Best Romantic Restaurants in Airlie Beach
Couples looking for a romantic holiday spot need look no further than Airlie Beach and its surrounding islands. From dreamy sunset cruises to exhilarating scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef, there are plenty of romantic activities to indulge in. Of course, no romantic holiday would be complete without an intimate dinner, and Airlie is full of exquisite restaurants that fit the bill!
While you're here, why not also check out our top picks for the best food in Airlie?
Coral Sea Resort (The Rocks)
If you’re planning to pull out all the stops, why not book a table at The Rocks, Coral Sea Resort’s luxurious poolside bar and restaurant? Coral Sea Resort is arguably one of the most romantic spots in all of Airlie Beach, with a reputation for dreamy seaside wedding receptions and proposals. Love is quite literally in the air at this luxurious spot, so if you’re planning to stop by for dinner, you’re pretty much guaranteed to soak up some of the passion.
As well as a loved-up atmosphere, The Rocks offers up a menu that’s guaranteed to impress. Share a seafood platter for two, lock eyes over linguini marinara, or opt for some oysters - the ultimate aphrodisiac.
The Belvedere Food and Wine Bar
Treat someone special to a gourmet tasting menu at The Belvedere, a simple, yet elegant food and wine bar that’s nestled high above Airlie Beach. Overlooking the beautiful seaside town, this picturesque spot prides itself on its exquisite selection of wines and perfectly paired dishes. The Belvedere is a popular date night spot for those who want to make an impression, whether you’re simply stopping by for a drink or you’re sticking around for the Chef’s special.
If you want to wow your partner, but you’re not up for a multi-course tasting menu, peruse from their selection of excellent small plates. Indulge in the best of the best while the golden hour light shines from across the Coral Sea. Talk about setting the mood!
Image Source: The Belvedere at Toscana
Sandbar
Sandbar is an exciting new addition to Airlie Beach’s food scene, and is already establishing itself as a popular date spot. Choose from an array of exciting cocktails mixed to perfection, and a line-up of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
You’ll find yourself spoiled for choice between coral trout tacos, szechuan calamari, and Victorian grass-fed fillet steak. Or, if you’re in the mood for sharing with that someone special, order one of Sandbar’s tasting platters for the table. Call ahead to reserve a table by the window so you can wow your date with stunning sea views over dinner and drinks.
La Tabella
La Tabella is the epitome of fine dining in Airlie Beach, with an extravagant menu of Italian delights. Sit outside and soak up the sea breeze or opt for the restaurant’s wine cellar for a more intimate dining experience. Be waited on by attentive staff who know everything there is to know about the top-quality food coming from their kitchen.
Sip on the finest wine, beautifully paired with the best spaghetti, ravioli, linguini, or gnocchi. Splash out on the confit duck leg or the grain-fed eye fillet. And for the grand finale, finish off with a creamy tiramisu or a rich chocolate torte. If you weren’t in love already, you will be after that! All pasta and gnocchi is made in-house daily, so if you’re looking for the freshest ingredients, La Tabella is where you need to be.
Paradiso
Paradiso will wow your date with its exciting menu, its stunning panoramic beach views, and its funky mood music. The restaurant, nestled right on the waterfront in central Airlie Beach, offers up dreamy dishes, from truffle mushroom risotto to pumpkin pizza. Not only that, but Paradiso’s bartenders serve smooth, sophisticated cocktails from lunch until late. Dine indoors and admire the ocean views through the wide windows, or sit outside and watch the world go by as the sun sets over the horizon - whatever you feel will best set the mood!
Garden Bar
Garden Bar can be found down at Coral Sea Marina, overlooking some of the most popular boats in Airlie Beach. But, while tourists come back from their exciting days out at Whitehaven Beach, Garden Bar guests are able to dine in privacy, secluded by the restaurant’s shrubbery and twinkling lights while they sip on lychee martinis and passionfruit caprioskas. For couples who love to share the finer things in life, Garden Bar offers a number of share platters, from cheese to seafood. Bring your perfect date night to an end with a slice of New York cheesecake or sticky date pudding!
La Marina
Take a sweet evening stroll towards the Port of Airlie and you’ll happen upon La Marina, a family-owned Italian restaurant that gives customers the option to sit outside and enjoy the harbour views. Choose from a decadent wine list and sip on the best of the best while you dine on homemade dishes, passed down for generations and made with love. Gaze up at the dazzling star-filled sky as you end the night with a tiramisu or some fresh zeppoli doughnuts. Once you've settled up, you and your date can take a romantic walk along the Port of Airlie, arm in arm, before calling it a night - or heading into Airlie's main street for a few more drinks!
Northerlies
A little outside of central Airlie, you'll find Northerlies - a beachside gem that's a favourite among locals. Call up the restaurant in advance to book a courtesy bus to take you and your date to the eatery, as well as a table with a view. Choose from tables on out on the deck, lit up by glowing tiki torches and looking down onto the sand below, or take a seat down on the beach and enjoy your dinner with your feet in the sand. The beach bar boasts an impressive menu of everything from pub grub to elaborate sharing platters.
If you want to stick around the secluded spot, make a reservation at Northerlies' neighbours Freedom Shores, where you can choose from boat bungalows to beachside villas.
