Nine North Shore date ideas you might actually want to try

With Valentine’s Day coming up, you may find yourself scrambling for somewhere charming, original and local to go with your partner. Make your next date night — or morning — a special one with this list of nine ideas for dates in the North Shore area.

Ramen in Crows Nest

If you’ve been following our coverage interviewing local chefs and cooks, you’ll know that Crows Nest is one of the best places in Sydney to get some quality Japanese cuisine. For a bowl of ramen, a selection of tempura, or some karaage chicken, you’re spoiled for choice. Here are a few recommendations:

Timeless classic: Ryo’s Noodles, 125 Falcon Street

Fun and low-pressure: Ramen Auru, 2F 6/8 Falcon Street

New and different: New Yamanishi, 98 Falcon Street 

Something fancy: Sashimi Shinsengumi, 5 Clarke Street, Crows Nest

KBBQ in Chatswood

If you’re looking for a slightly less conventional dining experience, try out one of Chatswood’s many Korean BBQ restaurants, where you cook thin slices of premium meat at a hot grill on your table. Here are a few recommendations:

Myung Jang: Chatswood Interchange, Level 3, Shop 79A

Myeongdong Chatswood: 1/5 Railway Street, Chatswood 

The Yook Chatswood: 260 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood 

KOGI Korean BBQ: Chatswood Chase, Level 2

Harbour Dining 

On the North Shore we’re blessed with some of the finest harbour views in the world. Check out any of these restaurants with a view of the waterfront.

Thelma & Louise: 1 Hayes Street, Neutral Bay

Foys Kirribilli Restaurant: 76 McDougall Street, Kirribilli

Mosman Rowers: 3 Centenary Drive, Mosman

Coffee and Foreshore walk

If you’re more of a morning person, stop by any of these lower North Shore cafes for a takeaway coffee and a brisk walk along the foreshore. 

Side Part Cafe: 1/20 Alfred Street, Milsons Point 

Celsius Coffee & Dining: Kirribilli Wharf

The Flying Bear: 76 McDougall Street, Kirribilli

Piper & Thrupps: 115B Kurraba Road, Kurraba Point

Breadworks Cafe: 118 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point

Something special

Across the North Shore, there are 18 restaurants that have won a Chef Hat Award from The Australian Good Food Guide. Here are some of the best.

Ormeggio at The Spit: Mosman, Italian

Annata: St Leonards, Bistro

Toki Bistro & Bar: North Sydney, French/Japanese Fusion

Coya Sydney: St Leonards, Middle Eastern

Berowra Waters Inn: Berowra Waters, Modern Australian

L'Heritage: Mosman, French

Bar Infinita: Gordon, Italian

Loulou Bistro: Milsons Point, French

Seven Spices: Lane Cove, Indian

Bar hopping in Crows Nest

In Crows Nest you can get a nice cocktail at one of its many small, cosy bars. Here are a few recommendations:

Small Bar: 85 Willoughby Road

Tachinomi YP: 1/20 Burlington Street

Li’l Darlin Crows Nest: 23 Willoughby Road

The Captain’s Balcony: 116 Willoughby Road

Out in nature

If you and your partner are more outdoorsy types, check out some of these picturesque local walking tracks. Refer to the local council or National Parks website for more information about each trail before embarking.

Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head loop track: 10km, 688 Ku-ring-gai Chase Road

Blackbutt Creek Track: 2.4km, 31 Vale Street, Gordon

Flat Rock Gully Walking Track: 4km, 39 Small Street, Willoughby

Two Creeks Track: 6 km, corner of Slade Avenue and Tryon Road, East Lindfield

Sunset Cinema 

Perfect for a summer movie date night, the North Sydney Oval Sunset Cinema is operating until March 14 this year. Current sessions include Hamnet, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Marty Supreme and Wuthering Heights.

Ice Skating 

Is a career in pair figure skating something for you? Head over to the Macquarie Ice Rink, just next to the Macquarie University Metro stop, to find out. Tickets cost $32 for adults and $29 for students. See the ice rink website for session times.

Thumbnail: Annata St Leonards, Kelli McClintock viaUnsplash