{"id":1449,"date":"2016-12-20T00:39:12","date_gmt":"2016-12-20T00:39:12","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2016-12-20T00:39:12","modified_gmt":"2016-12-20T00:39:12","slug":"six-perfect-places-for-a-first-date","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovin.co\/dubai\/en\/inspo\/best-of\/six-perfect-places-for-a-first-date\/","title":{"rendered":"Six perfect places for a first date"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Ah, the first date: an experience that can go either terribly, or terribly well. (Well, it can be mediocre too.) While we at Lovin Dubai can\u2019t really help out much with developing the chemistry between you and your intended, we can offer some advice on where you might want to go to set the mood.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Of course, the venue you choose will depend on whom you\u2019re taking out, your own personal style, and what your intentions are.\u00a0 But there\u2019s a fine line to tread between making no effort at all, like taking your date out to a chain restaurant or a sports bar, for example; and going over the top way too early, like dinner at a fine dining establishment best reserved for those very, very special occasions.<\/p>\n
With this fine line in mind, we\u2019ve compiled a list that covers the casual post-work drinks spot, the charming hideaway, two sophisticated settings, the fun and bubbly lounge, and the \u201csweep \u2018em off their feet\u201d destination.<\/p>\n
Boca: Cool, casual and conveniently close to work<\/h3>\n
If you happen to work at DIFC, it\u2019s hard to go wrong with Boca, especially now that it\u2019s cool enough to sit in their terrace outside. This Catalonian eatery is a more laidback option amongst the more scenic restaurants that dot the Gate Village terrace \u2013 that in itself eases some of the pressure of a first romantic encounter.\u00a0 Their resident DJ spins a welcome mix of contemporary and Motown tunes (at just the right volume too), and if you show up during their happy hour an order of drinks comes with a selection of Pintxos \u2013 little snacks that go down really nicely. If that meal deal opens up your date\u2019s appetite, we really recommend you share a platter of Boca\u2019s home cured pastrami and their black rice with seared scallops. Then you can round things off with the mascarpone cr\u00e8me br\u00fbl\u00e9e. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Gate Village 6, DIFC; 04 323 1833<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\n<\/figure>\n
The Social Room: Contemporary chic counter with finger-lickin\u2019 fare<\/h3>\n
If you happen to work (or live) on the other side of town, may we suggest drinks at The Social Room? We really like this little offshoot by the side of celeb chef Jason Atherton\u2019s sleek Marina Social. The menu includes two of our favourite items from the main resto\u2019s menu: the goat\u2019s cheese churros and the foie gras hot dogs. While the Marina Social\u2019s main dining room oozes sophistication, the Social Room\u2019s vibe, particularly at the counter, is less intimidating. The dimly-lit counter space is accented by containers of fresh herbs and small vases of flowers that serve to soften the modernity of the bar. And behind the counter, two expert mixologists concoct some of the best drinks we\u2019ve had in the city to date. If things are going super well (which they will do, if you order that foie gras hot dog), move on to the main dining room, or better yet, the terrace with its stunning views of the Marina. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
InterContinental Marina, Bay Central, Dubai Marina; 04 446 6777<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\n<\/figure>\n
Iris: Tower over the city in a low-key location<\/h3>\n
For a weeknight first date, we recommend The Oberoi\u2019s Iris, a venue that hits the first date sweet spot\u2014but only on weeknights. Otherwise, it\u2019s way too packed and happening. What draws the crowds? Well, apart from the nibbles, tipples and a DJ with a killer playlist, it has got to be the atmosphere. Iris occupies the 27th floor of the hotel, so it boasts a view of the Dubai Skyline few venues can beat. \u00a0And whoever fitted the place out really capitalized on that: floor to ceiling windows almost all the way through, combined with plenty of greenery, gives the place an urban greenhouse vibe. When paired with warm wooden accents and clever lighting, you\u2019ve scored a (school night) date spot that\u2019s sure to please.<\/p>\n
The Oberoi Hotel, Business Bay; 04 444 1444<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Oscar\u2019s Vine Society: For the cozy t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate<\/h3>\n
A quirkier spot we\u2019d like to recommend is Oscar\u2019s Vine Society \u2013 tucked away in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, this little hideaway\u2019s extensive beverage selection (over 100 varieties, 40 of which come by the glass) topped the rankings for Dubai\u2019s best grape bar in 2008\u2014an oldie but a goodie. Oscar\u2019s channels a Proven\u00e7ale vibe\u2014think sprays of lavender, a cutesy mural depicting a small town street. Edith Piaff, Serge Gainsbourg and Fran\u00e7iose Hardy play in the background, and the food menu consists of hearty stews, moules frites and a delicious lamb shoulder. There aren\u2019t that many patrons here so it tends to be quiet, but you might come across a table of raucous French expats catching up over drinks and charcuterie. But beware\u2014to get there on foot, you will have to cross one of the more unsavoury stretches of SZR. If you think that will put your date off, save a first date at this cozy little place for someone that\u2019s a little less uptight.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Crowne Plaza Hotel; Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area; 04 3311111<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\n<\/figure>\n
Sho Cho: The old-school Dubai beachside hit<\/h3>\n
In a fickle city where places can go in-and-out of style in a matter of months, Sho Cho has been on the scene since 2000. So what is it about this chilled out sushi lounge that lends to its staying power? For one, later in the evening Sho Chos is host to an unpretentious, super-fun party scene, with resident DJs that really know how to work the crowd. And the fish, which comprises most of the menu, is always fresh. But date-wise, what really counts here is the seaside setting. Sho Cho terrace hovers over a beautiful stretch of beach, so if you\u2019re lucky enough to score outdoor seating while the weather is good, you can both see and hear the waves lap against the shore. If there are any lulls in the conversation, at least you can take in the view. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pierchic: Possibly Dubai\u2019s most romantic venue<\/h3>\n
No exaggeration, Pierchic is on every single \u201cmost romantic date spot in Dubai\u201d list. So we\u2019d save this one for a high-stakes first date scenario because once you take a date here, you\u2019ve set the bar very high. Perhaps too high. But if you\u2019re seriously wooing, going for the jugular, this is the place. Like something out of a fairytale, this fine dining seafood restaurant sits on the edge of a pier right in the middle of the sea. And it\u2019s not just a pretty face \u2013 the food here is exceptional too. But it\u2019s so romantic, maybe a lunch date is best.<\/p>\n
![\"Screen](\"https:\/\/cloud.lovindubai.com\/images\/uploads\/2015\/12\/_blogWide\/Screen-Shot-2015-12-11-at-13.14.07.png?mtime=20151211131508\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Socialroom\"](\"https:\/\/cloud.lovindubai.com\/images\/uploads\/2015\/12\/_blogWide\/socialroom.png?mtime=20151211124011\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Iris\"](\"https:\/\/cloud.lovindubai.com\/images\/uploads\/2015\/12\/_blogWide\/iris.png?mtime=20151211124339\")
<\/figure>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Oscars\"](\"https:\/\/cloud.lovindubai.com\/images\/uploads\/2015\/12\/_blogWide\/oscars.png?mtime=20151211124932\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Dubaimarine\"](\"https:\/\/cloud.lovindubai.com\/images\/uploads\/2015\/12\/_blogWide\/dubaimarine_151211_125415.png?mtime=20151211125415\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Pierchic\"](\"https:\/\/cloud.lovindubai.com\/images\/uploads\/2015\/12\/_blogWide\/pierchic.png?mtime=20151211125852\")
<\/figure>\n