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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of SB Downtown

Date spots

A shared meal is the most natural way to spend an evening together.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 1
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 2
Indian Tandoori Kingdom image 3
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Large, airy dining space offers both indoor and dog-friendly outdoor patio with heating. Warm, welcoming atmosphere features Punjabi music that energizes the setting. Clean, spacious environment complements authentic Indian cuisine known for standout dishes like butter chicken and korma.

Food features authentic Indian flavors with excellent quality and exceptional taste. The dishes consistently deliver a strong sense of traditional Indian cuisine.

Pleasant ambiance creates a cozy setting for a date night. The atmosphere suits quiet conversations and relaxed dining.

People are saying

"The food recommendations from Joban were excellent."

"I found the Butter Chicken to be fantastic and well made."

"The service at these Date Spots was warm and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available daily from 11am to 3pm.

2

Expect a casual dining atmosphere with no strict dress code.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

02
Petit Valentien image 1
French restaurant

Small French bistro offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating with a quiet, intimate atmosphere that feels like dining in a European town. The place hosts a friendly, informal vibe ideal for social dinners or date nights. Weekends bring a unique twist with Ethiopian cuisine, adding variety to the experience.

Weekend lunches offer Ethiopian cuisine, a rare find in the area. French dishes serve up elegant flavors with consistently impeccable quality.

Small, cozy setting creates a great atmosphere for a date night. Suitable for intimate dinners with a small group of friends.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

"This Ethiopian Lunch Spot is incredibly good."

"The French food here is amazing, especially the duck confit."

Good to know

1

Making reservations is recommended before visiting.

2

Lunch offers a great deal at $18.

3

The menu changes every 2 weeks, so check for new items.

03
Domโ€™s Taverna Santa Barbara image 1

Open kitchen creates a lively, vibrant atmosphere with a polished yet casual design. The space feels like a coastal Spanish ship, buzzing with energy and a full bar. Guests enjoy extraordinary flavors and innovative dishes in a warm, inviting setting.

Food here is consistently fresh and high quality with dishes that feel exciting and challenge expectations. The combination of great flavors and beautiful presentation stands out.

Offers a great vibe for date nights with a setting that suits both intimate dinners and larger groups. Works well for couples looking for a relaxed, enjoyable evening.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, exciting, and genuinely good."

"You have to try the caviar cheesecake; it's a dream."

"The seafood and oysters here are so tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can fill up quickly.

2

Happy hour features a limited menu and runs from 5-7pm.

3

Expect the restaurant to get busy around 7pm, especially on weekends.

04
California Pasta Sandwich & Salads image 1

Outdoor seating dominates the space, offering a cozy patio with tables in a small alley near the embankment. The atmosphere feels quiet and inviting, suitable for relaxed meals or a first date. Music plays softly, enhancing the pleasant environment without overwhelming conversation.

Food comes out piping hot and flavorful with quick preparation and generous portions. The counter-order setup keeps dining relaxed without pressure on tipping.

Outdoor seating offers a sunset view over downtown, creating a nice atmosphere for dates. The menu includes spicy shrimp that is decent, and the overall vibe feels fancy and suitable for a first date.

People are saying

"The pasta here is amazing, fresh, and perfectly balanced."

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

"The pasta and salads here are delicious, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms inside the establishment.

2

The nearest restroom is a two-minute walk above Panda Express.

3

The restaurant is open in the evening, unlike most other places.

05
Azul Cocina Artesanal & Cantina image 1

Outdoor courtyard offers beautiful patio with propane heaters and romantic lighting, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere. A large bar complements the modern, elegant design. Margaritas and cocktail flights stand out as popular drink choices.

Mexican food here features fresh, well-prepared flavors with great quality and presentation. The patio and lighting add to the overall outstanding dining experience.

Cozy and warm back patio creates a great vibe for date night. Food impresses even a chef, and margaritas with small bites fit a relaxed evening.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The outdoor seating is so romantic with its fireplace and lights."

"The food at these Date Spots is delicious and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges $10 for bottled water and $10 for tostadas.

2

Expect an additional $15 charge on your card without explanation.

3

The menu offers vegetarian options and local vegetables.

06
Kimpton Canary Hotel image 1

Building preserves Spanish colonial architecture with terra-cotta tiles and wrought-iron balconies. Atmosphere stays quiet and clean, with a friendly, dog-friendly vibe. Rooftop offers heated pool and 360ยฐ views, creating a peaceful retreat.

Food comes from local farms, ensuring fresh and tasty dishes. Presentation and drinks receive many compliments, especially at events like weddings.

Welcoming staff offer early check-in when rooms are ready. The setting suits celebrations like birthdays and quiet weekends. Some tech issues with casting to TVs may affect iPhone users.

People are saying

"The rooftop pool was inviting and stunning."

"It's so dog friendly; the staff was lovely to pets."

"The staff here makes it a special place for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Sunday to Thursday from 4-6 pm with free snacks.

2

A daily wine social occurs at 5 pm, offering complimentary wine.

3

Valet parking costs $50 per day, which is quite steep.

07
Goodland Waffles and Melts image 1

Coffee shop offers cozy indoor and spacious outdoor seating with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. It attracts many people who come to study or work quietly while enjoying handpicked fruit waffles and a mix of sweet and savory options.

Food arrives quickly with excellent quality and pairs well with great coffee.

Waffles stand out as a top choice for a date brunch, with the complete waffle earning strong praise. The mosaic melt offers a different option but tends to be soggy and less impressive.

People are saying

"I thought the waffles here were the best I've ever had."

"The coffee here is amazing and will be my go-to."

"I've never had a waffle this amazing before."

Good to know

1

The parking lot offers 75 minutes of free parking.

2

Expect long lines on Sundays, especially during brunch hours.

3

Free street parking is available four blocks away.

08
The Copper image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor courtyard with a historic water fountain creates a cute, relaxing patio atmosphere. Interior feels modern and airy but can be cold and lifeless. Warm, welcoming vibe outside contrasts with loud music and occasional distractions indoors.

Food here is delicious and refreshing with a good choice of vegetarian options. The quality feels classic and the staff's knowledge helps with easy selection.

A cute atmosphere suits special dinners and date nights. Some find it great for a date, while others do not recommend it for that purpose.

People are saying

"I've never had pizza this good; it's next level."

"The food here is delicious and fantastic."

"It's a cute place with a perfect atmosphere for a date night."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during busy weekend evenings.

3

Pizzas are priced around $30, and wine glasses cost about $18.

09
Intermezzo by Wine Cask image 1
New American restaurant

Courtyard setting with beautiful decor and perfect lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that balances upscale and relaxed vibes. Indoor and outdoor spaces feel engaging and intimate, suitable for special occasions or casual dining. Walls display unique photography, adding character to the venue.

Food here stands out for its exquisite quality and includes dishes like the lobster salad sandwich. The menu pairs well with plentiful, reasonably priced drinks around the mid $20s range.

Classy dining area suits a first date or special occasion. It fits well for a romantic date night or celebratory dinner with a great meal.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, especially the lobster salad sandwich."

"I had a fantastic, special dining experience here."

"It's the perfect balance of upscale and relaxed for date spots."

Good to know

1

Sunday brunch is a popular event at INTERMEZZO.

2

Reservations are recommended for brunch to secure a table.

3

The Gold Room can accommodate up to 88 guests for private events.

10
Yona Redz image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, casual atmosphere with live music and an extensive menu featuring traditional and fusion dishes. Outdoor patio seating includes heat lamps for comfort. The vibe suits late-night dining with a relaxed energy and flavorful options.

Mexican street food stands out with authentic flavors and an extensive menu that blends traditional dishes with unique fusion options. The food consistently tastes delicious and satisfying.

Pairs of diners enjoy veggie quesadilla with tomatillo salsa alongside Hibiscus Margarita cocktails. Staff serve multiple couples efficiently, even when seated close together.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here have such a good beef broth flavor."

"You have to try the birria ramen; it's worth the trip."

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

Good to know

1

The lunch special with 2 tacos, consomme, rice, beans, and chips with salsa for $14 is a great deal.

2

Parking at Yona Redz is limited; expect to walk a few blocks.

3

Street tacos cost $2.50 each during Taco Tuesday.

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