Should I book: Ish
10 Feb 2023
10 Feb 2023
Romantic Doesn’t Have to Mean Expensive Dining Out
We all love date night but shelling out amounts that are enough to break the bank each time somehow doesn’t make it seem quite too appealing. Romantic doesn’t have to mean expensive and with a city like Melbourne – that’s rife with laneways and artsy places to be – you’ll never run out of spots to go for your next date night out on the town. Here’s a list of all the best buzzy, romantic places that are both wallet-friendly and extremely tasty – time to get the romance flowing.
Ramen makes the world go round and some of the best ramens you’ll get in the city is found in Hakata Gensuke. A known local favourite for the umami-packed brothy delight, these noodle dishes are the perfect respite for date night.
Settle down at their Russell Street outpost with a cosy two-seater booth and indulge in some hearty soul food while you share a side dish or two. Romance on a budget absolutely includes this cult favourite dish, and Hakata is on anyone’s list for top ramen in Melbourne.
This little hole-in-the-wall Fitzroy spot is perfect for laidback dates anchored around classic Italian food and a diner bustling with character and charismatic servers. A blast into the past, the retro fit-out features poster-lined walls, red neon signs, and a storefront bar view of Fitzroy’s lively nighttime scene bring you back to a nostalgic time that you may or may not have lived at (one can dream).
Meals at Mario’s are simple, uncomplicated goodness and you’ll find delectable all day breakfast options and steaming bowls of perfectly done risotto and pancetta penne. Crumbed pork schnitzels and barramundi fillets also make an appearance here, and your date is sure to love anything you pick.
There’s always something interesting to sneak a peek at at the Oasis Bakery down in Melbourne’s southeastern suburb of Murrumbeena. A cafe cum speciality produce store, this spot is perfect for a date with an ever-intrigued adventure seeker.
Venture down to the burbs if you’re not from around here and check out the cheeses, daily hand-made savoury pastries, sprawling selection of fresh sweets and desserts on display at their counters, and head to the cafe for a menu serving everything from burgers and shawarma platters to salads and lamb skewers.
11 Inch Pizza is a cosy little parlour serving up gourmet pizza is one of the city’s lesser-known spots for Italian pies on romantic dates. Tucked away on Little Collins Street, order up red wine by the glass and a salad to split while you wait for their fluffy pizzas to grace your table.
The handcrafted pizzas here feature puffy woodfired crusts and an array of delectable toppings that’ll impress any date and get that conversation flowing over provolone and Italian sausage. 11 Inch is the spot if you’re after happy, intimate vibes, and with a hidden locale and delectable food – makes for the perfect date night.
Moody, dimly-lit, and Japanese food go perfectly hand-in-hand. It’s a little known secret: sashimi and sushi were tailormade for date nights. Tokyo Tina is a buzzy little spot that is constantly packed with people and friendly background chatter, bustling with Tokyo alleyway vibes and interior that’s just right for getting to know someone better or celebrating another Thursday night with a long-term partner.
Grab their Rainbow rice bowls, udon noodles and pork belly bao featuring pickled daikon, teriyaki and kewpie and you’ll never have the need for another modern Japanese resto again.
The $25 Smoked Duck Breast with Udon Noodles would be a great pick for any casanova!
This buzzy little CBD spot is modern, contemporary, and a romantic city-scape hideout for those looking for a laidback date night. A-game Korean food is the star of the show at Seoul Soul and you can get individual K-bbq sets, Kimchi hot pots, and traditional Korean dishes to share with your date.
The fit-out is warmly inviting, with an ambiance perfect for low chatter and intimate conversation. Date nights with a Korean twist? We’re all in for that, and we’re sure your date will be too.
Burgers and milkshakes make for a great date option most anywhere you go, but having your meal in a suspended conveyed train takes it to a whole other level.
Bring your date to Easey’s for a night out with a great view and feel-good food at affordable prices. Sandwiches and smashed patty burgers both range from $14 to $23 here, leaving plenty of room for their deep-fried sides to finish you and your date off in style.
Fall in love with Easey’s $18 BBQ bcn cheeseburger whilst you’re there.
Easey’s was also featured in our ultimate guide to the best burgers in Melbourne.
