7 First-Date Restos For When You Finally Make It Out Of The DMs

Ida Aldana

So, you and the guy you've been not-so-casually messaging every day are now ready to take the next big step: the first date. But there might be pressure in making sure you have a first date that will successfully score you succeeding ones—or, at the very least, won't make you cringe when you remember it in the future. Like a real girls' girl, we're taking some of the burden off your shoulders with this list of romantic yet casual first-date restos. Time to start dropping hints in the chat?

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Here are seven great spots in Metro Manila for a first date:

Toka Wine

Location: 141 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City

For pairs that take their wine seriously, a first date at Toka Wine could be what suits you. This wine shop and restaurant along White Plains is vibrant and welcoming, with a bar counter painted a vibrant green and tiled floor in a quirky pattern plus deep-wood fixtures. It's just the laid-back vibe you need on what might be an otherwise nerve-wracking first date. The nibbles that you can pair with any of their bottles of wine are a compelling reason to drop by, too: If you're not afraid of fish on a first date, have the Smoked Fish Croquettes (P320) or Clams, Kelvin Bacon, XO Broth (P395), paired with your favorite bottle of white (P1,500 to P3,600). In the mood for something heavier? The Truffle Gnocchis (P450) and Toka Double Cheeseburger (P480) are must-tries.

Burnt Bean

Location: UG/F C2 Building, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City; Level 5, The Podium, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City

Burnt Bean complements their smoke-touched food with industrial-inspired interiors of faux-leather chairs, exposed concrete, and gold-metal accents. It's just the right amount of edginess to impress on a first date while still keeping things casual. This is also your chance to finally try the Potato Pave (P440) that's sure to have taken over your FYP—with crispy potato layers on bacon and Grana Padano foam, it's popular for a reason. The grilled entrees are also not to be missed: Splurge on the Australian Lamb Ribs (P1,650) or the Iberico Pork (P1,500), and offer to split the bill like a true modern woman. We think Burnt Bean's BGC branch is more suitable for a date, but the newly opened Podium branch is worth a try, too!

Sensei

Location: 181 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City

Sensei's new location in BF Homes—just a few blocks away from their old home—is the perfect spot for a relaxed, low-pressure rendezvous, thanks to bright interiors with the added whimsy of a skylight. You and your date can come hungry 'coz there's lots of excellent sushi to be had here: from classics like Spicy Tuna (P380) or Spicy Salmon (P390) to more fun rolls like the Crispy Philly (P310) with cream cheese and salmon or Tijuana (P395) with sawara (Spanish mackerel), tuna, mango, kyuri, and pickled green chili. And if the date's going even better than you'd hoped for, you can go from dinner to drinks—Sensei extends their store hours up to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Sourdough Cafe + Deli

Location: 2/F Proscenium Rockwell, Makati City; Mayfair Mansion, 116 Perea Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City; JSB Building, Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Sourdough Cafe + Deli has several branches in Makati City and Quezon City, so there's sure to be a location that'll work for you and your date. The ambiance is chic yet homey with white and black interiors and cozy couches, so you can chill and relax—especially with their unlimited Sangria de Sourdough (P899). You can chat over tapas like the Queso Fundido (P550) or cheese fondue with chorizo and paprika, and Gambas Al Ajillo (P750) with tiger prawns, or go big and share a Prosciutto Arugula (P595) Sourdough Pizza paired with a Classic Carbonara (P525) or creamy Mushroom (P580) risotto. And if you're not in the mood for unlimited sangria, Sourdough also has a pretty extensive wine list.

Your Local

Location: 106 Esteban Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City

If you and your date are keeping it low-key, you'll like an IYKYK resto like Your Local along Esteban Street in Legaspi Village. Come during dinner service to fully appreciate the dimly lit interiors plus dark-wood fixtures, cozy couches, and an open kitchen by the bar where you can see all the action. Here's a pro-tip: if you want the vibe to be more intimate, reserve a corner table—it's tucked away enough to give you and your not-yet-beau some privacy. Your Local recently revamped their Asian-inspired menu—their signature Torched Salmon Donburi (P850) is still a must-try but so are the Chili Crab Somen (P450) and Indo Smashed Chicken (P520). Their cocktails, especially the Panapos (P395) and Panulak (P395) are also deceptively sweet but pack a punch. And make sure to leave room for dessert—the Choco na Gatas (P390) with an addictive toasted milk ice cream, is a hit for a reason.

5678 Handroll and Highball Bar

Location: 5811 Jacobo Street, Poblacion, Makati City

Have a fun dinner with a little DIY action at 5678 Handroll and Highball Bar. Semi-hidden behind dark-wood double doors along Jacobo Street in Poblacion, 5678 immediately exudes cool vibes with low-lit, Japanese-minimalist interiors. At the center is the open kitchen, where you and your date can sit and watch the sushi chefs prepare the hand-roll ingredients. You can ensure that the seafood is prepared fresh, and it's free entertainment, too, if—knock on wood—you find the conversation running dry. 5678 shines the spotlight on local fish like Tamban (sardinella) from Quezon Province, Casag (ocean blue crab) from Iloilo, and Banagan (lobster) from Palawan. Handrolls start at P100, and some premium ones go for P150 and P200. The highballs are not to be missed, too: you can opt for the Peach Banana Cherry Chuhai (P300) for something sweet or a classic Kakubin Highball (P350) if you want something with a kick to it.

Bolero

Location: G/F Verve Tower 2, High Street South, 26th-27th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

We hope your date's no bolero, but you can still take them on a date at Bolero. You can dress to impress thanks to this resto's stylish interiors with gold accents and fun marble tables. The food is just as snazzy—starters like the Skipjack Tuna, Ajoblanco, Grapes (P590) and the Shrimp Tartar, Green Gazpacho (P570), both delicately arranged on a plate—are almost too pretty to eat. The Chilled Pork Dumplings, Moorish Tomato Dressing (P690) is also unexpected (who thinks to find dumplings in a Spanish restaurant?) but they just somehow work. Make sure to leave room for dessert: The silky, ooey-gooey Award Winning Spain Cheesecake (P560) feels like it's been featured on everyone's Instagram Stories, and it's about to make it on yours, too.