To help you get a head start on your Valentine's Day plans, we thought we would discuss Melbourne's most romantic restaurants. So what makes a restaurant a romantic one? Well, we are looking for intimate and elegant destinations with a bit of class. The menu would most likely be mid priced and the service must be impeccable.
There are quite Melbourne cafes and restaurants we could recommended, but in this listing we want to name the very best. We will need your help with this topic too; so if you would like to add to this listing, just leave a comment below.
As always we appreciate your feedback.
So, let's start with an establishment which is very French and a little bit pricey;
Chez Olivier, located in Prahran. Tucked away on Greville Street, this is a popular nightspot; it is causal, intimate and romantic. A private dining room is also offered here. The bistro menu is seasonal and elegant and features all the expected French classics. This place is an absolute delight.
Image by Laurent Espitallier (Wikimedia Commons)
If authentic French cuisine is not to your taste; perhaps an Asian banquet will take your fancy -
Tom Phat, located in Brunswick, is a wonderful spot for Asian cuisine. This low key restaurant, feels a bit retro. It may not be the most intimate venue, but the food is fresh and vibrant. The classic rice and noodles dishes are probably the most popular menu items here; choose from pad thai noodles, nasi goreng, chicken and chilli jam stirfry and green curry of chicken. Tom Phat makes a great stopover venue - relax and share a meal here and then move on.
Image by: Terence Ong (Wikimedia Commons)
If Spanish cuisine is what you want, head to
MoVida Bar de Tapas in the CBD. It is fun, vibrant and certainly unique. The tapas menu is an adventure and a great conversation starter; try the squid ink croqueta with cuttlefish, compressed sardine sandwich with compressed onion or the pressed quail with morcilla. This is a great Melbourne nightspot to wine and dine. Given its popularity, it may not be intimate, but it sure is fun.
Image by: José Porras (Wikimedia Commons)
For Greek cuisine, Aspro Ble, located in the CBD, may be your answer. Aspro Ble is a great late night dining option and the menu is quite affordable, with main dishes priced around the $15 mark. Dine inside or outside and if you are lucky, there may be live music. The menu has a range of Mediterranean delights; choose from a homely moussaka or share a plate of grilled prawns. The pan seared scallops are another winner, as is the Greek island lamb stew. The decor is bright and inviting.
This is also a nice place to relax and wine and dine.
I know we have covered French restaurants already, but I think
Roule Galette makes for a great intimate venue. Located in the CBD, the menu here is a celebration of crepes and French desserts and sweets. It is charming after dinner establishment - head here for a sweet delight - like one of their crepe specials with home made caramel with salted butter or fresh orange and Cointreau. The live music on Friday nights is another great bonus at this cosy cafe.
Image by Waffler (Wikimedia Commons)
Okay, one more suggestion and then it is your turn to inform us. Lucky last is
Papa Goose in the CBD. I thought it would be nice to end with a modern Australian establishment. This is another fabulous Melbourne restaurant. The menu is best described as gourmet - be prepared, as your looking at around $30 for a main dish. Choose Papa Goose if you are after elegance.
So, those are our suggestions; now it is over to you. Fill us in on your top romantic cafes and restaurants in Melbourne.
We look forward to your feedback.
