First dates are usually emotional encounters, with singles both nervous and excited to see if the other person is what they expected them to be. When going on a first date, everyone wishes to be perfect, so they plan ahead, spend hours in front of the mirror and choosing an outfit, or run dialogues in their head, imagining what their first conversation would be like.
All these can make you quite nervous, so picking the perfect location for the first date is very important. The last thing you need is for your choice of restaurant to be a disaster, especially considering that the environment can help you loosen up and be yourself.
We recommend choosing one of the following top first-date dining options in Edmonton so that you make sure you get a second date.
Our first pick for first daters is La Ronde Restaurant, located atop the Chateau Lacombe Hotel. It’s basically Edmonton’s only revolving rooftop restaurant that, besides great food, offers excellent views of the city, making for a great romantic escape.
It revolves once every 88 minutes, so you will have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the river valley and cityscape while savoring your food.
Famous for its fine wine selection and regional cuisine, including steaks and seafood specialties, La Ronde will surely impress your date. Keep in mind, though, that all this experience does not come cheap.
Another good choice in terms of restaurants in Edmonton would be The Common. Here you can enjoy seasonal menus with an emphasis on creativity and quality in a nice decor that merges vintage with modern style. The menu is updated pretty frequently and offers meals that will suit most diets, including vegetarian options. You will be entertained by a wide choice of music from electronic, indie, funk, hip hop to soul, classics and live music.
Hardware Grill restaurant might also provide the perfect venue for a first date. Established in 1996, this dining place is an absolute icon on the Edmonton food scene with focus on local ingredients and great service. They also serve cocktails, if you are into this kind of drinks, and have a private dining area available in case you want a more intimate space for you and your date.
If you are looking for an intimate restaurant in a quiet area of the city, you can go to Violino Ristorante. As its name suggests, it’s an Italian restaurant located in the Oliver neighborhood, inside an old mansion, so the setting is very unique and romantic. It’s cozy, but still retains a chic and sophisticated style. This venue is perfect for dates and special occasions.
Continental Treat Fine Bistro is a Bistro Restaurant located in Edmonton’s main shopping area on the city’s south side, offering you a taste of Europe, with a good selection of Classic Eastern & Central European cuisine. The atmosphere is charming and the staff is friendly and professional, so you will only have to focus on your partner and not worry about anything else.
Last but not least, for those who prefer regional specialties, we recommend The Harvest Room. Diners are able to choose from a wide variety of award-winning specialties such as Alberta beef, game, and freshwater fish.
You and your date will enjoy fine dining with great food and ambience. Also, the beautiful view of the Edmonton river valley makes it perfect for a romantic encounter. Make sure to make a reservation way beforehand as this venue is incredibly busy at peak times.