Keen to kiss loved up lounge room dates goodbye and make non-stop romance the theme of your festive season? Open your heart (and eyes) to Melbourne’s most beloved precinct. There are enough secret speakeasies, edgy eateries, indulgent ice creameries, tasty cooking classes, cosy wine bars and quaint cocktail lounges to bring the romantic out of anyone.
Named after the bird who, if followed in the desert, will lead you to the nearest watering hole. Galah is championing local produce and low intervention natural wines. Grab a small batch bottle from the shelves, scurry upstairs and take a sip (or ten) in a high-ceiling warehouse setting with your date. Sip on an Aussie inspired aperitif – maybe the Fairy Floss (pictured above) – Vodka, Aperol, Raspberry Puree and Watermelon Sour, Rimmed With Hundreds & Thousands – then tuck into a cheese platter followed by kangaroo loin for something larger. Plus, there’s resident DJs on the one’s and two’s throughout the week.
It would be hella rude to look past Windsor’s Tokyo Tina for a romantic date night with your special someone. Tina has mastered the combined art of ramen, cocktails and karaoke (if you’re up to it). Book a table for two and raise a toast to your freedom, in between Beyonce hits of course.
Renowned for their hands-on cooking practise, Trupp Cooking School offers over 30 comprehensive cooking classes taught by Michelin Star three-hat chef Walter Trupp. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your bread making, expand your culinary repertoire by learning how to sharpen knives, cure and smoke meats for charcuterie or seek to impress with food styling and presentation for those intimate dinner dates, Trupp has the class for you. Show off a delicious curry, a seafood classic or exotic street food and fool your crush into thinking you’re an undiscovered Masterchef.
Have you spotted this lovely new addition to Greville Street yet? Head to Honeybee & Blossom for all things beautiful, bright and floral. Shop luxe dried and fresh flowers at this cute and colourful florist, or have a fabulous custom design made up just for you or a special someone.
Look for the American sandwiches and fries shop called Boston Sub and enter the fridge… seriously. Jungle Boy is a cool bar that’ll be sure to win you brownie points if you’re taking mates or a date. Start your night off right with their great drinks and cosy atmosphere (or for a late night kick on session).
Op shopping, but not as you know it. This permanent market has everything weird and wonderful you can imagine. Chapel Street Bazaar is one of Melbourne’s iconic and longest running secondhand, antique and retro stores. The Chapel Street Bazaar is home to over 80 stall holders, each with their own passion, products and knowledge in the one convenient and well located store.
Famous for serving up the most sensuous gnocchi in town, head their on a Wednesday and get a bowl of gnocchi and a glass of wine for $25. You’ll eat one serving and want three more. We also suggest throwing in one of their delicious cocktails while you’re at it, to get the full romantic experience.
