Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s best date suburbs because the whole grid is walkable and the range covers everything from a $14 sandwich and a park bench to cocktails in a 1920s speakeasy. The narrow streets, warehouse spaces, and dimly lit bars were practically designed for it.
Here’s how to do date night depending on your budget and how serious this date actually is.
The Food
Tier 1: Impressive Without Breaking the Bank
Marion — 53 Gertrude Street. Andrew McConnell’s wine bar. Exposed brick, candlelight, an absurdly good wine list. Small plates designed for sharing.
Order the kingfish sashimi ($24), the lamb shoulder for two ($58), and a bottle from the natural wine list ($50–$90). Total for two: $130–$170. Bookings recommended Friday/Saturday.
Poodle Bar & Bistro — 81–83 Gertrude Street. French bistro that’s become one of Melbourne’s hardest reservations. Steak frites ($48), duck liver parfait ($24), and the crème caramel ($18) people make special trips for. Total for two with wine: $200–$280.
Tier 2: Casual and Genuine
Bimbo’s — 365 Brunswick Street. Proper neighbourhood Italian. Margherita ($18), pappardelle with ragu ($24), and a bottle of Italian red ($40–$55). Total: $80–$100 for two. Warm, lively, no dress code.
Marhaba — 272 Brunswick Street. Lebanese that’s inherently shareable — ideal date food. Hummus ($10), fatoush ($12), mixed grill ($28), rice pilaf ($8). Total: $75–$100 for two.
The Drinks
The Everleigh — 150 Gertrude Street. 1920s speakeasy upstairs. Negroni ($24), plush leather booths, bartenders who’ll tailor a drink to your taste. Budget $50–$70pp. Book ahead for weekends.
Bar Liberty — 234 Johnston Street. Natural wine and creative cocktails. Seasonal spritz ($18). Intimate, lively. No reservations for the bar — arrive before 8pm.
Low Key — 188 Johnston Street. Rooftop with city views, casual drinks. Espresso martini ($19). The place where you end up staying three hours longer than planned.
The Activity
Edinburgh Gardens — For summer dates. Bring a blanket, a bottle of wine, and snacks from Alimentari. Free, romantic, zero pressure.
Rose Street Artists’ Market — Saturday and Sunday. Browse together, discover shared taste. Low-pressure activity that reveals character.
Brunswick Street bookshops — Browse together, point out things you’ve read. Simple but effective.
Ready-Made Plans
Plan A: First Date (Casual, Low Stakes)
Alimentari sandwich ($14) → walk up Brunswick Street → Low Key rooftop for a cocktail ($19) → Edinburgh Gardens if weather’s good. Total: ~$35–$50pp.
Plan B: Third Date (Getting Serious)
Bimbo’s dinner ($40–$50pp) → Bar Liberty for a nightcap ($25pp). Total: ~$65–$75pp.
Plan C: Anniversary / Special Occasion
Marion dinner ($70–$90pp) → The Everleigh cocktails ($50–$70pp). Total: ~$130–$160pp.
Plan D: Summer Outdoor Date
Edinburgh Gardens picnic ($15–$20 for supplies) → Moroccan Soup Bar dinner ($30pp, BYO, no corkage) on St Georges Road. Total: ~$25–$40pp.
More from Fitzroy: Best Bars · Best Restaurants · Nightlife Guide
Reviewed by the MELBZ team, March 2026. We pay for every meal and accept no sponsorship.
Explore More of Fitzroy
- Fitzroy History
- Fitzroy Things To Do This Weekend
- Fitzroy Cheap Eats
- Fitzroy Rent Guide
- Fitzroy Suburb Roast
- Fitzroy New Openings
- Fitzroy Things To Do
- Fitzroy Cost of Living
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed