It can be hard in the winter months to make that extra effort on date night – we can all be guilty of defaulting to staying in on the couch with a takeaway and a streaming service! But on nights when you do feel like doing something special or a bit different, we've got a great range of ideas to fill your date night.
Kick off your evening with a drink
Queens | 1 Queen Street
Located atop One Queen Street, Queens Rooftop is perfect for a romantic date night. Enjoy stunning 270-degree city views and indulge in the freshest seafood with your drinks. The live DJ sets create a lively ambiance for a memorable evening together.
Panacea | 23 O'Connell Street , Level 2
For an intimate date night, Panacea on O'Connell Street offers inventive cocktails in a cosy setting. The ever-changing menu features locally sourced ingredients, making it an exciting spot to explore unique flavours with your date.
Little Culprit | 151 Wyndham St
Little Culprit is a cosy, sophisticated bar ideal for a relaxed date night. Enjoy delicious cocktails, wines, and shareable bites. Their platter is a must-try, perfect for sharing and enjoying quality time together.
![Queens Rooftop Queens Rooftop](/sites/default/files/styles/hotc_small/public/2024-06/Queens-Rooftop-%20Image%20credit%20-%20Jake%20Dennis%20%2839%29.jpg?itok=NDeZvHr7)
![Little Culprit Little Culprit](/sites/default/files/styles/hotc_small/public/2024-06/B19F9BC7-FC78-42BA-B925-1406675FC611.jpg?itok=OllEYtWB)
![Panacea Panacea](/sites/default/files/styles/hotc_small/public/2024-06/Panacea-3.jpg?itok=ZiWllzyk)
Enjoy a meal together
The Nightcar 夜班车 | 44 Queen Street
Found under Queen Street, The Nightcar offers a sophisticated underground setting with modern Chinese flair. Share small bites and noodle dishes for a laid-back evening with groovy music in a cosy atmosphere.
Little Italy | 132 Halsey Street
Little Italy is the city's newest Italian restaurant, serving authentic homemade pasta and pizzas. Located in Wynyard Quarter, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a homely date with waterside views.
Paskatsu | 22 Lorne Street
If you're looking to try somewhere new with your significant other, we highly recommend Paskatsu! Nestled on Lorne Street, this fusion bistro specialises in pasta and katsu. Their spacious outdoor courtyard makes it perfect for a romantic evening out.
![Paskatsu Paskatsu](/sites/default/files/styles/hotc_small/public/2024-06/Paskatsu-2.jpg?itok=gSbqHcWl)
![Little Italy Little Italy](/sites/default/files/styles/hotc_small/public/2024-06/Little-Italy-Supplied_0.jpg?itok=3eZiqjSt)
Do something fun
Go skating at the Aotea Square Ice Rink | 28 Jun - 11 Aug | 291-297 Queen St
A winter favourite for many in the heart of the city is the Aotea Square's pop-up ice rink. Rug up and have a blast skating around the rink with your partner hand in hand. This year, the rink features a brand new two-lane, 12-metre long curling rink! There will also be specially themed party nights like Date Night Thursdays with romantic music and lighting, and Groovy Fridays featuring the coolest beats spun by a DJ from a booth on ice. Find out more here.
For a night at the theatre, Red, White and Brass | 138 Halsey Street ASB Waterfront Theatre
Experience the heartwarming and inspiring true story of Red, White and Brass, filled with Tongan warmth and spirit. It’s a tale of friendship, family, and standing up for what you believe in—perfect for a memorable winter date night. Make a night of it and grab a bite at The Good George Brewery, offering ASB Waterfront Theatre ticket holders a two-course meal with a house drink for $50 per person. See more here.
Make a couples perfume at Naturally Ready Studio | 396 Queen Street
New to Queen Street, Naturally Ready Studio offers a unique winter date night experience where you can create your own couple’s perfume. Guided by experts, you'll get to blend your favourite scents into your own custom fragrance!
![RedWhiteAndBrass_Press_A4_Portrait.jpg RedWhiteAndBrass_Press_A4_Portrait.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/hotc_small/public/2024-06/RedWhiteAndBrass_Press_A4_Portrait.jpg?itok=n2fnYX4H)
![Aotea Square Ice Rink.jpg Aotea Square Ice Rink.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/hotc_small/public/2024-06/Aotea%20Square%20Ice%20Rink.jpg?itok=8mD27x2h)
![Naturally Ready Studio Naturally Ready Studio](/sites/default/files/styles/hotc_small/public/2024-05/DSCF7136.jpg?itok=dw2nRdbm)
Treat yourselves to dessert
COCOMO | 10 Lorne Street
Recently opened, COCOMO is your tropical escape on Lorne Street. Indulge in delicious coconut drinks and desserts, perfect for adding a sweet, exotic twist to your winter date night.
TSUJIRI | 10-14 Lorne Street
A beloved spot for matcha enthusiasts, TSUJIRI offers a variety of premium matcha delights. From matcha lattes and Japanese green tea to parfaits, soft serve, cakes, and shaved ice, it's the perfect place to end your winter date night!
Federal Delicatessen | 86 Federal Street
With its cosy ambience, dim lights, and casual bistro setting, Federal Delicatessen is where date night dream are made. We recommend their '3-way', which comes with your choice of three decadent pies - think NY cheesecake, banana & toffee pie, pecan pie or lemon meringue pie.
![COCOMO COCOMO](/sites/default/files/styles/hotc_small/public/2024-06/Snapinsta.app_448053333_18027251060498238_5094499882785203039_n_1080.jpg?itok=WsB8EHK_)
![Tsujiri 6.jpg Tsujiri](/sites/default/files/styles/hotc_small/public/2019-12/Tsujiri%206.jpg?itok=pIf2fEwY)
![Federal-Delicatessen Federal-Delicatessen](/sites/default/files/styles/hotc_small/public/2024-06/Federal-Delicatessen-1.jpg?itok=CDeLw65P)