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Where to Spend a Memorable First Date in Adelaide

Where to Spend a Memorable First Date in Adelaide

| Last Updated: October 2023

First dates—we’ve all been down that road, right? If you play your cards right, it can be the first of many more! 

If you’re looking for a spot in Adelaide to have your first date in, check out the ones below to see which match your budget and preferences best!

Dining Spots for First Dates in Adelaide

Clever Little Tailor

Website: http://www.cleverlittletailor.com.au/

Address: 19 Peel St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Contact details: [email protected]

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday to Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM

Clever Little Tailor is the ideal place to meet someone new. It’s elegantly styled and offers a relaxed setting for drinks and light bites.

A highlight is their bar food, which includes cheese, charcuterie, and bread. Grabbing small bites as you chat in their warmly lit booths is simply a lovely experience.

Furthermore, the interior design is timeless, featuring leather-clad booths and timber walls. It’s easy to get lost in the conversation as you sip on exquisite wine and take in the ambiance of the shop.

Pro tip:

Clever Little Tailor opens late (past 4), so be sure to schedule your date near dinner time. 

Sunny’s Pizza

Website: https://www.sunnys.pizza/

Address: 17 Solomon St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Contact details: +61 455 522 356

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday – 5 PM-11 PM
  • Friday to Saturday- 5 PM to 12 PM

Sunny’s Pizza can be summarized in three words: ‘80s, pizza, and music. The crowd here is rowdy and energetic, so it’s a great venue for a lively first date. 

In between dance floor hits, grab some of their best bites such as Pizza #3 (eggplant parmigiana and Scamorza cheese), Pizza #4 (pineapple and chili verde), and Pizza #1 (San Marzano tomatoes and pecorino cheese). 

Not to mention, their cocktails are lovely too! In particular, their signature Sunny’s Margarita with tequila and agave on the rocks can easily shake off the first date nerves. 

Pro tip:

Sunny’s Pizza doesn’t open until 5, and it’s quite loud inside. It’s best to meet in advance and to wait somewhere near first to get the formalities out of the way.

Golden Boy

Website: https://golden-boy.com.au/

Address: 309 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Contact details: +61 8 8227 0799

Operating hours: 

  • Saturday, Monday to Tuesday – 6 PM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday to Friday – 12 to 2 PM, 6 to 10 PM
  • Sunday – Closed

If your idea of a first date involves spicy and flavorful food, Golden Boy is the spot for you. It’s one of the best spots for Thai food in Australia!

I highly recommend trying the Tuk Tuk dining experience where you’ll get the most recommended dishes from their staff. 

Spicy conversations go best with their spicy food, which includes Massaman curry, egg with tamarind chili, and deep-fried crab with scud chili. 

The atmosphere completes the experience, as their staff members go out of their way to provide info about each dish so you can appreciate it better. 

Pro tip:

Golden Boy’s bestsellers are mostly spicy. You might get a bit sweaty while dining, so wear something loose and comfortable. 

Hellbound

Website: http://hellboundwinebar.com/

Address: Basement/201 Rundle St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Contact details: +61 420 322 715

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 11 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 4 PM to 1 AM
  • Sunday to Monday – Closed

Hellbound is for those with a taste for something edgier. From its bare stone walls to its intoxicating neon lights, it’s an exemplary wine cellar. 

You’ll get flushed in no time with the fine set of wines they serve here. After all, its owners are wine and spirit distributors who have plenty of connections among local producers. 

Even better, their bottles and wine by the glass are affordable! Some of the best ones include Eden Valley pinot noir, El Maestro Sierra aperitif, and Mencia rosé. 

Pro tip:

The entrance to Hellbound is a bit hard to catch because it’s below street level. Look for the spot where the “WINE BAR OPEN” sign is on Rundle Street to find it. 

Adelaide Central Market

Website: https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/

Address: 44/60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Contact details: +61 8 8203 7494

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday – 7 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday to Thursday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Friday – 7 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday – 7 AM to 3 PM
  • Sunday to Monday – Closed

Now at first, a date at a market may not sound too fancy, but a quick look at what Adelaide Central Market has to offer can change your mind! It’s the hub of all the fresh goods of the city—all cooked and served at the same place!

Their dishes take inspiration from cuisines all over the world, including Italian, Thai, and Korean. You and your date can easily look for one that matches both your preferences. 

The atmosphere here is dynamic and alive at any point of the day. I recommend grabbing a small bite from several of the stores here to get a taste of different cultures in one day. 

Pro tip:

Ditch the car for your date in Adelaide Central Market! It’s often full, and besides, the market is very accessible by public transportation.

Bottega Gelateria

Website: https://www.bottegagelateria.com.au/

Address: 249a Seaview Rd, Henley Beach SA 5022, Australia

Contact details: +61 8 7080 7625

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Thursday – 1:30 PM to 10 PM
  • Friday – 1:30 to 10:30 PM
  • Saturday – 12:30 to 10:30 PM
  • Sunday – 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Bottega Gelateria is the perfect choice if you’re looking for something light—both in the atmosphere and the food. 

The pastel-colored store has plenty of seats and gelato to satisfy your sweet tooth, including Dutch chocolate, salted pecan and maple, Stracciatella chocolate chip, and salted caramel. 

I highly recommend the chocolate in addition to their cool treats, as it’s delectable and straight from a chocolate fountain. Pair it with hazelnuts or pie crust, and you’re good to go! 

Pro tip:
They regularly offer special flavors that are in sync with seasonal produce. Check out their Facebook page for updates on this.

Africola

Website: https://www.africola.com.au/

Address: 4 East Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Contact details: +61 8 8223 3885

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 6 PM to 11 PM
  • Sunday – Closed

Hearty conversations should go with hearty meals, and Africola has plenty of the latter! Led by award-winning chef Duncan Welgemoed, this spot serves native dishes from South Africa paired with an exceptional selection of wines. 

Some of their best dishes include spicy and sweet peri-peri chicken served with hot sauce, crunchy chicken tea sandwich, and dahl that comes with a fiery kick. 

The African-inspired interior blends mesmerizing geometry with bold brown, red, and blue. It’s a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy date photos.

Pro tip:
The seats near the kitchen are the best if you want to soak in the atmosphere of the place. Their process of cooking sizzles with as much zhuzh as the food itself!

Things to Do on a First Date in Adelaide

Website: https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/

Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Contact details: +61 8 8207 7000

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM

The Art Gallery of South Australia is the heart of culture and knowledge of Adelaide. Dating back to 1881, the museum holds artworks across different decades and cultures. 

Whether you’re the type to share everything you know about a piece or one to simply listen, you’ll have plenty of fun roaming the museum’s halls. 

The best part is that there are always new exhibits here to keep things fresh. Whether it’s performance art or pop art, these displays are sure to captivate many.

Pro tip:

There’s no entrance fee for the main displays of the museum, but some special exhibits have separate fees. It’s best to book your slot through the museum’s website to be sure.

Marvel at the wildlife at Adelaide Zoo

Website: https://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/

Address: Frome Rd, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Contact details: +61 8 8267 3255

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Adelaide Zoo gives you a taste of the city’s natural beauty, from its beautifully landscaped gardens to the great variety of wildlife it houses. 

Some of its finest offerings include the majestic blue and gold macaw, the ever-so-cute giant pandas, and the mischievous Tasmanian devil. If the conversation gets a bit stagnant, adorable critters are all around for you to talk about. 

I highly recommend attending special shows of the zoo, such as the morning play time of Sumatran tiger cubs, close encounters with meerkats, and lunchtime with Pygmy hippos.

Pro tip:

Some of the morning shows in Adelaide Zoo start as early as 8:30 AM. Be on time so you can experience the live encounters with animals to the fullest.

Catch a movie at Palace Nova Cinemas

Website: https://www.palacenova.com.au/

Address: 3 Cinema Place, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Contact details: +61 8 8125 9312

If a film sparks both you and your date’s interests, Palace Nova Cinemas is a great spot for a date. Here, you can cozy up while watching a movie in their comfortable and luxurious leather seats.

And for those on a budget, the cinema also has double features! From art house movies to the latest blockbuster flicks, Palace Nova boasts an array of cinematic delights. 

Pro tip:

The listed starting time of the movies is exactly when it plays (not including trailers). Follow the schedule strictly so you won’t miss any part of the film. 

Stroll through the enchanting Adelaide Botanic Garden

Website: https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/

Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Contact details: +61 8 8222 9311

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 7:15 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM

Adelaide Botanic Garden is the perfect spot for romantics, as it’s filled to the brim with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and majestic architecture. Simply strolling side by side and taking in the lush backdrop can make your date a very memorable one. 

Visiting the Bicentennial Conservatory is especially a must, as it holds a collection of lush tropical rainforest plants, orchids, and palms. 

It’s also a great idea to end the day with a meal at the Botanic Garden Restaurant, which has a wonderful view of the garden. You can connect with nature while fostering a deeper connection with your date.

Pro tip:

Do your best to preserve the pristine look of the garden and always make sure to bring your trash with you.

Have fun putting in Holey Moley Golf Club Adelaide

Website: https://www.holeymoley.com.au/

Address: 170 Pulteney St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Contact details: +61 8 7100 1146

Operating hours: 

  • Monday, Wednesday-Thursday – 4 PM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday, Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
  • Friday – 2 PM to 12 AM
  • Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM

Holey Moley Golf Club is the epitome of style and fun. It’s a mini-golf place that is nostalgic—with its retro arcade, Caddyshack Bar, and neon-lined walls. 

If you and your date are into video games, fire up the gaming gear and rent a private console booth. They offer classic games like Mario Kart, NBA, and more.

Pro tip:

Try their mouthwatering pepperoni pizzas and refreshing mojitos. It’s the ultimate combo to munch on while playing!

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