Keep love alive at these romantic (and cosy) Melbourne restaurants

For proper Italian romance with a sophisticated upgrade (no red and white chequered tablecloths to see here), why not whisk your loved one to Tipo 00?

The world-famous laneway bar in the city – named after the finely milled Italian flour used to make pasta and pizza – isn’t just known for creating some of the most talked-about pasta dashes in Melbourne.

After all, the concept of slurp-worthy Italian grub in this city isn’t exactly a new one. What makes Tipo 00 so special is its loving attention to detail: daily-baked fresh focaccia with warm ricotta to begin, the kitchen’s singular focus on serving you a perfectly balanced plate of flavours every time (and without pretence), and a dynamic open kitchen to include you in all the fun.

Ask for a bottle of the waiter’s favourite Sangiovese and your night’s set.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Tagliolini al nero with squid, squid ink and bottarga ($32)

One of the newer kids on the block in Fitzroy, Poodle’s already proving itself to be a popular date night locale.

With grand art-deco furnishings, plush red dining booths and brick walls splashed with paint and smothered in artwork, this bar and bistro knows how to do “extra” without being tasteless.

It helps that the sumptuous food on offer here is tell-everyone-you-know-about-it levels of good. The kitchen masters a range of classic Euro favourites and then jazzes them up to Poodle-esque heights. Think your classic French starter of vol-au-vents, but with smoked eel and bresaola instead of tuna. Or a crispy duck, but doused in grappa-soaked cherries to sit in for the traditional orange sauce.

There are more than a few surprises at Poodle but that’s the thing: you won’t be short on conversation. Especially with a round or two of Poodle’s signature creative cocktails thrown into the mix.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Baked Fromager d’Affinois ‘fondue’ ($28)

Sometimes all you’re looking for is somewhere moody to sit, quality fare to gorge on, and a groovy soundtrack to fill in awkward silences.

One of Melbourne’s most loved underground community radio stations, Hope St, just opened a wine bar and restaurant that masters this date night holy trinity. A plus: the soundtrack here is actually a live broadcast.

A permanent resident now at the Collingwood Arts precinct, Hope St overlooks a gorgeous leafy courtyard and attracts DJs, musos, romancers and curious foodies alike.

Enjoy freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, signature pastas and grazing plates, and a dream range of creative cocktails to share with your partner into the wee hours.

The toasty dinner spot features a backlit bar and walls crayoned in funky illustrations, so you know it’s a pomp-free vibe. First date or 10th wedding anniversary, you’ll both feel part of the family here fast.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Baby rigatoni and spring lamb ($27)

Unsurprisingly for a wine bar and restaurant named after romance, Bar Romantica doesn’t mess around.

When you step into this timeless haunt, you’re greeted with magnificent oak arches, old-school dining booths with scarlet vinyl cushions and the sexy glow of a wood-fire pizza oven.

It’s a famous oven, too. Bar Romantica is housed in what used to be a 24-hour dive bar (formerly Café Romantica), famed for its hot and delicious pizzas and beer-swilling crowds.

And while the new venue chose to dispense with the dag factor, its respectfully held onto a few small details. Along with the oven, there’s still the original terrazzo floor and iconic pool table.

Need another reason to chalk up a cue and step back in time?

The drinks list is all-Australian and the lighting’s dark enough that your date won’t see that bit of post-pizza rocket stuck in your teeth.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Pizza mortadella with green olives and fior di latte ($28)

If Melbourne winter’s nights are cold, in the CBD they’re positively arctic. Something about the tall blocks of concrete, sharp corners and grid-like streets create the worst wind tunnels.

But next time you’re wandering with a special friend after dark, don’t just stop in at any old pub for warmth. Whip out Google Maps and look up the directions to Bar Margaux instead.

Bar Margaux is a vibrant, basement-dwelling French brasserie and bar open late most nights of the week. It also happens to be one of the cosiest – and classiest – eateries to debut in the city in recent years.

Inspired by a New York take on a French bistro, the quaintly decorated space oozes with lively music, conversation, and the tantalising aromas of garlic butter and pommes frites.

Margaux does all the French comfort classics your date will know and love: escargot, steak tartare and juicy cuts of meat soaked in velvet-smooth mother sauces.

But it’s the French champagne and cocktails here that’ll come up trumps in the art of seduction. Play hard to get with your date if you please… you’ll be snapped up by Margaux in a heartbeat.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Duck frites ($42)