First dates are stepping stones for love and romance. Just like first kisses, first dates are delicate. You need to make sure that the first date turns out to be a special one.

After all the coy and stand-off treatments, you finally get that first dream date. You would want to create a great first impression to ensure more future dates and hopefully a committed relationship in the long run. Therefore, you cannot afford to make a mistake, so don’t make a hasty move in choosing the right restaurant. Any mistake can end up running your chance of love and relationship in no time.

So, you need to make it a date to remember. For an impressive restaurant in Ottawa, we’ve got you covered. All you need to worry about is how you will bring your best without running everything.

If you are finding it difficult to find an idea that your date will remember for life, here are some restaurants to impress your first date in Ottawa:

Atelier
540 Rochester St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4

There is nothing as romantic as sharing a tasty meal and a glass of sweet wine with your date. If you want classy and experimental, you will find it here with their molecular-based gastronomy system which offers tasting menus that will not only leave your date impressed but also satisfy their taste buds. The 12-course tasting menu is light and is just perfect with its inventive presentation. They also offer an amazing wine pairing which your date should find interesting even if he/she does not have a particular flair for wines.

Baccara
1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau, QC J8Y 6W3

Le Baccara for a first date is certainly a great option as it affords you other ways apart from dining to spice up your date. If your date partner is the feisty type, you can try out The Zone after your meal for some interesting casino games or you can take it up a notch at the bar or nightclub. The restaurant has a beautiful romantic river view that would set the tone for your date alongside the dynamic menus including a 5-course tasting menu.

Beckta
150 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4

If you’re not sure about your date or you’re feeling nervous, Beckta is your answer. The restaurant has been tagged a fine dining option for special occasions. It may dig deep into your pocket but be rest assured it would be worth it and your date will appreciate the effort you put into ensuring they have a memorable experience. The décor is a mixture of the quaint and modern with comfy cushion chairs attached to tables of two and four. For dinner, you can choose their three-course prix-fixe menu or the five-course tasting menu.

Courtyard Restaurant
21 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8W5

Courtyard restaurant’s picturesque atmosphere and historic ambiance make it a good spot for that idyllic date. During the warm months, you can have a dynamic and breezy experience seated on the patio or you can go for the private room if you need time to yourselves and can afford it. For dinner, there is a five-course chef’s tasting menu and other nice options for appetizers and main courses. This is the perfect restaurant to entice the one you’re after.

Riviera
62 Sparks St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5

What strikes you first about this restaurant is its unique architecture and décor – the high ceilings dimmed lighting and the open kitchen system which allows you to see the goings-on. All these attributes make Riviera an amazing spot for a first date. On the dinner menu, you will find an extensive selection of starters. If you and your date like your pasta, there is a wide selection including the Nettle Spaghetti W. Bolognese, Lobster Pappardelle among other options. Even if you run out of a conversation or you can’t entertain your date enough, Riviera surely will.

Joeys
825 Exhibition Way #103, Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3

You don’t have to go all elegant and expensive on a first date and Joeys can give you that casual but still nice experience. A tasty food menu and a bottle of chilled wine are amazing ingredients for romance. The restaurant is perfect for eating basic bites such as burgers and sandwiches or you can go for mains on the menu. For a more private experience, try to get seating in the booths area or get cozy on the patio during summer.

Arome
Lac-Leamy, Gatineau, Quebec

Arome is a perfect destination for a first date especially if you and your date love seafood and grilled meats. During summer, you can have a lovely seating on the terrace and enjoy a romantic time with your date. While this may be a casual romantic setting, it does not make it any less pleasant. They also have a fine selection of wines. After the romantic meal, you can cap off the night by sharing honeyed desserts.

Restaurant 18
18 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5T5

This stone-walled restaurant imbues a romantic background which already sets the tone for an amazing time on your first date. You can opt for the innovative tasting menu accompanied with the delightful wine tasting or go for the dinner menu which comprises many seafood starters and fish, lamb and steak inspired dishes for the main course. You’ll be raving about the fine dining experience at this restaurant for years to come. It has a cozy fireplace to keep you warm during cold months and a patio seating area for the warmer months.

The Shore Club
11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4

For something impressive, we love the stylish feel at The Shore club. With the lovely ambiance created by the low-hanging chandeliers and nature-themed art décor on the walls, this is a perfect spot for a romantic first date. The elegance comes easy with no attempt at phony sophistication. On the dinner menu, there are many seafood inspired appetizers, soups, and salads for the day and seafood specialties. There is also a fine selection of wines and cocktails or you can splurge on a bottle of something extraordinary.