DESSERT DATES > DINNER DATES
For years, the classic dinner date has been the go-to for couples looking to connect in Melbourne. A nice restaurant, three courses and a bottle of wine was the traditional formula for romance. But times are changing, and more people are trading in formal dinners for something sweeter, simpler, and, arguably, more fun: dessert dates. At least, this is something we’ve noticed at Drizzl’d.
The perfect date destination!
We believe the shift comes down to lifestyle and culture. Melbourne is a city that lives and breathes food, but it’s also a city that loves flexibility. A dessert date at Drizzl’d doesn’t require long reservations or a three-hour commitment. It’s casual, affordable, and perfectly suited to spontaneous catch-ups. Instead of choosing entrées and mains, couples are choosing hot churros, hot ball doughnuts, or a milkshake to share. We found that our desserts are playful, shareable, and designed to spark conversation.
Another reason dessert dates are thriving is the rise of the late-night economy. Cafés are often winding down by mid-afternoon and restaurants typically close their kitchens around 9 or 10pm. But for night owls, that’s when the night is just getting started. Dessert venues like Drizzl’d have tapped into this cultural shift by staying open late, giving couples and groups a place to connect long after most eateries have shut their doors.
And let’s be honest: dessert simply feels lighter. A full dinner can be expensive and, at times, a little too serious. Dessert, on the other hand, feels like a treat. It’s indulgent but not overwhelming. You can split a tray of hot ball doughnuts or share some churros without the formality of appetisers, mains, and wine pairings. For younger generations especially, dessert is the new love language.
There’s also the social media factor. A beautifully Drizzl’d churro tray or one of our hot ball doughnut items that are overflowing with toppings is made to be photographed. Dessert dates are inherently Instagrammable, creating lasting memories both in the moment and online. Dinner might fill you up, but dessert gives you something to share long after the night ends.
At Drizzl’d, we see this shift every day. Couples drop in after the movies, ‘friends’ swing by for a late-night sugar hit, and regulars make dessert their way of winding down together. Our menu was designed for sharing from the ‘All Good’ to our ‘Lovers or Friends’ and our late-night hours mean no one has to rush. Dessert dates have become a staple in our store, and we’re proud to be part of the way Melbourne is redefining connection.
The truth is, dessert dates aren’t just a trend. They’re a reflection of what people want today: experiences that are social, affordable, and memorable. Melbourne has always been at the cutting edge of food culture, and now it’s desserts, not dinners, leading the way.
So next time you’re planning a date, skip the stress of three courses and head somewhere sweet instead. Because in Melbourne, love really does taste better with dessert.
