Five Best Spots For A First Date

Rebecca Varidel
15th Aug 2015

Whether you're hankering for a hook-up, some fun flirting, a touch of tinder-ness, or have greater romantic ambitions, here's our pick of the best Sydney spots for a first date.

1. Cocktails at The Owl House

Bars can swing from a little get to know you chat or cosy into a cuddle up. The warm and sexy glow of red light at The Owl House is our top first date pick. It's intimate and not intimidating. The cocktails are elegant and impressive without being ostentatious. There's a spot downstairs for two to perch at the end of the bar which is an ideal first meeting place. Add a food match with a cocktail or two, or even think about the full food matched cocktail degustation and this Darlinghurst treasure becomes whatever you want it to be. The Owl House is a good place to start dating, whatever your intentions. Bartender discretion guaranteed.

The Owl House
97 Crown Street, Darlinghurst
+ 61 29357 5060

2. A Royal Picnic

A roll in the grass never did anyone any harm. Oops, that was supposed to be stroll. Seriously though, a walk in our beautiful harbour side gardens can lead you down many paths. Pack a picnic - make it real china plates, silver cutlery and glassware if you want to be classy. Or look out on the gardens before or after your stroll from the wonderful Botanic Gardens Restaurant. Classier still.

Botanic Gardens Restaurant
Royal Botanic Gardens Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney
+61 2 9241 2419

3. Barefoot Bowls

Or there's another way to roll. What can be sexier than a bit of barefoot exercise to start a friendship? Especially when you add a bit of friendly competition. As well as Barefoot Bowls, Concord Bowling Club also have bocce, pool, darts and of course beers to finish.

Concord Bowling Club
Clermont Avenue, Concord
+61 2 9743 2309

4. On The Harbour

A ferry ride can have a lot of destinations. You can end up walking barefoot on the sand at Manly beach or share some fish 'n' chips on the wharf. Cruise for deckchair drinks on UNESCO world-heritage-listed Cockatoo Island in the middle of beautiful Sydney Harbour; over summer The Island Bar is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12.30pm until after dusk. Or take some sea spray from Circular Quay to Watson's Bay and kick back with beverages in the beer garden at the Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel.

Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel
1 Military Road, Watsons Bay

5. Golden Age of Romance

Hugging and a kissing in the back row of the movies was the way to make out for more than half of last century. And if it's romance you are after, there isn't much that is more romantic than an old Hollywood movie, or even an new release tear jerker. Then add cocktails. At Sydney's newest premium cinema Hoyts Lux Broadway or in the intimacy of the old screening room of the heritage listed Paramount Pictures at Golden Age Cinema and Bar.

Golden Age Cinema and Bar
80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
+61 2 9211 1556