For many, first dates can ignite feelings of excitement, curiosity, anticipation, and anxiety all at once, and that’s not counting the stress about choosing where to go. In the U.S., restaurants seem to be the most common option for a first-date. One study shows that men prefer to take their dates to Chick-fil-A, but Dallasites who love to dine out can do better than that. Restaurants around the Metroplex won’t magically eliminate first date jitters or awkwardness, but they are sure to impress a date.
Whether you want to hang somewhere relaxed and fun while partaking in a game of Minecraft, or go somewhere a bit showier for a glamorous sushi lunch, this guide will give you fantastic first date inspiration. Here are six Dallas restaurants that serve as the perfect first date destination.
Eddie’s Napolis
Head to this old-school Italian neighborhood spot and have dinner at the bar, where you’ll be swept up by the crowd of friendly regulars. A first date at Eddie’s is pure, parmesan-sprinkled fun, and feels romantic in a wholesome way. Tables are dressed in crisp white tablecloths, and at the front of the restaurant, a gentleman in a bowtie performs live for the guests. The menu of comfort eats spotlights New York-style pizza and pasta galore, and the seafood-stuffed mushrooms in pink sauce ($17) are a must. 8822 Teel Pkwy. Ste. 410, Frisco, napolisfrisco.com
Le Pasage
It’s hard to find a restaurant more romantic than Le Pasage, Travis Hospitality’s Asian-French restaurant on the Katy Trail. The menu showcases Asian flavors and classic French cooking techniques, delivering a meal unlike any other in town. Dishes are inspired by cuisines from various regions of the continent, like shaking beef from Vietnam ($58), Peking duck from northern China ($190), and steamed shrimp dumplings from southern China ($16). Designed by Michael Hsu architecture, the same firm that worked on Uchi restaurants, the space is stylish and elegant with lantern chandeliers and striking cherry blossom art behind the bar. 4205 Buena Vista St. Ste. 130, Dallas, lepassagedallas.com
Partenope
At this Neapolitan pizzeria, you can share a pie with your date and learn how to make one too. The pizza-making class ($100) is a go-dutch kind of first date, ideal for those who approach dating as an opportunity to do things they’d like to do anyway. Even if love isn’t in the air, you’ll come away from the hour-long session knowing how to make a Neapolitan pie. You’ll also get to eat your pizza fresh out of the oven and take home the dough you prepped, so you can do it all again… with or without your date. 1903 Main St., Dallas, partenopedallas.com
Nerdvana
If you fear awkward pauses during a first date dinner, consider a visit to Nerdvana, a gaming-themed restaurant and bar where you and your date can eat, drink, and play while getting to know each other. Guests can choose from tables fitted with video games or board games, or both, and pick from several console options like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. Each booth has a flat screen mounted on the wall, and every table is set with silverware and controllers. Toast your first date with a beer or cocktail, and then dine on a burger ($15), braised beef short ribs ($28), or ziti tossed with fresh vegetables ($22) while you play. 5757 Main St. #112 & #111, Frisco, nerdvanafrisco.com
Sachet
One thing that makes this Michelin-recommended Mediterranean restaurant a charming first-date spot is its eye-catching square bar, with seating set up in pairs, making it perfect for intimate conversation. Belly up and order a gin and tonic from the extensive gin and tonic menu, and dip hot and fresh pita cooked in the wood-fired oven in spicy feta dip ($15). If you don’t click with your date, at least you got to try that pita. If sparks do happen to fly, stay for some housemade pasta or the pork chop served with muhammara, a roasted red pepper and walnut dip ($40). 4270 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, sachetdallas.com
Namo
Have a lunch date you want to impress? Trade in your regular salad joint for one of the best deals in and beyond the West Village: the 11-course lunchtime omakase ($75) at Namo. Executive chef Kazuhito Mabuchi, who previously worked at Michelin-starred Sushi Ginza Onodera in Los Angeles, has mastered the art of Edomae sushi, a style centering catches from Edo Bay (now Tokyo Bay) that originated in 19th century Japan. Find beautiful glassware, a compelling sake list, and the finest sushi rice. While some see rice as secondary to the fish, chef Onodera treats his with as much care as he does his tuna. His secret? A carefully crafted blend of fine vinegars. 3699 McKinney Ave. #305, Dallas, namosushi.com
