Looking for a unique food date night that isn’t just dinner and drinks? Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, getting together for Valentine’s Day or just sick of the same old movie night, there’s plenty of foodie-friendly date night ideas that don’t have to involve dressing up and going to a fancy restaurant. If you and your partner are looking for new food dates that aren’t just a meal out, there are plenty of food date options for all sorts of scenarios, from a cozy night in at home to spending a day out — and rest assured there will be plenty of delicious bites no matter what you choose to do.
Compete In A Cooking Challenge
Forget another night of Chopped reruns; instead, become the master chef yourself and compete with your partner in a cooking challenge. You can each choose a secret ingredient, then, set a timer and see who can create the most delicious dish that incorporates each of your picks. For even more foodie fun, invite another couple (or two or three) over and make it a double-date night competition.
Stroll The Farmer’s Market
In addition to fresh and local produce, many farmer’s markets also have vendors who sell homemade specialty goodies, such as chocolates, cheeses, or breads — perfect for sampling while you stroll through the booths. Not only does this budget-friendly food date give you a chance to get involved in your local community, you can also kill two birds with one stone and check off your grocery shopping for the week.
Plan Dinner With Date Night Roulette
If you have as much trouble making date night decisions as my boyfriend and I do, date night roulette is a fun (and only slightly competitive) way to plan. Just grab three cups and either tape them to the side of the countertop like @fairviewlife did, or place them on top of a flat surface, pong style. Then, label the cups with various options, and build your date night by tossing a ping pong ball into the cups. Whoever lands it first makes the decision — regardless of which cup it lands in.
Learn From A Cooking Class
Cooking classes aren’t just a great way to spend time with your partner, you both can learn new kitchen skills and how to make a decent dish that will become your new signature. Beyond foundational techniques, you can learn how to make an impressive dish from your favorite cuisine. Try pasta making classes if you love Italian food, or look for chocolate making classes if you have a sweet tooth.
Venture Out For a Picnic
Give your regular restaurant date an upgrade and take it outside. All you need is a smorgasburg of snacks and drinks, because let’s be real, you’re not making a messy meal for a picnic (unless you’re feeling really ambitious). Another option is grabbing takeout from your fave date night restaurant before hitting the beach, park, or another scenic overlook.
#SpoonTip: If you want a true picnic experience, try thrifting a picnic basket and china set. Otherwise, a grocery bag and basic utensils work just fine.
Play Rock Paper Scissors
Another idea for my lowkey-competitive, indecisive couples. Head to your favorite grocery store with your SO and play rock, paper, scissors to decide who gets to pick the “course.” Start with drinks, then an appetizer to share, an entree for the two of you, and, of course, dessert.
The best part of this date night is how customizable it is. Itching to get out of the house? Try playing rock paper scissors to decide where you are dining out for date night. Don’t want to cook but also don’t feel like dressing up for a restaurant? Hit your favorite fast food drive-throughs and enjoy your meal from the comfort of your own car.
Taste The Movie
Upgrade your movie night by pairing it with an immersive dining experience. For example, you can watch The Parent Trap while snacking on peanut butter-dipped Oreos and enjoying chili with cornbread (Hallie’s favorite food), or The Princess Diaries with tea, M&M’s, and corn dogs.
Paint Pottery To Take Home
Head to your local paint-your-own pottery studio with your SO to paint something for the two of you to share, or something for each other. If you love drinking your morning coffee together or eating ice cream for dessert, decorate a mug or small bowl for your partner. If you love having movie nights, work together to paint a large popcorn bowl to share. Not only is it a fun date night, you’ll get an adorable and sentimental keepsake that will make you smile whenever you eat or drink from it.
Make Heart-Shaped Pizzas
Why go out when you can stay in? Keep it cozy at home by lighting some candles, shuffling an ambient playlist, and maybe popping a bottle of wine while you make adorable heart-shaped pizzas with just a few ingredients. Not only is this date super cost-effective (you just need pre-made pizza dough, sauce, and whatever toppings you desire), it’s a fun way to work together and create a delicious final product while bonding over conversation.
#SpoonTip: Make a pizza for your partner rather than your own and put your knowledge of their palette to the test. You can always use the toppings to write out a fun message, like “I <3 U” or, idk, “cute butt.”
Go Wine Tasting At A Vineyard
Head to a local winery or vineyard and sign up for a wine tasting. Not only is this a fun way to expand both your knowledge of wine and your palette, most wineries have beautiful settings and food on-site, so it’s easy to make a whole day of it.
#SpoonTip: Don’t like wine or have a vineyard in your area? Try hitting up a local brewery for a beer tasting flight, or see if there’s a nearby distillery with hard liquors to taste.
Tour A Brewery
If wine isn’t your style, many breweries offer guided tours where you can learn about the brewing process, all while sipping on some delicious craft beers. For a perfect foodie date, hit up a local food truck or casual pub for a meal afterward.
Go Out For Dinner & Drinks
While the idea may not be unique, there are plenty of restaurants, dessert spots, or bars that may be new and unique to you. Have you been eyeing that viral martini on TikTok and want to give it a try? Do you have a restaurant bookmarked in your Instagram Reels that you haven’t been to yet because it’s too far away? Maybe you’ve been itching to try a new cuisine, but are dissuaded by the price of all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ or Brazilian Rodizio. There’s no time like the present to try something new, and date night is a great occasion to branch out and try the new spot you’ve been putting off.