Think about the number of disastrous first dates you've had in your dating career. Go on! Count them up on your fingers and toes. Are you suddenly wishing for an extra pair of limbs so you can finish up your tally? Then you already know the importance of the oh-so-intimidating first date, and that you only get one chance to do things right.
While two totally incompatible people aren't going to have a great time no matter where they go, the place you pick for your first date can have a huge effect on how that date goes. Choosing the wrong restaurant can make what would otherwise be a great date start off on the wrong foot. Choosing a great first date restaurant can make the whole night go more smoothly for you both.
Want to know what to look for in a great first date restaurant? Evaluate any potential candidates using these eight guidelines:
1. Ease of Conversation
The whole point of a first date is to get to know each other. So you want to be sure to pick a place quiet enough for a bit of conversation. That said, it's important to strike a balance. If the place you choose is too quiet, you'll feel that everyone around you is listening in on your conversation. Not exactly conducive to romance. Look for a place where the sound level sits at a dull murmur.
2. Good Service
Getting bad service when you eat out can make anybody moody, and bring out the worst in them. If you want things to start off on the right foot, don't give your date a reason to get annoyed. Poor service can do that pretty darned quickly.
3. An Accessible Menu
Just because you love sushi doesn't mean everybody else does... or that they even know how to use chopsticks. For a first date, it's important to think about what your date likes instead of just impressing him or her with what you like. Choose a restaurant with a large menu that anybody could order from. Unsure? Italian and Mediterranean restaurants are always a safe bet.
4. A Balanced Ambiance
You probably don't want to take a first date to your local sports bar. That doesn't mean you should go in the opposite direction and take him or her to a formal restaurant, either. Try to choose a place where just about any attire will be appropriate. That way, if your date over- or under-dresses, he or she won't feel out of place.
5. A Good Location
If you live on one side of the city and she lives on the other, pick a restaurant in the middle. If you make your date drive all the way over to your side of town to meet you, you're going to look pretty selfish.
6. Low-ish Cost
Now, this doesn't mean you should take your date to McDonald's, but it does mean you should choose a place that just about anyone could pay for. You probably haven't worked out who pays for what ahead of time, and even if you're planning to pay for your date's meal, it's important to choose a place that your date could pay for, too. You never know when he or she might insist on going Dutch.
7. Easy After-Party
This is optional, but is a good thing to think about. If you're having a good time and the restaurant you choose is in the middle of nowhere, chances are you'll just call it a night. But, if you choose a place surrounded by great clubs and bars, you always have the option to continue the date after dinner ends.
8. Romantic Ambiance
You want to try to find a balance between a restaurant full of screaming children, and one with swooning, rose-draped couples proposing marriage at every other table. One is annoying, and the other is just plain cheesy. Instead, choose a restaurant with nice, low lighting and an adult ambiance... just be sure to skip the extra order of cheese.
Bon appétit!
