If you ask the smart aleck guy who doesn’t have much of a budget for a date with his girl, a burger, French fries and a soda can be a romantic dinner as long as the two are together and enjoy each other’s company. The young naive girl may not mind at all but for the more mature lady and gentleman, a romantic date has a certain level of expectation whether it’s a home-cooked meal enjoyed at home or at a restaurant.
Fast food joints and office cafeterias, just from the noise, the crowd, the type of food served and the way it is served, cannot be considered anywhere near romantic. A family restaurant, coffee shop, bistro on the other hand can be the setting of a romantic meal if enjoyed in a quiet corner and the level of service is more personalized. Thoughtful gestures such as giving flowers, gift or token before or after the meal; dining by candlelight; and arranging for music can make the meal a more memorable experience.
Restaurants can be romantic settings as long as they possess the appropriate ambience which caters to the couple’s personal tastes and preferences. The first thing to consider is that the food served is to their liking. Even though lobster can be messy to eat, it certainly makes for an impressive meal like a well-marbled steak. Make a mental note of what the lady likes to eat and make this a priority in choosing a restaurant. You certainly wouldn’t want to bring your date to a steakhouse and learn at the last moment that she is a vegetarian!
Some dining establishments exude romance just from its location alone–imagine the restaurants located in the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen in spring. If you’re in the city, rather than the expected fine dining restaurant in a hotel, why not consider a restaurant with al fresco dining (if the weather isn’t too hot or humid).
Another important factor to consider is the budget one allocates for the meal and related expenses. For the student boy, consider your transportation, gift and the curfew of the girl. For the older gentleman with a budget, consider wine pairings with your meal and remember that there’s always room for dessert! This literally caps the dinner with a sweet ending.