Places to go on Dates in Melbourne

Melbourne is the second-most populous city in Australia and the place that Melbournians are proud to call their home. It is known for being the city that wears the cultural crown, with creative types flocking from afar and holiday makers heading south to see what all the hypes about. It’s the city that has something for everyone so it’s good to keep note of where the best date spots are as you never know who you might meet when you’re in Melbourne.

The Red Hummingbird

If its starlight that you want to put the cliché cherry on the cliché cake of your date then The Red Hummingbird offers it all being both an indoor and outdoor rooftop bar. Not the average high street bar, it stands out above the rest with its sophisticated decoration and well-dressed clientele to match the furniture. With the resident DJ playing soft ambient French music and the 30-strong cocktail menu, your romancing should get well under way here. Ooh la la, très bien.

1st Floor, 246 Russell Street, Melbourne, 3000
www.theredhummingbird.com

Mamasita

Mamasita is a restaurant/bar inspired by foreign travel and the culture of Mexico. Arriba! Their authentically cooked food and authentically sourced beverages and yes by that I do mean tequila, is only the best of the best. The idea of their menu is to encourage sharing as it has been structured to allow for multiple courses. If you teach these señoritas early on that they must share their food with you, this can only help further down the line. Mamasita has good food within a good atmosphere now all you have to hope for is good company on your date.

Level 1/11 Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000
www.mamasita.com.au

The Workshop

If you are more of the arty type and want a bar that sums up Melbourne’s creative vibe then The Workshop should be just your cup of tea, or pot of paint shall I say. Not only does it have a big focus on music and an open air decking area, it also has a fee-free gallery space for local artists. The Workshop has won awards for its bar-design so if you happen to be taking out a fellow creative cupcake, take him or her here to impress them with the décor and design. Get ready to woo your date with your knowledge of the local culture and peruse the art on show. For added romance, head down on a Tuesday for their acoustic night.

Level 1, 413 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000
www.theworkshop.com.au

Gin Palace

Now we have all heard of gin causing sudden onset depression. Well forget you ever heard that, dress up smartly and get all 007 with your date by trying some of Gin Palace’s renowned martinis. The martini menu is hard to beat and this bar does generally revolve around gin, gin and a little bit more gin. So if your date is a fan of gin, mosey on down, if they aren’t, maybe don’t go here, unless you are trying to deliberately antagonise them. Gin Palace is open every night until 3am so you can continue gazing longingly into each other’s eyes if you can see straight by then.

10 Russell Place, Melbourne 3000
www.ginpalace.com.au

The Mint

Named by its discreet location where the formal Royal Mint lies, The Mint Bar and Restaurant boasts one of the city’s largest beer gardens. If the sun is shining and the weather is sweet then head down here to graze in the heat. If alternatively the sun forgot to put his hat on then you can dine your date indoors next to the open fire with the reasonably priced pub menu. If your date is the kind to be happy with steak and chips order away, but if they are expecting caviar and canapés then this is not the place for you. If so, leave them in the garden and walk away.

Corner of La Trobe and William Street, Melbourne, 3000
www.themint.com.au

Little Red Pocket Cocktail Bar

If your mind is like mine then you may initially wonder of the connotations for the name of this restaurant/bar but once we move on from that we find a venue that is well worth the visit and ideal for a hot date with a twist. Self-described as a ‘secret paradise where Japan is infused with modern Melbourne’ this award winning bar is best known for its sake cocktails and Japanese style tapas. With an innovative Ipad2 ordering system, the Little Red Pocket Cocktail Bar is different to other CBD bars and if you are a modern monkey who likes to steer away from the norm, you will lap this up.

422 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
www.littleredpocket.com.au

By Sarah Wilk

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