done charcoal frilled quail, Abrolhos Island scallops and finish off strong with duck paella and of course, a flowing selection of drinks.

But really get into the mood with Bomba Bar’s charcoal-grilled crystal bar prawn.

Bomba Bar was also featured in our Ultimate Guide to Melbourne’s Best Rooftop Bars.

Deeply romantic and steeped in luxurious grandeur, the Flower Drum’s warm-hued dining hall is proof that authentic Chinese food can be the perfect foil for a first date – if grand gesture is the vibe you’re going for.

The Flower Drum’s waitstaff is skilled at what they do, and all service here is warm and personable. The food here is as epic as the setting, and you’ll spend your time perusing through the wide menu of Cantonese classics including jiaozi (traditional pork and chive dumplings) and fried pork ribs with your date. What an ice-breaker, right?

The team behind Leonard’s House of Love (yes, the place with the famous burgers) have done it again with a casual pizza parlour exuding with old-world charm and retro-style decor.

Leonardo’s Pizza Palace boasts terracotta wine racks and terrazzo floors only add to the romantic vibe. The icing on the cake? Generously portioned pizzas with fluffy crusts and good quality ingredients. Split pizzas and sides with your date and don’t forget the dessert after for a sweet ending to a perfect night.

Archie’s All Day is a reboot on old school retro diners where you can pop by for a “Juicy Lucy” cheeseburger for breakfast, or order a plate of ricotta hotcakes for dinner.

A gorgeous and intimate little nook to while away the time, grab the window seats to watch the world pass by and the sun twinkle out over playful chatter with your date. This is relaxed dining that’s the ideal pick for a chill date with a touch of added class.

Oh, and order Archie’s irresistible fried chicken & waffles. It may or may not make you irresistible as well.