Spring and summer have been referred to as the dating season, and I believe that restaurants are one of the best ways to get to know someone. But you cannot take that one person to Panda Express or Subway, so I am here to give you some great suggestions for nice restaurants.
If you need to get out of the Valley, which I recommend, here are two restaurants that would be perfect.
Babalu is my favorite date restaurant and I think it is one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica. One thing that I like about it is that it is not a chain; it is family-owned and operated. Babalu also has a wide variety of meals, from pasta to sandwiches, and the desserts are amazing. It is not too expensive either; for two people, with drinks, it should be around $40. It is a very casual environment, but it is still romantic enough to have a great date. Babalu is located at 1002 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica.
If you have been together a little longer, and want something more romantic, you should try having dinner at Rocco’s.
If you plan on going there, you must make a reservation at least five days in advance. Rocco’s will cost a little more than a meal at Babalu, but it is well worth it. Rocco’s has some of the best seafood in the area. I recommend their seafood pasta, which comes with shrimp and scallops.
If you decide to get any kind of meat, you should definitely order a glass or bottle of red wine – without sounding like too much of a wine snob, I suggest chardonnay, but merlot works well too. A good glass of red wine will make your meal taste incredible. For two with meal and drinks, be prepared to spend around $60; but again, it is well worth it. Rocco’s is located on Fourth Street in Santa Monica.
If you do not want to drive to Santa Monica and prefer to spend your time on the Valley side, I still have plenty of recommendations for you.
A restaurant similar to Rocco’s which is closer to CSUN is La Frite. La Frite may be lacking on the seafood side compared to Rocco’s, but its red meat is better. I suggest a filet, but if that is a little high in price, then try the ribeye, which is still very good. La Frite has a good romantic atmosphere, but it is still casual enough to not make you feel uncomfortable. La Frite is one of those places that is great to go back to and I am sure you will enjoy your meal. With drinks, your meal for two should cost around $50. La Frite is located at 15013 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks.
Now, I have not mentioned a type of food that is usually deemed romantic – Italian. I am a huge pasta fan and there is a restaurant in walking distance of CSUN that is a wonderful Italian place. Maria’s is a great place to take a first date. The restaurant is not expensive and will be good. Any kind of pasta at Maria’s is good, but I love either the spaghetti and meatballs or the fettuccini Alfredo.
Red wine is always a must with pasta, and at Maria’s, I recommend the merlot. For two of you with wine, you will spend around $35. Maria’s located throughout the southland but the closest one is at 9161 Reseda Blvd. in Northridge.
With spring break approaching, people will be out and enjoying life. I hope this helps you, and good luck on your dates.
Justin Satzman can be reached at sports_sundial@csun.edu.
