Añada
For 16 years, Añada has brought the flavours of Andalusia, Southern Spain, to the heart of Fitzroy. Located on Gertrude Street, this Spanish restaurant offers a menu centred on tapas, charcuterie, paellas and chef’s tasting menus. Using traditional Spanish cooking techniques, the dishes reflect the rich, peasant fare of Andalusia, paired with the amazing produce of Australia. Complementing the menu is a carefully curated drinks list that showcases Spanish wines, spirits, sherries and more.
Founded in 2008 by Jesse and Vanessa Gerner, Añada is a beloved neighbourhood staple among Fitzroy restaurants with a focus on sustainability and community outreach. The welcoming interior, along with its share-style menu, makes it the perfect destination for date night. Whether you’re enjoying a paella or sipping on sherry, the warm atmosphere and attentive service at this Gertrude Street venue will set the tone for a memorable evening.
197 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy | anada.com.au
Bistro Sousou
Bistro Sousou is a beloved Fitzroy restaurant on Gertrude Street and the perfect spot for a cosy date night. Known for its French-inspired cuisine, the bistro offers an intimate mood with all the makings for a romantic evening. It’s a great spot for whispers and wine beneath the glow of golden light, with a welcoming ambience that invites you to settle in for a relaxed, leisurely meal. A Sousou cocktail is always a popular choice, and the ideal way to soak up the charm of this neighbourhood favourite. À bientôt!
Bistro Sousou’s weekly specials are a highlight. Tuesday brings the “Steak Frites Special” with a 250g Angus Porterhouse with Sousou butter sauce and frites, paired with a glass of house wine, while Wednesday’s “Duck & Pinot Night” offers slow-roasted free-range duck with cherry glaze and duck fat potatoes, served with a glass of Pinot Noir. For something more indulgent, “Prix Fixe Thursday” features a three-course set menu, perfect for a leisurely evening of French dining. Whether you’re looking for a quiet evening or a memorable dining experience, Bistro Sousou is sure to impress.
153 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy | bistrosousou.com.au
Carnation Canteen
Carnation Canteen is an intimate new addition to the Fitzroy restaurant scene: having opened in May 2024, it is quickly becoming a favourite among locals. Led by chef Audrey Shaw, an alumna of Tedesca Osteria and London’s River Café, this charming restaurant sits on the corner of Gore and Webb Streets. Inside, 20 seats offer an intimate dining experience, with another 20 available out front and in the courtyard. The menu changes weekly, with fresh, seasonal ingredients driving simple yet flavourful dishes. Expect highlights like slow-cooked tomato sugo with Donati’s guanciale, Pecorino Romano and Reggiano Parmigiano, and a scotch fillet that’s a favourite on their Aperitivo menu.
For dessert, offerings like the dark chocolate and espresso semifreddo with warm chocolate sauce and toasted hazelnuts are a must-try. With its inviting atmosphere and chef-driven seasonal menu, Carnation Canteen is an ideal spot for a relaxed date night with a meal to remember.
165 Gore Street, Fitzroy | carnationcanteen.com
Gaea
Gaea, a small and intimate eatery on Gertrude Street, recently celebrated its 5th anniversary. Chef and co-owner Mo Zhou helms this intimate restaurant, where a seasonal, ever-evolving menu reflects the freshest ingredients available. Gaea offers a degustation experience that highlights complex flavours and innovative combinations, with dishes such as spanner crab with roasted yeast and fermented black truffle or wagyu flank paired with smoked eel and parsnip.
For those looking to enhance their dining experience, Gaea also offers a selection of beverage pairings, including sake, a mix of sake and wine, or non-alcoholic options made from homemade brews and fermented drinks. With its seasonal approach and thoughtful execution, Gaea is perfect for a special date night that combines creativity with unforgettable flavours.
1/166 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy | restaurantgaea.com.au
Marion Wine Bar
Located on the corner of Gertrude Street and Deadman’s Lane, Marion Wine Bar is the perfect neighbourhood spot for wine lovers. Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine at one of the outdoor tables or getting comfortable indoors, Marion is an ideal choice for any occasion. The wine list features an eclectic mix of bottles sourced both locally and from around the world, with a focus on small producers and exciting blends.
The menu at this Fitzroy restaurant offers standout dishes like Ortiz anchovy gilda, half roast chicken with morels and Vin Jaune sauce, and vermouth flan to finish. Locals in the know often go for the Chef’s selection—a perfect option for date night that allows you to experience the best of what Marion has to offer. If you’re seated outdoors, you can also enjoy Gertrude Street in full bloom, adding to the charm of the experience. For a great start to your weekend, a gin martini at Marion is hard to beat.
53 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy | marionwine.com.au
Mon Ami
Established in 2003, Mon Ami is a boutique brasserie in Fitzroy offering a unique blend of French, Finnish and Danish cuisine. Run by owners Ulla and Jon Langevad for over 20 years, Mon Ami has earned multiple international awards while maintaining a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Located on Nicholson Street, the menu here features refined dishes such as roasted duck breast with candied orange peel, truffle duck leg confit, and carpaccio of Canadian scallops. The restaurant’s focus is on light, elegant meals with bold, worldly flavours.
At Mon Ami, the drinks experience is just as special. Instead of a traditional wine list, they feature a wine wall—an idea borrowed from a small restaurant in Italy. Guests at this Fitzroy restaurant are encouraged to explore the wall, handle the bottles, and read the labels to choose the perfect wine to accompany their meal. The range is extensive, with small quantities of carefully selected wines. In addition, Mon Ami offers a wide variety of local and imported beers, spirits, and liqueurs. With its intimate ambience and friendly service, Mon Ami is a delightful venue for a special dinner and the perfect place to celebrate an occasion or simply enjoy an evening of fine dining. Whether you opt for their Foie Gras or the Finnish apple tart, Mon Ami offers a culinary escape without leaving Fitzroy.
144 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy | monamirestaurant.com.au
Napier Quarter
Napier Quarter is a much-loved neighbourhood wine bar and guesthouse nestled on a quiet corner in Fitzroy. With a strong commitment to quality, this charming venue celebrates community and champions artisan producers. The Espresso & Wine Bar offers a thoughtful selection of wines and a menu of considered fare. The setting is cosy and welcoming, with the option to sit at candlelit tables inside or settle in at one of the outdoor tables. It’s perfect for spontaneous visits or a relaxed evening with friends or a partner.
The Chef’s Menu at this Fitzroy restaurant features standout dishes like hummus, harissa and candied pepitas, crab and saffron pasta, and bay leaf pavlova with lemon curd and chantilly. Napier Quarter also welcomes you to enjoy a leisurely Sunday long lunch from noon till 5 pm, perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxed weekend meal. Whether you’re stopping in for a glass of vino or settling in for a leisurely meal, Napier Quarter’s intimate setting makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed date in Fitzroy.
359 Napier Street, Fitzroy | napierquarter.com.au
Norma
Norma is a new Fitzroy restaurant located on Smith Street, offering dishes that capture the warmth of the Mediterranean. Feel the sun and sea breeze in every bite, as their summer menu is filled with fresh flavours and timeless favourites, inspired by the charm of the French coastline. With a focus on simple, fuss-free dining, the menu is designed to be shared and enjoyed, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed date night.
Small plates like burrata with zucchini and mint or grilled octopus with romesco set the tone, while mains like the seven-hour lamb confit or roasted duck breast with balsamic honey glaze promise a meal to remember. For a special midweek treat, don’t miss Norma’s Pasta Nights every Wednesday: for $45pp, enjoy a glass of wine, panisse to share, a pasta of the day each and a dessert to finish. Book your spot now and experience this inviting Fitzroy restaurant for a Mediterranean escape!
197 Smith Street, Fitzroy | normafitzroy.au
Pinotta
Pinotta is a cosy neighbourhood restaurant in Fitzroy North, offering a thoughtful mix of provincial French and Italian cuisine. Led by Head Chef Philippa Sibley, the menu changes daily to showcase the best seasonal produce, ensuring a fresh and unique dining experience each time. The warm, community feel and welcoming setting make Pinotta a firm favourite with locals, and it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed and romantic date night.
For a memorable meal, try one of their “Feed Me” options: $65 per person for a snack, shared antipasto, and pasta, or $90 per person for a more indulgent spread with added protein and sides. Dishes like linguine nero with cuttlefish or mascarpone panna cotta with apricot and verbena make for a delightful dining experience that’s both generous and refined.
32 Best Street, Fitzroy North | pinotta.com
