Romantic comedies always have that adorable first date scene where the couple grabs a fantastic dinner and strolls down streets adorned with lights that create a warm and magical atmosphere. It looks simple but let’s be real—it’s much harder in reality than it is in the movies. Luckily, Spoon’s got you covered with a date that is sure to light those sparks and rival any cinematic set you’ve seen.
The Setting
The most important aspect of your night is setting the right mood. With lights shimmering, College Avenue in Elmwood is the ideal place for a quiet, fun date. Local stores selling anything from books to candy provide great conversation pieces for the awkward walk on the way to dinner. A small vintage theater is at the center of the Tumblr-esque street, perfect for a movie date. Compared to the usual hustle of Berkeley, this small-town neighborhood is a hidden gem with vibes that are sure to set the right tone for your entire night.
Photo by Russell Escalada
The Food
The ideal dinner would not only taste amazing, but it would also have a comfortable atmosphere to allow for chatter and provide convenient distractions during those awkward conversation lulls. La Méditerranée does all of the above and is the ideal mixture of fancy and fun—without breaking the bank. The restaurant serves some of the greatest Mediterranean cuisine in the East Bay. Particularly notable is their lamb kebab which is marinated with wine and pearl onions, perfectly tender, and without a doubt the most flavorful item on the menu. Every portion is large, ensuring plenty of opportunities to share food with your partner.
Photo by Russell Escalada
The Finale
After dinner, a movie and window shopping in between, there is only one way to end your perfect night: Ici. Famous for their homemade ice cream, it is strategically located right next to La Méditerranée to finish the date off on a sweet note. As a super popular place, the long wait will ensure that you and your date will have plenty to discuss the struggle of choosing your flavors while getting to know each other as well.
Photo by Russell Escalada
First dates are hard and just like in the movies, everyone has their slip-ups here and there. But hopefully our romantic evening plans will help ease any hurdles you are bound to face. Whether you guys hit it off or not, at least you will both enjoy amazing food for the night. So here’s the last and most important Spoon tip: have fun!