Kendall’s Bistro

St Peter’s Square
Leeds

LS9 8AH

http://www.kendellsbistro.co.uk

Good place to take a date:

9/10

Inject a little French fancy into your relationship with a fun and scandalously tasty trip to Kendal’s Bistro. Romantic in a laid-back sort of way, it’s the Santa’s Grotto of the Yorkshire date restaurants and the gifts are in the form of food. The restaurant’s warm glow and buzz of conversation brings it to life every evening, and makes it an informal but special spot for a meal with the spark in your life. Make a night of it and get your fill of French food here before heading to the West Yorkshire playhouse down the road for a performance; Kendall’s Bistro is bang in the Arts centres of Leeds and its pre-theatre menu is the perfect precursor to an evening of entertainment.

Good place to meet for a first date:

9/10

Kendall’s Bistro puts a Northern spin on French cuisine that makes has been an instant hit with locals and visitors alike in Leeds. Kendall himself is quite the eccentric, and his ‘my way or the highway’ approach to bistro food is remarkably refreshing. Fairy lights and mismatched candles combine with remnants of Renaissance art spanning the walls to create a unique and relaxed atmosphere that should ease you into conversation. A few glasses of wine and an impressive meal are sure to have you saying ‘ooh la la’ by the end of your first date in Yorkshire.

Kendall’s Bistro

Average age:

Age is just a number, right? There are no rules and regulations on a visit to Kendall’s. Like the host himself says, ‘I want people to come for the food, not the artwork on the walls or the sexy sultry looks of the Maitre de.’ So if you love French food, fantastic wines and a certain… je ne sais quoi, then you’ll feel right at home here. Make a little effort on the dress code, but don’t feel you have to go overboard if you’re rushing from work.

Time of review:

Open for dinner Mondays to Saturdays, Kendall’s Bistro has a booming trade from the theatre goers, with a prix fixe menu earlier in the evening.  Book a table ahead to avoid disappointment, and if you’re planning a visit for a special occasion then let them in the know and they are willing to help make it perfect.

Average cost of a meal and a drink:

Get three courses and half a bottle of house wine for £25.95 on the prix fixe menu, a price which we’d be willing to pay anywhere for a Yorkshire date. The fact that the food, wine and ambience is top notch is surely just a bonus. On the regular menu, main courses average around £15, so if you can get in early then you’ll get much better value for money

Type of cuisine:

Don’t fill up on the free bread on your visit to Kendall’s, you have a culinary feast to follow and you’ll want to make the most of the classic French flavours that put your mouth in a frenzy. The menu changes almost daily depending on the seasonal and local produce available, but expect a few favourites from Cassoulet to Crème Brulee along the way.

Final word:

In a city full of chain restaurants and fancy fine dining, Kendall’s Bistro brings a personal and eccentric touch to Leeds and as a result has struck gold. A top choice for dates in Leeds, round off a day exploring the city or head here before a trip to the theatre to span out your time with that special someone.

The Angel Inn

Hetton

Near Skipton

North Yorkshire

BD23 6LT

http://www.angelhetton.co.uk/

Good place to take a date:

10/10

If you want an exquisite spot for a Yorkshire date with that special someone, you can choose few better places than The Angel Inn at Hetton. Take a leisurely drive into the countryside and enjoy a brisk walk in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales before a hearty lunch in the Bar Brasserie, or whisk yourselves away to stay for the weekend and get spruced up for the restaurant. The Gourmet Tasting menu is a gastronomically brilliant journey for any food fanatics, and will give you a few hours to schmooze over exciting creations with plenty of wine to accompany it. Be treated like royalty with the faultless service of the staff and feel utterly fabulous by the time you’ve finished your meal.

Good place to meet for a first date:

8/10

A road trip is a great way to get to know someone, and the Yorkshire Dales is a terrific drive out on a sunny weekend in the summer. Surprise them with your style as you pull up outside the ivy-clad building that is The Angel Inn, but be prepared for a little shock at the prices too if you haven’t check the website out first. This isn’t just your average country pub that you stumble across on a Sunday, it’s an award winning spot in the heart of the Dales that serves fine dining in and even finer setting. If you don’t want to scare them off with an overly intimate dining experience on your Yorkshire first date, dine in the Bar Brasserie instead for a more homely and hearty setting that’s also far more affordable.

The Angel Inn

Average age:

You need a car and a healthy budget to begin with if you’re thinking of visiting The Angel Inn. And don’t even think about visiting if rolling hills and old pubs full of character don’t enchant you.  Nevertheless, people of all ages are coming around the delights of retreats such as this one, and if you appreciate natural beauty, then it won’t just be your date that impresses on a visit to this restaurant.

Time of review:

As most people have to earn their keep throughout the week, the older and richer generations keep The Angel Inn busy even during the off-peak times. However the place really comes to life on a weekend, as a fantastic escape to the countryside or way to round off a walk in the Dales. Visit on a Sunday for a sublime roast at a surprisingly reasonable price, and choose to eat in the Restaurant or the Brasserie depending on the occasion.

Average cost of a meal and a drink:

The Angel Inn has a baffling array of options for a date in Yorkshire, whether you want the £55 gourmet menu in the restaurant, a set menu Sunday lunch in the Brasserie, or simply a few favourites from the a la carte menu for wider selections. Book your visit after pay day and go all out on your visit to this Dales gem. After all, it’s a special spot that deserves to be done properly. And surely your date is worth it anyway?

Type of cuisine:

You won’t be surprised to learn that the restaurant sources its ingredients both locally and seasonally. As such, the menu evolves and changes throughout the year, featuring the freshest food in season and new creations as they think them up. Delicate fish dishes are off-set by juicy games and meats that you can really get your teeth into. All of them are, of course, beautifully presented.

Final word:

What we love about The Angel Inn is its chameleon-like character that lends itself to almost any occasion. Whether you want good pub grub after a long walk across the Moors or fine dining in the stunning setting, you can mould the perfect date in Yorkshire to your individual circumstances.

Oxo’s on the Mount

The Mount Royale Hotel

119 The Mount

York

YO24 1GU

http://oxosrestaurantyork.com/

Good place to take a date:

10/10

York is saturated with quaint cafes and popular chain restaurants. But if you want a truly special location for a date in York then Oxo’s on the Mount takes the city’s gastronomic standards to a new level. A short drive out the city takes you to the Mount Royale hotel, where you’ll feel like a minor celebrity as you’re welcomed by the professional staff to your table. Dine in the atmospheric restaurant on an evening, or enjoy al fresco food and drink in the summer, in a setting that you’ll struggle to believe is so close to the city centre. If you want to show that you’re serious with your date, whisk them away for a romantic stay in the hotel exploring the Shambles of York by day and sampling the delights of Oxo’s menu by night.

Good place to meet for a first date:

8/10

Awarded with two AA rosettes for culinary excellence, there’s no doubting that Oxo’s on the Mount is a star-studded spot for a York date. The warm service and melt-in-the-mouth flavours make it a top restaurant in the city, and takes the edge off the fine and fancy atmosphere that the glistening surroundings suggest. The glamorous presentation of the food is sure to get you talking, although if it doesn’t then you might be a little disappointed at the total of the bill at the end. It’s an expensive risk for a first date in Yorkshire, but one that’s should do the trick at impressing that special someone if you’re certain they’re a safe bet.

Oxo’s on the Mount

Average age:

As a historic city rich in architecture, gift shops and activity, York is flooded with tourists exploring the delights of Yorkshire. Renowned as one of the best places to eat in the city, Oxo’s on the Mount has a bustling trade of foodies from around the world, giving it a vibrant and lively atmosphere around the clock. Get smartened up for a date here if you want to look the part.

Time of review:

You’ll of course need to make a reservation if you want to visit Oxo’s on the Mount on a weekend, however it tends to be pretty packed throughout the calendar. For a different experience to the standard dinner date in Yorkshire, why not give this place a try for a cracking Sunday lunch, or summer dining on the gazeover on a hot sunny day.

Average cost of a meal and a drink:

Oxo’s on the Mount isn’t a one-course sort of place, so put aside some pennies if you want to do this date properly. Expect to pay £50 a head for three courses with wine, and for that you get to enjoy some of the finest food and drink in York accompanied by faultless service in a fantastic atmosphere. The Sunday lunch menu is in fact very reasonable at £20.95 for 3 three courses, but you’ll need to book ahead to get a slot for this popular sitting. Oh, and you might want to save a bit extra for a taxi back into York if you want to sample a few tipples!

Type of cuisine:

Putting a premium spin of Best of British, Oxo’s on the Mount sources quality ingredients and presents them beautifully on your plate. Typical highlights of the menu include seared king scallops, rump of lamb, delectable fish dishes and very tempting desserts.

Final word:

Oxo’s on the Mount has the whole package for an impressive Yorkshire date. The five star food and drink does justice to the sophisticated setting of the hotel, and with outstanding service you can rest easy knowing that the date will go smoothly… at least on the restaurant’s behalf…

The Orchid

28 Swan Road

Harrogate

HG1 2SE

http://www.orchidrestaurant.co.uk/

Good place to take a date:

10/10

Elegant dining in the beautiful spa town of Harrogate, The Orchid has been a firm favourite for dates in Yorkshire for many years. Serving flavoursome and fresh oriental cuisine in a modern and stylish setting, the welcoming staff know how to make an evening special. Sip champagne at the sleek black bar before being shown through to the small but intimate restaurant for a show-stopping meal. If visiting Harrogate for the weekend or the Tour de Yorkshire this summer, a meal at The Orchid is the perfect way to top off a stay at the Studley Hotel, underneath which this gem of a restaurant is situated.

Good place to meet for a first date:

7/10

As one of the most popular places to eat in Harrogate, you might struggle to get a table for two unless you book in advance. Nevertheless, as soon as you tuck into the delicious Asian dishes you’ll understand what makes it a top spot in this spa town. Be sure that you’ll have plenty of conversation for your visit to The Orchid; surrounded by families and couples celebrating anniversaries and special occasion, each table is an intimate space where you’ll find little relief for those shifty silences if they do happen to settle. If you’re not sure quite what the evening will hold, you might want to save this one for a second or third date in Yorkshire when you want to spice things up a little.

The Orchid, Harrogate

Average age:

With its contemporary bar and cutting edge menu, The Orchid has modelled itself with a young and modern brand that makes it a hit with all ages and groups looking for top notch food in Harrogate. You’ll find families, couples and friends all clinking glasses on an evening, giving it a fun and friendly atmosphere that the small dining area only adds to.

Time of review:

Whether visiting on a week night or weekend, The Orchid is often booked up around the clock, so reserve a table to avoid disappointment. On the cusp of the town centre, it’s a great spot for a Yorkshire date on a Friday or Saturday night, with plenty of bars down the road if you fancy moving on for more drinks after your meal.

Average cost of a meal and a drink:

Quality comes at a price, and The Orchid is certainly at the higher end of the price range for Yorkshire restaurants. But when you can taste the freshness in the food and sample some of the finest culinary creations from all over Asia, it’s worth the money. Mains range between £12-£20 with a baffling array of choice for each course. Easier decisions and more affordable prices are on offer during the day, with three courses for £15.95 making the express lunch a tempting offer.

Type of cuisine:

A charming touch at The Orchid is the fact that they state the country from which each dish is drawn on the menu. Sample Korean dumplings, Thai green curry, and spicy Sichuan belly pork during a visit to the restaurant. Begin your date with a selection of starters to break down the boundaries as you share your nibbles, before turning up the heat with the Weeping Tiger steak. There’s plenty of choice for even the fussiest of eaters at The Orchid.

Final word:

The Orchid is more than just your average Chinese (although they do offer takeout if you prefer a cosy night in with a bottle of wine…). A distinct spot for special occasions with faultless food and service, it’s a great place to talk the evening away as you tuck into a feast of oriental delights on a romantic date.

The Anvil Inn

Main Street

Sawden
Scarborough

YO13 9DY

http://www.theanvilinnsawdon.co.uk/

Good place to take a date:

9/10

A good British pub should have plenty of character, and The Anvil Inn certainly has this and so much more. Refining the traditional interior with a winning menu, hospitable staff and an inviting ambience, it’s a fantastic spot for dates in Yorkshire. Combine with a trip to the seaside at Scarborough for a fun day out on the weekend, and work up an appetite with a walk on the beach before being welcomed into the warmth of the restaurant in Sawden. If you want to treat your date to a special weekend away, book a night in the Old Nail Shed; far more glamorous than the name suggests, it’s a charming and atmospheric place to stay for a romantic night away, and means that you don’t have to worry about who’s driving!

Good place to meet for a first date:

8/10

There’s surely no better way to ‘forge’ a relationship than dining in an old blacksmith’s shop. The Anvil Inn wasn’t always a pub, and the exposed brick walls of the old building create a good talking point to warm things up on a first date in Yorkshire. A healthy blend of locals and visitors give the place a buzz that should prevent awkward silences, and if all else fails you can turn your attention to the sumptuous food and drinks menu. The oldy-world feel of the pub is brought into the present with the adventurous dishes that push the boundaries of pub grub for modern dining, creating a comfortable space for a wonderful meal with your date.

The Anvil Inn

Average age:

Gastro pubs have risen to prosperity in recent years, and the locals who weathered the storm during the recession have been rewarded with a new generation looking to escape the city for good, honest grub. As such, you’ll find a happy mix of ages, occasions and groups in The Anvil Inn, especially on a weekend when people flock to the coast for some sea air.

Time of review:

Closed on a Monday and Tuesday, The Anvil Inn enjoys a thriving trade throughout the rest of the week, especially on Sundays. For a good test whether you and your date are compatible, take them for a brisk down the beach on a windy day before tucking into a roast on a Sunday afternoon. Then figure out if you can see yourselves doing the same thing together in a decade.

Average cost of a meal and a drink:

Whilst the food is obviously going to set you back a lot more than fish and chips on the beach, the dining experience and quality of the dishes at The Anvil Inn make it worth the money. Expect to pay £12-17 for a main depending on how expensive your taste it, and add a few pounds extra for any starter or dessert.

Type of cuisine:

The Anvil Inn takes classic dishes from around the world and makes them its own. The well-written menu includes a tempting selection of dishes such as mussels Mariniere, Morrocan cuisine, and venison steak that are sure to have you sharing forkfuls of flavour with each other. Leave room for pudding, as the nostalgic sweet treats are too good to miss, and give you an excuse to span out your Yorkshire date.

Final word:

A trip to the seaside is the classic British day out, and makes a romantic option for dates in Yorkshire. So top off your trip with a meal at The Anvil Inn and soak up the historic surrounding with great food and drink that will really warm the cockles.

Greenhead House

84 Burncross Road

Chapeltown
Sheffield

S35 1SF

http://greenheadhouse.com/

Good place to take a date:

9/10

Situated in a charming 17^th century cottage, Greenhead House is a refreshing change from the urban expanse of Sheffield for a special occasion. On a summer’s day, soak up the sun in the peaceful walled gardens or browse the menu with a drink in the lounge, before being taken through to the humble but smart dining room where you can tuck into some of South Yorkshire’s finest dishes. Meanwhile, the amicable hosts give a personal touch that money can’t buy and will make you feel like friends welcomed into their homely restaurant. Special without the ponce and propriety of restaurants serving the equivalent food, you’ll feel right at home here for a Yorkshire date.

Good place to meet for a first date:

8/10

Your date might wonder where on earth you’re taking them when you rock up in Chapeltown after dark, but they won’t feel nervous for long when welcomed by the warmth of Greenhead House. A seemingly makeshift setup, the restaurant is a family-run affair in the equivalent of a front room, but therein lies its charm. Sheffield is notably lacking in fine dining, and Greenhead House fills the gap comfortably for five star food without intimidating its visitors. Proof that good things come in small packages, it’s a quirky alternative to the city centre restaurants and makes a nice drive out in the summer. The pleasant hosts will hopefully prompt you into conversation, and rescue any awkward silences with their friendly banter in the unfortunate event that they do occur.

Greenhead House

Average age:

The cosy, country feel to Greenhead House combined with the much-steeper-than-Sheffield prices cuts out the younger clientele at this restaurant. Popular amongst couples looking to escape the city or celebrate a truly special occasion, it’s a mature and memorable spot for a Yorkshire date. Wear something nice for your visit, but don’t feel you need to buy a whole new outfit just to fit in. It isn’t that sort of place.

Time of review:

Open Wednesdays to Saturdays, Greenhead House is a family-run restaurant and so takes a relaxed approach that reflects positively through the service. The passion and enthusiasm for what they do shines through, from the menu to the smiles throughout your visit. Great for evening meals throughout the year, it’s also a fantastic summer retreat to make the most of the sun for a lunchtime date on weekends.

Average cost of a meal and a drink:

At £50 per head for canapés, 3 courses, coffee and petit fours, Greenhead House is certainly well above the price range for the area. But for the quality, service and delicious dishes it really is good value for money. If you want to check the place (or your date) out first, try the lunch menu and see the well-kept garden in its daytime glory during the warmer months.

Type of cuisine:

A best of British tour de force brings excellent results on the Greenhead House menu, with traditional favourites cooked to perfection every time. Proving that you don’t need to experiment with weird and wonderful recipes to impress, highlights include the beef fillet steak and bakewell pudding that are sure to make you feel warm and fuzzy regardless of whether your date does.

Final word:

Experience the warmth of proper Yorkshire hospitality on a date at Greenhead House. A super spot just outside of Sheffield, it gives South Yorkshire restaurants a good name and has established itself as a top location for wining and dining in the area. A great place to sample the delights of traditional British dishes with that special someone.

After the fun and games in Sydney earlier in the month, FreeAndSingle have had a fabulous fortnight exploring the most romantic, sleek and quirky restaurants in Melbourne. The winner has now been announced, and what do you think to the results? Let’s refresh our memories with a look over the Top 10 Melbourne date restaurants in case you missed any of these top venues. Click on the links to read the reviews in full.

10. Añada

Sizzling Spanish tapas and a lively atmosphere makes Añada a fun location for a Melbourne date. Thriving with diners wanting to let their hair down, it’s a vibrant choice for a first date.

9. Eau de Vie

Feel cool as a cucumber as you sip potent cocktails by the bar at Eau de Vie. This retro bar makes a modern setting for a Melbourne date with a difference.

8. The European

Enjoy a taste of European cafe couture on a visit to this charming Melbourne restaurant. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner from around the continent, The European is a relaxed environment for a date.

7. Osteria la Passione

Passion by name, passion by nature. Osteria la Passione puts a personal touch on Italian cuisine in this homely but pristine restaurant.

6. Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

Take a journey through time with your date as you whizz around Melbourne in the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. A novelty Melbourne date idea that will really razzle dazzle them, it’s a dining experience that you won’t forget.

Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

5. Hardware Societe

Start the day on the right foot with your date at Hardware Societe. One of the best places in Melbourne for brunch, you’ll like your eggs with a kiss here.

4. Cutler & Co

Fine dining in a stylish setting, Cutler & Co is an impressive option for a date in Melbourne. Beautiful food presented perfectly, treat yourself to the Degustation Menu for a real foodie experience.

3. Seamstress

A quirky oriental restaurant where you’ll find clothes hanging from the ceiling, Seamstress puts a modern and fun twist on Asian cuisine.

2. Esca Grill

Steak, wine and seafood give Esca Grill and unbeatable take on fine dining that’s hard to resist. A pristine restaurant in the heart of MoPo, it’s a romantic spot for a Melbourne date.

1. Tippler & Co

The laid-back atmosphere, sharing platters and infectious happy vibe bring Tippler & Co a deserved 1st place in our Top 10 Melbourne date countdown.

So that’s a wrap! What do you think of FreeAndSingle’s Top 10, would you do it differently? If so, let us know and feel free to comment below.

Next week, we’re jetting off to the UK to explore the delights of Yorkshire! Looking at the best spots for first dates, those deal-clincher dinners, and special occasions with your partner, we’ll be starting with number 10 on Monday 26th May.

Top 10 Yorkshire Date Restaurants

If you know somewhere that’s perfect for Yorkshire dates, or perhaps you think your restaurant should feature in the rankings, get in touch! Email kellygilmourgrassam@outlook.com to get involved and have your say.

Want to try out some of these restaurants but need to find a date first? FreeAndSingle is a 100% free dating website! Sign up today and get connected.

The Tippler & Co

58 Wellington Parade

East Melbourne

http://www.thetipplerandco.com/

Good place to take a date:

10/10

Isn’t it refreshing when you don’t feel ridiculous for ordering a beer instead of wine, or swapping dishes half way through a meal? The Tippler & Co makes cosmopolitan casual, and shakes up the norms of the Melbourne date restaurants to create something special but incredibly unpretentious. The happy buzz of the bar flows into the restaurant to give it an infectious vibe where you can shape your evening. Whether popping in for a pint or whiling away the evening with tapas and cocktails, you’ll feel totally at home at The Tippler & Co.

Good place to meet for a first date:

10/10

With urban lighting and cosily cramped tables creating a city-chic environment for a first date in Melbourne, you won’t stay strangers for long at The Tippler & Co. Sharing dishes are a delightful way to break down the boundaries, whilst the drinks menu offers something for everyone. Start with a pint and if things go well move onto wine or even spirits, there’s really no template for a trip to The Tippler & Co. If you’re hoping to meet the new spark, it’s a great place to visit with friends on a weekend or after work, and the events such as wine tasting bring in an eclectic mix of Melbournians sharing a passion for food and drink.

The Tippler And Co

Average age:

The Tippler & Co has that cool older brother feel to it that makes people young and old flock to soak up the welcoming warmth of the atmosphere. From work colleagues letting down their hair to romantic couples cuddled in the corner, there’s no fixed clientele and as a result it’s a relaxed space for meeting old friends and new. Turn up in your jeans or get dressed up for a night out, you can dress The Tippler & Co up or down for any occasion.

Time of review:

The best restaurants don’t need to try hard. That’s probably why the take it easy and only open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday, and lunch on weekends. Perhaps they’re playing hard to get, but it certainly seems to be working. The Tipple & Co is packed around the clock, so book ahead to guarantee a fantastic Melbourne date.

Average cost of a meal and a drink:

The Tippler & Co is refreshingly affordable, and isn’t out to get your money. Pay $10-15 for sharing tapas or if you’re in need of a good feed find mains for around $25. For the range of drinks available alone this place is worth a visit, and the kind hospitality of the staff mean you’ll probably stay longer than you bargained for.

Type of cuisine:

Whether you love a juicy bit of meat or prefer a lighter vegetarian salad, the small but well-rounded food menu draws upon European inspiration for great sharing dishes. Favourites include pea and ham hock croquettes, with ginger and date pudding as the cherry on top if you or your date has a sweet tooth. Order dishes sporadically to span out the evening and graze as you natter.

Final word:

Coming out top on the Melbourne date restaurants league, FreeAndSingle loves The Tippler & Co because of its versatility for any romantic occasion. Doubling up as a relaxed environment for that nervous first date and a fun venue for Friday nights with your partner after a long week at work, you’ll fit right in here whatever makes you happy. A go-to option for Melbourne dating, the sharing foods, extensive drinks selection, and feel-good atmosphere are a winning combination.

Esca Grill

650 Mt Alexander Road
Moonee Ponds

VIC 3039

http://www.escagrill.com.au/restaurant.php

Good place to take a date:

10/10

Escape the city centre to the friendly MoPo district for a truly romantic evening that will whisk you both off your feet. If steak, seafood and fine wine are your ideal of special dining then you won’t be disappointed at Esca Grill. The crisp and clean atmosphere is a canvas for you to paint with conversation and good food as the delightful staff make you feel at ease despite the expensive surroundings. Presented with panache, you’ll be sending compliments to the kitchen as well as your date as you tuck into rich and flavoursome dishes accompanied by a bottle of quality wine selected by the Sommellier.

Good place to meet for a first date:

9/10

Esca Grill might be a little flashy for a first date in Melbourne, but if that’s your style then you won’t get much better than this. Putting the oomph in upmarket, the focus is on meaty steak and fish and the always-full-wine-glass sort of service that you come to expect from restaurants of such calibre. Premium honest food is emphasised by the open kitchen, where you can find live entertainment with the lightning speed chefs if your date isn’t quite cutting it. However the waiters will soon have you feeling at ease, and after attempting to gracefully guzzle an oyster you’ll hopefully have broken the ice. Expensive but worth every penny, it’s a top choice for fine dining in the suburbs.

Esca Grill Melbourne

Average age:

Of course you’ll find your fair share of silver spoon diners in Esca Grill, but it isn’t overly pretentious and the staff gives five star treatment to each and every guest. The dim lighting mutes the restaurant into your own little world on an evening, so you’ll notice only the pleasant hum of the place as you share food, conversation and stories. Dress to impress here for special Melbourne dating.

Time of review:

Visit for a midweek lunch if you’d like a slightly less showy sitting, or book a table on evenings from Tuesdays to Sundays. This isn’t the sort of place where you waltz in unannounced for a meal, bookings are essential and ensure that you get a seat in this busy restaurant!

Average cost of a meal and a drink:

At $30-$40 for a main Esca Grill might sound very expensive, but when you consider that the menu is made up almost exclusively of steak and seafood then it’s really not that shocking. This restaurant doesn’t really do ‘special’ dishes, as they weave this focus through every dish that they serve up. Meanwhile, the Sommellier has given his all to create a varied and extensive wine list, with a great deal of flexibility in the pricing depending on your budget and knowledge of world vinos.

Type of cuisine:

Whilst vegetarian options are available at Esca Grill, it’s primarily a surf and turf paradise. Steak and chips on steroids, you’ll find powerful combinations such as cauliflower puree and pine mushrooms to accompany your juicy joints of meat. Leave room for dessert, with chocolate and cheese complementing the main menu perfectly for a totally indulgent dinner.

Final word:

Fine dining doesn’t have to be about weird and wonderful kitchen experiments. Sometimes the traditional favourites are just as fancy as those exotic ingredients and strange techniques. Esca Grill does simple and sumptuous with effortless ease, making it an impressive spot for a blow-out Melbourne date.

Seamstress

113 Lonsdale Street

Melbourne

http://www.seamstress.com.au/

Good place to take a date:

9/10

Seamstress has put the cool in China Town, and in doing so created a fresh and original option for Asian dining. Finding a balance between quality Asian food and an atmosphere befitting of that special someone can be difficult; most places either charge astronomical prices or fit the greasy spoon category that lacks romance. Breaking away from the cliché, you’ll be impressed with the hospitality of the service, the think-outside-the-box décor and modern twist on classic dishes at Seamstress. Sip cocktails to prolong your visit as you work your way through the a la carte menu, or throw yourself in at the deep end with a sumptuous banquet that will impregnate you with a food baby.

Good place to meet for a first date:

9/10

If clothes hanging from the ceiling aren’t enough to get you talking, then you’re probably not meant to be. A quirky bar-cum-restaurant where cocktails and unique Asian dishes are the order of the day, Seamstress stitches a success story for Melbourne dating. A small space that’s practically designed for couples with the small tables drawn close together, tapestry lines the walls and ceilings to give the place a warmth that should rub off on the two of you. If you don’t want to commit to a dinner date just yet, meet for a few drinks at the bar and you might find you stay longer than you bargained for. But that’s ok, the laid-back atmosphere is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat when your tummy rumbles. And you’ll find plenty for hip bars in the area if you fancy moving on to continue the evening.

Seamstress Melbourne

Average age:

The cocktail clientele and Melbournian hipsters give Seamstress a relatively young vibe that will give you kudos if you bring your date here. It may be incredibly cool, but it stays true to the important basics by presenting fresh food, great service and good value day and night.

Time of review:

Seamstress has a tight knit layout of tables, and so easily stays busy throughout the week. However if you do arrive on a whim you won’t be tapping your toes waiting for a seat as the cocktails will soon have you feeling relaxed. Great for spontaneous dates in Melbourne, Seamstress is a fun and fresh option for wining and dining.

Average cost of a meal and a drink:

If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful Chinese, you might find the prices a little steep at Seamstress. However this restaurant offers such a well-rounded experience with its tempting drinks selection and electric environment that you aren’t just paying for a bowl of egg fried rice. The banquet costs $65 per person, but with 3 courses and 9 dishes you’ll certainly get your money’s worth at Seamstress. Meanwhile, a cocktail will cost you between $15-20, with a refreshing array of options that you might not have heard of before.

Type of cuisine:

With cheeky numbers catching the eye such as maple seared scallops and duck rice crepe, Seamstress has put effort into making an interesting menu. A modern take on Asian cuisine, you’ll find it hard to choose from the tempting choices. But that’s where the banquet menu comes in as a solution. If you’re making the bar the focal point of your visit on a Melbourne date, light bites such as sticky pork and kingfish croquet will go down a treat after a cocktail or two.

Final word:

Take them on a whirlwind tour of Asia with this thematic bar-cum-restaurant that will really set the tone for a fun and exciting Melbourne date. Seamstress offers something quintessentially different in the welcoming China Town district of the city, and we like its style.