ILLUSTRATION BY HEEDAYAH LOCKMAN
FIRST DATE
Zip’s Café
Nothing says “first date” quite like a burger and fries at a cozy, town-square café. Grab a two-seater at this Mt. Lookout mainstay for a no-frills, no-pressure lunch date (order the Zip Burger, obviously), or meet for a couple of house cocktails at the bar, hidden behind the swinging saloon doors. ♥ 1036 Delta Ave., Mt. Lookout, (513) 871-9876, zipscafe.com
Kiki
If you’re looking for an inexpensive joint to show off your great taste in food, this izakaya has made fans of everyone from Guy Fieri to the James Beard Foundation. Ramen, dumplings, karaage, curry pan—just about everything you can find at this Asian spot is best-in-show and under $20. ♥ 5932 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, (513) 541-0381, kikicincinnati.com
The Gruff
Not sure what the vibes are like for a first or second date? This deli/grocery/bar/bottle shop/pizzeria has an option for every kind of night. Sandwiches abound alongside a long cocktail menu, but the real star is the brick oven. Order the truffle sausage pizza and prepare for several compliments. ♥ 129 E. Second St., Covington, (859) 581-0040, atthegruff.com
Café Mochiko
You’ve got two fantastic date options at this Japanese-inspired restaurant and café. Pop by in the a.m. and pick a kimchi and egg croissant to share, or go in the evening for a ramen-fueled dinner. Keep an eye on the café’s Instagram for limited drops of its famous Cincinnati chili–style ramen. ♥ 1524 Madison Rd., East Walnut Hills, (513) 559- 1000, cafemochiko.com
HEATING UP
Truva
This halal Turkish restaurant in Kenwood is cozy, welcoming, and delicious. Dishes are big enough to split and the hand-carved doner kebab and whole Mediterranean branzino come fresh off the grill. Stick around for dessert and treat your date to some Turkish coffee or Truva’s popular baklava. ♥ 8060 Montgomery Rd., Suite 400, Kenwood, (513) 407-6965, truvaturkishkitchen.com
Pho Lang Thang
This sit-down spot is known for its array of Vietnamese dishes, from pho to com tam to bánh mì sandwiches. Our advice? Try the house-made iced coffee. If things are going well, and you’re feeling dessert, head directly next door to Lang Thang Whip for a soft serve cone, and choose from uncommon flavors like coconut taro. ♥ 1828 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 376-9177, pholangthang.com
Mid-City Restaurant
This Court Street spot is all the swank you need for a higher-end date night without totally breaking the bank. The sister restaurant of Longfellow bar, the vibes here are homey and oddly reminiscent of an old train’s dining car, with intimate tables for two and a slate of small plates that are perfectly shareable. ♥ 40 E. Court St., downtown, midcitycinti.com
20 Brix
When things are getting serious enough to drive out to the suburbs for an evening, head to 20 Brix. This white tablecloth restaurant and wine bar combines casual and chic, perfect for a three-course dinner shared over a bottle of wine. In the warmer months, snag a table on the patio overlooking Milford’s charming Main Street. ♥ 101 Main St., Milford, (513) 831-2749, 20brix.com
IT’S GETTING SERIOUS
Mita’s
Everything here is shareable, making it the perfect spot for when you know each other’s tastes well enough to order for both. Traditional Latin fare like tacos and empanadas? Sure, but the real fun is trying something neither of you have had. Spanish octopus and potatoes, anyone? ♥ 501 Race St., downtown, (513) 421-6482, mitas.co
Bouquet
This cozy Covington spot is just right for a more serious relationship; the dining room is, well, tiny, and its ever-changing global menu could be completely different on each visit depending on what ingredients are in-season. Head across the river for intimate vibes and some of the freshest food you’ve ever eaten. ♥ 519 Main St., Covington, (859) 491- 7777, bouquetbistro.com
Pepp & Dolores
A classy Italian joint that won’t empty your wallet, Pepp & Dolores is one of the trendiest options in town. Traditional fare like spaghetti and meatballs sits alongside flashier options like butternut and mascarpone agnolotti. This is one of the most budget-friendly places for a fancy night out. ♥ 1501 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 419- 1820, peppanddolores.com
POP THE QUESTION
PHOTOGRAPH BY JEREMY KRAMER
Sotto
It’s the crème de la crème of date night restaurants, for good reason. Everything about it screams romance, from the candlelight to the rustic Italian cuisine. And if you’re ready to pop the question over dinner, there’s no better place to do it. Just be sure to make that reservation at least a few months in advance. ♥ 118 E. Sixth St., downtown, (513) 977-6886, sottocincinnati.com
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