Ever have the fear of making a mess and embarrassing yourself at dinner on a first date? Us too.
First dates are filled with emotions: the excitement, the nervousness, the anticipation of what could be. But let’s be real, one of the most important aspects of any first date is the food. What you eat can make or break the entire experience. You want something that’s delicious, easy to eat, and won’t leave you feeling bloated or uncomfortable. So, for all you 20-something year olds in San Francisco, here are 4 ideas for the best first date foods in the city.
- Dumplings
San Francisco is known for its delicious and diverse food scene, and Dumpling Home is a perfect first date option. Not only are the dumplings delicious, but they’re easy to share and eat with chopsticks. Plus, you can impress your date by showing off your chopstick skills. The atmosphere is fun and lively, but not too loud, so you can have a conversation without shouting. And if things are going well, you can always order more dumplings.
- Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza? Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in North Beach is a great first date spot for pizza lovers. The pizza is authentic and delicious, and the atmosphere is cozy and intimate. You can share a pie, and if things are going well, you can even feed each other a slice. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try one of their unique pizza creations, like the Cal Italia or the Tartufo.
- Sushi
For a more upscale first date experience, Pabu is a great spot for sushi lovers. The restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine and has a sleek and sophisticated atmosphere. You can share a sushi platter or try some of their unique specialty rolls, like the Golden Gate Roll or the Japanese Breakfast Roll. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try the Omakase, a chef-selected tasting menu. For a more down to Earth feel, a hidden gem is Fujiyama-ya in the Sunset – a well kept secret for locals, so you’re welcome!
- Ice cream
Who says ice cream is just for kids? Bi-Rite Creamery in the Mission is a great first date spot for anyone with a sweet tooth. The ice cream is homemade and delicious, and there are plenty of unique flavors to choose from, like salted caramel and balsamic strawberry. You can stroll around nearby Dolores Park or the Valencia Street shops while enjoying your ice cream, or sit outside on the Bi-Rite patio and people-watch. If you’re away from the Mission, Humphry Slocombe and the famous Salt and Straw are wonderful alternatives.
Of course, these are just a few ideas. The most important thing is to choose a spot that you and your date will enjoy. If you both love Italian food, head to Flour + Water. If you’re both vegetarians, check out Shizen. And if you’re both in the mood for something a little more casual, make a reservation at Tacolicious. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a spot where you can both relax and have a good time.
A few more tips to keep in mind: don’t order anything too messy or difficult to eat (like lobster or spaghetti), as this can be distracting and awkward. And if you’re not sure what your date likes or is allergic to, it’s always a good idea to ask beforehand. Finally, remember that the food is just one aspect of the date. Focus on getting to know your date and having fun, and the food will just be the icing on the cake (or the ice cream on the cone).
Whether you opt for dumplings, pizza, sushi, or ice cream, the important thing is to choose a spot where you and your date can relax, have fun, and get to know each other. San Francisco has no shortage of amazing restaurants and eateries, so there’s something for everyone. And who knows, maybe your first date spot will become your go-to spot for future dates. Bon appétit!
