From first date to foodie: Where to take your date for dinner

Tucked beside an urban park, this manual coffee bar is the perfect spot to slow down and get to know someone. 

At Pour & Twist, there’s no espresso machine in sight. Instead, every drink is made by hand brew methods. Aeropress or Siphon? Hot or iced? Fun flavours or straight-up coffee? Move over star signs, your date’s drink order is sure to give you plenty of insights into their personality. Follow it up with a walk down neighbouring Cuba Street, and you’ll be well on your way to your second date (or not).

Tucked on Majoribanks Street, Koji combines Asian cuisine and Aotearoa produce. While understated from the outside, the refined experience inside is worthy of any anniversary, big or small.

The menu comprises exciting dishes that mix traditional-style sauces with playful new ideas. The dishes come in different sizes and are set up for sharing. This style of dining creates a connection across the table and means everyone gets a taste of everything. If you want to elevate your experience further, try the chef's tasting menu. It comprises nine of the team's favourites and means you can focus on your company rather than ordering.

The third date means things are going well, so it’s time to do something a little special. Inner-city restaurant and bar Highwater Eatery has a long bar to enjoy a good wine at. It also walks the talk on sustainable and ethically sourced food. Its excellent menu is built around what’s in season, with most things made from scratch. The chefs prepare their own bread rolls, bacon, sausages, and sauces. The crown jewel in the open kitchen, the Pira charcoal oven, was imported from Spain and ensures food is full of rich flavours.

Get a dip each, some mezze to share, and a stack of homemade pitas for a family-style double date dinner extravaganza.

With plenty of big tables in the bustling 90-seat space, Kisa is great for a group. The food caters to all dietaries, and the helpful team will happily guide you on how many plates will suit your crew. The small dishes and generous mains lend themselves to shared dining, so the more the merrier on this occasion.

Handily located on Cuba Street, there are plenty of nearby spots for an ice cream or nightcap afterwards.

If the fact that you managed to get a booking at one of the best restaurants in town doesn’t knock your date’s socks off, the mind-blowingly delicious meal and first-class service are sure to do the trick.

The mystery (and magic) of Rita is that you never know what you will be eating. But you can be assured it will be thoughtful, local, seasonal and delicious. With a comfortable atmosphere and a beautiful, historic setting, you and your date will be guided on a delicious culinary experience.

Handmade pasta, candlelight, an open fire, and a menu entirely in Italian is the perfect recipe for romance. Cicio Cacio is serving all of the above daily at its cosy osteria.

Hidden down an unassuming alleyway in Newtown, the intimacy of this authentic Italian restaurant is sure to set the mood. The helpful staff will guide you through the menu of pasta, gnocchi, and regional Italian cuisine. They can also help you pick from the dozens of Italian wines on offer. The homely space makes you feel instantly relaxed, and tucked into a cosy corner you’ll be free to gaze into your date’s eyes all night long.

Part restaurant, part wine bar, Margot is 100% delicious. If your date is discerning about their dining, they’re sure to be satiated at Margot.

This cosy Newtown restaurant changes its menu depending on the season or the chef’s inspiration. So even if your date has dined here before, it will be a brand new experience. Organic produce and ingredient-driven dishes put flavour first on every plate. With a built-in bar Next Door, Margot is a full-service evening in one spot.

At Willis Lane, a subterranean wonderland is waiting for you and your date to explore. This underground destination has everything from cheap and cheerful to restaurant quality eats, and a selection of bars. Pasta, craft beer, ice cream, barbecue, burritos — you’re sure to please even the fussiest date. 

Once you’re fuelled, the fun can really begin. Willis Lane is home to a swathe of entertainment options for you and your date to play in. Try your hand at mini golf, arcade games, or ten-pin bowling. If you’re feeling brave, cosy up for some karaoke in the private rooms. Nothing like getting to know someone through an emotional power ballad duet.

If you’re looking for more of a relaxed evening than three-course fine dining, head to dive bar Golding’s. 

Cool, kitsch, and cosy, the dive bar’s quirky fit-out and finger food will ensure the evening is low-key. The taps are constantly changing with brews from near and far. 

Open late with an outdoor space, you’ll easily while away an evening under the fairy lights. If you’re looking for something more substantial than salty bar snacks, Pizza Pomodoro across the laneway delivers food straight to Golding’s.