Bar Romantica

Brunswick East’s Lygon Street has its share of Italian joints, but this one? Pure mood. Dimly lit. Cozy red leather booths. Heart-shaped candlelit tables. It’s the ultimate date-night flex—intimate, moody, and backed by a front bar shaking up seriously killer cocktails. Those who frequent the northside dining circuit will quickly point you toward their mid-week pizza and vino deal. The woodfired pies boast a flawlessly charred, fluffy crust—the garlic-laced mushroom iteration is an absolute standout. Start with the creamy burrata dripping in smoked extra virgin olive oil, scooped up with a tearing of warm, salted pane di casa. Pastas like the lamb ragu casarecce are served fiercely al dente—an unapologetic nod to authentic tradition—while the humble cabbage side dish unexpectedly steals the show with a heavy crunch of almond pangrattato. Snag a booth if you can, order a stiff drink, and always save room for dessert.