Public Wine Shop is the very model of the modern-era wine bar and the ultimate easy-going first date spot. There’s soul spinning on the turntable, rows of wine bottles lining the brick wall and a communal table to rule them all. Altogether, it adds up to that incalculable feeling that you’ve somehow stumbled into a mate’s place rather than the new haunt of one of Australia’s most promising chefs. With award-winning sommelier Campbell Burton as its owner and an impressive line-up of natural, organic, oxidative and all-round minimally messed-with wines, you could spend the whole evening talking about wine alone if all else fails. Unfussy food elevates this to a truly memorable first date spot – think oysters with a squeeze of lemon and beef carpaccio with a buttermilk and parmesan dressing. Wander through the door and there’s a good chance you and your date are not going anywhere for a long time.
You swipe right and hit it off, but then what? Picking the right bar for a first date isn't easy, especially in a city like ours with so many options. To take the stress out of finding the perfect spot to get to know someone, we've put together a list of Melbourne's most romantic bars to ensure you have a memorable first date. And hopefully, if things go well, you can plan your next date at one of the best date night restaurants in Melbourne.