Dating is good for your health, lovers. Never stop, whether you’re in a relationship or not. A first date calls for a nice drink and a moody bar. A longtime pair can keep it sparky with a good playlist and a water view.
It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, which is as good a time as any to get a date in the diary. These 10 chefs – including O Tama Carey, Josh Niland and Danielle Alvarez – have the perfect recs. And one special space even gets chosen three times.
“Not a biased opinion but 10 William St or Fratelli Paradiso. Considered lighting, comfortable seating for long conversations, good wine and service staff that will pick up on your cues and follow suit.”
– Trisha Greentree, Fratelli Paradiso and 10 William St
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– Andy Wirya, Island Radio
“I’ve been together with my husband for 13 years, so it’s been a while since I’ve been on a date. But we recently went to Bar Copains for our anniversary. I found it very intimate and romantic. I guess the small snacks are good options for a first date as well. The more snacks – the longer the chat. Comte custard is a must.”
– Ozge Kalvo, Olympus
“Sean’s at Bondi Beach. Be sure to get a table by the window and watch Bondi go by. It’s even more beautiful when it’s raining, and you can settle in and enjoy Sean’s beautiful produce-driven cooking with great craft. The service is also warm and real, and the feeling is so comforting. It’s a great place to relax and get to know someone.”
– Neil Perry
“Bennelong – there’s nothing more romantic than having great food and cocktails in the Opera House.”
– Juan Taborda, Quay
“Sean’s Panaroma. Obviously for its position alongside Bondi Beach, but mainly due to its gracious, warm, personalised service and hospitality.”
– Josh Niland, Saint Peter
“I haven’t been on a first date in a very long time! I’ve been married for nine years, and with my partner for 18. But if I had to choose, I imagine it would be somewhere like Gildas. It’s vibey, casual and offers delicious snacks – perfect for a relaxed atmosphere. The staff are excellent, which I think is crucial for a first date – they can really help break the ice. I also like that while its sister restaurant Firedoor is very well known (for good reason), Gildas has a slightly under-the-radar edge to it, which could be impressive when you’re taking someone out.”
– Elizabeth Hewson, Saturday Night Pasta
But is Ante the perfect Sydney date spot?
“Look, they don’t take bookings but I love, love, love Ante [a sake bar] in Newtown. It’s not fancy in the way that people might think a special occasion place should be, but the service is amazing, the food is incredible. And it’s always a bit different every time I go. We always feel really well looked after – it’s just fun and delicious. [My favourite’s the] one thing that never leaves the menu: the noodles with fermented shiitake mushrooms. Oh my god, I could have like two bowls of that to myself, please.”
– Danielle Alvarez, Sydney Opera House
“I would go to Ante and sit at the bar. It’s dim and moody, good music and excellent booze. Also, they are so knowledgeable about sake that if it’s a dud date, you can just make sure they keep explaining all the drinks to you [instead of making conversation].”
– O Tama Carey, Lankan Filling Station
“Ante in Newtown. It really strips back the pressure of that first date. With no reservations, there’s no pressure to book ahead. Like, there’s a wait for your table? Just nip over to one of the pubs and have a couple of drinks and they’ll text you when it’s ready. Don’t know what to order? The staff there are very good at taking the thinking out of your hands curating the food experience and pairing it with exceptional sakes and cocktails. I believe the pacing of the food is also the unsung hero of this venue. It’s casual, friendly and gives you time between each course to catch up and soak in the surroundings – and your company.”
–Cam Votano, The Bat & Ball