So you’ve swiped right on that lucky person, the conversation is flowing and now you’re left wondering where on earth in Adelaide do we go?
Well, we’re here to help you in your quest to make that first date one to remember.
We’re spoilt for choice in … ahem… one of the most liveable cities, but it’s hard to decide what will make that lasting impression for that potential significant other.
From bars to restaurants and all that’s in-between, we’ve compiled a list for you to refer to next time you’re all out of ideas.
Bars
Maybe Mae
15 Peel St, Adelaide.
First up is Maybe Mae. Conveniently located in the tunnel between Peel and Leigh street, it has the perfect ambience for a date night – secluded, warm, and cosy without being too cosy. It’s themed like a vintage cocktail bar and actually so hidden that you’ll only find it behind a wall with no signage or handles. Surprise your date with your knowledge of the hidden haunts of Adelaide… hint: it’s under Bread & Bone.
La Buvette
27 Gresham St, Adelaide.
The dim-lit wine and aperitif bar tucked away on Gresham St, off of Hindley St, will make you feel like you’re experiencing the charm of a Parisian alleyway, living the ultimate romantic dream. The France inspired industrial interior is a mix of brick walls, exposed beams and hints of yellow lighting – making for an alluring ambience There’s a range of wine, craft beers and cocktails to sip on, as well as a selection of French bites to try. It’s oui oui oui from us.
Proof
9 Anster St, Adelaide.
Proof is yet another hidden, city, rooftop bar. Located on Anster St, an alleyway off Waymouth St, it was the first bar in Adelaide to have a small venue licence (impress your date with this insider knowledge). The two-level space offers a spot to meet either on the rooftop, with a laidback vibe, or in the main bar for a more intimate experience. Proof also has a great selection of wine, alongside a range of gourmet toasties, and share platters. First dates can be awkward, but shared conversation over your love of toasties? That’s a doozy.
East end cellars
25 Vardon Ave, Adelaide.
Easily one of the most respected wine traders in Adelaide, these guys are the life of the party. Located in the bustling back lanes of Vardon Avenue and Ebenezer Lane, EEC has their very own cellar door, so you can enjoy a mini winery experience without leaving the CBD. Choose from a tasting, wine by the glass or manoeuvre through the hundreds of bottles on display. To Merlot or not to Merlot?
Pink Moon
21 Leigh St, Adelaide.
A narrow laneway space was transformed into the beauty that Pink Moon is now with a three-split section inside. You start off with a bar and walkway section which leads into a courtyard and finally on to booth seating alongside the kitchen. These guys are big on wood-oven food and their notable cocktails – once you’re in there you get so comfortable you almost never want to leave. Weekends can get super packed so book that date early and drink into the night.
Food
Hey Jupiter
11 Ebenezer Pl, Adelaide.
Hey Jupiter Brasserie Francaise on Ebenezer Place has all your French cuisine cravings sorted. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner, if you’re wanting to give your date a classy and cute first-impression, this is the place to go to. Open for all-day breakfasts on weekends. Special shout out to their Turkish apple iced-tea, it’s a must-try.
Part-time Lover
Pilgrim La, Adelaide.
This diner on Pilgrim Lane opened late last year and features a menu inspired heavily by Asian flavours. PTL is an excellent spot for people looking to go somewhere where that awkward silence will be filled with the indistinct chatter of other guests and the faint beat of disco classics. With large windows allowing light to flow in, this makes for a great day-time date spot too. Oh and there’s also a heap of vegan options too.
Antica Pizzeria
226 Morphett St, Adelaide.
An Italian delight, Antica has classic wood-oven pizzas, fresh handmade pasta, dolce and… wait for it… ONE METRE PIZZAS. We can’t think of a better pizza place to take your date to. Sharing and enjoying those huge pizzas together is a great way to break the ice. The custom-designed interiors showcase contemporary Mediterranean décor.
Love, Stephy
Shop 3/62-68 Hindley St, Adelaide.
No cliché here, but if your first date loves pink, oh my gosh will they be in love. This all-pink dessert café on Hindley is pink, hearts, roses and romance in a very cosy setting. They’ve got some mouth-watering macarons and high-teas put together by three pastry chefs and a great backdrop for getting to know someone.
Osteria Oggi
76 Pirie St, Adelaide.
A pinnacle of Italian fine dining, inspired by tradition, Oggi cook up exquisite pasta made fresh daily from seasonal produce. The interior has an Italian piazza setting, complete with a cobblestone floor, arches, arbour, meat room, private cellar, intimate booth settings and a mezzanine-level kitchen. Food is served in a way that is designed to share as well -perfect for a date. *Chefs kiss*
Activities
Picnic at the Botanics
North Terrace, Adelaide.
16 Lampert Rd, Crafers.
Adelaide has great botanical gardens, be it in the hills or in the city. With their lush greenery, plenty of trees and a bunch of shady, secluded spots they are ideal if you want to spend your first date outdoors in nature. You can grab a rug, snacks and drinks from home and have a chill picnic sesh out in the sun and spend the day away in the uplifting atmosphere.
Art Gallery
North Terrace, Adelaide.
The Art Gallery of South Australia, adjacent to The University of Adelaide on North Terrace houses some stunning art collections from Australian artists and proudly showcases a range of Indigenous and Torres-Strait Islander artworks. They are always switching up their displays so make you sure you check what’s on before planning a date here. The silence inside is deafening because you will be totally immersed in the beauty of the art. It’s okay… silence can be a good thing.
MOD
North Terrace, adjacent Morphett Street Bridge, Adelaide.
Museum of Discovery at UniSA is a totally immersive experience of science and technology designed to inspire, educate and engage young people. Exhibitions at the museum are designed for 15-25 year olds with a total focus on interactivity. You can spend a few hours going through the seven gallery spaces or just get lost in each other’s eyes, you decide.
Adelaide Central Market
44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide.
Central Market has been a thriving hub of food and culture for over 150 years and there’s always something for everyone here. There’s a lot more than fresh produce here. Inside you’ll find a line up of gourmet cafés, novelty shops and a huge variety of multicultural cuisine. Events here are also non-stop – music, cooking workshops, entertainment – you name it. Combine two of our dates in one and head here before popping over to the Botanical Gardens.
Holey Moley Golf Club
Level 1/162 – 170 Pulteney St, Adelaide.
Mini golf and drinks is a pretty sweet deal for a first date. Not typical, not totally crazy, but a fair balance. There’s enough happening at Holey Moley to keep you busy so you can avoid those awkward what-do-I-say-now pauses. There’s a charming retro, mid-’80s vibe with an eclectic mix of themed putting holes.
TreeClimb Adelaide
Cnr Greenhill Road &, Unley Rd, Adelaide.
Something a bit out of the box and that is sure to test your limits is Adelaide’s inner-city aerial adventure park, TreeClimb. The park contains over 70 obstacles with eight different routes which progressively get more challenging for climbers. Warning: don’t go here on a first date if you’re afraid of heights, it could get embarrassing.
There’s our top pick for drink, food and activities for your first date.
Have we missed out on any date spots in Adelaide you’d like us to add? Email us at [email protected]
More News
