The Best Date Places in Sydney

Bar Copains is one of the best places in Sydney to drink wine at. At this romantic corner bar, two of the country’s best chefs are sharing "unicorns" from their own personal cellars, and elegant snacks to try them with.

Canned cocktails, fine wines, tinned seafood and cheese dreams. This list could only describe one venue. This two-storey hotspot is where you’ll find the best European conservas under one roof, alongside "Mar-tinnies" and European bistro fare.

You can always count on fresh oysters, complimentary bread and a razor-sharp wine program at this exemplary neighbourhood diner. Come for an Italianate menu, served in one of the inner-city’s most romantic dining rooms.

A garage-style trattoria where you can disappear into prawn ravioli bathing in brown butter and sage sauce, a list of mainly Italian vino, and a lively soundtrack spanning Afrobeat and Italian pop. From the rock star trio behind Potts Point neo-bistro, Bistro 916.

Don't bring a large group to this tiny laneway bar – even if it were empty, you probably wouldn't fit. It's considered one the best tequila and mezcal bars in the world for its peerless selection of rare agave spirits, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff here will help you navigate the list with confidence.

This American-inspired “dining parlour” is in the business of good times, and good times only. Slink into a booth under fairy lights with a burger, some poutine, and the feeling that your night could end up being huge if you stick around long enough.

The Martini reigns supreme at this psychedelic cocktail bar. The gun bartenders pour them any way you like, and the bottomless popcorn will keep you thirsty. Don’t forget to take a selfie in the curvaceous bathroom mirror – it’s a rite of passage.

Sydney’s OG wine bar still hits after all these years. Come for a hefty list of mainly lo-fi wines, excellent snacks and sly laneway seating unlike anything else in the city.

This moody double-decker spot has long been one of the best places to drink cocktails in Surry Hills. But it’s also one of the best places to dine – with a refined bistro menu spanning European classics and a cult Sydney burger.

Whether you’re stopping in for that iconic lasagnette bolognaise or just a snack, Frat Paz nails it every time. Its groundbreaking wine list introduced the city to many minimal-intervention styles we're now obsessed with.

Look behind the old wood door at the back of the Cove deli and you'll find The Cumberland – one of Sydney's finest underground bars. The drinks list includes 250 whiskies, an impressive wine cellar and three distinct cocktail lists. Plus a hearty food offering that includes melty raclette.

The North American hotel brand's Australian debut delivers an ultra-cool, five-star experience that was worth the wait. It’s also home to Kiln, one of the city’s must-try dining experiences.

Neapolitan pizza, good wine and cracking ocean views – this Italian-ish bar and diner is the answer to Dee Why’s evening prayers. Come for all of the above in a neon-lit space, plus DJs towards the end of the week.

This place calls itself a “small-bar pub”; think big enough to get a seat but small enough to have a bar’s attention to beer and vibe. It's approachable and friendly, paired up with great service and drinks-seriousness. Plus there's a great courtyard.

This relaxed, taverna-style wine bar flaunts a seafood-heavy menu and a breezy atmosphere to match its coastal location.

The sequel to the cult Newtown shop is almost a mirror image of the OG. Except here, you can settle into the courtyard for by-the-glass pours and snacks a la Porcine upstairs.

A sublime underground theatrette showing classic and new release films. Hit the bar for pre-cinema snacks, cocktails and live music by emerging Sydney acts on Friday and Saturday nights.

Split between a beach club and a dining room proper, this twin-hitter is the perfect place to eat Med-inspired dishes and watch the waves roll in with a spritz in hand.

A small bar to gather at the foot of the Bridge.

This big, relaxed warehouse site (formerly an industrial dry-cleaners) has a laid-back pub feel, along with a pool table and a range of sessionable beers anyone can enjoy.