Are you looking for a romantic restaurant to take your partner to? Don’t tell us it isn’t Valentine’s Day— romantic dinners aren’t limited to one per year! With all the amazing restaurants at our doorstep here in Eltham, you can take them out for date night once a month (or once a week if they’re especially lucky)! Whether it’s your first anniversary, 10th anniversary, their birthday, or even for no occasion other than you love them (aw!), romance is just a restaurant booking away here in Eltham.

6 Restaurants in Eltham for Your Next Date Night

1. Machan Indian Restaurant

Located in Eltham Square, Machan Indian Restaurant has an inviting, romantic ambiance perfect for a date night. With an array of Indian delicacies that will tantalise your taste buds, it might just become your new go-to! This hidden gem presents an extensive menu, carefully curated to cater to all types of palates. Can’t handle too much spice? No problem! Want to add another level of hot? They can do that too! Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or a spice enthusiast, Machan has something delightful in store for everyone.

For those craving succulent meat dishes, Machan’s menu boasts an enticing selection of chicken and lamb meals with aromatic spices and flavours that evoke the essence of India. From the classic butter chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce to the tantalising lamb Rogan Josh that boasts a rich blend of Kashmiri spices, these dishes are a treat for first-timers and Indian cuisine aficionados alike.

Vegetarians are equally spoilt for choice with Machan’s array of

delectable plant-based options. Indulge in the creamy and wholesome palak paneer, where cubes of homemade cottage cheese swim in a luscious spinach sauce, or savour the ever-popular dhal makhani, a delightful blend of black lentils and kidney beans in a creamy sauce with special herbs and tomatoes. And last but certainly not least, the desserts are out of this world! With mango kulfi, pista kulfi, and gulab jamun on the menu, it’ll be hard to choose (we recommend all three)!

Beyond the exceptional culinary offerings, Machan is renowned for

its warm and personalised service. Locals and visitors alike are greeted with

genuine hospitality, making them feel right at home. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere creates the perfect setting for a romantic meal, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out with your partner.

2. Third Chapter Eltham

Who said dinner was the only romantic meal? Not Third Chapter! As a fusion of restaurant, café, and bar, they serve up delectable dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner here at 26 Commercial Place. Go traditional with the romantic dinner or switch it up a bit with brunch for two— you do you! Whatever time of day you come to Third Chapter, you’re in for a treat.

If you want to start your date off right after the sun rises, this is the place to do it. Third Chapter offers a mouth-watering breakfast menu, also known as the prologue. Whether your taste buds are begging for sweet or savoury, you have options aplenty! Nothing beats an acai bowl in the warmer months, while the brioche French toast will warm you up in winter. If you’re looking for something to fill you up right through to lunch, try The Main Chapter with its two eggs, double-smoked bacon, mushrooms, hash brown, house-made pork, chilli and fennel sausages… and that’s not even all of it!

Looking for a lunch date? You guessed it, that’s the first (or second, or third, depending on what you’re in the mood for) chapter! Snacks and sharing make up the third chapter, burgers are the second, and lunch and dinner make up the third, and all are available from 11 am until late. Share some honey Chipotle chicken wings with your honey (remember to share the plum sauce!), or load up on some loaded wedges together. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, we recommend the soft-shell crab burger or the Angus steak sandwich from the burgers menu.

As for that romantic dinner, dinner options are available from 11 am until late as well, so even if you’re early or late eaters, you’re covered! Try the trio of tacos, paella, or seafood linguine for a tasty experience. There are also vegetarian and plant-based options available for the non-meat-eaters— truly something for everybody.

3. Pierross Pasticceria Italiana

Pierross sits at shop 5 on Eltham Terrace and beckons you in with its *chef’s kiss* homemade Italian cooking smell. With pizza, pasta, coffee, and cake, all your favourites are here and ready to enjoy! Friday and Saturday nights are pizza nights for many of us, and that’s just the philosophy here too.

Traditional Italian pizza is always a great choice for date night. From the well-known margherita and Napoletana pizzas to specialties such as the Pierross pizza— pomodoro, mozzarella, ham, mushrooms, rocket, fresh tomato, and grana Padano— you might have a hard time pinning down which one you want to try first. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong! They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available, and pasta dishes including caserecce and potato gnocchi with your choice of sauce.

Not only is Pierross perfect for a date night with your long-term love, it’s also a great first date spot with its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming vibe. And if you need to settle your nerves, there’s of course, the beverage list, full of Italian wine varieties so you can get the full Italian experience.

When it comes time for dessert, there’s no need to move on to find somewhere to satisfy your sweet tooth! The menu boasts sweets as well, all of which are handmade by owner and chef Pier Barrel— it doesn’t get any fresher or more authentic than that. Try the Nutella pizza if you still have room for more pizza, or go for a European hot chocolate if you’d rather drink your dessert. No matter your choice when it comes to dinner, drinks, or dessert, you’ll have a great night out at Pierross.

4. The Main Cafe Eltham

Open seven days a week and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, The Main in Eltham Village Shopping Centre is a versatile and welcoming café, bar, and restaurant that welcomes you in for any occasion. Whether it’s a leisurely brunch on a lazy Sunday, a quick catch-up over coffee, or an intimate dinner date with your partner or a first date, The Main provides the ideal setting to create cherished moments.

For those looking to enjoy a breezy breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or an early dinner, The Main’s menu offers an array of culinary delights that support local producers and embrace seasonal ingredients. Breakfast is served until 3 pm, so whether you’re an early riser or prefer to wake up at noon, your first meal of the day is covered. Brunch date it is! Savour the delectable flavours of the freshest quinoa and kale bowl, or opt for the buttermilk berries pancakes for a sweet treat.

If the romantic dinner is still calling you, The Main transforms into an intimate setting for your last meal of the day. The menu also boasts enticing mains that cater to diverse tastes, from succulent pan-roasted barramundi to the USA pork on fork featuring marinated, slow-cooked pork ribs served with chips and chef salad. The wood fire pizza section is always a winner too! If you can find room afterwards, we recommend the house-made Oreo chocolate mousse for dessert.

As the evening transitions into a time for relaxation and unwinding, The Main’s inviting bar area comes to life. Whether you’re looking for artisanal cocktails crafted with precision or prefer to sip on a glass of wine chosen from a carefully curated selection, the bar at The Main has something to suit you. From dusk ‘til dawn and beyond, The Main has all you could want and more.

5. Ginger Garlic Eltham

Ginger Garlic, at 9 Dudley Street in Eltham Terrace, is a culinary cornerstone of the Eltham community and has been since the ‘90s. With a reputation built on authenticity and a commitment to using the freshest produce and traditional flavours, Ginger Garlic is a go-to destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable Indian dining experience. So when you’re looking for a romantic place for your next dinner date, this should top your list!

The menu is a delightful blend of cherished Indian cuisine favourites and innovative modern dishes, ensuring there’s something to suit every taste. Craving the rich and creamy indulgence of butter chicken? How about the delightfully chewy Naan bread to complement your meal? Maybe it’s the aromatic aloo gobi, a hearty blend of potatoes and cauliflower, that has captured your imagination. Whatever your heart desires, Ginger Garlic has you covered.

At Ginger Garlic, it’s not just about the food; it’s about celebrating India’s heritage and culinary artistry. Owners Lorraine and Steffan have a strong hospitality background, with Steffan having 25 years of experience behind him, so each dish truly is a labour of love made with authentic flavours and vibrant aromas that define Indian cuisine. They also have live music and are open until 4 am on weekends, so while the food is certainly a factor, there’s also the whole vibe of the place to draw you in.

So, if you’re seeking to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of India, Ginger Garlic welcomes you with open arms and a menu that promises to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re relishing classic favourites or discovering new flavours, Ginger Garlic’s commitment to authenticity and freshness guarantees an Indian dining experience that will leave you coming back for more.

6. Missing Gorilla Eltham

Does a wine bar or beer garden grab you as a great date place? Well, it should, especially when that place is Missing Gorilla! This place has it all, from fine Yarra Valley wines to cocktails and beers on tap. And if the drinks menu isn’t enough to get you interested, the food menu sure will. If you’re looking for an upbeat and fun dinner date that’s less candles and canapes and more laidback and relaxed, this is the spot for you.

Owners Jason and Anthony opened Missing Gorilla in March 2021, and have been bringing live entertainment and a memorable menu to its family-friendly venue ever since. Located at 70 Commercial Place, Missing Gorilla is a warm and inclusive environment where you can find food to suit your palate, whatever that may be!

Whether it’s you or your partner who’s the picky eater (it has to be one, right?), you won’t have trouble finding anything to eat here. The salads, starters, and shares menu has it all, from beer-battered chips and bruschetta to sticky fried chicken and salt and pepper calamari, catering to all tastes. Meanwhile, the large share menu is perfect for couples on date night, with its tasting platter for two, antipasto platter for two, and wood-fired lamb shoulder for two.

If your dream romantic date night leans more to this relaxed vibe, come on down to Missing Gorilla, where there really is nothing missing except a gorilla! 

Wine and Dine in Eltham Tonight

No matter what your taste buds are asking for, you’ll find it here in Eltham! Whether you and your date are looking for a cosy spot to chat over wine and a sharing platter or a lively location for burgers and fries, you don’t need to leave Eltham to find the perfect date night spot. Give one of our six a try tonight! 



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