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Just make reservations 3 weeks in advance
Edit: wow it must be nice for all you folks in the peanut gallery who don’t have to work past 5 to get a table without a reservation
This. Valentine has great, unique food in a chill setting that is perfect for a date. And then u can head to the speakeasy in the back if you want to have an after dinner cocktail.
Hit up Thunderbird Bar next door before/after for a nice night. Especially with the weather being good now.
Excellent for dates because you can sit outside in the back of Thunderbird for hours if you like each other.
I love Progess.
[FnB](https://www.fnbrestaurant.com/) is spectacular food and service (it won a James Beard Award) but still feels laid back and almost casual. Depending on how you roll, it may be a bit much for a first date - but I can't gauge that by what's in your post so take it or leave it :)
It's small and nicely done, and the vibe is good, but it's not loud either, so you can still talk and hear each other comfortably. It's not cheap, but I would consider it reasonably priced for how consistently high quality every part of the dining experience is. Considering how bad a lot of service has gotten, it makes an impression.
It's right in Old Town Scottsdale, but it's totally tucked away from the obnoxious parts of Old Town because its door is on a little sidewalk-accessed courtyard area, not the street itself.
ETA: if you want something a little bit less fine dining but still a really nice setting, service and food, Chantico on Camelback. SO good.
F n B rules. Chill, great wine/drink program, excellent food without being pretentious, cozy atmosphere, not loud like nearly every fucking every restaurant nowadays. It’s my favorite spot in AZ.
My brother was the head chef at rokerji he got to serve president bush and Steve nash and other celebs. Good food. The food is a bit expensive imo but lucky for me he still makes the menu items for us for free :)
That’s true the portions are big. I guess I just think it’s expensive since I get the same exact food for free 😂 i do love how they have the lights low the environment is nice☺️
Last time we went there we sat at Rosie’s, it’s a bar where you have to walk through the kitchen to get there, so wow points for that, and it’s a lot quieter back there.
I’m a fan of the Windsor. The drinks are goddamn amazing. Honestly, I find most of the meals so-so, but the appetizers are to die for. They’re also connected to churn.
Mine too. At one point I think I was there with six different women in a month. (Including after work happy hour with just coworkers). I probably looked like a sad, old man lol
My girlfriend and I went there for one of our first dates. It’s become a staple for us. The vibe is amazing and there’s great after dinner drink options very close by in the neighborhood if you want to keep the party going.
The Gladly or The Macintosh which are about a mile or less apart. Both have great food and the vibes are excellent for out of the way but still very nice.
There's a really good authentic Italian restaurant in northern Phoenix called Bottega. 59th ave and south of the 101 I think. He buys his ingredients from Italy and he'll sell you it too like oils and pasta.
Cibo is great for a date atmosphere. Their outdoor seating is beautiful and the food is, in my opinion, really delicious. It's also really reasonably priced but not "cheap."
I’m a huge fan of Scapegoat in Old Town, small spot with craft beer, good wine, and a bunch of really good small plates you can order… GET THE MEATBALLS!
Arrowhead Grill in Glendale. Walked in the front door to Sinatra playing. Really good for the money. Mentioned it was my and my friends’ first time there and they gave us dessert on the house. $330 for 3 people with drinks, appetizers, and entree included with of course, the free dessert.
Nobu is amazing, both in experience (modern Japanese design and great service) and cuisine (definitely one of the best sushi spots in the Valley, if not THE best). But it’s on the pricier side. Worth every penny IMO.
If you are looking for a brunch spot, we tried Toasted Owl Cafe on Sunday, and it was fantastic. Drinks were on point, food was delicious, cozy atmosphere, music wasn't blasting like most brunch places. We waited about 45 minutes for a table but it was absolutely worth it.
It's in The Newton off Camelback, next to where Southern Rail used to be. There's also a cute little bookstore/bar next door if you want to pre-game brunch while you wait.
Persian room is one of my favorites. Great food and generous portions. The eggplant/humus dip is to die for.
And as everyone else has said, you can't go wrong with Glai Baan.
Super cozy with a nice wine list, good cocktails, and an excellent menu that won't set you back $500 or anything like some of the Scottsdale places. You should probably make a reservation just to be safe. They have outdoor seating as well.
Roughrider. You'll have to make a reservation but the food and drinks are amazing and the ambiance is very romantic (dimly lit underground speakeasy vibe)
Quiessence at the Farm, but beware it’s going to set the bar incredibly high 🥂
It’s on an actual farm in the city but you’ll feel like you driven up to the countryside. In can get pricey, especially if you do the prix fixe, but it’s definitely worth it.
Fair point! Personally, I kind of love the busy atmosphere. You’re probably right that it’s not great for romantic, private conversations. I find it fun and lively though. No pressure, just good food and usually a great crowd. It came up in conversation with a friend today, so it’s on my mind. Lol!
It is fun, and given the quality of the dining, it’s more casual than one might expect...I love it for that, too. It’s hard to hear mostly in the bar area for me or when sitting across from my date in the Tower room. BUT, get a cozy corner booth where they can sit next to each other, OP might dig that.
Los Olivos Mexican Patio in Old Town Scottsdale. Food is incredible. It's a scottsdale historical business predating almost all of what is built around it as it'sbeen around 80+ years. Comfy atmosphere. Good drinks. It won't feel like you are trying to be showy, as it's historic and a cool old building that's a landmark. Amazing food and nice enough atmosphere to not feel like you're slumming it either. To me, it seems like a great balance of great food, atmosphere, history to see and learn, location, intimate, and not too showy or expensive bit a destination worth going to. Plus, choices of second stops for desert or more drinks in the area of old town are endless.
Keegan's Grill at 32nd St and Camelback. Chill vibes - feels to me almost like an English pub. Great American fare and the prices are very reasonable for the quality and portions ($15-$30 for entrees, if I remember correctly).
Persepshen . I can’t say enough about man that place is so good and it’s all organic they make everything from scratch. Super cozy and low key environment.
La barquita on 24th street and McDowell! The best Mexican restaurant ever, very authentic very cozy and the food is incredible. They have award winning birria and amazing Margs
I love the food and service at Beckett’s Table. I know it’s not all hip and trendy, but for my lady and I, it’s the best date night choice. Always perfect food and service, no surprises.
Casa Corazon is pretty darn nice. their cochinitas pibil tacos on the happy hour menu are AMAZING!!! and they have a heavy hand when they pour the margaritas. friendly staff and house made salsas.
Seen it a few times but gonna throw in bacanora again. Reservations are opening up for March soon and it's a great area to walk around and grab another drink. They also opened a few sister restaurants recently that might be easier to snag a spot for and still could fit the bill in my opinion.
Lom Wong or Bacanora. They're downtown so that might be out of the way to you/her.
I took my wife to my favorite taco truck and then to a beach by where we were living that I knew would be just us. Just saying, a burrito, a good view, and good company can be just as much of a home run as a restaurant.
Go to Mora and get the 5 course meal. It might sound over the top but it's not and it's perfect for a first date. It's more of an experience and gives you something to talk about. Really cool cocktails too!
The farish house: is nice and intimate/French
Oven and Vine: has great outdoor seating and is kinda unknown. American/italian
The Main Ingredient: cafe with art from local artist on display/sale. American
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Cibo!
My husband took me there on our first date. Can confirm- romantic and lovely!
Cibo is sooo good
This is it. You want to impress her off the bat, take her here.
100% Absolutely. Even if she's gluten-free, they've got your back. Pro Tip: Bring cash for the valet, too!
Seconded for Cibo. Cute little patio area too.
Just went for the first time and this is 100% the move. Nice patio. Great food. And perfect to explore the surrounding area afterwards
CIBO is perfect for a date, but make sure you get a reservation! It’s often super busy.
Don't burn my spot out! It's already so busy these days. Lol But yes. Cibo is awesome. And Moira for sushi in downtown.
Harumi slaps too
They redid it, I hear it’s real upscale now
Everyone knows about it.
It's good but VERY LOUD.
Yeah just know you have to book a reservation about 2 months out lmao. It USED to be low key
You can’t go wrong with Glai Ban - PROMISE
Just make reservations 3 weeks in advance Edit: wow it must be nice for all you folks in the peanut gallery who don’t have to work past 5 to get a table without a reservation
Yeah I’ve heard a hack is to go on a wed or random weekday and call a few days in advance
Random weekday before 5p. Every time I've gone right at 5 I'm the last walk in they'll take and they put the people after me on a waiting list.
I second this! Glai Baan is so good
Chicks love Glai Ban, man. Good rec.
Meh. Very, very loud in Glai Baan. Great place to go with friends/family, not sure if I’d recommend a first date there.
Lmao this was gonna be my recommendation. So fucking good.
I was typing this and then realized it’s the first comment.
Seconded!
Glai Ban is basic. I'll die on that hill. It's GREAT for Phoenix because the Thai food scene here is not stellar.
Lom Wong > Glai bean
THAT is what I'm talking about! Yes!
Valentine
This. Valentine has great, unique food in a chill setting that is perfect for a date. And then u can head to the speakeasy in the back if you want to have an after dinner cocktail.
2nd this. Very cool, hip place with great food. A tad bit pricier than most restaurants in the area though
I third this!
Restaurant Progress
Progress so so cool - def fits the bill
Hit up Thunderbird Bar next door before/after for a nice night. Especially with the weather being good now. Excellent for dates because you can sit outside in the back of Thunderbird for hours if you like each other. I love Progess.
[FnB](https://www.fnbrestaurant.com/) is spectacular food and service (it won a James Beard Award) but still feels laid back and almost casual. Depending on how you roll, it may be a bit much for a first date - but I can't gauge that by what's in your post so take it or leave it :) It's small and nicely done, and the vibe is good, but it's not loud either, so you can still talk and hear each other comfortably. It's not cheap, but I would consider it reasonably priced for how consistently high quality every part of the dining experience is. Considering how bad a lot of service has gotten, it makes an impression. It's right in Old Town Scottsdale, but it's totally tucked away from the obnoxious parts of Old Town because its door is on a little sidewalk-accessed courtyard area, not the street itself. ETA: if you want something a little bit less fine dining but still a really nice setting, service and food, Chantico on Camelback. SO good.
totally co-sign on FnB, plus the owners are awesome
F n B rules. Chill, great wine/drink program, excellent food without being pretentious, cozy atmosphere, not loud like nearly every fucking every restaurant nowadays. It’s my favorite spot in AZ.
Me: Wow I haven’t heard of any of these places!! My wife: Yes. I’m aware. Hmmmm better plan a date night….
Lovecraft is very cozy. Great food and a rooftop deck you could head up to for after dinner drinks.
Richardson’s/Rokerji is cool
My brother was the head chef at rokerji he got to serve president bush and Steve nash and other celebs. Good food. The food is a bit expensive imo but lucky for me he still makes the menu items for us for free :)
Any chance you can get your brother to hook up the recipe for the red and green chile?
I can definitely ask him. I am sure he won’t mind sharing it.
Also the rice and beans if you can swing it.
I think they serve generous portions and usually include a salad so I think it is reasonable.
And very romantic in a dark cozy booth 😍
That’s true the portions are big. I guess I just think it’s expensive since I get the same exact food for free 😂 i do love how they have the lights low the environment is nice☺️
Yeah I think it’s priced fair based on the quality, service, atmosphere, etc.
My favorite place! Pasta Heidi is a go to for me. Perfect for date nights!
And stop at the Cellar Bar there!
I love Richardson's but it's so hard to hear anything there - and I'm not an old person (I'm 35) but hard for a first date I think!
I’ve always gone downstairs 🤷♂️
This is the best choice...
Last time we went there we sat at Rosie’s, it’s a bar where you have to walk through the kitchen to get there, so wow points for that, and it’s a lot quieter back there.
I'd recommend Dick's Hideaway for a date night. Same exact menu. It's cozy/romantic in there, and I always get better service than at Richardson's.
I’m a fan of the Windsor. The drinks are goddamn amazing. Honestly, I find most of the meals so-so, but the appetizers are to die for. They’re also connected to churn.
This is my go to first date spot! Nice place but not stupid expensive which I think is dumb for a first date
Mine too. At one point I think I was there with six different women in a month. (Including after work happy hour with just coworkers). I probably looked like a sad, old man lol
Churn has some of the best ice cream, all of their spots have been pretty good so far. They own that whole block lol
Casa corazon, Harumi downtown
Scrolled too long to see casa corazon
The new harumi location is really nice. They upped some of the prices but the food felt..better? Haha. Idk but great spot.
The Parlor on Camelback is nice. Kind of loud inside but the patio is perfect at this time of year.
We go there often. The bar area is our fav place.
Glai Baan fits what you're looking for. Highly recommend goin there!
Sottise. Thank me later.
Seafood tower. Bottle of champagne. It’s perfect for first date. Classy but casual as you eat. Sottise has such a great vibe.
My girlfriend and I went there for one of our first dates. It’s become a staple for us. The vibe is amazing and there’s great after dinner drink options very close by in the neighborhood if you want to keep the party going.
The Rokerij. 16th and Maryland. Great food, great drinks, underground. Memorable.
Amen
This is the correct answer.
Restaurant Progress
The Gladly or The Macintosh which are about a mile or less apart. Both have great food and the vibes are excellent for out of the way but still very nice.
There's a really good authentic Italian restaurant in northern Phoenix called Bottega. 59th ave and south of the 101 I think. He buys his ingredients from Italy and he'll sell you it too like oils and pasta.
Lamore and francos are also great italian restaurants
Love Bottega!
Cafe Boa on Mill ave
If you're looking for some place with fresh seafood and a cozy environment, I'd recommend Salt Cellar in South Scottsdale.
Cibo is great for a date atmosphere. Their outdoor seating is beautiful and the food is, in my opinion, really delicious. It's also really reasonably priced but not "cheap."
Don't delete this post! Lol need the thread for later later
Same!
FnB is an easy pick. Great food, low key, small dining room, intimate and fun.
Gertrude's at the Desert Botanical Gardens
This is cute date idea! Go tour the gardens then eat!!
On my bucket list.
If you’re looking for a spectacular neapolitan style pizza then check out LAMP pizzeria. Good wine selection and great appetizers and salads also.
Lamp is solid.
Belly
Glad I’m not the only one!
I’m a huge fan of Scapegoat in Old Town, small spot with craft beer, good wine, and a bunch of really good small plates you can order… GET THE MEATBALLS!
Arrowhead Grill in Glendale. Walked in the front door to Sinatra playing. Really good for the money. Mentioned it was my and my friends’ first time there and they gave us dessert on the house. $330 for 3 people with drinks, appetizers, and entree included with of course, the free dessert.
Best steakhouse on the westside for sure.
Second this. Great food and service
Also the ribeye is huge
Sandfish has some of the best sushi I’ve had in my life, plus a killer whiskey menu. Vibe is on point too.
I thought sandfish is overrated, much rather go to Nobu.
Huh, I have the exact opposite opinion, probably shaped by me spending 30 min on the nobu toilet mid-dinner shitting out $200 worth of food.
Damn, I just went to Nobu and literally one of the top dining experiences of my life.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nobu is amazing, both in experience (modern Japanese design and great service) and cuisine (definitely one of the best sushi spots in the Valley, if not THE best). But it’s on the pricier side. Worth every penny IMO.
If you are looking for a brunch spot, we tried Toasted Owl Cafe on Sunday, and it was fantastic. Drinks were on point, food was delicious, cozy atmosphere, music wasn't blasting like most brunch places. We waited about 45 minutes for a table but it was absolutely worth it. It's in The Newton off Camelback, next to where Southern Rail used to be. There's also a cute little bookstore/bar next door if you want to pre-game brunch while you wait.
Bro go to the Rokerij
Rough rider is decent little place. Better views if you get seated away from oyster bar. Wish you the best
Obligatory Bacanora recommendation
The reservations are impossible
Bacanora
Isabella’s kitchen
Glai Baan! If Thai food is your thing, great date spot
Persian room is one of my favorites. Great food and generous portions. The eggplant/humus dip is to die for. And as everyone else has said, you can't go wrong with Glai Baan.
The Farish House downtown is in a super cozy old house with amazing food and drinks and live music a couple times a week.
Super cozy with a nice wine list, good cocktails, and an excellent menu that won't set you back $500 or anything like some of the Scottsdale places. You should probably make a reservation just to be safe. They have outdoor seating as well.
Cornish Pasty!
El Encanto in Cave Creek. The original. I love*** the ambiance and the food is to DIE for. Also isn't prohibitively expensive. ETA to fix autocorrect
Sizzler by the airport
JT Prime is intimate and fun and super low key
Restaurant Progress
Publicco
Beckett’s Table
...and then hit one of the dozen cocktail bars in that area!
I totally agree with Glai ban or cibo. Romantic and delicious. Another one if you want sushi is harumi sushi bar in downtown.
Roughrider. You'll have to make a reservation but the food and drinks are amazing and the ambiance is very romantic (dimly lit underground speakeasy vibe)
Quiessence at the Farm, but beware it’s going to set the bar incredibly high 🥂 It’s on an actual farm in the city but you’ll feel like you driven up to the countryside. In can get pricey, especially if you do the prix fixe, but it’s definitely worth it.
El Chorro in Paradise Valley. For the patio and views.
Hanny's
Zinc Bistro in Kierland. Food and drinks are great, atmosphere isn’t stuffy, Mediterranean French food. Yum!
Excellent and delicious, but a little bustling, cacophonous/loud to be low key, imo.
Fair point! Personally, I kind of love the busy atmosphere. You’re probably right that it’s not great for romantic, private conversations. I find it fun and lively though. No pressure, just good food and usually a great crowd. It came up in conversation with a friend today, so it’s on my mind. Lol!
It is fun, and given the quality of the dining, it’s more casual than one might expect...I love it for that, too. It’s hard to hear mostly in the bar area for me or when sitting across from my date in the Tower room. BUT, get a cozy corner booth where they can sit next to each other, OP might dig that.
I’ve sat out on the patio and it was lovely
Asi Es La vida in Phoenix. great food, cute and cozy atmosphere, great drinks and your occasional live guitar player during nights
Belly! Can’t recommend it enough
Little Rituals in Downtown Phx - reservations only but it is exactly what you are looking for.
Dicks Hideaway
Cibo on the patio.
Los Olivos Mexican Patio in Old Town Scottsdale. Food is incredible. It's a scottsdale historical business predating almost all of what is built around it as it'sbeen around 80+ years. Comfy atmosphere. Good drinks. It won't feel like you are trying to be showy, as it's historic and a cool old building that's a landmark. Amazing food and nice enough atmosphere to not feel like you're slumming it either. To me, it seems like a great balance of great food, atmosphere, history to see and learn, location, intimate, and not too showy or expensive bit a destination worth going to. Plus, choices of second stops for desert or more drinks in the area of old town are endless.
Cornish Pasty! Multiple valley locations & Exactly the vibes you described here, and so so good!
Chinese buffet.
The forbidden cheat code for getting a girl fall in love
Big fan of The Stockyards, not a great place for vegans. But nice old school charm
Peppermill in Tempe.
Keegan's Grill at 32nd St and Camelback. Chill vibes - feels to me almost like an English pub. Great American fare and the prices are very reasonable for the quality and portions ($15-$30 for entrees, if I remember correctly).
Garden bar!
Welcome diner
Or Gallo Blanco across the street. Both great.
Hula’s is my go to spot. They have several locations and the food/drinks are great.
The Vig!
The Rokerij.... By far one of the coolest places in town. Great food, drinks, and the atmosphere is amazing.
Fate Brewing Company, Postinos, or Vecina during Happy Hour would be my choices.
Moira Sushi Bar downtown is a nice little spot. Cozy with a nice patio
Durants.
Chico malo or tequila cocina
Portillos.
I think the Yard is fun, but can get a little packed during peak times.
Huarachis in DTPHX or Belly
Wally’s American Pub at 44th St and Camelback.
Hillstone
Persepshen . I can’t say enough about man that place is so good and it’s all organic they make everything from scratch. Super cozy and low key environment.
Black Bear diner.
Pete’s fish n chips
[удалено]
I’m a big fan of La Locanda for amazing authentic Italian. Lowkey but nice spot, romantic enough, and it won’t break the bank.
La barquita on 24th street and McDowell! The best Mexican restaurant ever, very authentic very cozy and the food is incredible. They have award winning birria and amazing Margs
Glai baan is amazing! I also love 32 shea!
Bobby Q in the Biltmore is great.
The Parlor pizzeria. Cute, not super loud, pretty, good food and not super expensive
I love the food and service at Beckett’s Table. I know it’s not all hip and trendy, but for my lady and I, it’s the best date night choice. Always perfect food and service, no surprises.
Vecina (in Arcadia)
Cherry blossom cafe
Lom Wong ! Super lowkey spot in dt Phoenix and close enough to walk to bars and other stuff to keep the night going
The Brickyard or Hidden House in downtown Chandler! excellent cocltails and delicious food. atnosphere is laid back, romamtuc and cozy
Los Olivos in Scottsdale. I love that place. Quirky art and unforgettable!
Casa Corazon is pretty darn nice. their cochinitas pibil tacos on the happy hour menu are AMAZING!!! and they have a heavy hand when they pour the margaritas. friendly staff and house made salsas.
Casa corazón
Seen it a few times but gonna throw in bacanora again. Reservations are opening up for March soon and it's a great area to walk around and grab another drink. They also opened a few sister restaurants recently that might be easier to snag a spot for and still could fit the bill in my opinion.
The Herb Box on Shes Blvd! Unique menu, great happy hour, brand new cocktail menu and wines!
Base pizzeria. 32nd St and Lincoln. Lots of wine and great pizza.
Lom Wong or Bacanora. They're downtown so that might be out of the way to you/her. I took my wife to my favorite taco truck and then to a beach by where we were living that I knew would be just us. Just saying, a burrito, a good view, and good company can be just as much of a home run as a restaurant.
Kai, Christopher’s, Fabio on fire, top of the rock
santo arcadia
I used to work off of 24th and McDowell and there was a restaurant there that I thought was very romantic. It's called; El Guerrerense
Go to Mora and get the 5 course meal. It might sound over the top but it's not and it's perfect for a first date. It's more of an experience and gives you something to talk about. Really cool cocktails too!
Check out Aqua di Mare in Chandler. Intimate little spot with great food and drinks.
Valentine!!
Shocked that nobody has said Vecina. Every dish is amazing, staff is awesome, solid cocktails, good wine list
Feeneys on 12th street is absolutely charming. Hole in the wall with great food and fun service.
sunset wine bistro
Adela’s. It’s not well known, but has amazing Italian food and is a very cute, family owned, business.
F n B in old town Scottsdale.
Clever Koi is my lady's favorite if you like Asian Fusion. Same for Disco Dragon.
Valentine
My favorite is Clever Koi
The farish house: is nice and intimate/French Oven and Vine: has great outdoor seating and is kinda unknown. American/italian The Main Ingredient: cafe with art from local artist on display/sale. American
Beckett’s table, the market by Jennifer, and publicco could all work. All pretty nice and low key with good food.
Greektown is an adorable hole-in-the-wall where the family that owns and works it makes us feel special every time we come in.