Sexiest restaurants in Sydney to dine at on Valentine’s Day

When it comes to going on dates, Sydneysiders are looking for bars with a sexy and fun vibe. Check out the top date night venues with sex appeal.

When it comes to going on dates – whether they be the first or 50th – Sydneysiders are forgoing the more formal and traditional candlelit dinner for restaurants and bars with a more sexy and fun vibe.

Sydney was crowned Australia’s sexiest city by lingerie brand Honey Birdette in 2021 and now as couples emerge from lockdowns they are choosing to date at some of the cities sexiest venues.

Hugo Weston and Francesca Stanley at Bondi’s China Diner. Picture: Richard Dobson

Editorial Director of food destination Delicious Kerrie McCallum says pre-pandemic dining was evolving to become less formal and less overly still service, but the pandemic has spent that up. “Post Covid, you can imagine that people want something that’s not too intimidating to entice them out off the couch and people are craving fun,” she said.

“That said – a date over candlelight at somewhere like [basement French bistro] Hubert‘s sounds great to me. It’s formal, but cosy, fun, quality and romantic.”

Frankie Stanley, 22, is currently single and said when it comes to going on dates after being in lockdown can be intimidating.

“For two years, no one has really been able to go out and meet face-to-face so venues that create comfortable and sexy environments, as well as great food, are important,” she said.

Ruse Bar and Brasserie at Parramatta.

That’s why venues like contemporary Chinese restaurant China Diner in Bondi, with its mood red lighting and velvet seating booths, is a popular location.

“If a venue’s lighting is too bright you can feel a bit exposed and it can make you more nervous,” she said.

Restaurant owner John Vissaritis, who runs Ruse Bar and Brasserie in Parramatta, says what makes his restaurant the perfect place for a first date is creates an atmosphere of “relaxed charm.”

THE SEXIEST PLACES IN SYDNEY TO DINE

Shell House Dining and Terrace.

SHELL HOUSE DINING & TERRACE, CBD

The famous Shell House in the CBD had a multi-level glow-up by Sydney hospitality group The Point. First was the ground floor bar The Menzies, next was the rooftop bar Sky Bar and Clocktower. Then came the pearl of the precinct, The Dining Room and Terrace. It’s a sky-high supper club where you can sample some of the finest food and wine in the city and enjoy never before seen views of the city.

PAPA J’S, CRONULLA

Papa J's in Cronulla. Picture: Papa J's

RUSE BAR & BRASSERIE, PARRAMATTA

Ruse Bar and Brasserie Parramatta. Picture: Supplied

With it’s freshly shucked oysters, farfalle with spanner crab and romantic shared dessert selection from dark chocolate ganache or strawberry while chocolate, this Parramatta establishment aims to get you in the mood for love.

DEAN & NANCY’S ON 22, CBD

Dean & Nancy’s on 22.

If you’re looking to impress – in the way the rat pack would – then head to bar Dean & Nancy’s on 22. From the successful team behind Maybe Sammy, this bar aims to have you feeling like Dean Martin. Situated on level 22 of the newly launched A by Adina Hotel, you take a private lift up to the bar and are greeted by a golden staircase and piano player. And if you’re willing to put $500 on the line, you can sit in a luxe booth with views overlooking the city.

FRANCA BRASSERIE, POTTS POINT

Franca Brasserie. Picture: John Appleyard

It’s no surprise that a French inspired brasserie would be included in the list – considering the French do seem to have a strong hold on the love and romance game. However what sets this popular brasserie in Potts Point apart is that it is also one of the places that chefs turn to when they want to go on dates because it has the right balance of great food and a great atmosphere.

LITTLE LAGOS, NEWTOWN

Owner Ade and his staff at Nigerian restaurant Little Lagos. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Owner Adetokunbah Adeniyi prides himself on making his Nigerian restaurant the perfect place for a date. “When you want to impress someone, and come across as cultured, where do you take them? To Nigerian!,” he jokes. Thanks to Adeniyi and his staff, not only does this restaurant have a fun atmosphere (prepare to walk in and be greeted with a hug!) but serves incredible food as well.

ALBERTO'S LOUNGE, SURRY HILLS

Alberto's Lounge.

Hubert restaurant. Picture: AAP/ Monique Harmer

Alberto’s Lounge is the younger Italian cousin of the French underground haunt Hubert (which in itself is a sexy place to dine!) It’s a neighbourhood Italian restaurant and wine bar, which sees its walls covered with vintage posters and wine and serves some of the best pasta in the city.

LILYMU, PARRAMATTA

LilyMu at Parramatta Square. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

This Chinese and South-East Asian restaurant combines a cracking cocktail list with incredible food (look out for the Tom Yum prawn dumplings and kingfish ceviche) from former Mr Wong’s chef Brendan Fong and turns into an atmospheric venue.

BABYLON, CBD

Babylon rooftop bar and restaurant.

This venue might boast one of the biggest outdoor rooftop venues in Sydney, however head inside to the Middle-Eastern inspired restaurant and there are lots of sexy little kooks to get lost in.

JANE, SURRY HILLS

Jane is a 70s inspired venue in Surry Hills which brings back memories of that moment in time – think carpet on the ceiling – but in a super sexy and unassuming way.

The dimmed lighting creates quite a vibe, while the Australian-centred food is incredible. There is also an option to sit at the bar so staff can help break any of the first date ice.

Originally published as Sexiest restaurants in Sydney to dine at on Valentine’s Day