Cosy Winter Date Night Spots In The Shire
Think warm lighting, hearty menus and all the winter feels
Hazel Gymea
Cold nights call for candlelit corners, comfort food and great wine. Whether you're planning a first date or locking in a well-overdue night out with your significant other, we’ve rounded up the local spots that know how to do cosy right. Think warm lighting, hearty menus and just the right amount of ambience to make you forget it’s freezing outside.
Giro Osteria
Giro brings all the Lady and the Tramp energy — think warm wood tones, low lighting, handmade pasta, and that romantic, old-school Italian feel. It’s all about comfort and charm here, with pasta that’s a non-negotiable and a standout Italian-leaning wine list to match.
3/1 McDonald Street, Cronulla
Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare
Pino’s wraps you in a warm hug of candlelit tables, rustic terracotta accents and soft, intimate lighting — perfect for chilly nights and deep conversation. Inspired by the sun-kissed seaside of Puglia, it’s a setting that whispers romantic Italian escape. The housemade pasta is a standout, and the wine list leans Italian and indulgent, a perfect excuse to linger a little longer. Scout tip: For the ultimate cosy experience, secure a table in their Wine Cellar.
15 Surf Road, Cronulla
St George Sailing Club
Winter date night sorted: deck heaters on, blankets out, and that dreamy water view still doing its thing. St George Sailing Club nails the cosy‑meets‑casual vibe with warm timber finishes, soft lighting, and a menu full of comfort classics. Grab a glass of wine, settle in outside by the heater, and soak up the kind of night that makes you want to linger. It might be just outside of the Shire, but the extra‑cosy exterior setting makes it well worth the trip.
2 Riverside Drive, Sans Souci
Jensen’s
A vibe that’s equal parts elegant and approachable, Jensen’s screams winter date night with its plush booths, fire-lit ambience, and a menu full of winter-warming favourites. Picture slow-cooked meats and weekly pasta specials. It’s the kind of spot where you can relax into the evening with zero distractions. Scout tip: Request a table by the fire for peak cosy vibes.
10a/13 Freya Street, Kareela
Rocco’s
Tucked inside Miranda Hotel, Rocco’s has that hidden-away feel — intimate, low-lit, and with just the right level of buzz to feel alive without being loud. Whether you’re sharing a bottle of wine or leaning in over pasta and pizza, this spot brings the cosy in all the right ways. Scout tip: Order the woodfired bread – you won’t regret it.
590 Kingsway, Miranda
Yalla Sawa
Cosy and full of heart, Yalla Sawa blends Middle Eastern warmth with Mediterranean flair — the kind of place where date night feels like an experience, not just a dinner. Its rustic touches, flickering candles, and share-style menu bring an easy intimacy, perfect for lingering over plates of fresh seafood, spiced meats, and handmade dips. Add in a wine list that champions boutique drops, and you’ve got a spot that’s equal parts romantic and deliciously different.
2/59-65 Gerrale Street, Cronulla
Papa Js
Papa Js knows how to set the mood. Think dim lighting, velvet lounges, and a bar that looks straight out of a movie. It’s sexy, stylish, and made for date night — whether you’re sipping cocktails side by side or settling into a booth for a late dinner. With a playlist that sets the tone and a cocktail list worth working through, the whole place just works.
Shop 7/2/6 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Fior
Fior’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly cool — with its wrap‑around bar, warm timber finishes, and an open kitchen that adds just the right amount of atmosphere. It’s relaxed but refined, with handmade pasta, fresh share plates, and a gelato trolley that rolls right up to your table. Good food, good energy, and no pressure calls for a winter date night in our books.
756 Kingsway, Gymea
Hazel Gymea
If you’re after a date night with serious style, Hazel’s your spot. Tucked inside Hazelhurst Arts Centre, this moody gem delivers on the cosy front — think Parisian‑style charm, art‑lined walls, and plenty of nooks to settle into. It’s the kind of place that feels cool without trying too hard. Expect creative cocktails, a wine list with personality, and a menu built for sharing. Come for the ambiance, stay because you’re not ready to leave.
782 Kingsway, Gymea
Queen Margherita of Savoy
Low lighting, rustic charm, and the smell of woodfired pizza in the air, QMOS screams cosy in all the right ways. It’s intimate, relaxed, and all about simple things done well. Think charred Neapolitan pizza, good wine, and an atmosphere that feels lively without being too loud — ideal for a winter night in good company.
9/2-8 Surf Road, Cronulla
Rocksalt
Rocksalt pairs modern Australian flair with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that’s ideal for a winter date night. Inside, you’ll find intimate booth seating, a sleek mezzanine level, and a spacious deck — all designed with comfort in mind. The carefully curated menu showcases seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with a few hero dishes always holding their place.
Shop 1, 72-80 Allison Crescent, Menai