Restaurants I’d Take my Mum vs a Date
Don’t fail this one.
Take your mum somewhere too trendy and she’ll spend the whole meal asking what things are. Take a date somewhere too safe and you’ve already told them everything they need to know about you.
I’ve thought more about this than a normal person probably should…
Here’s where I’ve landed:
Restaurant I’d Take a Date
The date restaurant only has one job: create an atmosphere where the person across from you seems more interesting, even if they’re not. Dim lighting usually helps, paired with good wine and then top it off with food you can’t stop talking about. The whole point really.
Bessie’s
I’d come here alone and devour. One of my favourite restaurants in Sydney right now. Dimly lit, beautifully considered and with food so good, you don’t really need to struggle with what to ask her/him about next.
The dishes here will keep you thinking about them afterwards. The quality is impeccable and there’s the odd menu items you wouldn’t ordinarily order, but thank yourself later that you did.
Must try: Nduja Toast, Thyme Honey and Anchovy, Whipped Curd, Piquillo, Brioche, Tuna, Peperonata, Hashbrown, Wood Fired Halloumi, Honey, Pickled Green Tomatoes, Wood Fired Spiced Duck Crown, Radicchio, Blackberry.
Why: The lighting does half the work and the food does the rest.
Credit: Bessie’s
Bar Copains
What came first the chicken or the egg? Well Bar Copains because it was the trial and tribulation. From the same group as Bessie’s and Bar Almas.
Meaning ‘friends’ in French this wine bar is a crowd favourite. It’s absolutely low pressure and casual in the right setting. Spilling tables outside gives such a European feel it is perfect for date night.
The food you pick without noticing because you’re too busy talking. The atmosphere is fun and exciting, everybody is simply there for a good time. I’d definitely book though because it’s no hidden treasure, this wine bar is the first on many Sydneysiders lists.
Must try: Pigs Head Fritti, Sauce Gribiche (I know, trust me), Chicken Liver Parfait, Sauternes Jelly, Sourdough, Bacon & Comte Custard Tart, King George Whiting Sandwich, Madeleines & Citrus Curd.
Why: Nobody feels the pressure, the vibe is relaxed. Perfect for a first date where you want to seem effortless rather than try hard.
Credit: Bar Copains
Neptune’s Grotto
This one could also work well for mum. But there’s just something about Neptune’s Grotto that feels distinctly more for your date. It has an underground New York energy… moody, a little sexy, some place a celebrity might walk into.
Must try: Grandma Slice, Agnolotti del Plin alla Panna, Cotoletta alla Milanese, Mousse al cioccolato e nocciole.
Why: The setting basically.
Alfie’s
Sometimes you don’t want to overdo it, a simple steak and a drink will suffice. No tasting menu, a book of wine or a partridge in a pear tree. Just good simple food, a comfortable room and a enough space to be with the person you came with. The DJ on Wednesdays-Friday fill the awkward silences.
Alfie’s is so unpretentious, it’s perfect. The drinks are also something to talk about.
Must try: Sirloin (Obviously), Brussel Sprouts, Bitter Mixed Leaf Salad, Hot Chips, F**K Off Gelato-On-A-Stick.
Restaurants I’d Take My Mum
This brief needs to feel special. The food should be generous rather than pea size. No laminated menus either. She raised you. Act accordingly.
Grappa Italian Restaurant
She deserves the best, and the best is sometimes the most honest. Grappa is hearty, and made with absolute care. The food tastes like it took all day because it probably did.
The portions are generous, she will love it.
Must try: House Made Potato Gnocchi, Pumpkin Ravioli, Spaghettini Vongole, Any Carne, Radicchio, Tiramisu, Bomboloni, Limone.
Why: Genuine Italian hospitality that’ll make her feel full and happy.
Credit: Grappa
Le Foote
Perfect after a shopping day in the city, or equally good as a proper dinner. The kind of atmosphere that makes an afternoon feel like it was definitely well spent.
Definitely order too much, a main and all the sides is the correct approach and I’m sure your mum will agree.
Must try: Baguette, Fennel Salad, Poireaux Vinaigrette, Spatchcock, Sirloin, Cod, Pomme Frittes, Chocolate Parfait, Peach Melba Gateau
Why: The environment is unpretentious, your mother can order whatever she wants without feeling like she has to decode the menu.
Credit: Swillhouse
20 Chapel
A Marrickville neighbourhood steakhouse focused on simple cooking. Bring your mum here if she has a sweet tooth. The desserts at 20 Chapel are the kind that make people who claim not to be dessert people, become dessert people. The rest of the menu holds up beautifully too, but let’s be honest this is a restaurant where the ending is the event. Save the room!!
Must try: Mooloolaba Prawn Cutlets, Grilled Baby Octopus, Wagyu Brisket, Rib Eye, Green Beans, Smashed Cucumber Salad, Russian Honey Cake, Chocolate Choux, Mandarin Souffle.
Why: The combination of a dimly lit space, quality produce, and a well considered menu.
The Charles
A Grand Brasserie to the truest sense, and it never really loses its elegance. The Charles has a quality that’s rare it manages to feel special and comfortable at the same time.
This is the restaurant for birthdays, for Mother’s Day, for the times when you want her to feel increasingly special. Service is attentive and the room is so beautiful she’ll talk about it afterwards.
Must try: Gnocchi Fritti, Blue Swimmer Crab Croquette, Scallop & Abalone Beignet, Marinated Razor Clams, Duck Liver Parfait, Steak & Anchovy Tartare, Mussel & Nduja Linguini, Stuffed Lumaconi, Whole Dry-Aged Duck, Tomato Salad, Le Grand Souffle.
Why: Why not?
Credit: The Charles Grand Brasserie
