The Most Romantic Bars in Sydney for a Vibey Date Night

Sydney is bursting with beautiful bars, but there’s an art to picking an amorous spot for date night. At the very least, it should be intimate and softly lit, with a quiet booth or hidden corner to cosy up in, away from the crowds. But not to worry, we've done the research for you! Whether you're going on your first date or want to take your long-term lover on a special night out, this edit is where you will find Sydney's most romantic bars.

The Champagne Bar 

Overlooking the glittering harbour on level 3 of the Sofitel Darling Harbour, The Champagne Bar is as romantic as they come. Cosy leather booths, glitzy adornments and warm interiors contribute to the ambience whilst a curated cocktail list and French-inspired bites are yours for the taking. 

Sitchu Tip: For the most romantic cocktail of them all, be sure to sample Dantes Escape which uses exclusive spiced rum specially crafted for The Champagne Room by local distiller Brix. 

12 Darling Drive, Sydney

Bar 1880 

If you and your lover are history buffs, check out Bar 1880 — a small but classic cocktail bar hidden away in the heart of Sydney. Located within the old 'The Bulletin' newspaper office, this is the ideal place to go for a pre-dinner drink. 

Swing by the ground floor The Headline Bar for an intimate cocktail and then settle into The Press Room if you fancy making an evening of it. You'll find an array of signature cocktails, a couple of hot options and a handful of 'forgotten' concoctions alongside classic bar snacks. 

10 Bulletin Place, Sydney

Bar Lucia

Inspired by the elegant architecture from the streets of Madrid, Bar Lucia brings a laid-back air of Spain into Potts Point. This sultry wine bar offers a range of classic Spanish-style tapas including Jamon Iberico Bellota Puro, roast sea scallops on the half shell with saffron butter, Ox tongue with salsa pintxo and salsa verde, anchovies with salsa Spinader all curated by Head Chef Alberto Palacios.

Head Sommelier Kasia Sobiesiak takes charge of Bar Lucia's wine list, centred on supporting local Australian producers with an emphasis on female winemakers.

5 Kellett St, Potts Point

The Library Bar

Ideal for the word nerds or those who just appreciate a history-rich backdrop for a date. The State Library's stunning rooftop bar boasts amazing views over the city with a literary twist. Open from Wednesday to Saturday each week, The Library Bar is the perfect spot to get close to that special someone as you sip their State Library spicy marg. 

1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney

Ante

Sure cocktails and wine are fun but if you're keen to mix things up when wooing that person who makes your heart skip a beat, make a booking at Ante to err, up the ante! Bad jokes aside, this adorable Newtown venue is bound to impress. Modelled after Japan’s famous jazz cafés, Ante pairs delicious sake with great records.

On the hustling bustling King Street, this bar is home to one of the best sake selections in Australia and makes for one of the best date night locations in Sydney. With over 65 unique sakes and 2500 records, this is a delight for all the senses. As well as the sakes, Asian-inspired cocktails and a range of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks, they have a seasonal menu with snacks and larger dishes. 

146 King Street, Newtown 

Lana

If great food is as important as great service and great atmosphere, then Lana has the ultimate date night all sorted for you and your plus one! Pop in for a cocktail and if things progress, stay for a bite.

Head Chef Alex Wong has curated a tantalising offering of Italian food with Asian undertones that will surprise. 

Level 1, Hinchcliff House, 5-7 Young Street, Circular Quay

Bar La Salut

With rare Spanish wines, vermouth and Barcelona-inspired late-night snacks, make a date at Bar La Salut. The 40-seat wine bar is a high-octane bar decked out with earthy tones, crazy tiling and heroing a curved central bar from which bartenders pour cocktails and an extensive list of Spanish wines.

On the food front expect inventive tapas-style share plates. From Bar La Salut, you can enjoy jamon Iberico cut right in front of you, pincho with pork neck and whipped cod roe and scallops with pomelo, mandarin, piparra. Swoon! 

305 Cleveland Street, Redfern

Wine Library

This Woollahra watering hole is a well-oiled machine – and one of the most romantic bars in Sydney for date night. It has a chic yet laidback vibe, and you can choose between the front bar with its warm lighting and low-hanging lamps, the dining room or the courtyard, which is beautiful on a balmy night. As you may have guessed, it’s all about the wine here, though the snack menu is outstanding too.

18 Oxford Street, Woollahra

Since I Left You (SILY)

If you have a feeling drinks might turn into dinner, head to this small bar in the CBD. When you get there, go straight to the lush, leafy courtyard – an urban oasis surrounded by towering city skyscrapers. As the fairy lights twinkle, sip on creative cocktails, listen to live music, and nosh on the bar’s famously good finger food. Oh hello, romance!

338 Kent Street, Sydney

Charlie Parker’s

Foodies love Fred’s in Paddington and for a romantic night, start with a drink (and a cheeky cheese board) in the speakeasy-style bar downstairs. With dim lighting, dark woods and luxe leathers, Charlie Parker’s is as intimate as it is charming. The bartenders are at the top of their game and will mix up any concoction you want, even if it’s not on the menu.

380 Oxford Street, Paddington

Hyde Hacienda

Sitting on the harbourfront, Hyde Hacienda is an effortless date night win. Step inside, and the bar is beautiful and always buzzing with excitement, making it a go-to date night destination in Sydney.

Inspired by Cuban architecture and the vintage hotels of 1950 Miami, there are plants and pastels aplenty to match the quirky tropical-themed cocktails. To score top points, time your visit with sunset, so the two of you can watch the sun dip behind the Harbour Bridge.

61 Macquarie Street, Sydney

10 William St

Tucked away in a Paddington terrace, 10 William St ticks all the boxes for romance: it’s small (make a reservation!), dimly-lit and chic, and has a wine list that doubles up as a conversation starter. Order a bottle of red or sip on a glass of orange wine and then swap stories over a few share plates. Leave space for the fabulously fluffy tiramisu. The ultimate date night dessert.

10 William Street, Paddington

Kittyhawk

This fabulous French-inspired bar comes decked out in luxe leather booths and intimate tables decorated by candlelight. Cocktails are military-themed, with a quirky ‘airplane manual’ menu that’s filled with deliciously inventive creations. Food is decadent and traditional, with Parisian delights such as steak tartare, duck liver pate and bumps of caviar. 

16 Phillip Lane, Sydney

The Cumberland 

There's just something about basement locations that bring an air of mystery and allure. So if you're after something a little different, The Cumberland in Manly is your spot. Tucked behind a fridge door in an unassuming laneway, this venue brings an underground speakeasy to the heart of Manly — with a Spanish twist!

The stylish basement eatery has a selection of over 250 whiskies, natural wine, craft beer and an extensive cocktail menu, including prohibition classics, tipples inspired by original counties from Sydney as well as a section dedicated to ingredients that have been locally foraged and found. As for bites, you can graze from their tapas menu or their deli and cheese plates. 

17/19 Central Avenue, Manly 

Dear Sainte Eloise

This Potts Point wine bar has the date night brief down to a tee. The shelves are lined with 400 bottles of wine from around the world, and there’s a sommelier on hand to help you choose a delicious drop. The best bit? It serves small share plates until 11.30pm, just in case you get carried away with conversation…

Shop 5, 29 Orwell Street, Potts Point

Love, Tilly Devine

Wine and romance go hand in hand at Love, Tilly Devine. Tucked away in a Darlinghurst alley, this intimate bar (named after the famous 1930s brothel Madame) is a great place to come for a good conversation and a glass of wine. There are over 300 varieties on offer, so if you’re a bit of a wine buff then this is the place to show off your skills.

91 Crown Lane, Darlinghurst

Worked your way through the most romantic bars in Sydney and want to keep your love story going? Take a look at our guide to Australia's most romantic getaways and our edit of the most romantic accommodation in Margaret River.