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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Tustin

Authentic date spots

Made for those who seek out genuine, unpretentious environments for their evening outings.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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Thai restaurant

Small, casual Thai restaurant with a cozy, inviting atmosphere and bright, clean interior after renovation. The space feels comfortable and spacious, with a private room for large parties. Aromas of authentic Thai cooking fill the air, creating a vibe reminiscent of a night market.

Smoky wok-char flavor defines the authentic Thai noodle dishes here. Stir-fried eggplant tastes like a genuine Chinese stir-fry with oyster sauce, while pad see ew and Tom yum soup deliver classic Thai flavors. The choo chee salmon curry is creamy with perfectly cooked salmon but less traditional in taste.

Cleanliness stands out with a well-kept dining area. The menu offers authentic Thai flavors appreciated by food enthusiasts.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and consistently great."

"The authentic Thai food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the skewers."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and seating is usually available immediately.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special that includes a variety of items at a good price.

3

Parking is easy, but the lot is small and can fill up quickly.

02
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Greek restaurant

Outdoor patio with string lights and a Greek statue creates a cozy, authentic tavern feel. Live guitar music plays softly, adding a relaxing atmosphere without overpowering conversation. The space welcomes guests for business lunches and casual dining alike.

Food features authentic Greek flavors with wines and cheeses that match traditional tastes. Dishes consistently deliver excellent and genuine Greek cuisine.

Cozy vibes create a relaxed atmosphere for couples. Staff provide great service that complements the intimate setting.

People are saying

"The Greek food here, especially the lamb souvlaki, is tender and flavorful."

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

"The food here is exquisite with authentic Greek flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using nearby lots.

3

The menu includes unique items like lamb, which is available at lunch.

03
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Chinese restaurant

Modern Chinese restaurant with bright, clean interior and tight seating arrangements creates a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere. Trendy music and cultural decor add to the energetic vibe. Known for authentic, highly praised dumplings and noodles.

Mid-coastal Chinese dishes like Xiaolongbao and pig-ear salad offer an authentic taste. The food feels more authentic and elevated than typical spots, though the decor and service have an international vibe.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is authentic and elevated, with bold, clean flavors."

"I found the food here to be truly authentic Chinese."

"The food here is honestly amazing for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait up to 30 minutes during peak hours on weekends.

2

Parking is convenient with plenty of spaces available in front.

3

Prices are reasonable, averaging around $14 per person.

04
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Thai restaurant

Small, cozy space filled with authentic Northern Thai vibes and vibrant, playful decor that transports diners to Thailand. Atmosphere feels fun and cheerful despite tight seating and crowding. Offers a pleasant visual experience with stylish, creative decorations.

Menu offers a huge selection of authentic Thai dishes with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. KHAOSOI and other dishes deliver incredible, true-to-origin tastes.

Saturday evenings offer a relaxed vibe for couples. Several dining options provide variety for a date night.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and delicious, especially the som tum and khao soi."

"The authentic Thai food here has really good flavor."

"The Date Spots here are delicious, especially the Kao Pad See Ew Mun Nure."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends; plan accordingly.

3

Prices are on the higher side, reflecting the quality of ingredients.

05
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Indian restaurant

Small dining space offers a chic and lively setting with loud background music that creates a fun and energetic atmosphere. The place has a warm, family-friendly vibe enhanced by attentive staff who engage with children. Crowded seating adds to the bustling feel during busy times.

Food delivers authentic Indian flavors with dishes like Hyderabadi biryani that have a perfect spice kick. Cooking stays true to tradition, creating a refreshingly genuine taste experience.

Bold, spicy flavors create a lively atmosphere for couples. The menu offers excellent Indian dishes that make for a memorable date experience.

People are saying

"I thought the buffet was out of this world."

"You have to try the buffet; it's a great way to sample so many delicious dishes."

"I found the Indian food here to be truly authentic."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is available Tuesday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

2

The buffet stops serving at 2:15 PM, despite being advertised until 3:00 PM.

3

Kids under 5 years old eat free at the buffet.

06
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Japanese restaurant

Small Japanese restaurant with cozy wooden design and casual, relaxed atmosphere. Seating includes tables and counters, filling up quickly during peak times. Music plays at a moderate level, creating a pleasant vibe suitable for conversation.

Curry features a perfect balance of spice and flavor with a rich, aromatic sauce that tastes fresh and authentic. The music adds a somewhat cheesy vibe that feels genuinely authentic.

Pork belly curry and udon with shrimp tempura and egg stand out as flavorful dishes. Music stays at a comfortable volume for easy conversation.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the crispy katsu."

"The curry udon here is tasty and perfect for a chilly day."

"The authentic Japanese curry here has the perfect balance of spice and flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs Monday-Friday from 3-7 pm.

2

Kids under 12 eat free on weekdays with the purchase of an adult meal.

3

The portion sizes are generous and reasonably priced.

07
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers cozy, old-world charm with soft lighting and small tables inside, plus a large outdoor patio with heat lamps. Atmosphere suits both family dinners and date nights, creating a fun, welcoming vibe. Seating is close together, emphasizing a community feel rather than formality.

Food tastes authentic and flavorful, matching what you'd find in Italy. Dishes like the Roma pizza deliver a memorable Italian dining experience with quality and beautiful presentation.

Atmosphere suits both date nights and family dinners with a very nice vibe. Tortellini Gustavo stands out, especially with bread for dipping, offering a flavor similar to Chicken Marsala.

People are saying

"I found the Italian food here to be terrific and delicious."

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The food here is amazing, truly authentic and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so be prepared to walk a bit.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on busy weekend evenings.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

08
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers self-serve salsa bar with green and red salsas, cilantro, and cucumbers. Interior feels worn and spare with ripped booths and limited seating. Atmosphere suits casual lunch visits with a warm, inviting vibe.

Tacos here offer authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients in every bite. Halal options exist for birria and tacos, though the birria may not meet traditional standards.

Couples find the Mexican food here suits picky tastes. Visits include both a spouse and a coworker, showing it works for different kinds of dates.

People are saying

"The tacos here are great, especially with the consomรฉ."

"The food here is great, I had no complaints."

"I found authentic Mexican food with delicious, fresh flavors."

Good to know

1

The restaurant lacks sanitary conditions, which can be scary for patrons' health.

2

Expect slow service during Taco Tuesday when tacos are $1.50 each.

3

Prices are affordable, with tacos available for $1.50 on Taco Tuesday.

09
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with electric cantina atmosphere and live DJ music creates a lively vibe. Spacious layout supports buffet-style service, while air conditioning keeps the environment comfortable. Guests enjoy unique margarita flights and a standout salsa bar.

Sunday Brunch offers a variety of authentic Mexican dishes and desserts. The mariachi band and decor create a vibe like Mexico City, and the building's old style adds to the authentic atmosphere.

Regular visits highlight the chilaquiles as a favorite dish and the flight of margaritas as a popular drink choice. The spot offers a relaxed vibe for couples to enjoy meals and drinks together.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The authentic Mexican dishes here taste so good."

"Our server Rito was so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 9pm on weekdays.

2

During football season, happy hour specials extend past 9pm.

3

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

10
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Taco restaurant

Outdoor seating with ample shade and picnic tables creates a relaxed vibe enhanced by background music and palm trees. Large windows offer a panoramic kitchen view, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. Drive-thru option is available but has a challenging layout.

Fast service pairs with authentic Mexican food made from high-quality ingredients. Dishes like bean and cheese burritos, masa quesadillas, and tacos offer a home-cooked feel with a modern edge.

Couples often choose this spot for its casual dining and relaxed atmosphere. It suits both quick meals and longer visits where stretching out is easy.

People are saying

"I drove from LA just for their bean and cheese burritos."

"The food here is super authentic with a modern edge."

"You have to try the cheese taquitos; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos and special pricing.

2

Happy hour features affordable margaritas and appetizers.

3

There is a discount for tacos after 9:00 pm.

11
Jalapeรฑos Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Family owned and operated Mexican restaurant with authentic cuisine and a refreshed interior. Known for best carne asada and al pastor tacos, it draws a loyal local crowd. Prices are on the higher side, and portions vary in consistency.

Food comes out fresh and tastes authentic with consistent quality every visit. Mexican dishes stay true to traditional flavors and preparation.

Crispy tacos and wet burritos stand out as popular choices for couples. Some dishes like the carne asada burrito get positive remarks, but others like the shredded beef burritos can be inconsistent.

People are saying

"The Carnitas Nachos are the best I ever had."

"You have to try the potato tacos; they're bomb."

"These crispy tacos are a must-try for your next Date Spot."

Good to know

1

Jalapeรฑos Mexican Food offers both outdoor and indoor dining options.

2

Parking is plentiful, but it may get busy during peak hours.

3

The restaurant is family-owned and serves authentic Mexican cuisine.

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Tustin, California

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