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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in New Haven

Salads and date spots

A date should be defined by fresh ingredients and a light meal that keeps the conversation moving.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Kung Fu Kitchen image 1
Kung Fu Kitchen image 2
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Asian restaurant

Spacious Asian restaurant with rich burgundy walls and circular woven light fixtures casting a warm glow. Atmosphere feels cozy yet energetic, with long booth seating and an open kitchen adding charm. Noise level rises with a full dining room, creating a lively vibe.

Cucumber salad stands out with its perfect execution and consistent praise. Black fungus salad also shines as a highly recommended choice, offering a simple yet flavorful option.

A spot with a perfect date vibe and dishes that taste like authentic stir fry. The E5 dish stands out as a flavorful choice for sharing.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the soup dumplings, is incredible."

"You have to try the cucumber salad; it's amazing."

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a lot across the street.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean and tidy environment.

02
Tavern on State image 1
Restaurant

Small, intimate space with a dark and moody vibe and garden seating that feels like a private area. Atmosphere is warm and inviting but can be loud and crowded, making conversation difficult at times. Creative menu and drink options complement the cozy, personal setting.

Salads here feature artistic presentations and fresh ingredients. Options like the snap pea salad and panzanella stand out for their flavor and quality.

Heaters above tables keep things cozy during cooler nights. Cocktails come strong and slightly sweet, pairing well with dishes like the raw fluke with honeydew that balances sour and sweet flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh, especially the grilled octopus."

"The food here is artistic, tasty, and a great reason for Date Spots."

"The beet salad appetizer was artistic and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to high demand and limited seating.

2

Walk-ins are accepted, but expect longer wait times during peak hours.

3

The menu changes frequently, offering fresh and seasonal dishes.

03
South Bay Mediterranean Kitchen image 1

Modern, clean space with charming decor and a relaxed atmosphere featuring jazz music. The vibe suits both casual lunches and relaxed dinners, attracting groups and couples alike. Occasional loud conversations can interrupt the otherwise cozy and classy environment.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and balanced seasonings. Options include a light arugula and octopus salad and a Harvest's Brussel salad known for its appeal as an appetizer.

Celebrations like anniversaries and birthdays happen here, making it a solid spot for couples. The blackened tuna stands out as a favorite dish, adding to the date experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the melt-in-your-mouth steak."

"The service at these dinner spots is friendly and attentive."

"The salads here are so fresh and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The $25 lunch deal offers great value for a full meal.

2

Happy hour runs on Fridays with special drink prices.

3

The restaurant validates parking tickets for the garage across the street.

04
Siena Ristorante New Haven image 1

Italian bistro with an intimate dining room and a rooftop area that adds lively energy when open. The atmosphere stays quiet and cozy with dim lighting creating a warm setting. Guests enjoy a mix of classic and creative dishes alongside a well-regarded bar.

Watermelon salad offers a fresh, sweet contrast. Caesar salad comes with anchovy and just the right amount of dressing for balance.

A spot with a casual vibe for a date night, featuring meatballs that score around 4 to 5 out of 10 in taste. It works well for spontaneous plans when trying a new place together.

People are saying

"The pasta dishes here are excellent, especially the spicy rigatoni."

"The cocktails were unique, tasty, and presented beautifully."

"The service here is so creative and attentive."

Good to know

1

On Mondays, they have 50% off all wine bottles.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

3

Valet parking is not available; use nearby garages instead.

05
Fair Haven Oyster Company image 1

Small, cozy restaurant with a waterside deck offering stunning river views and a large raw bar selection. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming with a rustic, marina dive bar vibe. Space is limited, making reservations common and the place lively but friendly.

Salads feature bold combinations like the chicory salad and the grilled Caesar salad known for rich flavors. The baby butter lettuce salad with fried clams adds a unique twist to the menu.

Oysters stand out as a top notch choice, with a dozen offering a memorable experience. The burger also impresses as a highlight, making it a solid pick for date nights.

People are saying

"The seafood here is divine; I'd go to war for it."

"The oysters and clam chowder here are the best I've ever had."

"You have to try the baked clams with gochujang butter."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must due to the limited space.

2

The restaurant is tiny, especially in winter when outdoor tables are unusable.

3

The place is pricey, so be prepared for higher costs.

06
John Davenport's Restaurant image 1

Restaurant sits high above the city with spectacular views of New Haven, creating a quiet, pleasant atmosphere for dining. Tables by the window offer extensive cityscapes that enhance the experience. The setting suits romantic dinners and special occasions with a calm, elevated vibe.

Salads feature fried goat cheese balls and fresh ingredients. The Caesar salad is cold, crisp, and fresh with a tasty dressing.

A mellow atmosphere and attentive service create a relaxed setting for couples. Dining options include a 19th floor restaurant with views over the Yale University campus, ideal for breakfast or anniversary celebrations.

People are saying

"The braised short rib at these dinner spots was fork tender."

"You get gorgeous views of New Haven from here."

"The goat cheese salad had two fried goat cheese balls."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine at the restaurant.

2

They have a happy hour from 4-7pm Monday-Thursday.

3

The a la carte breakfast is only available during certain hours.

07
Louis' Lunch image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small, historic hamburger spot with timeless charm and generations-old graffiti on wood surfaces. Atmosphere feels like stepping back to the 1800s, packed and cozy with standing room only. Burgers cook on a cast-iron griddle visible to diners, preserving traditional preparation.

Potato salad stands out as a highlight, described as life-changing and out of this world. It pairs with simple hamburgers, making the salad a memorable part of the meal.

Burgers here have a unique taste that keeps couples coming back. Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere add to the date spot vibe, with attention to detail like perfectly cooked well done burgers.

People are saying

"You have to try the original hamburger sandwich here."

"You have to try the potato salad; it's a must-try."

"It's a charming spot that makes you feel like you're in the 1800s."

Good to know

1

Louis' Lunch does not serve fries or ketchup, only their traditional burger.

2

There is a small free parking lot behind Louis' Lunch.

3

Expect long wait times during peak hours due to popularity.

08
Est Est Est Pizza & Restaurant image 1

Small, quaint pizza restaurant with cozy atmosphere and welcoming vibe. Guests often watch pizzas cooked on-site, adding to the experience. Decor includes sports memorabilia, creating a casual, family-like setting.

Salads come in fresh grilled chicken and Greek varieties that taste very good. Customization options exist for salads alongside wraps and subs.

Memorable dates often include sharing a small Pepperoni pizza with thin crust and a classic spaghetti and clams dish. The setting supports enjoying exemplary Italian flavors together.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"I loved their grilled Caesar Salad."

"The pizza here is delicious, with a crispy crust and cheesy toppings."

Good to know

1

Prices are affordable, with pizzas starting around $10.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options on the menu.

3

Expect large portion sizes that are great for sharing.

09
Lazeez Indian Cuisine image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, cozy space with vibrant decor and cozy lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Quiet and relaxing, it suits date nights or casual outings. The setting balances elegance with a lively yet calm vibe.

Chickpea salad serves as a common starter here. It pairs well with wings that come spiced to preference.

Nice ambiance suits a date night or night out with friends. The Saag stands out as a highly praised dish, adding to the experience.

People are saying

"The Indian food here is amazing, truly some of the best I've had."

"I thought the Indian food here was the best I'd ever tasted."

"I started with the chickpea salad; it was a great starter."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is fully halal.

2

On-street parking is limited, but there is a pay lot nearby.

3

Entrees are priced between $18-22, with smaller portions than average.

10
Noa by September in Bangkok image 1

Sleek bar space with a massive Buddha statue and outdoor seating creates a modern, inviting vibe blending Thai elements and club energy. Upbeat music from a DJ sets a lively tone, especially as the venue shifts into a nightclub on weekend nights. Craft cocktails like mango mojitos and espresso martinis stand out alongside highly praised Thai dishes such as Tom Yum and mango sticky rice.

Papaya salad stands out with its fresh, vibrant flavors. Other notable dishes include crab fried rice and drunken noodles, all prepared with authentic Thai spices.

Informal vibe suits young couples well. Food includes duck fried rice, beef pad Thai, and flank steak with good portions and flavor, fitting for date nights or casual celebrations.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The food and drinks at these Date Spots are delicious and generously portioned."

"I found the papaya salad really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials include $1 wings and great drink deals.

2

The restaurant turns into a club after the kitchen closes on weekends.

3

On weekends after 9pm, the music is loud and lively.

11
Elm City Social image 1
New American restaurant

Medium-sized bar with a rooftop tiki bar and dog-friendly outdoor space offers a modern, industrial, artsy vibe with a relaxed atmosphere. Loud music and a lively crowd create an energetic setting, especially for larger groups in spacious areas. Unique rubber duck theme adds local charm and distinct character to the decor.

Chicken Caesar salad comes in a portion that feels just right. Some entrees include a Caesar salad as part of the meal, paired with dishes like mac and cheese with shrimp or steak and fries.

A quiet back area offers a private setting ideal for date night dining. The spot supports intimate experiences even after long drives, making it suitable for special evenings.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and top notch."

"The food here is delicious, especially the short rib tacos."

"I enjoyed the fantastic salad."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties and weekends.

2

Expect a two-hour wait if arriving during peak hours.

3

Validated parking is available with a restaurant receipt.

12
Nikki & Frankie's image 1

Back room features life-size rock and roll mannequins creating a unique dining space with its own entrance. Atmosphere feels friendly and family-oriented, with seating available both in front and back. Cleanliness stands out alongside generous portions and great value for food.

Salads come in large portions that can serve three people. Options include a Caprese Salad with blackened shrimp and a Caesar salad with chicken. Grilled chicken can be salty even when requested without salt.

Lunch dates feature snarky commentary from Angel, adding a playful edge. The burger stands out as a solid choice for a casual meal.

People are saying

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

"I thought the ice cream here was wonderful and amazing."

"The food at this place is fantastic for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Nikki & Frankie's offers large portions at reasonable prices.

2

Parking is easy and accessible at Nikki & Frankie's.

3

Nikki & Frankie's closed 20 minutes early on a Saturday night.

13
IL GABBIANO image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers beautiful water views and a warm, inviting atmosphere with a balance of elegance and comfort. Live Italian music and outdoor seating enhance the experience, creating a lively and enjoyable setting. Handmade pasta and fresh seafood add to the distinctive dining environment.

Salads feature mixed greens with unique toppings like green apple, craisins, walnuts, and gorgonzola. Options include the Octopus Salad and a Burrata special with fresh figs, fig jam, melon, and prosciutto on arugula.

Offers a versatile setting suitable for casual, formal, group, or date nights. Food quality stands out, making it a solid choice for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and satisfying."

"The food here is great for a date night."

"I waited over an hour just to order my salad."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2 to 5 pm with discounted drinks and small plates.

2

Reservations are recommended for outdoor seating, especially during peak hours.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during events, which may affect service times.

14
Pistachio Cafe 2 image 1

Peacock-themed decor and immaculate interior design create a unique and beautiful atmosphere. The space feels cozy yet spacious, with comfortable sofas and large booths. Music and abundant photo opportunities add to the phenomenal vibe throughout.

Salads come with a vinaigrette dressing on the side and taste fresh and full of flavor. Options include a falafel salad and simple side salads that pair well with other dishes.

A quiet spot with a warm and aesthetic vibe, ideal for relaxed conversations. Offers delicious salmon tartine and turkey paninis, making it great for brunch or casual dates.

People are saying

"The coffee shop's atmosphere is gorgeous and calming."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and outstanding."

"The atmosphere and decor here are really beautiful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak brunch hours.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

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New Haven, Connecticut

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