Best Date Night Restaurants in Kensington

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BaysideCity CentreEastern SuburbsInner City EastInner City NorthInner City South

Neighborhoods

AbbotsfordAlbert ParkArmadaleAshburtonBrightonBrunswick

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

276 restaurants available nearby

1. Mama Le

4.4

Awesome(155)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Kensington

Booked 1 time today

Mama Le Restaurant is the best of mums cooking with a modern twist. This hidden gem is across multiple levels with modern decor with lots of luscious plants, neons and artwork. While Mama's serving up her Vietnamese asian fusion dishes, Rebel's Bar will keep you happy with all the cocktails. This new venue is a MUST on your next night out. Perfect spot for an intimate dinner or catch up with friends and family. This multi level venue can accomodate functions for a cheeky party.

2. Kiss & Tell

4.7

Exceptional(549)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 38 times today

Melbourne’s best kept secrets live inside the walls of Kiss and Tell. The newest addition to Little Bourke Street, Kiss and Tell, is offering a mysterious yet freeing space to spill all of your secrets while sipping on one of our handcrafted cocktails. Inspired by old Hollywood glamor, we bring low light, vibrant tunes and drops of the finest wine from near and far - it’s the perfect place to bring a date.Come by and sip on an elixir of your choice and dine on our Asian fusion tapas menu. Hochi Mama herself has curated and designed an elevated and refined selection of tapas dishes or a divine banquet experience.

3. Hochi Mama CBD

4.6

Exceptional(3263)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 124 times today

Hochi Mama was the God Mother of all aspiring street artists and rappers in the early nineties. An immigrant in the big city, she hosted underground art shows along with rap battles for the rejects; a place where you could just be at home, but with family. The whole crew was always welcome, the more the merrier, and she was well renowned for creating innovative dishes using the original famous dishes from her home country, and plenty of booze, in her spacious and homey warehouse.This cheeky, vibrant and buzzing Vietnamese Fusion venue is one for your to-do list. Boasting a killer menu and a super cool vibe, this place is known for a cocktail, feast or an intimate date night.

4. Maven by Morgan

4.7

Exceptional(128)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Fitzroy

Booked 24 times today

Step into Maven, Fitzroy's lively and stylish dining spot by Morgan Hipworth. Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes designed for sharing, alongside innovative cocktails in a relaxed and buzzing atmosphere. Whether for a casual night out or a special occasion, Maven offers memorable moments over great food and drinks.

5. Trattoria Emilia

4.8

Exceptional(1316)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 49 times today

Trattoria Emilia is a charming Italian restaurant in Melbourne CBD, renowned for its authentic flavors and exceptional service. Reviewers consistently praise the fantastic ambience, excellent food, and attentive service, describing it as a perfect spot for a romantic date or an intimate dinner. One reviewer even celebrated their wedding anniversary here, suggesting it's a place for special occasions. The restaurant's overall ratings are consistently high, with a focus on its great atmosphere, friendly staff, and excellent food and service.

6. Vue de monde

4.9

Exceptional(1919)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Modern Australian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 26 times today

Vue de monde is a testament to the belief that dining can be a wondrous and unforgettable experience. The ever-changing chef’s menu pays homage to classical fine dining in a modern context by exploring the beauty of native Australian ingredients. While in the past the menu looked to Europe for inspiration, Executive Chef Hugh Allen continues to celebrate the unparalleled quality of home-grown produce with thoughtfully considered dishes committed to seasonality and locality. Vue de monde has been synonymous with Melbourne dining for almost 20 years, continuing to present an exciting and dynamic experience with a progression of flavours and sense of curiosity. The whimsical spirit at the heart of the Vue de monde menu has not been lost throughout the years, with the lighter-handed and more natural approach to cooking being no less infused with theatre.

7. Salted Egg

4.5

Awesome(575)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Melbourne CBD

Booked 9 times today

With a menu dominated by the flavours of Thailand, Executive Chef Adam Woodfield (ex-Chin Chin) and his team present dishes full of the richness of their origins such as Twice Cooked Pork Belly, Kao Soi Chicken Curry, Two Rice Fried Rice and Coconut Braised Beef.Salted Egg is a cosy yet lively space in the New York end of the Melbourne CBD, perfect for date nights, celebrations of all types or even just a place to hide away with some soul-nourishing food. We always recommend a visit to our sister 27 stories above too, The Q Rooftop Bar for pre (and after) dinner cocktails...

8. Meatmaiden

4.6

Exceptional(1388)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Melbourne CBD

Booked 31 times today

Meatmaiden is an underground steakhouse and cocktail bar delivering a unique take on the classics.Hidden in the basement of the historic Georges Building, we strive to find the finest grass-fed, grain-fed and Wagyu beef for our custom-built grill and wood-fired smoker and dry-age select cuts in our meat cabinet.Premium steaks from incredible local producers with an ever-evolving lineup, seafood dishes such as our cult lobster mac cheese and modern, diverse menus stand alongside innovative house cocktails and a focused, energetic wine list.Look for the Maiden's face on Little Collins St, descend the metal stairs and discover our dark, seductive venue and individual approach to dining out in this rollicking homage to all things meat.

A photo of Johnny's Green Room restaurant

9. Johnny's Green Room

4.2

Awesome(97)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carlton

Booked 1 time today

Situated on the rooftop of the iconic King & Godfree building in the heart of Lygon Street’s Little Italy, Johnny’s Green Room is a Tuscan-inspired terrace with dazzling city skyline views and an enthusiastic appreciation for la dolce vita.Conceived by award-winning designer Dion Hall, Johnny’s evokes the good times of an Italian summer with a semi-retractable roof enabling those summertime vibes to be enjoyed year-round. We have acclaimed chef Karen Martini on board as our Culinary Director, her relaxed menu of Italian-style sharing dishes beautifully complemented by Melbourne bar maestro Matt Bax’s delicious program of Italian-accented cocktails and wine and a rolling roster of the finest DJs in the land.Named after the classic Carlton nightspot that in the 70s and 80s attracted the bohemian and the notorious like moths to a neon-lit flame, Johnny’s has been reimagined for a whole new generation of Carlton habitués.

A photo of Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy restaurant

10. Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - Fitzroy

4.2

Awesome(1726)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Fitzroy

Booked 26 times today

Ichi Ni Nana, is a modern style Izakaya experience spread across multiple levels along the iconic Brunswick Street offering delectable Japanese dishes with a modern twist (such as our must try Ebi Mayo). The venue also comprises an amazing beverage list of Japanese inspired cocktails, the best Japan has to offer in sakes and whiskies and a comprehensive wine list covering local and international regions. Our friendly and professional team will take you on a guided tour through a Japanese experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating your next visit. Whether it’s an intimate dinner in one of our hand crafted booths or a group celebration, Ichi Ni Nana has an abundance of breathtaking indoor and outdoor areas (including a courtyard with a retractable glass ceiling which can be enjoyed rain, hail or shine), to suit any occasion.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jo
Victoria •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
A great location for catching up with friends after work. A fun vibe and super yummy food.
More info
Cha ChingPrice: Expensive• Asian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.4
A
Amanda
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We loved the food and ambiance at HoChi Mama with great service
More info
Hochi Mama CBDPrice: Moderate• Asian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.6
A
Antoni
Melbourne •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Good. try it
More info
Kiss & TellPrice: Expensive• Asian• Melbourne CBD
•
4.7
P
Peter
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Gem of Kensington. Nice ambience and great food, wish there were more like this around here
More info
Mama LePrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Kensington
•
4.4
K
Katie
Melbourne •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
Curtis was amazing and provided friendly and prompt service making my partners birthday a fun and entertaining evening. Thanks Curtis! And keep up your awesome upselling skills!!
More info
Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya - FitzroyPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Fitzroy
•
4.2

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