You’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. You finally mustered up the courage, asked her out to dinner, and she said yes! Now there’s only one problem left: which restaurant should you choose?Picking the right restaurant is one of the most crucial parts of a first date. One wrong choice can turn a perfect evening into an awkward memory. But don’t worry! In this article, I’ll share some bad first-date restaurants to avoid, so your special night doesn’t end in disappointment.
Pasta Restaurants
Pasta is undoubtedly one of our favorite dishes. When we’re at home and the fridge is nearly empty, it’s easy to boil some pasta and enjoy it with or without sauce. However, when it comes to a first date, pasta restaurants might not be the best choice.

In restaurants, pasta often comes drenched in sauce, which makes it all too easy for some of it to end up on your clothes. And if you’ve ordered spaghetti, trying to eat those long noodles gracefully can be a real challenge. On top of that, pasta is rich in carbohydrates, so you might find yourself feeling unexpectedly sluggish or even yawning after the meal.
Cook It Yourself Restaurant
Whether it’s outdoors or in a restaurant, a cook-it-yourself style first date can be a bit risky. While you’re busy turning the food on the grill and trying to get it just right, it can be hard to focus on your date and keep the conversation going. Plus, there’s no need to stress over whether you’ve cooked it perfectly or not. It’s best to avoid ending your first dinner date surrounded by smoke and the smell of barbecue.

Fast Food Restaurants
Fast food restaurants usually have a very casual atmosphere. However, choosing such a laid-back place for a date might make you seem a bit careless or like someone who takes the easy way out. In addition, since most of the food in these restaurants is eaten with your hands rather than with a fork and knife, it can lead to some rather awkward moments. For example, getting ketchup on your face while taking a bite of your burger wouldn’t be the most charming sight.

Noisy Places
Since it’s your first meal together, you’ll probably spend most of the time talking and getting to know each other. But if you go to a noisy place, your conversation might be filled with lines like “What did you say?”, “Sorry?”, or “Can you repeat that?” When that happens, the magic of the date fades away, and it becomes harder to truly connect. That’s why it’s best to avoid noisy places for a first date.

Extreme Theme Restaurants
These days, there are plenty of restaurants offering unique experiences; from dining in the dark to prison-themed venues or places where the servers wear unusual costumes. While these spots can be a lot of fun, they don’t quite fit the spirit of a first date. Instead of focusing on getting to know each other, you might find yourself wondering, “Am I going to make it out of here alive?” That’s why it’s better to choose a simple, calm place with a relaxed atmosphere rather than an overly themed one.


Do you ever read a book about a city before you visit it? I’m not talking about guidebooks or travel tips. I’m talking about stories. Novels, poems, short stories—the kind of books that give you a real feel for a place: its vibe, its people, its hidden corners.
In 5 Cities Paired With Books That Capture Their Spirit, I’ve picked out a few city-and-book pairings that I think you’ll enjoy. Who knows? Maybe this little habit of mine will inspire you too. Happy reading, and happy travels!