This Chic CBD Dining Destination is the Perfect Spot for a Mid-Week Date

Looking for a spot just a hop, skip, and jump away from the office for a mid-week romantic meal? Look no further than The Meat & Wine Co’s latest offering, which just opened its doors right smack bang in the middle of Sydney CBD. 

Tucked away on Castlereagh Street, the African-inspired steakhouse institution’s twelfth location feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of the 9 to 5 grind, with diners immediately transported to another world thanks to the moody, chic interior. 

With cosy booths perfect for two (or more!), and a menu featuring the finest cuts of meat and matching international and local wines, it’s time to make a midweek date with this welcome addition to the city’s dining scene.

The Meat & Wine Co’s core roots are deeply embedded within African culture and their newest venue puts its own spin on the institution’s instantly recognisable design. 

Castlereagh Street’s interior brings together the prosperity of the Australian gold rush era with Africa’s diverse culture, creating a remarkably elevated and romantic dining experience. The colour palette - think gold and deep, rich browns - is reflected in various textures, from marble and velvet to leather, accentuating the restaurant’s contemporary twist on sophistication.

The centrepiece of the room (that feels like another welcome guest and will no doubt be a talking point for any dating diners) is the gold accented statue. Inspired by the Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe, the dining room’s focal point is a wooden sculpture covered in thin sheets of gold created in the medieval Kingdom of Mapungubwe in South Africa.

Remaining faithful to The Meat & Wine Co’s promise of delivering the finest meats, the menu takes its origins from the South African ‘braai’, an open grill cooking method centred on social gatherings. 

The secret to the perfect date may just be the perfect steak, something The Meat & Wine Co does very, very well. It starts with the careful selection of premium cuts from Australian providores, followed by the restaurant’s signature 35-year-old family basting recipe, resulting in a unique and intensely desirable flavour that will keep you coming back for more.

Also on the menu is The Meat & Wine Co’s exclusive, in-house, dry-aged steak programme: AGED.  The Castlereagh Street venue launched the artisan beef dripping butter with black Australian truffle, where the umami depth balances harmoniously with the tender marbling of Shorthorn Rib-Eye from the heart of Gippsland in Victoria. 

The result? A “melt in the mouth” meal. 

Of course, the other items on the menu shouldn’t be forgotten: be sure to try South African favourites like Boerewors and Biltong, as well as the King Prawns in a traditional Mozambique peri-peri sauce and Barramundi with Tahini and smoky paprika.

The sides are also no afterthought and are decadent dishes in their own right. Our picks? Truffle Mac & Cheese and Roasted Pumpkin marinated in maple miso and African chilli.

A core focus of date night - and The Meat & Wine Co - is wine, with the CBD menu showcasing a range of South African and Australian drops. A state-focused wine list heroes local wineries, with a selection of exclusive aged wines that pair perfectly with AGED steaks.

Or, branch out and start (or end) the night at the sophisticated and seductive cocktail bar, with tipples like a Rose and Lychee Spritz, East 8 Hold Up or a New York Sour. 

Looking for more date night ideas? Stop in for a pre-dinner drink (or keep the night going) at one of Sydney's best bars, and try one of these out-of-the-box activities.

Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.