ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS: 19 OUT OF TOWN RESTAURANTS WORTH THE VISIT FOR YOUR ANNIVERSARY DATE

Whether you are still getting to know each other or are celebrating your fifth wedding anniversary, dining out has always been an integral part of your relationship. In this regard, eating out at restaurants has always been a staple when it comes to date ideas–regardless of what stage you and your partner are in the relationship.

While many might argue that in a world that presents a myriad of date activities to do, dinner dates should be rendered obsolete and no longer considered as romantic. Some might even go as far as to dismiss the idea as clichéd and uninspired. But the fact that restaurants still get filled up on Valentine’s Day is a true testament to the reliability of fancy restaurants when it comes to romancing and charming your date. Apart from sharing a valued part of your day with your partner, dinner dates would sit both of you down and compel you to share the details of your day. Sure enough, this can be done with any ordinary meal at home, but dining at home means doing the meal preparation and clean up yourself—both of which are mundane house chores that do not sound romantic at all.

With this in mind, it is worthy to note the significance of wine and dine dates when it comes to wooing your partner and keeping the romance and love alive.

Nine Reasons Dinner Dates Are The Backbone Of Healthy Relationships

More food = More Wine

As they said, couples who drink together, stay together. Indeed, alcohol has long regarded as a social lubricant and a catalyst to inducing us in a fearless state. In this regard, liquor helps us drop the pretense and be our most authentic self. In essence, it helps us bring our wild side and the more food we have, the more wine we can consume. After all, is there anything more important than just being yourself with your partner and being accepted for who you are?

You get to share what you have ordered

One of the best things about dining out with someone is getting to try not only one restaurant dish but two or more. Getting to try different options and having a taste here or there is the beauty of dining out with your partner.

You learn about each other’s habits

What your partner chooses to eat can be quite telling about who they are. More importantly, it gives you a glimpse into their personality which can be quite useful—especially if both of you just started dating. Are they fastidious about the food they eat? Or do they heartily enjoy it? Are they vegetarians? These are the things that you could quickly pick up from a dinner date.

If you can agree on a restaurant, you will mostly agree on most things

Arguments stemmed from petty issues are pretty much the norm of any healthy relationship. However, constant arguing over the littlest matters is an entirely different thing altogether and can be potentially toxic to your relationship. In this regard, agreeing on even the smallest and insignificant things such as where to eat can already be considered as a small win. If you and your partner habitually agreed on a restaurant to eat at then, it can be said that both of you are in sync. With this in mind, you can pretty much agree on most things.

You see how your partner treats other people

How your date behaves towards the wait staff can be quite telling of who they are as a person. Again, this is quite imperative for couples who are still trying to get to know each other at the incipiency of a relationship. If they are bitingly rude and impatient to the wait staff, then you might want to take that as a red flag.

It gives you something to look forward to

Let us face it: Life is a routine for the majority of us. In this regard, it can feel like we are doing the same set of mundane things over and over again for five days in a week. Going on a dinner date is a refreshing change and mixes up your routine a bit insomuch that it gives you something to look forward to at the end of the day.

It is an adventure—no matter where you eat

Whether you are eating at the charming little bistro right across your apartment or are heading downtown for a fancy sit-down dinner at an upscale restaurant, it is an adventure. After all, the vibes and ambiance of a restaurant will always be a welcome departure of your kitchen (mainly if you eat at home regularly) so it would still feel refreshingly new to you.

It gives you an excuse to dress nicely for each other

One of the exciting things about going out to eat with your partner is dressing up for them. Whether that might be applying makeup and donning on a dress, you have been waiting to use or looking sharp for your date. There is no doubt that there is a great deal of anticipation in the air as you get prepared. Plus, it would be nice to see your partner in something other than their usual clothes and looking extra fine for you.

You will never run out of restaurants

If you and your partner are certified food enthusiasts, then you will never have to worry about running out of places to eat. It is especially true if you are living in busy metropolitans that always seem to have something going on no matter the time of the day. There will be new restaurants with new cuisines to try and if you and your partner are adventurous enough, eating out can be pretty much akin to traveling the world through the different restaurants you dine.

Out Of Town Restaurants To Try For Your Anniversary Date

If you are celebrating a milestone in your relationship, why not take a break from the usual and go on a road trip as well as look for a fancy restaurant to wine and dine with your partner? It will be a refreshing break to your routine, and it certainly gives you an excuse to escape the constant traffic of the city. Here are some of the restaurants you should consider dining at for your anniversary date to make your milestone even more momentous and memorable.

Socrates Secret (Santa Rosa, Laguna)

Artsy restaurants have been somewhat of rage in this modern age of contemporary dining. Today, food might be the most crucial aspect when it comes to a successful chain, but it is not only an important aspect to consider. Ambiance and environment would play an integral role in the dining experience as well. Socrates’ Secret is one such restaurant in Laguna that has managed to deliver both food quality and ambiance to its diners. The Mediterranean restaurant with soothing blue walls and quirky décor might make for the typical hipster themed eatery, but surprisingly, it works as a casual eatery. More importantly, it inspires the inner shutterbug in you as the place practically encourages you to get your cameras out and get artsy. In keeping with the theme, the restaurant serves Mediterranean meals with Gyros, Tapenade, Hummus just some of the things you can find in the menu.

Nonna’s Pasta and Pizzeria (Santa Rosa, Laguna)

A recent addition to Laguna’s already burgeoning food scene, Nonna’s Pasta and Pizzeria is an Italian restaurant and is the brainchild of the folks behind Mama Lou’s. Nonna’s is their latest contribution to Laguna’s food scene. In this regard, you can expect pretty much the same thing from Mama Lou’s which means quality ingredients, excellent service, and homey ambiance are just some of the things you can look forward. Perhaps the only difference between Mama Lou’s and Nonna’s is that the latter has a much trendier and hipper vibe which is further highlighted by their modern menu.

LZM Restaurant (Santa Rosa, Laguna)

LZM is an acronym for Luzviminda, Zanaida and Monolita, the three sisters who own the eponymous restaurant. The restaurant started as a fifty-seater turo-turo carenderia in Cavite area. However, it’s loyal customer base consisting of hungry golfers in the area has since propelled them to success and as a result, they have opened up other branches with one in Laguna. LZM promises huge food portions which means you and your date can split one meal or share two meals. If you decide to have a date here, make sure to try their bestseller: Daing na Bangus. The fish is served golden and crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside with flavors that pack a punch- fried to protection to suit your palate. So, if you wish to finish your adventure date in Nuvali on a high note, make a detour to this restaurant.

TBS Blue Corner (Santa Rosa, Laguna)

Straightforward and assuming are just two of the things to describe TBS Blue Corner. Perpetually packed with locals, TBS is pretty much a staple restaurant for anyone in the area owing to its offerings of delicious Filipino favorites that are incredibly affordable. If you and your date wish to fill your stomachs up without needing to bother with ambiance and all that pizzaz, then you should have your romantic date in this beloved eatery in Laguna.

Balay Dako (Tagaytay, Cavite)

Famed restaurateur Tony Boy Escalante is known for Antonio’s—a rather upscale restaurant in Tagaytay. For this reason, Balay Dako might be familiar to some diners as the newest addition to Chef Escalante’s Tagaytay restaurant empire. However, as the restaurant is relatively new, it might be unknown and unfamiliar to some. Balay Dako’s menu boasts of a wide range of hearty Filipino comfort dishes that pack a punch when it comes to flavor. Additionally, the menu list has a variety of delightful cocktails to choose from so that you can wash down your meal appropriately. So, if you wish to treat yourself to a feast of Filipino dishes and a lavish spread of fresh juices, freshly baked pastries, local desserts and juice, Balay Dako is an ideal place for your date.

Sulyap Gallery Café and Restaurant (San Pablo, Laguna)

If you have a proclivity for fascinating art pieces and fascinating antiques, then you will undoubtedly love the quaint but charming restaurant down south that Sulyap Gallery Café and Restaurant. On the same property are two heritage homes where you can find a myriad of art pieces and a series of antiques. The menu is mostly traditional with favorites such as pancit molo, beef salpicao and the like. While the menu offerings are primarily Filipino, the restaurant has a good share of western dishes as well with American staples such as fish and chips and cheese rolls.

Patis Tito Garden Café (San Pablo, Laguna)

Patis Tito Garden Café is everything you would want in a bed and breakfast meal. Owned by critically acclaimed designer Patis Tesoro and her husband, Tito Tesoro, the restaurant is a delightful place that is open to everyone who wishes to know more about Philippine heritage. The restaurant promises to reconnect you with the country’s history through its nature, art, architecture and more importantly, food. The surrounding foliage would make for an entirely refreshing ambiance and an exceedingly appropriate milieu for dates regardless of the occasion. The in-house menu offers mostly Filipino comfort dishes that play up the theme of the restaurant.

Antonio’s (Tagaytay, Cavite)

Tucked away in the city of Tagaytay is a sophisticated and elegant restaurant that capitalizes on fine dining. If you genuinely wish to pamper your date and yourself without the inauthentic veneer of total calm and peace found in city restaurants, then head on to Antonio’s, the pride and treasure of Tagaytay. The timeless atmosphere and tasteful décor would make for an excellent ambiance regardless of the occasion. To maximize your long drive to this part of the region, be sure to dine outside beside the lush and verdant greenery. Do not forget to walk through the manicured gardens before making the trip back home.

Café Verbena (Tagaytay, Cavite)

Located approximately a couple of hours away from Manila, Café Verbena is a restaurant that specializes in an international gourmet fusion that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The ambiance is subdued but romantic with an outdoor area for dining patrons who wish to gaze upon the Tagaytay hills while taking their meal. Meals are served through five courses (appetizer, soup, salad, entrée, and dessert included).

Chateau Hestia Garden Restaurant (Silang, Cavite)

Individuals with a palate for European cuisine should make reservations in Chateau Hestia Garden Restaurant in Silang Cavite if they ever wish to dine out of town. For a thousand pesos, the restaurant serves a five-course meal per person which includes appetizers, soup, salad, entrée or pasta, and dessert. The ambiance is mainly homey with indoor dining that is surrounded by lush greenery. Be sure to call ahead if you wish to make a reservation as tables are highly sought after and walk-ins would only be accommodated according to the availability of meal tables.

Fire Lake Grill (Tagaytay, Cavite)

Lovers who wish to dine with a view could do no better than Fire Lake Grill. The restaurant affords diners a scene unlike any other: a sight of the Taal Lake from the outdoor dining area. In this regard, eating your four-course meal which typically consists of a starter, soup, entrée or pasta, and dessert would undoubtedly be a delight with one of the major tourist spots of the Philippines as a backdrop. Be sure to be appropriately dressed, however, as the restaurant has a strict smart casual dress code.

Sonya’s Garden (Tagaytay, Cavite)

For couples who wish to treat themselves to an unlimited food feast, head on over to Sonya’s Garden in Tagaytay. Buffet meals range from P700 to P800 per person and consist mainly of simple country cuisine. The ingredients are organic and sourced from the garden located at the restaurant itself making the freshness of the food. If you do not wish to indulge yourself in a heavy meal, the restaurant offers set meals that include salad, pasta, dessert, and drinks.

Arabela (Rizal, Laguna)

A classic and old reliable restaurant in Laguna, Arabela is everyone’s go-to restaurant in the municipality of Liliw. Admittedly, it takes a bit of a drive to reach but the home-style comfort food the serve complemented by the rustic ambiance would make the long trip worth it. Be wary though as tables in the rather little bakery/coffee shop can quickly get cramped so you might have to wait a bit before getting served.

Bonitos (Los Baños, Laguna)

Bonitos has a bit of everything as evidenced by their menu. Indeed, this bar and restaurant situated in Los Baños do not quite fit into one category as they serve a myriad of things—from Filipino favorites and Asian comfort food. Throw in a selection of Italian entrees for good measure to the menu, and you have Bonitos—a bar/restaurant that caters to individuals with many cravings. If you and your date are at a loss as to what to eat or cannot seem to agree on a restaurant, Bonitos has you covered.

Ippon Yari (Calamba, Laguna)

Couples who have a desire for Japanese food should make a detour for Laguna. Sure, there is quite a myriad of Japanese restaurants in the Manila area, but a real Japanese connoisseur would make it their life’s endeavor to try out as many Japanese restaurants in the metro as they can. Ippon Yari serves authentic Japanese fares that have been delighting local and foreign taste buds since the 90s. A true testament to the cuisine’s authenticity is the sheer number of Japanese nationals who usually frequent the place. So, if you wish to eat something other than the Japanese restaurants you regularly frequent at the metro, head on to Ippon Yari.

The Purple Owl (Villa Pura, Tagaytay)

The Purple Owl has regarded as the definitive restaurant for momentous occasions. The restaurant has witnessed countless marriage proposals and anniversary dinners over the years, so you are sure to make your date memorable. The restaurant specializes in offering diners personalized date packages that would make your dinner date experience even more unforgettable. For a fee, the restaurant customizes everything down to the smallest details—from the decorations used to the entertainment provided. So, if you wish to make your anniversary a little more intimate and enjoy it with a full course meal, be sure to make your reservations at The Purple Owl.

Marcia Adams (Alfonso, Cavite)

Tucked away in a two-hectare farm is a hidden restaurant that is pretty much like a delicious secret waiting for its discovery. Getting to the restaurant is part of the adventure as you would need to go down a winding stone path peppered with colorful blooms here and there while being surrounded by verdant greenery. To complete the romantic ambiance, the varying shades of greenery punctuate by rustic architecture. The carefully curated menu is inspired by the Mediterranean region as inspired by the owner’s travels to Tuscany and Greece. Couples who wish to visit Italy and Greece someday will love the unusual, but romantic setting.

Charito by Bag of Beans (Maharlika East, Tagaytay City)

A meal with a view certainly seems like an excellent way to spend a date -precisely what you can expect in Charito by Bag of Beans. If you fancy light conversations over a potent brew of coffee with a slice of cheesecake on the side while having the breathtaking Taal Lake as your view, then this is undeniably the place to go. Alternatively, you can have a full meal with a bottle of bubbly if you and your date wish for a more intimate and private setting in an elegantly decorated room. Regardless of what your choice might be, Charito by Bag of Beans promises a memorable experience punctuated by good food inspired by international and local flavors.

Café Voi La (Barangay Iruhin, Tagaytay)

Café Voi La is a refreshing break from the typical restaurant setting you and your partner have mostly frequented. The décor and ambiance are a hodgepodge of things that would make it difficult for you to identify the restaurant’s theme. However, that is what this article’s purpose. Located at the Crosswinds Tagaytay, this rather eccentrically decorated Asian fusion eatery promises a unique ambiance unlike any other. With cozy couches and intricately designed walls finished off with assorted trinkets from all over the world, Café Voi La is anything but ordinary.

This visually arresting place provides couples an avenue for intimate conversations over shared meals without the typical canvass of a city restaurant. So, if you feel like turning your meal into a snap-happy excursion, Café Voi La’s interiors would make for the best backdrops (plus the menu offerings are incredibly sumptuous as well).

Whether your idea of a dinner date is a filling meal that would get you full to your stomachs or an intimate sit-down dinner involving light conversations over wine, it is imperative to have a plan in mind. Before your next dinner date, look up for some out-of-town restaurant ideas here and give your date the refreshing surprise of a meal as well as an impromptu road trip.