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Date spots for food in South Coast Metro

Made for those who view a shared meal as the foundation of a successful outing and refuse to compromise on the quality of their date.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Taibat Noodle House 泰巴特清真面馆 image 1
Taibat Noodle House 泰巴特清真面馆 image 2
Taibat Noodle House 泰巴特清真面馆 image 3
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Noodle shop offers a clean, cozy interior with Islamic calligraphy adding unique decor. Atmosphere stays family friendly and chill, attracting people who come specifically for the experience. QR code ordering adds a modern convenience uncommon in similar spots.

Food arrives super fast and stays authentic to Silk Road flavors. The menu offers halal options with clean, tasty dishes that stand out in the local scene.

Food features easily peeled eggs with a mouth-watering aroma. Service includes attentive touches like offering ice water.

People are saying

"I found the Halal food here to be super flavorful and delicious."

"This food is delicious, rich, and incredibly satisfying."

"The food here is amazing, truly satisfying."

Good to know

1

All meals are halal and prepared with care for halal practices.

2

The kitchen is clean and well-maintained.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

02
Kebab Kurry Express image 1
Afghan restaurant

Cozy Afghan restaurant with traditional decor and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Family-run with spacious seating and Afghan art displayed on walls. Quiet environment with gentle music supports relaxed dining and authentic cultural experience.

Food offers authentic Afghan flavors with dishes like Aushak, featuring thin ravioli filled with ground beef and topped with a herbaceous sauce. The taste is consistently delicious and comforting.

Single to-go orders serve a family of three, making it easy to share. The coconut chicken stands out as a yummy dish that impresses.

People are saying

"I found the Afghan food here to be really delicious and authentic."

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing, especially the tender and flavorful kebabs."

"The food here is delicious and authentic, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

A single to-go order feeds two to three people.

2

Prices are generally higher compared to other Afghan restaurants in the area.

3

Expect to pay around $147 for a meal for four.

03
Gokumi Ramen & Yakitori image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen and bar seating facing the skewer grill creates an authentic Japanese izakaya vibe. Atmosphere is cozy and lively, often featuring DJs and groups enjoying themselves. Sake selection is notable, complementing the well-crafted yakitori and ramen offerings.

Food arrives super quick and stays very fresh. The menu offers a wide variety with consistently amazing and delicious dishes.

Several date nights focus on sharing ramen dishes like black truffle and Yuzu Shio. The spot suits couples who prefer non-spicy options and enjoy trying different flavors together.

People are saying

"The yakitori here is some of the best I've had outside of Japan."

"The food here is delicious and always tastes fresh."

"The Date Spots here have amazing ramen and sushi quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

3

Expect to spend over $100 for two people on average.

04
Dvine Mediterranean Experience image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a clean and bright space with a quaint outdoor patio that feels cozy and inviting. The atmosphere stays laid back and lively, supported by a great music selection that encourages dancing. It suits casual lunches or dinner dates with friends and family.

Food here is consistently fresh and flavorful with a strong Mediterranean influence. Staff are friendly and the dishes offer great taste for the price.

Mediterranean food offers a flavorful backdrop for dates. The atmosphere stays casual, fitting for lunch or dinner with a relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the kebabs and hummus, was fantastic."

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The service at these Date Spots is so friendly and courteous."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample, but it gets busy around lunchtime.

2

The best time to visit is before or after the lunch rush.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of grilled meat and side options.

05
Tacos Madre Kitchen & Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant with intricate artwork and lush plants creates a vibrant setting. Live DJ and saxophone performances bring a lively, sometimes nightclub-level energy. Spacious layout includes an outdoor patio and a well-appointed bar, attracting a crowd that enjoys music and socializing.

Food features delicious fish tacos, rich mole, and hearty molcajete dishes. Prices match the quality, and service complements the great food.

Birria pizza and fish tacos stand out as flavorful choices. Chicken mole arrives with pickled onion adding a tasty touch, while aguachile offers a fresh, vibrant option.

People are saying

"I ate all the enchiladas before I could post a picture."

"I thought the food here was amazing and great."

"The food here is delicious, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos and margaritas.

2

Live DJ plays during Taco Tuesday on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Expect a $5 charge for extra toppings like lettuce and sour cream.

06
Antonello Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant with intimate, romantic ambiance and mid-century modern decor offers private dining rooms and tableside pasta preparation. Atmosphere feels rustic yet elegant, with old time rock & roll music adding to the vibe. Space includes upstairs and downstairs seating, creating a roomy but cozy setting.

Italian dishes showcase authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. Presentation is beautiful, and every dish tastes delicious.

Ideal for special occasions, this spot suits dates and birthday celebrations well.

People are saying

"The fresh pasta here is made daily and melts in your mouth."

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

"The food here is spectacular, truly a culinary masterpiece."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights like Saturday.

2

The restaurant has private dining rooms available for larger groups.

3

Expect to pay a $35 corkage fee if you bring your own wine.

07
Fresh Off the Boat Fish Grill South Coast image 1

Eclectic Mediterranean spot offers outdoor patio seating with warm candlelight and dark red cushions, creating a cozy vibe. Indoor space features a bar with large TV for sports viewing and a lively atmosphere with loud music. Dining resembles fast-casual style with varied seating options including tables, bar, and patio.

Food features a fresh and delicious quality with a mix of Mediterranean flavors including Mexican, Italian, and Greek dishes. Salmon stands out as a particularly good option.

Food choices include Kabob and other dishes that satisfy both people. Multiple visits show it works well for casual date meals.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is fantastic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a great variety of tacos at discounted prices.

2

Dine-in specials on Taco Tuesday are not available for takeout.

3

Happy hour starts after 3:00 pm with beer specials.

08
MasalaCraft - Santa Ana image 1
Indian restaurant

Bollywood movie posters and videos create a themed atmosphere with a friendly, homey vibe. Seating includes plentiful outdoor patio space alongside basic indoor arrangements. Free toppings like fried onions and chutney add a unique touch to the dining experience.

Food here is consistently delicious and authentic with excellent flavors. The menu offers great Indian dishes that stand out for their quality and taste.

Service stands out with attentive staff who offer extras like additional rice when sharing meals. Allergy considerations are present, but occasional issues like foreign objects in food have occurred.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The lunch combo here is a great deal."

"The service here for Date Spots is really good and helpful."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available on Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm.

2

The lunch special with garlic naan and an order of samosas costs around $16.

3

Parking is generally easy on Sundays.

09
The Boiling Crab image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with open doors creates a loud, chilly atmosphere filled with a friendly, chill vibe. Families enjoy the life-size shark decor and casual setting while watching sports on TV. The place stays busy without feeling chaotic, offering bibs for messy meals and a simple, clean design.

Food stands out for its freshness and exceptional taste. Every dish delivers delicious flavors that make the wait worthwhile.

Ordering a pound of spicy whole shabang shrimp and lemon pepper wings stands out as a popular choice. The spot offers a casual seafood experience that some find memorable for shared meals.

People are saying

"I found the seafood boil here to be the best I've tried."

"I thought the food here was great and very tasty."

"The food here is amazing, especially the flavorful shellfish."

Good to know

1

During celebrations like Father’s Day, the waiting time can be up to 2 hours and 30 minutes.

2

On weekends, you have to make a reservation to dine there.

3

The restaurant opens at 3 PM on weekdays.

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South Coast Metro, Santa Ana

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