Online dating has become a common thing to find love. After talking to someone for a while, it’s time to take the next step and plan a first date. Choosing a restaurant can be difficult because there are so many different choices. In this article, we are going to discuss the types of restaurants you should choose for your first date.
1. Avoid fast food restaurants
If you’re looking to impress your date, avoid fast food restaurants. While it may be tempting to choose a quick and convenient location, this shows little consideration for your date and can be quite awkward. You want to make your date feel special, and fast food restaurants are usually not a romantic option.
2. Go somewhere with a nice ambiance
The setting of a restaurant can play a big role in your first date. Choose a restaurant with a pleasant ambiance so that your meeting is pleasant and relaxing. Restaurants with live music or elegant decor can be very romantic. However, avoid places that are too loud or chaotic, especially if you’re looking to chat with your date.
3. Prefer restaurants with vegetarian options
Before choosing a restaurant, find out your date’s food preferences. You don’t want to book a seat at a steakhouse only to find out your date is vegetarian. Additionally, incorporating vegetarian or vegan foods into your restaurant choice shows that you are considerate of others, which is very appealing to many people.
4. Choose a restaurant where you feel comfortable
It is important that you feel comfortable in the restaurant you choose. Experts say that if you’re comfortable and confident, it can really help impress your date. So don’t hesitate to choose a restaurant you’ve been to before if it will help you relax and be yourself during the date.
5. Avoid overpriced restaurants
While you might want to impress your date with a fancy, expensive restaurant, it might also put too much pressure on both of you. It may be fairer to choose a restaurant with reasonable prices to avoid money being a source of worry or feeling of obligation for you or your date.
Who should extend the invitation and choose?
The answer to this question may seem simple, but it depends on several factors. Typically, the person who proposed the date should invite the other person and choose the restaurant. However, if you’ve agreed to have lunch together, invite your date first and choose a popular, casual restaurant. If your meeting is more formal, it is best to choose a restaurant with a more elegant ambiance.
Your date’s culinary tastes are also important. If the person is vegan or prefers gluten-free options, avoid steakhouses and burger restaurants that offer few vegetarian options. If you’re unsure of your date’s culinary preferences, opt for international cuisine like Italian or French cuisine, where you can find a wide variety of dishes.
Who should pay the restaurant bill?
Paying the bill is another touchy subject on a first date. Although this seems like a matter of protocol, it depends on your personal preference. If you are used to paying for your appointments, continue as usual. If you prefer to split the bill, ask your date if she wants to split the bill in half or if she prefers to pay her own share.
If you decide to pay for the meal, avoid leaving an impression of favor or charity. Try taking a gentle approach by saying “I’ll treat myself to paying for your meal.” If your date insists on splitting the bill, agree and respect their decision. If you feel uncomfortable paying for the entire bill, you can offer to split the drinks or desserts.
Conclusion & Opinion
Planning a first date can be stressful, but by choosing the right restaurant, you can help make things easier. A pleasant venue with a romantic ambiance, varied food options and reasonable prices are all things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect meeting place. Whatever you choose, remember that the most important thing is to spend quality time with your date. So, relax and enjoy!
