Food and romance are peas in a pod, so restaurants and food are big deals for lovers. From first dates to proposals, selfies and beautiful memories, a lot of restaurant culture is driven by love and romance.
Sometimes, finding the perfect spot can be hard for couples — it can be reduced to “just finding the place to eat”, but date nights aren’t about the food alone; so much goes into planning the perfect date night if your goal is to make your date as impressed as possible.
Here’s a checklist of things to look out for when planning the perfect date night in a Nigerian restaurant.
- The ambience
When looking for a restaurant for your date night, you want to be particular about the ambience. This isn’t one of the many random nights you’ve had with your lover; no, it’s a special night, and you want them to feel exceptional like they’re the only one in the room. A good ambience does that. Both of you want to feel special and alone, even in a room where other people are. An aura of love, warmth, calmness, soft music, and a chill vibe make for the best date night experience.
No perfect restaurant or ambience exists, but some things to look out for could be warm lighting, soft music, a place with an amazing view and ample space for privacy. Check out nine restaurants with the most breathtaking waterfront views in Africa’s largest coastal city.
- Exclusivity
Of course, this varies per person, but taking your lover to a restaurant with an air of exclusivity can be a way of introducing them to a vibe you surely want to maintain. Sometimes the more exclusive, the better, depending on your budget. Upscale restaurants provide varying levels of privacy, an overall great experience and an assurance of premium service. You’ll spend the night in love while getting your money’s worth.
- Great dining experience
You can be in an exclusive restaurant with a great ambience and still get a shitty dining experience. Read reviews of places so your night isn’t ruined by terrible food or service. Find a restaurant with a reputation for achieving the highest average customer satisfaction, and go there for your date. Excellent service will go a long way in making that restaurant a regular spot for you and your lover, and it will also leave your date impressed with your tastes.
- A menu both you and your date understand
Thankfully, these days, many restaurants have their menus available online. Look through their menu to be sure the meals are things you and your lover are comfortable with before choosing a place to go. If it’s a first date, and you don’t know what your date might be interested in, try to go to a restaurant serving recognisable meals. The aim of the date is to be well-fed and happy at the end of the night.
- Affordability
Most people, except the wealthy, have budgets for different things, so of course, there’ll be a budget for a date night. Beyond looking at the menu to assess the meal options, also look at the menu to get an idea of how much the meals cost so you don’t go to a restaurant and start sweating when the bills come. Work within your budget to find a great restaurant to take your date to.
- Making a reservation
Except this is a spontaneous date — which it’s not — since you want the perfect date night. Reach out to the restaurant to make a detailed reservation, including the precise details of where you want to sit and the food and drinks you want to be served. Such a gesture will demonstrate a certain level of intentionality attractive to anyone who might be considering getting with you.
Although home-cooked meals might be nice, intricately planned restaurant dates are always the icing the cake needs. All the best!
