The Best Restaurants for a First Date in Vancouver

No pressure but, first impressions only happen once, so don’t blow it with the wrong restaurant. Vv Magazine’s Helen Siwak gives us her guide on the restaurants in Vancouver that are sure to secure date #2. 

Thanks to wild world of online dating and apps, meeting new people is easier than ever and your next date is just a click (or swipe) away. That being said, finding the perfect date spot isn’t as easy. Do you dress to impress and make reservations at Hawksworth or do you keep it so casual that your guest can’t tell if you’re on a date or about to enter ‘the friend zone’ at Score? However you choose to play your dating cards, you’re at least guaranteed to have a great meal, even if your date’s a dud, at one of our picks for first date restaurants in Vancouver.

Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe 
If having a first date in PeeWee’s Playhouse tickles your fancy, then Sophie’s on West 4th is the place to hit for a weekend brunch date. Get there early because the line-ups are only going to get longer as the morning turns to afternoon. You’ll love the big portions, just be sure not to let your date convince you that a 3 liqueur ice-cream sundae is a bad way to start the day.

Tacofino 
With Tacofino you have two choices: the seated resto or the food trucks. Choose the physical location in Gastown for some serious face-to-face time (we suggest you seal the deal with churros,) or hit up a Tacofino on wheels for a fast bite incase you’re in need of a quick escape.

The Refinery
Custom charcuterie boards are fantastic for dates where savoury nibbles are de rigueur and allow for a bit of awkward finger touching. The beauty of this restaurant is the tapas menu, which means you can keep ordering as long as you’re enjoying the company. Just remember, in a restaurant with such an amazing wine selection and backless stools, the first tumble is literally seconds away.

The Flying Pig 
Not only is its Flying Pig sign a great conversation starter, but there are three locations in Vancouver to choose from with plenty of seating. If you can swing an early meet up, drop into any location between 4pm to 6pm for ‘Appy Hour, where a delicious selection of apps are only 6 bucks. Whichever time you choose drop by, beware of the brussels sprouts. They may be delicious but getting crispy chilis and green skins stuck on in your teeth can either make your smile endearing or send your date ‘flying’ out the door.

Score on Davie 
Literally open from morning to night, this restaurant provides all of the sports atmosphere – from the giant drinks to massive TV screens – that you need to find out if he/she is really as into sports as they indicated on their dating profile. This joint is all about over-indulgence and stacked stuff on sticks, so challenge your date to the Checkmates Caesar (yes, that’s a roast chicken) to see what they’re really made of. 

Pidgin 
If you want to test the courage of your date, make a reservation at Pidgin, and walk there. No taxi or transit allowed. Located in the heart of the DTES, this hidden gem is for the culinary courageous and the sure footed. The food is a fusion of many continents with at least 5-10 seemingly ‘unpairable’ ingredients.

Les Faux Bourgeois
If your date is pining for Paris, give them an affordable yet award-winning French meal in a romantic little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The dim lighting gives a hint of faux-smokiness, perfect for some sultry eyegazing. You’ll want to bring your A game to this first date spot, as it’s often voted one of the most romantic restaurants in the city

Acorn
Acorn is for the refined vegetable eaters who enjoy maintaining a clean conscience while indulging in seasonal plates, strong cocktails and fussy decadent desserts. The plates are works of art but a little slim on quantity. If you are a hearty eater and don’t want to walk out half tanked, be prepared (and save on cash) by pulling a pre-eat, pre-date.

Mahony and Sons Stamps Landing 
Is your date the patio kind? If relaxing and chatting under logo’ed umbrellas with cool sunnies on is your scene, then head to any of the Stamps Landing restaurants. Great for a ‘getting to know you’ afternoon, with a lot of alcohol and talk of the wild birds and boats cruising by.

Hawksworth Restaurant
Tell your date that you want to dine at Hawksworth and watch their jaw drop to the floor – this spot is for those really looking to impress. Four-time winner of Best Upscale Restaurant in Vancouver Magazine’s Restaurant Awards, every dish is well worth the price. 

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What is your favourite restaurant for a first date in Vancouver? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.