A good date night doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. It just needs to tick three boxes:
- Good food you both want to eat
- An atmosphere where you can actually hear each other talk
- The feeling that someone cared about making the experience nice
Inforno ticks all three.
Whether it’s an anniversary, a first date that went well and you want to make it official,
or just a random Tuesday when you both deserve a night out – Inforno works for date night.
This guide walks you through planning the perfect date night in Newcastle at Inforno, from
choosing your location to what to order.
Why Inforno Works for Date Night
Lots of restaurants claim to be “romantic.” They dim the lights, charge a lot and call it
ambience. But real romance isn’t about pretension – it’s about genuine care.
At Inforno, you get:
Real Food, Not Fuss
You’re not eating something you don’t actually want because it’s “fancy.” You’re eating pizza
and pasta made properly by people who care about the product. That matters on a date – you
want to enjoy your food, not just look at it.
Conversation-Friendly Atmosphere
Unlike loud, overcrowded venues, Inforno has the kind of atmosphere where you can actually
talk to each other. You’re not shouting over 50 other people. You can have a real conversation.
Relaxed but Quality
Inforno doesn’t feel corporate or stuffy. You don’t need to dress up in formal wear if you
don’t want to. But the food and service are genuinely good – there’s quality without the
pretension.
Proper Italian Tradition
There’s something inherently romantic about Italian dining – it’s a tradition built into the
culture. Sharing pizza, slow pasta, wine, good company. Inforno leans into that naturally,
without trying too hard.
Romantic Without Being Cliché
You’re not getting the “date night special” with hearts and forced romance. You’re getting
good food and genuine hospitality. That’s actually more romantic.
Hamilton vs. Charlestown for Date Night – Which Location?
Inforno has two locations. For date night, they offer different vibes:
Hamilton (Beaumont Street)
Atmosphere:
- Busier and more lively
- Part of a vibrant dining precinct
- More buzz and energy
- Good for couples who like being around other people
Best for:
- First dates (more energy helps ease nervousness)
- Celebratory dates (anniversaries, promotions, etc.)
- Couples who enjoy being “out and about”
- Social, more extroverted vibes
Booking: Definitely book ahead on weekends.
Charlestown (Pearson Street)
Atmosphere:
- Quieter and more intimate
- Off the main drag, more neighbourhood feel
- Less crowd, more private conversations
- Feels like a local discovery
Best for:
- Long-term couples wanting quiet time together
- More serious/intimate occasions
- Couples who prefer calmness over buzz
- People who want to really focus on conversation
Booking: Easier to get in without booking, but still smart to reserve.
The Simple Choice:
- First date or celebratory → Hamilton
- Quiet, intimate evening → Charlestown
- Both are excellent, so pick based on mood.
Planning Your Date Night at Inforno
Booking in Advance
For date night, book ahead. Seriously.
- Friday and Saturday nights: Book at least a few days in advance. Call 02 4961 4031 and
say “we’d like a table for two on Friday at 7:30pm.” - Weeknight dates: Can often get a booking same day, but call ahead to be safe.
- Time to book: 7-8pm is peak date night time. If that’s full, try 6pm (still early
evening) or 8:30pm (later but often quieter).
What to Tell Them When Booking:
- “It’s our anniversary/first date/special occasion” – they’ll often make notes and may add
a small extra touch - Your preferred time
- Any dietary requirements
- Whether you want the quieter (Charlestown) or busier (Hamilton) vibe
Arrive On Time
You’ve booked a table – be there. If you’re running late, call and let them know. If you’re
early, same thing. It’s not about being rigid; it’s about respect.
What to Order for the Perfect Date Night
Ordering on a date night is slightly different than ordering for yourself. Here’s how to do
it well:
Start Simple: One Shared Pizza
- Margherita – Start here. It’s simple, beautiful and lets you both appreciate the base.
Plus there’s something genuinely romantic about a perfect Margherita pizza. - Prosciutto and Rocket – Slightly more interesting. Adds flavour without being heavy.
- Any signature pizza that appeals to both of you – The point is sharing and enjoying
together, not proving anything with complex choices.
Don’t order the “biggest pizza with everything.” Order something you both actually want.
Add a Pasta Dish
Pizza alone isn’t quite enough. Add one pasta to share:
- Carbonara – The date night classic. Silky, flavourful, not heavy. Good with wine.
- Bolognese – Comfort and tradition. Feels romantic in an unpretentious way.
- Seafood pasta – If either of you loves seafood, this is elegant and special.
You’re sharing, so one good pasta dish is perfect. You get to taste more, plus the act of
sharing food is actually kind of intimate.
Optional: A Starter to Share
If you want to slow down the evening or if you’re both hungry:
- Garlic bread or focaccia (simple and shareable)
- A simple salad
- Whatever looks good on the special board
Keep it light – the pizza and pasta will fill you up.
Drinks to Pair
This is where you can add a romantic touch:
Wine Option:
- Italian wine pairs naturally with pizza and pasta
- Ask staff for a recommendation – they usually have good suggestions
- You don’t need an expensive bottle; $40-60 is plenty
- White wine with seafood or lighter pasta
- Red wine with heartier pasta dishes
- Rosé is beautiful and works with almost everything
Beer Option:
- Italian beer (if available) or any crisp beer pairs well with pizza
- Good conversation starter too
Non-Alcoholic Option:
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Fresh juice
- Coffee after the meal
The key: order something you both enjoy, not something you think you “should” order.
Skip the Extras:
- Don’t order too much food – you want to enjoy it and each other, not be stuffed
- Dessert can come later (coffee at home, gelato walk, etc.)
- Focus on the experience, not filling every moment with courses
Why Wood-Fired Pizza Is Actually Romantic
This might sound weird, but there’s something genuinely romantic about watching a wood-fired
pizza cook.
The reason: you’re not just eating food; you’re witnessing the care and craft that goes into it.
At Inforno:
- You can see the pizza going into the oven
- You can smell the wood fire and charred crust
- You watch it come out perfectly blistered and charred
- You know it was made with intention, not just routine
That’s different from ordering a pizza that arrives on a tray from the kitchen. You’re seeing
the actual process, which makes the food feel special. And when you eat it, you know it was
made with real technique and care.
There’s something romantic about food prepared with that level of intention.
The Atmosphere and Mood at Inforno
Good ambience matters on a date night, and Inforno has it naturally:
Lighting
- Warm, not too bright
- Enough to see your food and each other
- Enough to not feel like you’re eating in a cave
Noise Level
- Not silent (which would be awkward)
- Not loud (so you can talk)
- Just right for conversation
Other Diners
- Mix of couples, groups and families
- Everyone seems comfortable and happy
- You’re not in a special “date night” section getting stared at
- Normal people having normal good times
Music (if any)
- Background level
- Not distracting
- Complements the meal
Décor
- Authentic Italian restaurant feel
- Not trying too hard
- Comfortable and warm
All of this creates the right mood naturally – not forced, not trying too hard, just genuinely
nice.
Timing Tips for the Best Date Night
Peak Date Night Times:
- Friday 7-8pm: Most romantic but busiest. You’ll have good energy around you but less privacy.
- Saturday 7-8pm: Same as Friday – lively and full.
Great Alternatives:
- Friday 6pm: Early but still feels like “going out.” Quieter than 7-8pm.
- Friday/Saturday 8:30pm: Later dinner. More intimate. Less crowded. Still early enough to
not feel too late. - Weeknight (Mon-Thu) any time: Consistently quieter. Easy to book. More relaxed vibe.
- Sunday early evening (5:30-7pm): Nice middle ground. Not too crowded. Still weekend feel.
Pro Tip: If you want the romantic energy of a Saturday but more intimacy, try Saturday
at 8:30pm. You get the buzz of people being out, but you’re eating after the first rush.
Conversation Starters Over Dinner
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the food – it’s the conversation. Here are a few things
that come naturally over Italian dinner:
About the Food:
- “What’s your favorite thing you’ve eaten here?”
- “What pizza topping would you never try?”
- “Is this as good as Italian food you’ve had elsewhere?”
About Italian Culture:
- “Have you been to Italy? Would you want to?”
- “What’s your favourite Italian tradition?”
- (These come naturally when eating Italian food)
About Preferences:
- “When you imagine your ideal Friday night, what does it look like?”
- “What restaurant would you go to if money was no object?”
- “What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?”
Natural Observations:
- Comment on the wood-fired oven
- Talk about the care that goes into the food
- Notice details around the restaurant
- These lead naturally to deeper conversations
The point: good food and a nice setting give you things to talk about naturally. You don’t
need tricks.
Budget for Date Night at Inforno
Let’s be real about money:
Per Person (Rough Estimate):
- Pizza (split): $10-15
- Pasta (split): $12-18
- Drink: $6-12 per person
- Appetiser (if ordered): $5-8
- Total per person: $35-55 (before tip)
For two people: $70-110
If you add wine:
- Bottle of wine: $35-60
- Adds roughly $17-30 per person
What’s Good Value:
This is genuinely good value for a date night. You’re getting:
- Quality food made with care
- A nice atmosphere
- Attentive service
- An experience you’ll both remember
It’s not McDonald’s expensive, it’s not Michelin-star expensive. It’s fair value for what you
get.
What to Wear on a Date Night at Inforno
Good news: there’s no dress code.
You can show up in:
- Smart casual (nice jeans, a nice top)
- Business casual (coming straight from work)
- Actually dressed up (if it’s an anniversary)
- Even casual (it’s not stuffy)
The point: wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. That matters more
than following rules.
Before and After: Making the Whole Night Count
Dinner is the centre of your date night, but you can build around it:
Before Dinner:
- Walk around Beaumont Street (if at Hamilton) or Charlestown Square (if at Charlestown)
- Have a drink somewhere quieter
- Grab a coffee if it’s an afternoon date
- Just enjoy being out together
After Dinner:
- Walk off the meal
- Get gelato or dessert nearby
- Find a quieter spot for conversation
- Drive along the coast if the weather is nice
- Head home relaxed, not rushed
The point: date night isn’t just the meal. It’s the whole experience of being out together.
Special Occasions at Inforno
If it’s an anniversary, engagement, promotion or other special occasion:
Tell them when you book:
- “It’s our anniversary – could you do anything special?”
- Most restaurants will make a small note
- You might get a complimentary dessert or a toast
Don’t Expect Theatrics:
- Inforno isn’t the type of place that does sparklers or big announcements
- But staff are genuinely nice
- They’ll make it feel special in a quiet way
You Can Also Plan Your Own:
- Bring flowers
- Write a note
- Plan a small surprise
- These personal touches matter more than restaurant theatrics
Frequently Asked Questions About Date Night at Inforno
Is Inforno too casual for a special date?
No. Special doesn’t mean fancy. Genuine food, good service and a nice atmosphere make an
occasion feel special. Inforno has all three.
Should I call ahead or just show up?
For a date night, please call ahead (02 4961 4031). It shows you’re serious about the date,
and they’ll make sure you’re seated properly.
What if I don’t like one of the items my date wants to order?
Good news – you’re sharing. Order one pizza you both like + one pasta you both like. You both
get fed and happy.
Is it awkward eating pizza on a date?
Not at all. Pizza is actually great for dates because:
- It’s familiar and comfortable
- There’s no weird cutlery confusion
- It’s easy to eat and talk at the same time
- It feels less “trying too hard” than formal dining
What if it’s a first date?
Inforno is great for first dates:
- Food gives you something to focus on if there’s awkwardness
- The vibe is relaxed, not high-pressure
- Good conversation environment
- Says “I care about food quality” without being pretentious
Should I offer to pay?
That’s between you two. Modern dating is split lots of ways. What matters is that you both
feel comfortable and valued. Have that conversation however makes sense for you.
How long should dinner take?
Plan for 1-1.5 hours. You want to enjoy the meal and each other without feeling rushed. But
you’re also not lingering for 3 hours. It’s a nice, natural pace.
What if I want to impress my date with food knowledge?
Be genuine. If you know about wine, great – ask for a recommendation. If you don’t, that’s
fine too – staff are happy to suggest. Genuine interest in food is more impressive than
pretending to know everything.
Final Thoughts: Date Night in Newcastle
A good date night is about two people enjoying each other’s company over good food. That’s it.
No pretence, no pressure, no complicated rules.
Inforno offers exactly that: good food, a nice atmosphere and genuine hospitality. Whether
it’s your first date or your 100th, an anniversary or just a random Tuesday night, Inforno
works for date night.
Book a table. Show up. Enjoy the pizza, enjoy the company, enjoy the moment.
Contact and Location
Inforno Hamilton
Beaumont Street, Hamilton NSW 2303
Phone: 02 4961 4031
Inforno Charlestown
Pearson Street, Charlestown NSW 2299
Phone: 02 4961 4031
Email: info@inforno.com.au
Booking recommended for date nights, especially weekends.
Dine-in available. Wine and drinks available.
🍕 Hamilton, Newcastle – Come to In Forno and taste the difference.
📍 Come to charlestown, Newcastle, or reserve your table online today!
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