On a quest to find the best foodie date? Don’t sweat it. Not to be confused with the more snobbish gourmet, a foodie is someone who has passion, love, and knowledge about the foods they eat and the dining choices they make. They’re also some of the best company when it comes to eating good food, you’ll get a new appreciation for what you eat as you learn more about it. These are some of the best places NYC has for a foodie date.
1. Make it a daytime date and grab some BRUNCH
We’re in NYC so the possibilities with this one are endless. You can’t go wrong with Stone Park’s Brunch. To really impress though, choose your own brunch place based on neighborhood, booze options, and how long you’re willing to wait for a table…
2. Tour a brewery
Head to Williamsburg and enjoy some suds at the Brooklyn Brewery. Have a few beers in the main room, then take a free tour to learn more about the brewing process. It’s fun & informative!
3. Travel the culinary world at Eataly
This glorified fancy Italian grocery gives you lots of options for a first date – you can indulge in anything from gelato to coffee, browse the shelves for Italian foodstuff, or take a trip up to their (indoor) beer garden for a drink or two.
4. Feast on vegan(!) doughnuts
Show your date something truly amazing on your first date: delicious doughnuts that are 100% vegan. Dun-Well Doughnuts in East Williamsburg offers delicious organic artisanal doughnuts, plus coffee drinks to wash them down.
5. Baked goods with a view
For a truly sweet time, have your date meet you at the Bouchon Bakery in the Time Warner Center. You’ll enjoy some delicious treats and a stunning view of Central Park. Whether the conversation is good…well, that’s up to you.
6. Take a food tour
Foods of New York Tours offer fun walks through some of NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods, complete with sample tastings at various stops along the way. It’s a fun way to explore the city while you learn a little more about each other.
7. Put some soul in your date
Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem offers authentic soul food that will leave you and your date smiling. Although it might be hard to tear yourself from the fried chicken long enough to get to know one another…
8. Eat your hearts out at Dinosaur BBQ
If you and your date aren’t scared to get messy on first meeting, hit up one of Dinosaur BBQ’s locations in Harlem, Brooklyn or Newark and get sloppy!
9. Eat some sandwiches
Check out Il Bambino in Astoria to feast on Italian sandwiches and small plates that are affordable and delicious. Now that you’ve found the perfect sandwich, hopefully you’re sitting across from the perfect date.
10. Caffeinate your date
Keep the energy up at a coffee shop. Try Café Grumpy in Chelsea for a tranquil atmosphere and delicious drinks.
There you have it, 10 first date ideas for for the foodie in your life. Hopefully one of these options will be the perfect solution for your first date. Good luck!