Whether you’re looking to impress a new romantic interest or rekindle the spark with long-time love, dining out can be a great start to a hot date night. Grabbing a bite to eat is a way to kick off any date. It’s an excellent icebreaker for new couples and can allow more established pairs to catch up and relax. Dining out is also a perfect way to show your creativity and thoughtfulness.
Choosing a spot that aligns with your date’s needs and interests will definitely score some brownie points. There are some things to consider when organizing the perfect dining experience. That’s why we compiled this list of items to remember for that hot date night.
1. Try A New Cuisine
When planning a hot date night where eating out is part of the deal, don’t be afraid to stray from the usual spots. Trying new cuisines not only stimulates the palate but can also get the conversation going. While Italian, seafood, and more common fare are delicious, there’s literally a world of food to experience. What better time to do it than with that special someone?
A nice sushi restaurant is sure to have a nice, quiet atmosphere while offering an array of freshly made food. You may also want to consider a place that does table-side hibachi to add some fun to your meal. Filipino food is often overlooked as a date night choice, but it’s delicious and offers tons of tasty combinations. It also may suit a first date a bit better than spicy Thai or Indian cuisine.
If you’re looking to get original with some fabulous cuisine, try some Tangene (from North Africa) or Curanto (from Chile). Whatever you decide, remember that a restaurant doesn’t need to be a Michelin star to be remarkable. Sometimes, the best places are found by word of mouth.
2. Find A Unique Interior
If you’re looking to wow on that hot date night, find a restaurant that not only has great cuisine but a unique interior as well. When restaurant owners hire an interior designer, they want to make their space functional but also aesthetically pleasing. When choosing a place to take your date, make sure that the chairs will be comfortable, the tables are big enough, and there’s enough space between you and the other couple having a hot date night.
Next, think about choosing a place with an interior that gives a view of the exterior. Windows are key when choosing a restaurant. Nothing is more romantic than being able to look out at some peaceful water, a great skyline, or some mountains.
You may also want to consider a space that has a garden theme with lots of greenery and flowers. On the other hand, a more rustic spot with a fireplace can create the mood you want as well.
3. Pick Somewhere With Outdoor Dining
Your hot date night doesn’t need to be indoors. If the weather is right, take it outside. Outdoor dining has always been popular, but since the pandemic, it’s become something that many restaurants offer. Most eateries have invested in their outdoor areas, making them more inviting to customers. Some have gotten outdoor heaters, while others have put work into landscaping companies to do mulching and add plants.
There’s something special about sitting outside in nature or even on a sidewalk and taking in all the local happenings. Fresh air can really amp up your appetite, and the surroundings will certainly give you something to talk about. Consider going to a waterfront restaurant where you can watch boats come and go and wait to see what fishermen will catch from the pier.
Speaking of water, outdoor dining doesn’t need to be on land. If you want a hot date night that’s sure to knock it out of the park, book a dinner cruise. Talk about romance and adventure, and no worries if one of you gets seasick. You can also try taking a drive to a quaint town that’s known for having outdoor dining. You can stroll around town and take in the sights before relaxing to enjoy your meal.
4. Don’t Forget Dessert
As you begin to wrap up your meal, be sure to ask your date what they’re getting for dessert. This is a smooth way of letting a new date know it’s okay to order if they want. It’s also a good way to extend the evening by suggesting you grab dessert at another location.
Regardless of the time of day, there are always several dessert options available. If the weather is warm, end your hot date night with some ice cream or gelato. When the weather is cold, try a coffee shop that serves delicious bakery items with their brew. Couples that have been together for a while may want to grab some Krispy Kreme or Crumbl Cookies and head home for a movie.
5. Consider A Breakfast Date Instead!
Nothing says a hot date has to take place at night. If you’re having trouble coordinating a night to get together, consider having a breakfast date instead. There are many places to grab an early meal. From bagels and coffee to more filling meals at brunch restaurants.
This type of get-together takes some of the pressure off if it’s a first date. There’s less worry about getting dressed up, and there’s less time to have to fill in case things don’t go well. But let’s stay positive. With an early morning breakfast date, you’ll have the rest of the day at your disposal if things go well. You can take in a movie, go to the beach, or go shopping. The possibilities are endless.
For folks who have been together and have other responsibilities, a breakfast date is the perfect way to connect and have some time alone when the kids are at school or at an activity. This way, you don’t need to hire a babysitter and nobody can say they’re too tired to go out!
6. Pick Healthier Options
When thinking about your hot date night (or day) with that special someone, a healthy choice might be a good option. If you’re keeping it casual and short, consider grabbing something at a juice and smoothie bar. Places like Jamba Juice and Smoothie King offer deliciously filling drinks made with fresh fruit, veggies, and plant-based milks. If you’re not all that familiar with these types of drinks, educate yourself beforehand to impress your date with your healthy knowledge.
While juice and smoothies are great in certain situations, they aren’t always filling. For some quick and scrumptious healthy meals, take your honey to Chipotle, Sweetgreen, or Panda Express. While they aren’t the most romantic spots (but who’s to say), they all offer healthy menu items. For example, Panda Express has a menu section full of choices with less than 300 calories but at least 8 grams of protein.
Not a fan of healthy fast food? Most areas have a few healthy spots that offer a plethora of salads, bowls, grilled meats, and other healthy food for you to enjoy on a date.
7. Try A Food Truck
Maybe your hot date night is a special celebration with your partner of many years. We all know that the longer you’re a couple, the harder it gets to be original and surprise them. Luckily, with the recent popularity of food trucks, you can breathe some new life into those annual celebrations.
First, dump the idea of those old-fashioned grease-laden jalopies that hovered outside of warehouses. Food trucks have evolved and emerged as fabulous gourmet mobile restaurants. This is especially true in the past few years when many chefs have had to close down their brick-and-mortar businesses. Now you can find everything from sushi to Italian cuisine on fancifully decorated trucks.
Many decided to take the show on the road to offer their culinary delights. A lot of owners offer these refrigerated truck rentals for the day or evening. Imagine setting up an outdoor area with candles or a fire, popping open a bottle of bubbly, and having the food come to you. It’s a unique way to show your partner how much they mean to you.
It’s especially nice if they prefer staying home to dressing up to go out. If you’re not concerned about the food truck coming to you, grab your date and head to a food truck festival. These events usually take place alongside other activities like craft fairs or concerts. So, a unique meal can turn into a great day spent outdoors.
8. Keep In Mind Details Or Concerns
Whether your hot date night involves a new spark or an old flame, there are a ton of details you’ll have to think about to make the date a time to remember. First and foremost, make sure you’re aware of any allergies or dislikes your date may have. You don’t want to end the night at the emergency room because you failed to find out your other half is allergic to nuts.
At the same time, ask if there’s anything they don’t like. Sometimes people have a strong aversion to seafood or sushi. Finding out ahead of time can avert disaster and make you look thoughtful at the same time.
The next detail you absolutely need to tackle is to make reservations if needed. No logistical error is more embarrassing on a date than being turned away because you failed to call ahead. Another often-ignored detail is your phone. By that we mean turn off the ringer and put it away. You want your date to feel like the night is all about them. Having your phone lurking on the table just waiting to be looked at is not a good look.
Talk to your date ahead of time and cement the time and pick-up spot. Make sure you know who’s collecting whom. It’s a good idea to send a cute reminder text like “can’t wait to see you at 6” in case they tend to get distracted easily. While you’re at it give yourself a reminder too. It’s easy to get lost in your thoughts before a date and lose track of time.
This next detail wouldn’t normally be a thing, but it can be a common pet peeve when dining out. Keep the perfume and cologne to a minimum. Even the best quality fragrance can get up in the nasal passages and hang on the palate. This can ruin a great glass of wine or a fine cut of beef.
Finally, if it’s a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, be sure to tell the restaurant staff ahead of time. Most establishments will offer a small cake and celebration to make the night more eventful.
9. Look Ahead On Parking, Consider Ride Share, Or Think Ahead On Transportation
One of the most important aspects of your hot date night is the transportation and parking situation. Call the restaurant ahead of time to find out if they have valet parking, a dedicated lot, or if you’ll need to find your own on the street. Be sure to plan your route, so you’re not late. Take into consideration any accidents, road work, or paving that may occur.
If it looks like driving yourself may be a problem (or if you plan to drink), a ride-share like Uber or Lyft could be the perfect solution. They’re pretty affordable, and you won’t need to stress about getting lost, where to park, or having that extra glass of wine.
If you really want to go all out, rent a limo to take you around town. But we don’t suggest that for a first date, it could be too much. The important thing with all transportation is to have an alternate plan in case something goes awry.
Final Thoughts
Planning a hot date night can be stressful. But don’t let it get you down. Following our tips can help you be successful in having a great time. Remember, your date said yes because they want to spend time with you, so you’re already ahead of the game. These ideas will only help you along the road you’re already on.
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