If you’ve successfully swiped – or maybe even met someone IRL – here are recommendations of great first date spots from eight of Melbourne’s coolest chefs.

Rosheen Kaul, Chinese-ish author

Apollo Inn or Caretaker’s Cottage. Lots of dimly lit nooks and corners, snacks and perfect drink offerings.

Jung Eun Chae, Chae

Bar Liberty. This place is really cute with an intimate and friendly vibe. And I love Zack [Furst]’s cooking.

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Patti Chimkire, Mali Bakes

Waxflower. It’s a wonderful wine and listening bar in Brunswick with a cosy and vibey ambience. The menu changes with the seasons, and everything is always impeccable. It also has an incredible wine list. I especially love the octopus skewers and mussels, and the market fish is always spot on.

Sebastian Pasinetti, formerly of Oko Rooftop and Cafe

Two bar seats up on the bar at Bahama Gold. Amazing cocktails and wine with the option of ordering a few bites from Old Palm Liquor – you’re going to want the flatbread, trust me.

Helly Raichura, Enter Via Laundry

I would start with some beautiful wine at Avani in Red Hill and head to Polperro for some more wine before settling in for hoppers at Many Little. I find it quite sexy to eat hoppers and curry with your hands on a date.

Audrey Shaw, Carnation Canteen

Somewhere you won’t be spotted. But for a hot date, the original Cafe Di Stasio bar. It was my husband’s and my go-to. But now we are lucky we have Di Stasio pizzeria in Carlton. We sit in the courtyard and eat the salamino pizza. Ask Andrea to make you an Espresso Martini to finish.

Mika Chae, Doju

On a first date, I like to go for an easygoing meal to make it comfortable. My last first date was successful, apparently, as I got married to her. We went to Simply Spanish at the South Melbourne Market and had paella for lunch. I really love this big pot paella, especially when the weather is cold! After lunch, we went to coffee and sweets around the corner.

Victor Liong, Lee Ho Fook

The Melbourne CBD is my venue of choice. Start with art at the NGV, walk over to Lui Bar for the view and a drink, walk down to Byrdi for an education on innovation and creativity, then over to Caretakers to try and split the G on a perfectly poured Guinness – go via Muli Express for some amazing quality oysters – then end up at Embla for dinner.