Best Bars for Dates in Richmond Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Common Table |
| Zero-cost winner | Sunny Room |
| Kid-approved | Golden Bench |
| Under the radar | Old Quarter |
| Wet day saviour | Theo Works |
The best bars for dates options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Kai Kitchen, then work your way to Stella’s. Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. This is Richmond in 2026.
1. Ruby’s — 269 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
2. Max Cellar — 242 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
3. Mabel Quarter — 326 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 52 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bell Crescent is usually fine.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
4. The Good Works — 167 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($18) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
5. The Long Union — 163 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Richmond farmers market when it runs.
Richmond — The Honest Version
6. Local — 172 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
7. Red Store — 108 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
8. Sunny Quarter — 79 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
9. Cleo Mill — 43 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The charcuterie board ($17) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Richmond farmers market when it runs.
10. Vera Depot — 176 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Explore More
- Collingwood Best Bars for Dates — same vibe, different suburb
- Richmond Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Richmond Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Collingwood Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Richmond stacks up
- All Richmond Guides — everything we’ve written about Richmond
FAQ
Yes. The best bars for dates scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Richmond known for?
Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips.
Where is a good date spot in Richmond?
Common Table is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Richmond from Melbourne CBD?
Richmond is 3km, 5min train, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Richmond won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026
