So you’ve scored a first date!
Congratulations!
That’s awesome, but now comes the tricky part: what to eat?
First dates are nerve-wracking enough; you don’t want to pick something that’s too messy, too complicated, or too “out there.”
There are two major things that can make or break a first date: the conversation and the food!
So here are some of our favorite best first date foods that will make you and your date feel comfortable and have a positive experience:
7 Best First Date Foods: Impress Your Date Without Stress
1. Pizza
Who doesn’t love a good slice of pizza?
That’s right, almost nobody!
Pizza is one of the best first date foods, and here’s why.
First off, everyone’s got a pizza flavor they’re into.
Whether you’re a meat lover, a veggie fanatic, or a classic margherita consumer, pizza’s got you covered.
This means no awkward “Oh, I can’t eat that” conversations.
Secondly, pizza is super casual.
It’s the kind of food that says, “Hey, let’s relax, enjoy some good grub, and get to know each other.”
It’s not pretentious, and it definitely doesn’t feel like an intense interview-like date situation.
Finally, and perhaps most conveniently, pizza’s not a messy food.
No one looks bad eating pizza.
You can go ahead and take a bite without worrying about sauce splashing or stuff falling off your fork.
All these reasons make pizza a great pick for a first date and considering how nerve-wracking first dates can be, you just might want to opt in for it.
2. Burgers
Burgers are a close second to pizza in terms of being an ideal first date food.
Like pizza, burgers come in all shapes and sizes, allowing you and your date to find something on the menu that works for both of you.
The great thing about burgers is that you can get more creative and daring with flavors and toppings, all while still having a casual but tasty meal.
You can go for something classic like a bacon cheeseburger or get adventurous by trying out different sauces and vegetables.
Burgers are also a no-fuss kind of food.
You can eat it with your hands without looking too sloppy, and they usually go hand in hand with fries, which adds an extra dose of comfort.
3. Salads
Salads are also a great first date food option.
They’re light, healthy, and can be put together in a variety of different ways.
You can customize the ingredients to make sure that both you and your date will enjoy it.
Salads are one of those foods that can work for all types of dates, from brunch dates to dinner dates.
Also, they are always a great conversation starter!
You can talk about what ingredients you like and why or what kind of dressing would go best with it.
With salads, you don’t have to worry about the food getting too heavy or intense.
It’s light enough to keep things going but still filling enough to satisfy your hunger pangs.
You can have salads alongside something else to avoid seeming too health-obsessed or not adventurous enough.
4. Sushi
I’m not a fan of sushi, but if you and your date are sushi fanatics, then it can be a great first date food.
There are so many variations to choose from, so you’ll definitely find something that fits both of your tastes.
Sushi is also an elegant food, which is perfect for romantic dates.
It’s also light enough that you won’t feel like you’re stuffed but full enough that you’ll be satisfied.
5. Pasta
Choose a pasta dish that isn’t too messy.
Something like penne or fettuccine can be much easier to handle than spaghetti that you have to twirl.
There are tons of delicious pasta that taste great and won’t make you look like a total mess while eating.
6. Tacos/Burritos
Tacos and burritos are another great option.
They’re a great way to add some spice to the date while still keeping it casual and fun.
Also, tacos and burritos have a great stand-up-and-eat quality to them, so you don’t even need to sit down at a table.
This can help you calm those first date nerves and enjoy yourself.
7. Desserts
Desserts are a perfect way to end the night on a good note.
Whether it’s something simple like ice cream or a cheesecake, desserts are always a safe bet for first dates.
They’re light, sweet, and always appreciated, and they give you a great excuse to grab your date’s hand and walk around while enjoying it.
So there you have it.
These are some of our favorite best first date foods that are sure to make your night enjoyable and stress-free.
Foods to Avoid on a First Date
Now that we’ve covered the best first-date foods, let’s talk about some of the worst ones.
You don’t want anything too messy or smelly, so steer clear of these:
1. Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions are very pungent, and you don’t want to be walking around town with garlic breath.
2. Anything Too Spicy
Spicy food can be great, but not on a first date.
You don’t want to have to worry about running to the restroom every few minutes because of too much hot sauce.
3. Messy Foods
You don’t want to be spending the whole night trying to clean up sauce and other food remnants from your shirt.
So it’s best to avoid anything too messy, like soups, noodles, ribs, wings, etc., that can get all over the place except you can handle yourself.
4. Anything Too Complicated
Keep it simple.
You don’t want to be dealing with complicated dishes that require special utensils.
You want something that you can easily and quickly eat, so choose foods that are straightforward.
5. Heavy Meals
Heavy meals will make both of you feel sleepy and uncomfortable.
Foods like lasagna, steak, or anything with heavy sauces should stay far away from the table.
6. Oversized Portions
You want to focus on your date, not on managing a massive plate of food.
Resist the urge to order too much food, even if you’re starving.
Oversized portions can cause more harm than good, and it will probably distract both of you from getting to know each other better.
So make sure to keep these foods in mind when selecting your meal.
Pro Tips
1. Share a Dish: It can be a fun and engaging way to bond.
2. Be Mindful of Dietary Restrictions: Always ask if there’s anything your date can’t or won’t eat before ordering.
3. Bring Cash: You don’t want to be stuck in an awkward situation because you can’t pay for the, well, your meal.
4. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Takeout: If the date isn’t going that well, takeout is a great way to call it quits without having to stay longer than you need to.
You can always enjoy your meal in the comfort of your own home.
Other Things to Consider for a First Date Meal
Besides food, there are a few other things you should consider when picking the perfect first-date meal:
Location – Choose somewhere that’s nearby and easy to get to.
You don’t want to have to travel too far or worry about getting lost.
Timing – Avoid peak hours when restaurants are usually packed and noisy.
Picking a place that’s low-key and has fewer people is better if you want an intimate setting.
Ambiance – Try to go somewhere that won’t be too overwhelming.
Having good music and a comfortable setting can help you feel relaxed.
Price – You don’t need to go all out on the first date.
Don’t Overeat: You want to be comfortable, not stuffed.
Find a place that offers reasonable prices so you won’t put too much of a dent in your wallet.
I hope this helps!